Different types of Transformers – Shell and Core type Transformer

Types of Transformers:

     We have already discussed transformers, working on transformers and transformer construction. Now we will discuss different types of transformers.

                Transformers are classified into several types based on 

 (i) Primary and Secondary coils arrangement around the core

 (ii) Phases

 (iii) Voltage level

       Constructionally, the 2 different types of transformers are there, distinguished from each other merely by the manner in which the primary and secondary coils are placed around the laminated core. The two types of transformers are known as 

1. Core type transformers
2. Shell type transformers

Another recent development is spiral-core or wound-core type, the trade name being a spirakore transformer.

Must Read:

• Construction and Working principle of Transformer

Core type Transformers:

            The coils used are form-wound and are of the cylindrical type. The general form of these coils may be circular or oval or rectangular. In small size core type transformers, a simple rectangular core is used with cylindrical coils which are either circular or rectangular in form. But for large-size core type Transformers, round or circular cylindrical coils are used which are so wound as to fit over a cruciform core section as shown in Figure (a).

         The circular cylindrical coils are used in most of the core type transformers because of their mechanical strength. Such cylindrical coils are wound in helical layers with the different layers insulated from each other by paper, cloth, micarta board or cooling ducts. Figure(c) shows the general arrangement of these coils with respect to the core. Insulating cylinders of the fuller board are used to separate the cylindrical windings from the core and from each other. Since the low voltage (LV) winding is easiest to insulate, it is placed nearest to the core.

                                                                                                                     

              Because of laminations and insulation, the net or effective core area is reduced, due allowance for which has to be made. It is found that, in general, the reduction in core sectional area due to the presence of paper, surface oxide etc. is of the order of 10% approximately. As pointed out above, rectangular cores with rectangular cylindrical coils can be used for small-size core type of transformers as shown in Figure (a) but for large-sized transformers, it becomes wasteful to use rectangular cylindrical coils and so circular cylindrical coils are preferred.

       

           For such purposes, square cores may be used as shown in Figure (b) where circles represent the tubular former carrying the coils. Obviously, a considerable amount of useful space is still wasted. A common improvement on the square core is to employ cruciform core as in Figure (c) which demands, at least, two sizes of core strips. For very large transformers, further, core-stepping is done as in Figure (d) where at least three sizes of core plates are necessary.

         

            Core-stepping not only gives high space factor but also results in reduced length of the mean turn and the consequent I^2 R loss. Three stepped core is the one most commonly used although more steps may be used for very large transformers as in Figure (e). From the geometry of Figure below, it can be shown that maximum gross core section for Figure (b) is 0.5 d^2 and for Figure (c) it is 0.616 d^2 where d is the diameter of the cylindrical coil.

                           

Shell type Transformers:

           In this case, also, the coils are form-would but are multi-layer disc type usually wound in the form of pancakes. The different layers of such multilayer discs are insulated from each other by paper. The complete winding consists of stacked discs with insulation space between the coils–the spaces forming the horizontal cooling and insulating ducts. Shell type of transformers may have a simple rectangular form as shown in the figure or it may have distributed form as shown in Figure below.

                                             

                  A very commonly used shell type transformer is the one known as Berry Transformer – so called after the name of its designer and is cylindrical in form. The transformer core consists of laminations arranged in groups which radiate out from the centre as shown in section in the figure.

               It may be pointed out that cores and coils of transformers must be provided with rigid mechanical bracing in order to prevent movement and possible insulation damage. Good bracing reduces vibration and the objectionable noise a humming sound during operation. The spiral core transformer is a type of transformer which employs the newest development in core construction. The core is assembled of a continuous strip or ribbon of transformer steel wound in the form of a circular or elliptical cylinder. Such construction allows the core flux to follow the grain of the iron.

         Cold-rolled steel of high silicon content enables the designer to use considerably higher operating flux densities with a lower loss per kg. The use of higher flux density reduces the weight per kVA. Hence, the advantages of such construction are (i) a relatively more rigid core (ii) lesser weight and size per kVA rating (iii) lower iron losses at higher operating flux densities and (iv) lower cost of manufacture.

                               

             Transformers are generally housed in tightly-fitted sheet-metal; tanks filled with special insulating oil. This oil has been highly developed and its function is two-fold. By circulation, it not only keeps the coils reasonably cool but also provides the transformer with additional insulation not obtainable when the transformer is left in the air.

