{"id":363,"date":"2026-08-22T02:34:07","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T18:34:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/q8bbzjnpm5.wpdns.site\/?p=363"},"modified":"2026-08-29T23:43:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-29T15:43:42","slug":"classification-of-power-transformers-and-their-unique-roles-in-the-power-grid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/fr\/news\/classification-of-power-transformers-and-their-unique-roles-in-the-power-grid\/","title":{"rendered":"Classification des transformateurs de puissance et de leurs r\u00f4les uniques dans le r\u00e9seau \u00e9lectrique"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Lorsque l'ing\u00e9nieur de sous-station examine le document pour un appel d'offres concernant la mise \u00e0 niveau de transmission de 132 kV, l'une des premi\u00e8res fiches de sp\u00e9cifications examin\u00e9es est normalement le tableau de classification des transformateurs de puissance, car un mauvais choix peut co\u00fbter jusqu'\u00e0 des centaines de milliers ainsi que provoquer des mois de retard dans le processus de mise en service. Chacun des types de classification des transformateurs de puissance est cr\u00e9\u00e9 pour r\u00e9pondre \u00e0 un probl\u00e8me particulier en termes de tension, de charge et de fiabilit\u00e9, que ce soit une unit\u00e9 de distribution de 10 MVA fonctionnant dans un bloc d'usines ou un transformateur \u00e9l\u00e9vateur de g\u00e9n\u00e9rateur de 400 MVA install\u00e9 dans une centrale \u00e0 charbon.<\/p>\n<p>L'article fourni d\u00e9crit toutes les m\u00e9thodes possibles pour classer les transformateurs de puissance, qui peuvent \u00eatre par fonction de puissance, par niveau de tension, par configuration de bobinage, par type de refroidissement et par type de mat\u00e9riau d'isolation, etc.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>En r\u00e9sum\u00e9, les transformateurs de puissance peuvent \u00eatre cat\u00e9goris\u00e9s en fonction de leur fonction, tels que transformateur \u00e9l\u00e9vateur, transformateur abaisseur, transformateur de distribution, transformateur d'isolement et auto-transformateur ; en fonction de leur classe de tension, tels que transformateur de g\u00e9n\u00e9rateur, transformateur de transmission et transformateur de distribution ; en fonction de leur configuration de bobinage, tels que transformateur monophas\u00e9 vs transformateur triphas\u00e9, transformateur \u00e0 deux enroulements vs transformateur \u00e0 trois enroulements ; en fonction de leur approche de refroidissement, tels que transformateur ONAN, transformateur ONAF, transformateur OFAF et transformateur ODAF ; et en fonction de leur m\u00e9thode d'isolation, tels que transformateur immerg\u00e9 dans l'huile et transformateur \u00e0 sec.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-364\" src=\"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Classification-Of-Power-Transformers-And-Their-Unique-Roles-In-The-Power-Grid.webp\" alt=\"Classification Of Power Transformers And Their Unique Roles In The Power Grid\" width=\"1448\" height=\"1086\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"definition\">Qu'est-ce qu'un transformateur de puissance ? (D\u00e9finition et fonction principale)<\/h2>\n<p>Un transformateur de puissance est un instrument \u00e9lectromagn\u00e9tique statique qui transmet de l'\u00e9nergie \u00e9lectrique \u00e0 travers deux circuits ou plus via le processus d'induction \u00e9lectromagn\u00e9tique avec une modification des niveaux de tension tout en maintenant la fr\u00e9quence et la puissance apparente constantes (avec toutes pertes). Alors que les transformateurs de distribution effectuent principalement la chute de tension finale pour la consommation, les transformateurs de puissance se trouvent dans les sous-stations, les centrales de production et les grandes industries avec des puissances sup\u00e9rieures \u00e0 200 kVA et sont capables de traiter des tensions allant de 3,3 kV \u00e0 1 150 kV.<\/p>\n<p>Un transformateur de puissance peut \u00eatre caract\u00e9ris\u00e9 par trois valeurs : la puissance apparente nominale en kVA ou MVA, le rapport de tension nominal et l'imp\u00e9dance en cas de court-circuit (qui est g\u00e9n\u00e9ralement entre 5% et 15% selon la norme internationale IEC 60076-5). L'efficacit\u00e9 d'un transformateur \u00e0 pleine capacit\u00e9 de fonctionnement est g\u00e9n\u00e9ralement entre 98% et 99,7%. C'est pourquoi les services publics sont pr\u00eats \u00e0 d\u00e9penser beaucoup d'argent pour des conceptions \u00e0 faible perte \u00e0 c\u0153ur amorphe ainsi que pour de l'acier au silicium orient\u00e9 grain de haute qualit\u00e9 afin de minimiser les pertes \u00e0 vide.