5 Things You Must Know Before Buying a Power Transformer

• High efficiency: These types of transformers are known to operate at over 95% efficiency on a full load.

• Low Noise Levels: There is minimal noise generation due to the added insulation.

• Lifespan: The transformer with good upkeep has a life between 20 years and 40 years.

• Versatility: Mostly employed in power generation stations, manufacturing industries, and large commercial use.

1. Determine the Power Rating or Capacity

Power rating, also known as the capacity of a transformer, tells us how much active energy the transformer can deliver without crashing or overheating itself. This is normalized in kilovolt-amperes (kVA) or megavolt-amperes (MVA)-these labels help consumers find these figures on a transformer's nameplate.

Why It Matters:
Overheating is one of the most common side effects for a transformer if it runs beyond its power rating. Always try to estimate your most extreme power needs, and do not exceed them. Add a slight amount to the maximum rating when selecting a transformer.

2. Evaluate Efficiency and Performance

Every energy transformer is designed or at least should be designed to be as efficient as possible so it does not lose energy in the form of:

Iron Loss: The Magnus core of a transformer loses energy due to its magnetism.
Copper Loss: Basic relation of loss owing to winding resistance.
What to Check: The use of marbles for the core should be discouraged; instead, only the highest quality cold rolled sheets cut with lasers should be used to reduce iron loss.
Copper loss should be minimal, so windings should use the highest quality copper.

Pro Tip: While choosing the transformer from Makpowerts, make it a point to choose transformers that perform well under your operating conditions.

3. Assess the Durability of the Tank

Some components, such as core, windings and insulating fluid, are placed in the transformer tank. A durable tank helps to withstand environmental effects such as rusting, mechanical percussion, and leakages.

Key Features to Look For:
- Materials that can resist corrosion.
- Construction has been reinforced in all aspects to exclude leaks.
- Has a robust design, allowing for external forces during its transportation and operation.
- Power transformers from Makpowerts are designed using high-grade materials to be reliable under harsh conditions for a long time.

4. Check the Configuration Of the Vector Group

The vector group defines the winding configurations (star or delta) as well as the phase angles of the h-v and l-v windings. This is important for:
- Achieving Parallel operation.
- Reducing avoidable energy losses and unwanted disturbance

Why It’s Important:
Missed selection of vector groups will result in operating asymmetry & circulating currents, causing ineffective system operations. Confirm the vector group corresponds to your needs when purchasing it.

5. Focus on Quality Assurance

Power transformers are all about quality! There is no compromise on the quality of raw material and the quality control of the manufacturing processes so as to ensure reliability and durability, notwithstanding the heavy loads being applied all the time.

What to Verify:
- Use of continuous windings so that joints are few and mechanical stress is within the acceptable limitations.
- Meeting the international standards for quality and certification.
- A reliable manufacturer like Makpowerts is preferably able to provide a transformer that will be able to meet your specific power requirements.

• Input and output voltage: These should be compatible with the system.

• Operation frequency: The transformer should be compatible with the operational frequency of the application.

• Size and Mounting Requirements: Dimensions and the area available for mounting: Space restriction should be considered when designing the equipment.

• Protection Features: Surge arresters and protective relays are examples of such devices.