               In cases where a smooth tank surface does not provide sufficient cooling area, the sides of the tank are corrugated or provided with radiators mounted on the sides. Good transformer oil should be absolutely free from alkalies, sulphur and particularly from moisture. The presence of even an extremely small percentage of moisture in the oil is highly detrimental from the insulation viewpoint because it lowers the dielectric strength of the oil considerably.

                The importance of avoiding moisture in the transformer oil is clear from the fact that even addition of 8 parts of water in 1,000,000 reduces the insulating quality of the oil to a value generally recognized as below standard. Hence, the tanks are sealed air-tight in smaller units. In the case of large-sized types of transformers where complete air-tight construction is impossible, chambers known as breathers are provided to permit the oil inside the tank to expand and contract as its temperature increases or decreases.

             The atmospheric moisture is entrapped in these breathers and is not allowed to pass on to the oil. Another thing to avoid in the oil is sledging which is simply the decomposition of oil with long and continued use.  Sledging is caused principally by exposure to oxygen during heating and results in the formation of large deposits of dark and heavy matter that eventually clogs the cooling ducts in the transformer.

                No other feature in the construction of a transformer is given more attention and care than the insulating materials because the life on the unit almost solely depends on the quality, durability and handling of these materials. All the insulating materials are selected on the basis of their high quality and ability to preserve high quality even after many years of normal use.

            All the transformer leads are brought out of their cases through suitable bushings. There are many designs of these, their size and construction depending on the voltage of the leads. For moderate voltages, porcelain bushings are used to insulate the leads as they come out through the tank. In general, they look almost like the insulators used on the transmission lines. In high voltage installations, oil-filled or capacitor type bushings are employed. The choice of core or shell-type construction is usually determined by cost because similar characteristics can be obtained with both types.

            For very high-voltage transformers or for multi-winding design, shell-type construction is preferred by many manufacturers. In this type, usually, the mean length of coil turn is longer than in a comparable core-type design. Both core and shell forms are used and the selection is decided by many factors such as voltage rating, kVA rating, weight, insulation stress, heat distribution etc.

Must Read:

• Construction and Working principle of Transformer

Another classification of Transformers:

Another means of classifying the transformers is according to the type of cooling employed. The following different types of transformer are in common use :

(a) oil-filled self-cooled

(b) oil-filled water-cooled

(c) air-blast type

               Small and medium-sized distribution transformers – so-called because of their use on distribution systems as distinguished from line transmission–are of type (a). The assembled windings and cores of such transformers are mounted in a welded, oil-tight steel tank provided with steel cover. After putting the core at its proper place, the tank is filled with purified, high quality insulating oil.

                  The oil serves to convey the heat from the core and the windings to the case from where it is radiated out to the surroundings. For small size, the tanks are usually smooth-surfaced, but for larger sizes, the cases are frequently corrugated or fluted to get greater heat radiation area without increasing the cubical capacity of the tank. Still larger sizes are provided with radiators or pipes.

          Construction of very large self-cooled Transformers is expensive, a more economical form of construction for such large transformers is provided in the oil-immersed, water-cooled type. As before, the windings and the core are immersed in the oil, but there is mounted near the surface of the oil, a cooling coil through which cold water is kept circulating. The heat is carried away by this water. The largest transformers such as those used with high-voltage transmission lines are constructed in this manner.

           Oil-filled transformers are built for outdoor duty and as these require no housing other than their own, a great saving is thereby effected. These transformers require only periodic inspection. For voltages below 25,000 V, transformers can be built for cooling by means of an air-blast. The transformer is not immersed in oil but is housed in a thin sheet metal box open at both ends through which air is blown from the bottom to the top by means of a fan or blower.

Conclusion:

Apart from these classifications, there are many other types of transformers as follows. We shall discuss those in the next coming articles in detail.

• Step-up transformers

• Step-down transformers
• Power transformers
• Current transformers
• Isolation transformers
• Single-phase transformers
• Auto transformers
• Distribution transformers
• Potential transformers

         

In this post, we have learnt types of transformers. You can download this article as pdf, ppt. If you have queries you can mail us @ palakalaamarnath@gmail.com.

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