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-it-works\">Comment fonctionne un transformateur de puissance : le principe \u00e9lectromagn\u00e9tique<\/h2>\n<p>Le principe de fonctionnement fondamental est bas\u00e9 sur la loi de Faraday de l'induction \u00e9lectromagn\u00e9tique. Le courant alternatif dans l'enroulement primaire produit un flux magn\u00e9tique fluctuant dans le noyau en acier au silicium, reliant l'enroulement secondaire et induisant une force \u00e9lectromotrice (fem) proportionnelle au nombre de tours selon la formule classique :<\/p>\n<p>Vprimaire \/ Vsecondaire = Nprimaire \/ Nsecondaire (ceci est connu sous le nom de rapport de transformation), de sorte que Iprimaire \u00d7 Vprimaire \u2248 Isecondaire \u00d7 Vsecondaire si d'autres conditions sont id\u00e9ales.<\/p>\n<p>Un transformateur fonctionnant en mode \u00e9l\u00e9vateur a plus de tours dans l'enroulement secondaire que dans le primaire. Un transformateur fonctionnant en mode abaisseur a plus de tours dans la bobine primaire. Cependant, les transformateurs de puissance r\u00e9els fonctionnent avec des pertes d'environ 0,3% \u00e0 2%, dues aux pertes en cuivre (pertes I\u00b2R dans les fils en cuivre) et aux pertes en fer (en raison de l'hyst\u00e9r\u00e9sis et des courants de Foucault). Par cons\u00e9quent, les caract\u00e9ristiques techniques de tout transformateur mentionnent le niveau d'efficacit\u00e9, qu'il soit de 50%, 75% ou 100%.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"classification-by-function\">Classification par Fonction : \u00c9l\u00e9vateur, Abaisseur, Distribution, Auto<\/h2>\n<p>La fonction est le moyen le plus pragmatique de classer les transformateurs de puissance car elle indique l'emplacement de l'unit\u00e9 dans le transfert d'\u00e9nergie. Le tableau qui suit r\u00e9sume quatre familles fonctionnelles diff\u00e9rentes de transformateurs couramment utilis\u00e9es par les ing\u00e9nieurs dans le r\u00e9seau.<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\">\n<caption>Classification Fonctionnelle des Transformateurs de Puissance<\/caption>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Fonction<\/th>\n<th>Changement de Tension Typique<\/th>\n<th>\u00c9valuation typique<\/th>\n<th>O\u00f9 Vous Le Trouvez<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Transformateur \u00e9l\u00e9vateur de g\u00e9n\u00e9rateur (GSU)<\/td>\n<td>11\u201327 kV \u2192 110\u2013765 kV<\/td>\n<td>100\u20131 200 MVA<\/td>\n<td>Centrales \u00e9lectriques, parcs \u00e9oliens et solaires<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Transformateur abaisseur de transmission<\/td>\n<td>220\u2013765 kV \u2192 66\u2013132 kV<\/td>\n<td>50\u2013400 MVA<\/td>\n<td>Sous-stations HV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Sous-transmission \/ distribution<\/td>\n<td>33\u2013132 kV \u2192 6,6\u201335 kV<\/td>\n<td>1\u201320 MVA<\/td>\n<td>Sous-stations primaires, alimentations industrielles<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Auto-transformateur<\/td>\n<td>par ex. 220 kV \u2192 110 kV<\/td>\n<td>100\u20131 000 MVA<\/td>\n<td>Interconnexion entre niveaux de r\u00e9seau<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Le transformateur GSU (Transformateur \u00c9l\u00e9vateur de G\u00e9n\u00e9rateur) est situ\u00e9 \u00e0 l'extr\u00e9mit\u00e9 g\u00e9n\u00e9ratrice du spectre, ce qui en fait l'\u00e9quipement le plus pr\u00e9cieux au sein d'une centrale \u00e9lectrique. En fait, un transformateur GSU de 600 MVA dans une centrale thermique peut \u00eatre \u00e9valu\u00e9 entre $800,000 et $2.5 millions. Bien que les auto-transformateurs tendent \u00e0 \u00eatre plus petits et moins chers que le transformateur \u00e0 deux enroulements traditionnel, cela est possible puisque certaines de leurs enroulements sont partag\u00e9s. Par cons\u00e9quent, les entreprises de services publics d'interconnexion choisiraient d'utiliser des auto-transformateurs, en particulier pour des applications de tension \u00e0 faible rapport telles que 220\/110 kV ou 400\/220 kV.