Industrial units require transformers as they mostly work with electrical supplies and production lines. Transformers help to regulate the voltage levels and simplify using low voltage devices. But industry applications of transformers vary as the voltage fluctuates a lot. There are specific industrial transformers that are installed to manage equipment of varying shapes and sizes. They are used to generate power that can be transferred over long distances.
But what type of transformers are best for industrial purposes? There are different transformer types that industries can use for multiple applications. Some transformers are tailor-made to handle the high current requirements of different equipment. Custom transformers can withstand the harshest of voltage conditions. Therefore, an electrical distribution transformer manufacturer ensures every industry has the right one for different applications.
In this article, we will focus on the different transformer types used in industrial applications. We will look at what makes these transformers different. The focus will be to highlight how the transformers acn save cost and energy while fulfilling the industrial energy requirements. Let us have a look at the types of transformers in detail.
Transformer types used in industrial applications
We will talk about the different types of transformers used in industry. Transformers are built for specific operations and projects as well. We will highlight the common ones that most industries utilize to regular the flow of current –
Rectifier transformers
Combined with a diode or thyristor rectifier, they are useful for a range of industrial applications – from large aluminum electrolysis to various medium-sized operations. They need voltage that has no load tap changer. But in fact, these types of transformers have a built-in or separate voltage regulation unit.
The same tank of the transformer can be used to build an auto-connected regulating transformer. It makes possible numerous shifts and vector groups. They are air or water cooled transformers that do not overheat as a result of regular usage.
Rectifiers are trustworthy transformers for industrial applications as they induce a chemical reaction for DC power supply. There’s a lot of specifications data available so that clients can make the right choice while choosing a transformer.
Converter transformers
Converter transformers are perfect for all kinds of industrial application, including pumping stations, rolling stock, blast furnaces, and more. These specific industrial transformers have two secondary windings, which enables 12-pulse rectifier operations. There is an extra winding to filter the harmonics. There’s a possibility of different vector groups and phase shifts.
There are large drive, multi-pulse applications and variable electric speed drives that work through the transformer. They have flexible voltage adoption and are mostly used for static voltage compensation and static frequency change.
Converter transformers are tailor-made by an electrical distribution transformer manufacturer to work seamlessly in harsh conditions. There is heavy focus on cooling and temperature and cooling medium when it comes to the specifications.
Furnace transformers
There are electric arc furnace transformers and DC electric arc furnace transformers. These are cost-efficient transformers that work perfectly in all kinds of conditions. They are mostly used steel or ferro-alloy furnaces. Electric arc furnace transformers are similar to submerged arc furnace transformers. They are suitable to manage frequent overvoltages and over currents generated by short circuits in the furnace.
Furnace transformers are designed to withstand high thermal stress. DC electric arc furnace transformers are built for applications like steel furnaces with a thyristor rectifier. They have cyclic loading and use rectifier transformers for furnace operations.
Since they are available for both AC and DC furnaces, these transformers offer high currents of up to 200kA. They have secondary bushing arrangement and design. The transformers come as both air or water cooled, enabling regulated heating during operations.
Apart from these, there’s also a line feeder transformer. It helps to realize the connection between the power network and the power supply of the train. They need to be highly reliable to ensure that the train is running safely on the tracks. These are only used in railway lines and have limited operational capabilities in other industrial areas.
