Converter duty transformers / rectifier duty transformers / VFD transformers – these are all synonyms for transformer supplying power electronic based converters. What is so special about these animals? How do they differ from a normal distribution or power transformer? How to protect these transformers and maximize their reliability?
Dry type transformer technologies Transformers can be classified based on their insulation system in two major groups: liquid filled and dry type. Liquid filled (immersed) use either mineral oil or some alternative type of insulation liquid (silicon oil or esters). Dry type technology also has several sub-categories. The terms might Read more…
Transformer winding connection, clock number and vector group This article explains the winding connections, clock number and vector group of phase-shifting transformers used to supply variable frequency drives (VFD). Motivation Some of the most common keywords that bring the readers to our webpage are associated with multi-winding transformers, their connection Read more…
VFD transformers: Your questions The articles from VFD transformers [1] series belong to the most frequently read posts in our blog. It seems that many visitors find us through internet search using keywords such as “converter duty transformer”, “24 pulse drive phase shift”, “extended delta transformer”, “12-pulse phase-shifting transformer”, “three Read more…
Overvoltage protection of transformers This is the continuation of [1] that made an introduction into protection of VFD transformers. The focus of this article is on overvoltage protection. Particular attention is paid to very fast transient overvoltages caused by switching of vacuum circuit breakers. Keep reading to learn about the Read more…
Protection of VFD transformers In the introduction to this series we have explained the differences between a distribution/power transformer and a VFD transformer [1]. Due to different design, construction and operation of VFD transformers the protection requirements shall be adapted as well. While many end users, system integrators, EPCs and Read more…
VFD transformers and harmonics Introduction The next post in our series discusses VFD transformers and harmonics. We have already learned what harmonics are and how they impact the supply grid (Network harmonics – intro). In this series we look more specifically into harmonics and their impact on VFD transformer. Motivation Read more…
VFD transformers: Multi-winding design Today we look at the design of multi-winding VFD transformer feeding variable frequency drives. These VFD transformers are often classified in the category of ‘special transformers’. What does it mean? Why are they special? If you want to get these answers and a little insight into Read more…
VFD transformers: Introduction After reading this blog post you should understand the purpose of a VFD transformer and the differences between distribution/power transformer and a VFD transformer. Let’s start with the definition of a VFD transformer: This term refers to the input isolation transformer that supplies the rectifier section of Read more…