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-365\" src=\"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Classification-by-Function-Step-Up-Step-Down-Distribution-Auto.webp\" alt=\"Classification by Function Step-Up, Step-Down, Distribution, Auto\" width=\"1448\" height=\"1086\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"classification-by-voltage\">Classification par Niveau de Tension dans le R\u00e9seau<\/h2>\n<p>La classe de tension influence la conception de l'isolation et la conception des \u00e9quipements \u00e9nerg\u00e9tiques, y compris les techniques d'isolation. Le prix des \u00e9quipements \u00e9nerg\u00e9tiques est affect\u00e9 par la classe de tension. Les normes IEC 60076-1 et IEEE C57.12.00 d\u00e9terminent toutes deux les techniques d'isolation.<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\">\n<caption>Classes de Tension des Transformateurs de Puissance<\/caption>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Niveau de R\u00e9seau<\/th>\n<th>Tension Nominale<\/th>\n<th>BIL (R\u00e9sistance \u00e0 l'Impulsion de Foudre)<\/th>\n<th>R\u00f4le Typique<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Tension de g\u00e9n\u00e9rateur<\/td>\n<td>3\u201333 kV<\/td>\n<td>40\u2013200 kV<\/td>\n<td>C\u00f4t\u00e9 d'entr\u00e9e GSU, alimentations auxiliaires<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Haute tension (HT)<\/td>\n<td>6\u201335 kV<\/td>\n<td>75\u2013250 kV<\/td>\n<td>Sous-stations de distribution, industrielles<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Tr\u00e8s haute tension (THT)<\/td>\n<td>66\u2013220 kV<\/td>\n<td>325\u2013950 kV<\/td>\n<td>Regional transmission<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Extra high voltage (EHV)<\/td>\n<td>330\u2013765 kV<\/td>\n<td>1,175\u20131,950 kV<\/td>\n<td>National transmission backbones<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>About 70% of all transformers in place globally are at the distribution stage, yet they account for only approximately 30% of the cost. A high-voltage unit with a 500-kV electrical system and a BIL value of 1,550 fills the requirements for thick insulation, wide neutral zones, and special test procedures (partial discharge tests and impulse tests according to IEC 60076-3), so installation of a powerful transformer may require spending $1.5\u2013$3 million.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"classification-by-phase-winding\">Classification by Phase and Winding Configuration<\/h2>\n<p>Power transformers can be classified based on their construction into either single-phase or three-phase transformers. This is based not just on their types but also on the number of their windings i.e. as two-winding transformers, three-winding transformers or auto-configured transformers. Single-phase transformers are widely accepted since they are cheaper and easier to transport, which is particularly helpful when it comes to highest EHV ratings (e.g. the formation of 3\u00d7333 MVA bank consisting of three single-phase transformers operating at 500 kV), while for 300 MVA or smaller variances three-phase transformers would be more suitable due to their advantage over single-phase variants in terms of losses, cost-effective solutions, and efficiency.<\/p>\n<p>Three-winding transformers come with a tertiary winding and can thus be used not only for standard electrical loads but for harmonic filters, and to derive the third voltage (e.g. 220\/110\/35 kV). The vector group can be defined with the help of special designations, such as Dyn11, YNyn0, YNd11 etc., which show the transformer configuration and point of the voltage.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"classification-by-cooling\">Classification by Cooling Method (IEC 60076-2)<\/h2>\n<p>The cooling system is what dictates the maximum amount of electrical energy that a transformer is able to handle safely. The acronym used in line with IEC 60076-2 refers to the type of cooling medium and method of its circulation.