Power Transformer: Learn the Purpose, Cost, and Lead Time to Procure

By / May 15, 2021 / 2 minutes of reading
Power Transformer
Power Transformer
Table Of Contents
  1. Purpose of transformer
  2. Cost of transformer
  3. Lead time to procure transformer

Purpose of transformer

Transformers are designed to do one of the following:

  • Step-up voltage; consequently step-down current – enables long-distance transmission by reducing I^2\times R copper losses. Step-ups are found near generating stations.
Step up transformers at a generating station
Step up transformers at a generating station – three transformers and one spare shown.
Step up transformer at the base of a wind turbine.
Step up transformer at the base of a wind turbine. Each turbine gets its own. Image credit: Patrick Finnegan – CC.
  • Step-down voltage; consequently step-up current – enables distribution of power to customers at a safe voltage magnitude. Step-downs are found near load centers and in sub-transmission systems.
Step down transformers at a distribution station
Step down transformers at a distribution station
  • On distribution transformers, when equipped, the load tap changer keeps the secondary voltage constant as the load increases or decreases.
  • The transformer is also designed for special applications such as
    • phase-shifting transformer (pushes more power on the transmission line by varying power-angle \sin\delta – learn more)
    • HVDC converter transformer
    • Static Var Compensator (SVC) transformer (VARs generated by capacitive and inductive elements at medium voltage, you still need a transformer to step-up when tying these elements to the high-voltage grid)
    • grounding zig-zag transformer (provide a path for zero-sequence current in an ungrounded system)
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Cost of transformer

The cost of a power transformer varies significantly based on BIL rating, MVA rating, core design, guaranteed losses requirement, tank design, etc. The prices listed below are for a standard design transformer (i.e., standard sound – core type transformer).

  • Small power transformer with LTC – 10MVA or lower: ~ $600,000
  • Medium power transformer with LTC – 10MVA to 50MVA: ~$800,000
  • Large power transformer with LTC – 50MVA to 100MVA: ~$1,500,000
  • Large power transformer – 100MVA or larger: ~ $2,500,000
  • Specialty phase shifting transformer – 100MVA+: ~$4,000,000
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Lead time to procure transformer

~ 1 year, regardless of MVA rating.

Information on cost and lead-time are rough estimates — contact vendor with your equipment specifications for actual figures.

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Power Transformer: Learn the Purpose, Cost, and Lead Time to Procure 1

Substation Major Equipment

It’s only stupid-simple, let’s begin.

What’s the purpose of a conventional power transformer?
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You are building an interconnect station, tying wind farm generation to the power grid. At the substation, the sources are tied through a tie-breaker. Which device would you install to make sure the sources are synchronized?
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A transformer develops an internal fault. Which device would you install on the transformer high-side to interrupt fault current?
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In a distribution substation, the available ground-fault current on the low side of the step-down transformer is excessive, over-dutying the switching equipment. What is your cost-effective solution to reducing the fault current?
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An industrial facility is plagued with voltage flicker (due to harmonics) and poor power factor at the service entrance. Which device would you install to fix both issues?
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Which combination of devices would you use to implement power line carrier?
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For which event should a surge arrester operate? Check all that apply.
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Your score is

The average score is 41%

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