The load and the application are the two most important factors when choosing a transformer. You should consider several factors before you make a decision. In managing electricity infrastructure, all needs must be wise and with quality products. Then MGM Transformers can help to supply varying secondary voltages to externally connected loads. You can find quality electrical and lighting products at the MGM Transformer Company.
To make a cliché, it’s a good idea to select smaller transformers. You can easily pick up units with higher kVA ratings than the load. However, if you choose a large unit to power an electrical utility network or other large-scale distribution system, it will typically cost you more. The evaluation process is often more complicated and in depth. Pacific Crest Transformers has over 90 years’ experience in this field. We have put together a quick checklist for you to make the right choice.
There are three key questions that can influence your decision.
Is the selected unit capable of handling both the expected load and some overload?
Can the unit’s capability be increased to cope with an increase in load?
How long does the unit last? How much do you need to pay for the initial, ongoing, and maintenance costs?
Evaluation Factors
A variety of evaluation factors determine whether the transformer is cost-effective and capable.
1. Application of Unit
Transformer requirements can change depending on the application.
For example, in the steel sector, large amounts of uninterrupted power are required to run metallurgical and other processes. This means that load losses should be minimized. Therefore, a transformer construction that minimizes copper loss is best suited. Wind energy applications have a wide range of output power. Transformers used in this environment should be able withstand high surges without failing. Power transformers are required to deliver constant, correct energy in smelting. Automotive industry requires short-term overload capabilities. Motors of different voltage specifications are used in the textile industries. However, the horticulture and horticulture industries require high-performance units capable of handling variable loads with precise voltage.
These examples highlight the importance of considering load placement and amplitude. If you don’t find the standard parameters suitable for your specific application, it is worth working with a manufacturer that can modify the operating characteristics, dimensions, and other attributes to meet your needs. Pacific Crest regularly builds custom transformers for unique applications.
2. Insulation Type: Dry or liquid-filled
There is still much to be debated about which type of transformer is better, but there are some accepted performance characteristics.
o Transformers that are liquid-filled are more efficient, can withstand greater overloads and have a longer service life.
Liquid-filled units perform better in reducing hot spot coil temperatures but are more flammable than dry models.
o Liquid filled transformers are different from dry types. They sometimes require containment tubes to protect against fluid leaks.
Dry type units can be used for lower ratings (the transition point being 500kVA up to 2.5MVA). This is a critical consideration. Will the unit be located indoors in an office building/apartment or outdoors with an industrial load? Outdoor units with greater capacity will almost always be liquid-filled. Indoor units, which have a lower capacity, are more likely to be dry. Dry types are typically enclosed with louvers or sealed. There are several types of insulation: varnish, epoxy resin, cast resin, varnish and vacuum pressure impregnated varnish.