<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\">\n<caption>Cooling Method Classifications (IEC 60076-2)<\/caption>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Code de refroidissement<\/th>\n<th>Signification<\/th>\n<th>\u00c9valuation typique<\/th>\n<th>Load Capability vs. ONAN<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ONAN<\/td>\n<td>Huile naturelle, air naturel<\/td>\n<td>50 kVA\u201360 MVA<\/td>\n<td>Baseline (100%)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ONAF<\/td>\n<td>Huile naturelle, air forc\u00e9 (ventilateurs)<\/td>\n<td>1\u2013150 MVA<\/td>\n<td>\u2248120\u2013135%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>OFAF<\/td>\n<td>Huile forc\u00e9e, air forc\u00e9<\/td>\n<td>10\u2013300 MVA<\/td>\n<td>\u2248140\u2013160%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ODAF<\/td>\n<td>Oil directed, air forced<\/td>\n<td>100\u20131 200 MVA<\/td>\n<td>\u2248150\u2013170%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>A transformer designed to operate in two cooling modes, ONAN and ONAF, means that a power utility can run it under normal circumstances in natural cooling mode while using fans in case of sudden overloads. A transformer with a capacity of 40 MVA, indicating its ratio as &#8220;40\/56 MVA ONAN\/ONAF&#8221; is a viable example. The necessary device components such as fans or oil pumps are not simple to maintain thus, smaller substations prefer ONAN designs only.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"classification-by-insulation\">Oil-Immersed vs. Dry-Type Power Transformers<\/h2>\n<p>The insulation medium separates the market into two distinct categories, with both differences in pricing, safety, and use.<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\">\n<caption>Oil-Immersed vs. Dry-Type Transformers<\/caption>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Param\u00e8tre<\/th>\n<th>Immerg\u00e9 dans l'huile<\/th>\n<th>Type sec (r\u00e9sine coul\u00e9e \/ VPI)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Insulation medium<\/td>\n<td>Mineral oil or ester<\/td>\n<td>Epoxy resin \/ air<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Puissance typique<\/td>\n<td>50 kVA\u20131,200 MVA<\/td>\n<td>100 VA\u201340 MVA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Price (1 MVA class)<\/td>\n<td>$18,000\u2013$45,000<\/td>\n<td>$28,000\u2013$70,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Fire \/ environmental risk<\/td>\n<td>Higher (oil containment needed)<\/td>\n<td>Low, flame-retardant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Best locations<\/td>\n<td>Outdoor substations<\/td>\n<td>Indoor, high-rise, offshore<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>There are oil-immersed transformers that dominate in the zero2 MVA range due to the efficient dielectric properties of oil. Dry transformers perform better in places like office buildings, hospitals, and on-offshore oil rigs and platforms where there are laws, such as NFPA 70, that prevent the use of oil-filled transformers due to fire dangers. Cast resin transformers usually cost between 40%-60% more than comparable oil models, but they do not require oil-saving pits and fire extinguishing systems.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"specifications\">Key Specification Table for Common Transformer Classes<\/h2>\n<p>In order to make a fair comparison among transformer models, engineers will choose the necessary fundamental parameters for each of the options in question. One of the charts below shows nameplate data of three typical units.<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\">\n<caption>Sample Specifications for Common Power Transformer Classes<\/caption>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Param\u00e8tre<\/th>\n<th>Distribution Unit<\/th>\n<th>Substation Power Unit<\/th>\n<th>GSU Unit<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Puissance nominale<\/td>\n<td>1 000 kVA<\/td>\n<td>20 MVA<\/td>\n<td>250 MVA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Rapport de tension<\/td>\n<td>11\/0,4 kV<\/td>\n<td>110\/20 kV<\/td>\n<td>18\/400 kV<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Groupe vectoriel<\/td>\n<td>Dyn11<\/td>\n<td>YNd11<\/td>\n<td>YNd11<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Tension d'imp\u00e9dance<\/td>\n<td>6%<\/td>\n<td>10%<\/td>\n<td>14%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pertes \u00e0 vide<\/td>\n<td>\u22481,150 W<\/td>\n<td>\u224814 kW<\/td>\n<td>\u224890 kW<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Pertes en charge<\/td>\n<td>\u224810,500 W<\/td>\n<td>\u224898 kW<\/td>\n<td>\u2248620 kW<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Refroidissement<\/td>\n<td>ONAN<\/td>\n<td>ONAN\/ONAF<\/td>\n<td>ONAF\/ODAF<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Reference standard<\/td>\n<td>IEC 60076-1<\/td>\n<td>IEC 60076-1<\/td>\n<td>IEC 