Pad-mounted transformers are a common sight in many neighborhoods and commercial areas. These transformers are vital components of the electrical system, helping to regulate the voltage of the electrical current and ensure a smooth power flow.
While they seem like ordinary metal boxes, they contain complex components and technologies that work together to deliver safe and reliable power to homes and businesses.
This blog will look at the transformer design, so you’ll know exactly what’s inside that metal box. If you are looking for Pad Mounted Transformer Maintenance.
What Are Pad-Mounted Transformers?
A pad-mounted transformer is installed on a concrete pad or platform above ground level. They are typically used to distribute electrical power from a high-voltage transmission line to a lower-voltage distribution system.
Pad-mounted transformers are commonly used in residential and commercial areas and industrial applications where high levels of electrical power are required.
Pad-mounted transformers are known for their high efficiency, reliability, and durability, and are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions. They are typically more expensive than other types of transformers, but their long lifespan and low maintenance requirements make them a cost-effective solution in the long run.
Pad-mounted transformers are a crucial component in the distribution of electrical power and play an essential role in ensuring that electricity is delivered safely and efficiently to homes, businesses, and industries.
Exterior Components of a Pad-Mounted Transformer
Transformer Housing
The transformer housing protects the transformer and its components from harsh environmental conditions such as rain, snow, and wind. It is usually made of steel or aluminum and is designed to be sturdy and durable.
The housing is constructed to withstand the weight of the transformer, which can be heavy. The housing is also designed to be weather-resistant, with a roof that slopes downwards to prevent water from pooling on top. The housing exterior is typically painted with a protective coating to prevent rust and corrosion.
In addition to providing physical protection, the transformer housing also serves as a barrier to prevent unauthorized access to the transformer. This is important for safety reasons, as transformers contain hazardous electrical components that can be dangerous if mishandled.
The housing is typically equipped with one or more doors that allow access to the transformer components for maintenance or repair. These doors are often secured with locks or other security devices to prevent unauthorized entry.
Transformer Tank
The transformer tank houses the transformer’s core, winding, and cooling system. It is typically made of steel and is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions.
The transformer tank is filled with oil, serving as an insulator and coolant. The oil prevents electrical arcing between the transformer’s core and winding and helps dissipate heat generated by the transformer during operation.
The transformer tank is equipped with ports or bushings that provide a path for electrical currents to enter and exit the transformer. These ports are typically made of porcelain or polymer and are designed to be weather-resistant to prevent damage or corrosion.
Inside the transformer tank, the core and winding are supported by a series of insulating materials, such as paper or plastic, which help prevent electrical arcing and ensure that the transformer operates safely and efficiently. The winding is typically made of copper or aluminum and is wound around the core to create a magnetic field to transform the electrical voltage.
The cooling system inside the transformer tank is responsible for maintaining the transformer’s temperature within safe limits and typically consists of a fan or radiator that cools the transformer oil. This helps dissipate heat the transformer generates during operation, preventing damage to the transformer and ensuring safe and efficient operation.
Bushings
Bushings provide a safe, reliable path for electricity to enter and exit the transformer. They do this by insulating the electrical current from the transformer tank so that it does not arc or spark. The current flows through the bushing’s insulating material, which is typically made of porcelain or polymer, and is then connected to a conductor that carries the current to its destination.
Bushings come in various sizes and configurations. It all depends on the voltage and current requirements of the transformer. They can be designed to accommodate different types of connectors — think bolted, clamped, or welded — and can be installed in different orientations to suit the transformer’s specific needs.
One of the essential functions of bushings is to prevent electrical arcing, which can be dangerous and cause damage to the transformer. This is achieved by designing the bushing’s insulating material to withstand high voltage and by positioning the bushing to minimize the risk of arcing.
Interior Components of a Pad-Mounted Transformer
Core and Winding
The core and winding are two integral components of a pad-mounted transformer that work together to transform electrical voltage.
The core is typically made of laminated steel and is designed to provide a closed magnetic circuit that allows the transformer to transfer energy efficiently. On the other hand, the winding is made of copper or aluminum wire and is wound around the core to create a magnetic field.
The core serves as the foundation of the transformer, providing a path for the magnetic field to flow through. It is made up of a series of laminated steel sheets, which are stacked together to create a closed magnetic circuit. This design helps minimize energy loss and ensures that the transformer operates efficiently.
Conversely, the winding is responsible for creating the magnetic field used to transform electrical voltage. It is typically made of copper or aluminum wire and is wound around the core in a specific pattern to achieve the desired voltage transformation.
The winding is insulated with a layer of insulating material, such as paper or plastic, to prevent electrical arcing and ensure that the transformer operates safely.
The number of windings and how they are wound around the core determines the voltage transformation ratio of the transformer. This ratio allows the transformer to increase or decrease the electrical voltage, making it suitable for various applications.
Tap Changer
The tap changer works by changing the number of turns in the transformer winding, which adjusts the voltage output. This is typically achieved by moving a series of contacts along the winding, which changes the number of turns in the circuit. This adjustment can be made manually or automatically, depending on the transformer’s design.
There are two main types of tap changers: on-load tap changers (OLTCs) and off-load tap changers (OLTCs). OLTCs are designed to switch between taps while the transformer is under load, so the voltage output can be adjusted while the transformer is in operation. This is important for applications where the voltage requirements may change frequently.
On the other hand, off-load tap changers are designed to switch between taps while the transformer is not under load. This means that the transformer must be shut down to adjust the voltage output. Off-load tap changers are typically used in applications where the voltage requirements are more stable and do not require frequent adjustment.
Tap changers are important because they ensure the transformer can meet the voltage requirements of different applications. Without a tap changer, the transformer could only provide a fixed voltage output, limiting its usefulness in a wide range of applications.
Get Your Pad-Mounted Transformers From UTB Transformers
Pad mounted transformer installation and design is as complex as it is delicate and extremely important to handle with care. UTB Transformers sells new, rewound, and reconditioned pad-mounted transformers. We also offer service and repair and will purchase your surplus.
For more information or to request your transformer, call us at 855.214.0975, or fill out the contact form on our website.
