Everything You Need To Know About K Rated Transformers

Posted by Zara Hyatt on May 21st, 2021

A standard transformer is not designed for high harmonic currents produced by a non-linear load. When connected to those loads it overheats and fails prematurely. A special transformer was planned for this purpose. This transformer is a transformer with K ratings. K rated transformers in Mumbai are capable of handling harmonic currents heat; not carried out by harmonics; very effective in their K value, produced with heavier gauge copper and a neutral dual-size conductor and have higher magnetic to resistive qualities than regular transformers. The heating and distortion effects of non-linear loads require both of these characteristics.

Non-Linear Loads

The use of power supply systems, such as personal computers, fax machines, copying systems, electronic ballasts, variable-speed drives and different medical equipment, has increased sharply over the past few decades. These loads are nonlinear; they only require current during the loop. This type of load produces harmonic currents, generating heat in distribution equipment, neutral drivers and processors. The insulation's temperature increase is typically between 150°C to 200°C in a transformer.

If this limit is surpassed, the transformer's life expectancy will be halved for every 10°C, and the isolation will break down to kill the transformer. This causes a fire in some situations. Since K Rated Electric Transformers are particularly designed for non-linear loads, the harmonic loads cannot be overheated. They should also remain within the insulation's temperature increase limit and be used anywhere harmonic productive loads are present.

K Factor

The harmonic currents are generated in different quantities. "Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)" is the expression for the total amount of harmonic current present. Since this value is broad, the high power K rated transformers must be sized to suit the load. This is the location of the K factor. The related K-factor ranking for K-rated transformers. Ratings of the K-factor vary from 1 to 50. The higher the K-factor, the hotter the transformer can manage from the harmonic currents.

A typical transformer by K rated transformer supplier for linear loads has a K-factor of 1, whereas a transformer with a K-factor of 50 is built for the hardest possible harmony. K-factor transformers of 40 and 50 are very rare, very costly and usually non-useable. It is extremely important to correctly select K-factor because it affects cost and security. Harmonic content calculation gives a precise K-factor value, but power loads constantly shift, which makes the measured value questionable. No data is provided for the selection of the relevant K factor rating for new construction installations.

Other Technologies:

● The heat produced by non-linear charges cannot be handled by a standard transformer, as previously mentioned. What some manufacturers do is specify a rated K-1 transformer in excess of the standard size as a transformer K-13 or K-20 at half its capacity. The transformer can be used as a transformer K-1, but can only be used as a rated transformer K-13, which is 100 KVA. This transformer is bigger and more expensive than 50 KVA K-13.

● Degradation is not an assurance of the proper operation of a transformer is subject to non-linear loads. When designed specifically for non-linear loads, the magnetic and resistive properties of a transformer are improved.

● This is not considered by a regular transformer and can fail even in light non-linear loads. Instead of copper, most manufacturers may use aluminium coils because it is cheaper. However, it requires 1,6 times more aluminium than copper in order to obtain the same resistive property. Since the transformer terminals are copper, aluminium has to be bonded to copper.

● It proved extremely difficult to achieve a solid aluminium to copper bond. Aluminium expands and contracts even with a strong bond more easily than copper because of the heat variations that loosen the relation.

Final Words

K rated transformers in Mumbai have been developed for non-linear loads that are not available to regular transformers. K-rated transformers are made of heavy copper gage and a neutral dual-sized driver with higher magnetic to resistant characteristics than standard transformers which allow the heat produced by harmonic currents to be managed. Under nonlinear loads, decryption of a standard transformer does not ensure optimum performance. Aluminium wound transformers are prone to premature failure.