60076-1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Loss assurance is important for people dealing with business: the loss value can improve or hinder the price of a transformer and can represent a 5%\u201310% difference as to the price of a transformer because a 1 kW difference in no-load losses over thirty years may cause the loss of tens of thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"roles\">The Unique Role of Each Transformer Class in the Power Grid<\/h2>\n<p>Each class is placed in its position in the energy chain, and none can be replaced with another one:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>GSU transformers \u2014 change the voltage produced by generators to the voltage for transmission at the generating plants and alternative sources site.<\/li>\n<li>Transmission step-down transformers function to interconnect high voltage and low voltage levels at major substations where they also regulate the voltage using on-load tap changers.<\/li>\n<li>Distribution transformers \u2014 are the last transformer which sets the voltage for consumption to 400\/230 V and therefore constitutes the largest number of transformers in the world.<\/li>\n<li>Auto-transformer \u2014 interconnects neighboring voltage levels like 220 kV and 110 kV but should be installed only when the grounding is available due to its design.<\/li>\n<li>Phase-shifting transformer \u2014 an important tool in dealing with the issue of power flow in a parallel corridors and used more and more in mesh high voltage networks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Distribution network designers say that up to 90 percent of losses in energy due to transformers happen in the distribution networks, which causes many countries (e.g. China and EU by virtue of GB 20052) to promote the use of amorphous core transformers with lower energy losses among the distribution transformers.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"brands-prices\">Top Brands &amp; Realistic Price Ranges<\/h2>\n<p>Choosing a brand of power transformer comes down to balancing the initial purchase price, efficiency, lead time, and after-sales services that manufacturers provide. Well-known brands in the industry define the standard, whereas the oldest Chinese players provide approximately the same products that are compliant to IEC 60076 standards, but at 30%\u201350% lower prices.<\/p>\n<table border=\"1\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"6\">\n<caption>Power Transformer Brands &amp; Indicative Prices<\/caption>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Marque<\/th>\n<th>Headquarters<\/th>\n<th>Force<\/th>\n<th>Indicative Price (20 MVA, 110 kV)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>ABB \/ Hitachi Energy<\/td>\n<td>Switzerland \/ Japan<\/td>\n<td>HVDC, EHV expertise<\/td>\n<td>$450,000\u2013$700,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Siemens Energy<\/td>\n<td>Allemagne<\/td>\n<td>EHV and digital substations<\/td>\n<td>$430,000\u2013$680,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Schneider Electric<\/td>\n<td>France<\/td>\n<td>Distribution, EcoStruxure<\/td>\n<td>$280,000\u2013$450,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>GE Vernova \/ Prolec GE<\/td>\n<td>USA \/ Mexico<\/td>\n<td>Utility-scale GSU<\/td>\n<td>$420,000\u2013$650,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>TBEA<\/td>\n<td>Chine<\/td>\n<td>Large MVA, global EPC projects<\/td>\n<td>$180,000\u2013$320,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Jiangsu Subian Electric Power<\/td>\n<td>Chine<\/td>\n<td>Custom 50 kVA\u2013220 kV class, OEM\/ODM<\/td>\n<td>$160,000\u2013$300,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>The pricing is not exact; it&#8217;s going to be variable depending on specification, loss levels and location. Thus, all these values given below should be understood as guides rather than fixed prices. Jiangsu Subian Electric Power offers transformers ranging from 50 kVA to 220 kV class with multiple options including dry-type and oil-filled transformers. The company provides a lot of additional advantages; first, they offer prices that are 30-50% lower compared to Europe; secondly, their distributors keep deadlines and deliver to over 60 countries of the world.