One of the most important and widely used transformers is the power transformer. It is commonly used in power generation and distribution stations for step-up and step-down voltage.

There are many reasons for using power transformers in electrical systems. But one of the most critical and straightforward reasons is reducing power losses during transmission.

How power transformers work

The power transformer works on the principle of Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction. The fundamental law of electromagnetism explains how inductors, motors, generators and electrical transformers work.

This law says: “When a closed loop or short conductor approaches a changing magnetic field, a current is created in that closed loop.”

Power transformer installation steps

The power transformer is the second most expensive device installed in power systems. Therefore, when installing a new power transformer in a post, you should pay special attention to its installation process. 

While accessing the interior of it, the concerned worker must empty his pockets of all miscellaneous goods so that there is no danger of objects falling inside the transformer. Also, you must tie the tools used during work with linen tape to recover them if they lose inside the transformer. 

You should not use hemp as a transformer cleaning material, as its fibres may remain even after cleaning and affect the insulation properties of the equipment in the future. You can use a clean cotton cloth without loose threads. 

Generally, many power transformer parts are shipped separately from manufacturers. It is better to properly clean all parts or components shipped separately inside and out before place in the transformer body. It is also necessary to pay special attention to the internal surfaces of rusted elements.

Transformer oil and cellulose-based insulation materials in transformers absorb moisture quickly, so you must be very careful with transformers’ transformer oil and cellulose-based insulation parts. Transformer oil is closed in steel cylinders and transported separately without penetration. This oil is highly flammable, so no flame should come near transformer oil. 

Different manufacturers supply the main body of the power transformer without or with oil insulation inside. In both cases, it is better to circulate warm and dry oil through it so that its temperature is 5 to 10 degrees Celsius higher than the ambient temperature. 

It would be best to allow external access to the interior of the tank. Then you should spread hot and dry oil in the transformer, and the transformer should be open. The oil pump and all pipe fittings must be airtight. Otherwise, air will be placed in vulnerable places like the coil.

Preparing a suitable place to install the power transformer

No particular foundation is required to install the power transformer. The foundation must be strong enough to support the heavy load of it and be designed efficiently to prevent water from accumulating under the transformer. 

It is necessary to drain all transformer oils when there is any fire hazard, and therefore you must provide special facilities for oil drainage in the foundation design. 

This point is significant for large power transformers. You can use the base and foundation created where you have easy access to all signalling and protective equipment. 

You should consider enough space for properly viewing the diaphragm plates, thermometers, valves and oil gauge. Also, it would be best if you observed the minimum standard safe distance of all energized parts of the transformer from the ground and other energized equipment. 

If the transformer is a natural oil type (ONAN), you should leave enough space around the transformer for air to circulate naturally. If the ONAN transformer is indoor type, you need to ventilate the room nicely.

In this case, the inlet and outlet air valves should have sufficient dimensions and numbers. The air inlets of the room should be as close to the floor as possible, and the air outlets should be as high as the proper height of the building so that sufficient and efficient air circulation during the natural cooling of the transformer is easy. 

It is necessary to remove the air and water in the space between the column and the base of the transformer using Cortex or similar bituminous compounds, to prevent rust. 

Where the rollers are mounted on the base, suitable rails or grooves must be installed with the ground to seat and lock the rollers onto the rails. Locking the rollers in the fence is very important because it prevents accidental movement of the transformer in the event of an earthquake or any similar hazard.

Other steps in power transformer installation are:

• Preparation of oil during the installation of the transformer

• Filling the oil tank

• Drying the power transformer using the flow line filter device

• Washers and fittings

• Adapting and fixing transformer insulators

• Installation of the retainer

• Adaptation of silica gel ventilator

• Installation of explosion valve

• Installation of temperature indicator

• Installation of cooling equipment

KCS transformer installation services

The KCS specialists install transformers indoors and outdoors according to the customer’s request. They can install it on rails, and wheels, directly on the foundation and sled bases. 

It is necessary to observe points such as ensuring the correctness of the ventilation system and monitoring the distances in the indoor installation, and that the installation foundation is smooth and flat and resistant to earthquakes, the environment resistant to moisture penetration and ensuring that the transformer cannot move on the foundation.