Transformers, devices widely used for adjusting grid voltage to a suitable level for our facilities, play a crucial role in energy efficiency.
Despite operating with efficiency above 95%, continuous monitoring of loading percentages, periodic maintenance, and running scenarios with appropriate operation can provide a significant amount of energy efficiency by preventing losses due to loading and temperature.
In the image above, you can see a snapshot from our Transformer Energy Analysis module, which continuously calculates the transformer loading percentage and provides information when it falls below the 20% limit. Transformers are machines whose efficiency increases as they operate at capacities close to their capacities. Therefore, making the right choice when designing the facility, calculating the energy demand of your facility accurately, and being very careful when selecting transformers are crucial for efficiency.
For example, if your facility's maximum energy consumption is 250 kVA and you have chosen a 1600 kVA transformer thinking you might need it in the future, you may cause a serious energy loss. Choosing two transformers with lower power instead of a very large transformer can be beneficial both in terms of energy efficiency and business continuity in case of possible faults. It is recommended to perform energy analyses for different power and loading percentage examples.
Transformers are important devices used in the transmission and distribution
of electricalenergy,and ensuring energy efficiency is essential.
To increase energy efficiency, attention should be paid to the following factors:
1. Use of High-Quality Materials: The quality of main materials such as the transformer's core and winding wires affects energy efficiency. Using low-loss core materials and high-conductivity winding wires can reduce energy losses.
2. Correct Sizing: Properly sizing the transformer increases energy efficiency. An oversized transformer can cause more losses at low loads. A transformer sized to operate at full load operates more efficiently.
3. Low-Loss Design: Low-loss principles should be used in the design of transformers. This means optimizing magnetic flux to reduce both current losses and iron losses.
4. Load Balancing: Transformers may have lower efficiency when operating below their nominal power. For optimum efficiency, it is recommended to operate the transformer at a load between approximately 30% and 70% of its nominal power.
5. Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance and monitoring of transformers are important to increase energy efficiency. Maintenance activities such as insulation checks, leakage current checks, and proper operation of cooling systems are crucial.
6. Highly Efficient Cooling Systems: The cooling systems used in transformers affect energy efficiency. Air-cooled or liquid-cooled transformers should be designed to provide efficient cooling.
7. Investment in New Technologies: Investing in newer technologies can increase energy efficiency. For example, liquid-insulated transformers with higher energy efficiency may outperform traditional oil-insulated transformers.
8. Low-Loss Insulation Materials: The insulation materials used in transformers should have low-loss properties. This can reduce energy losses.
The energy efficiency of transformers is a critical factor for the overall efficiency of electrical transmission and distribution systems. Therefore, professionals in the energy sector should continually consider the design, maintenance, and use of transformers to maximize energy efficiency.
The goal is to create awareness among stakeholders by providing general transformer efficiency information and an example operating calculation.
The information presented in the figure is based on Energy Management and Study Project Expertise lecture notes as a source.