Loading transformers for best efficiency -

Transformer is a electrical device used to transfer energy from one circuit to another circuit. Transformers are used to step-up or step down voltage for transmission or end use. As energy is exchanged in the transformer, it is important to exchange energy in most efficient method. Transformer efficiency is one of the areas which may help in reducing energy cost, Transformers are one of the most energy efficient equipment and its efficiency can go upto 99%,if operated in the best efficiency area. loading of transformer for best efficiency is important to get maximum benefit.

In transformers efficiency loss is subject to the loading of the transformer.

Total loss LT can be easily calculated by LT = LNL +LL*(%Load/100)2

Or Total Loss = No load Loss +Load loss X (KVA Load/KVA rated)2

As the load increases efficiency increases upto 50-60% loading and then it starts dropping as loading is increase. For better understanding let is check the efficiency graph of EEF1 and EFF2 Transformers.

Transformer loading and efficiency trend for EFF-1

Transformer Loading and efficiency trend for EFF-2

Power factor considered as unity for graph plotting,

As in the graph it is clearly visible that at lower load say 10%, the efficiency is minimum, As the load increases to 30% it rapidly raising, 30-60% is the zone where transformers are operated at higher efficiency area. After 60% efficiency keeps on dropping till the full loading of transformer.

This graph shows where operating point should be for getting best efficiency of transformers. If multiple transformers are in use, we can balance load to for better overall efficiency gain.

For information on transformer efficiency click here, for motor efficiency click here,

for understanding power factor and its importance click here