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-366\" src=\"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/How-to-Choose-the-Right-Transformer-Class-for-Your-Project.webp\" alt=\"How to Choose the Right Transformer Class for Your Project\" width=\"1448\" height=\"1086\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-to-choose\">How to Choose the Right Transformer Class for Your Project<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Define the duty \u2014 a GSU, transmission, or distribution role resolves the entire design envelope.<\/li>\n<li>Check the voltage levels and tap range \u2014 establish the nominal ratio, \u00b110% to \u00b116% on-load tap range, and vector group with respect to your network.<\/li>\n<li>Calculate the load profile \u2014 determine the kVA\/MVA size so that peak load lies between 60%\u201380% of the rating for the highest efficiency and margin.<\/li>\n<li>Establish loss budgets \u2014 ask for the no-load and load loss guarantees and carry out capitalized-loss comparison for a span of 20\u201330 years.<\/li>\n<li>Select cooling and insulation \u2014 ONAN for regular outdoor duty; ONAN\/ONAF for overload flexibility; dry-type within the building.<\/li>\n<li>Check standards \u2014 obtain IEC 60076 series type tests (dielectric, temperature rise, short-circuit) and factory test papers.<\/li>\n<li>Consider access and transport \u2014 a 40 MVA unit has a weight of 40\u201360 tons and may need special transportations and labor study.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"faq\">Questions Fr\u00e9quemment Pos\u00e9es<\/h2>\n<h3>What is the difference between a power transformer and a distribution transformer?<\/h3>\n<p>Power transformers manage high capacities (generally over 200 kVA) at the transmission or sub-transmission level and are built for full-load operation with voltage regulation; a distribution transformer is the last step-down transformer (normally 5 kVA\u20132,500 kVA) that reaches end users and operates mostly at partial load. Distribution transformers greatly outnumber power transformers; there are millions of them in the world while power transformers make the most valuable part of the substation.<\/p>\n<h3>What does the turns ratio of a transformer mean in classification?<\/h3>\n<p>The turns ratio N1\/N2 is equal to the primary-to-secondary voltage ratio at no-load conditions which provides a true indication as to whether the transformer is a step-up transformer (i.e. N2 &gt; N1), a step-down transformer (i.e. N1 &gt; N2) or if it is an isolation transformer operating at 1:1 ratio. For example, the transformer having 110 kV\/20 kV rating will have a ratio of 5.5:1 whereas GSU transformer stepping voltage down from 18 kV to 400 kV will have a ratio of around 22:1.<\/p>\n<h3>Which cooling class is best for a 20 MVA substation transformer?<\/h3>\n<p>The majority of electricity providers opt for ONAN\/ONAF models, as its normal load is supported by natural cooling and forced air cooling (usually in the range of 120%-135% of the ONAN rating) accommodates peak loads and temporary overloads. Complete OFAF\/ODAF designs include a pump and the oil&#8217;s movement direction, increasing both the efficiency as well as its maintenance costs.<\/p>\n<h3>How much does a power transformer cost in 2025?<\/h3>\n<p>The majority of electricity providers opt for ONAN\/ONAF models, as its normal load is supported by natural cooling and forced air cooling (usually in the range of 120%-135% of the ONAN rating) accommodates peak loads and temporary overloads. Complete OFAF\/ODAF designs include a pump and the oil&#8217;s movement direction, increasing both the efficiency as well as its maintenance costs.<\/p>\n<h3>Do I need an oil-immersed or a dry-type transformer?<\/h3>\n<p>When it comes to outdoor substations with capacities greater than 2 MVA, the most cost-effective option is oil-immersed type. However, within the indoor or high-rise applications such as fire-sensitive locations and offshore buildings, dry-type varieties should be used since oil containment and fire suppression are thus difficult to achieve. So, while a 1 MVA cast resin unit may cost $28,000\u2013$70,000, oil-immersed units are generally sold in the range of $ 18,000 to $45,000.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"references\">R\u00e9f\u00e9rences<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/webstore.iec.ch\/en\/publication\/639\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IEC 60076-1: Power transformers \u2014 General<\/a> \u2014 The international standard defining ratings, tolerances, and test procedures for power transformers.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/webstore.iec.ch\/en\/publication\/642\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IEC 60076-2: Temperature rise<\/a> \u2014 Specifies temperature-rise limits and cooling classes used in transformer classification.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/webstore.iec.ch\/en\/publication\/644\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IEC 60076-3: Insulation levels and dielectric tests<\/a> \u2014 Defines BIL and dielectric test requirements per voltage class.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/ieeexplore.ieee.org\/document\/5307241\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IEEE C57.12.00: General Requirements for Liquid-Immersed Distribution, Power, and Regulating Transformers<\/a> \u2014 The North American companion standard to IEC 60076.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nfpa.org\/codes-and-standards\/nfpa-70-standard-development\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">NFPA 70: National Electrical Code<\/a> \u2014 Governs transformer installation, clearances, and protection in the United States.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hitachienergy.com\/products-and-solutions\/transformers\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Hitachi Energy Transformer Portfolio<\/a> \u2014 Reference for modern EHV, HVDC, and generator transformer technology.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>It is crucial to understand the importance of power transformer classification. This is the biggest factor that will determine whether one will buy correct equipment. The function of transformer, voltage class, winding configuration, cooling method, and insulation type will indicate the presence of the transformer in the grid, amount of load, and its price \u2014 starting from $1,500 for distribution transformers and ending with $2.5 million for EHV transformers.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>First of all, it is important to categorize equipment according to its function (GSU, transmission transformer, distribution transformer, and auto transformer), then according to its voltage, cooling method, and insulation type.<\/li>\n<li>Cooling class should be aligned to load profile of the transformer. Best flexibility-cost ratio for the transformer of up to 150 MVA is ONAN\/ONAF.<\/li>\n<li>It is required to follow IEC 60076 in the contract for loss reserves, dielectric tests, and short circuit testing.<\/li>\n<li>There should be at least three suppliers compared according to the price for the MVA, capital loss estimation, and delivery period.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If your project needs distribution or power transformers from 50 kVA to 220 kV class with custom ratios and IEC type-test documentation, contact <a href=\"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/fr\/\">Jiangsu Subian Electric Power<\/a> for a direct factory quotation and engineering consultation.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When the substation engineer looks at the document for a tender concerning the 132 kV transmission upgrade, one of the first specification sheets being reviewed is normally the power transformer classification table since a wrong choice can cost up to hundreds of thousands as well as cause months of delay in the commissioning process. Each [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":364,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[77],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-363","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"blocksy_meta":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/363","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=363"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/363\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11038,"href":"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/363\/revisions\/11038"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/364"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=363"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=363"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/subian-electric.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=363"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}