Transformer Efficiency, All day Efficiency & Condition for Maximum Efficiency

Transformer Efficiency, All day Efficiency & Condition for maximum Efficiency

Efficiency of Transformer

Transformer efficiency may be defined as the ratio between Output and Input.

Transformer Efficiency = Output / Input

On specified power factor and load, the transformer efficiency can be found by dividing its output on Input (similar to other electrical machines i.e. motors, generators etc). But the values of both Input and Output should be same in unites (i.e. in Watts, kilowatts, megawatts etc)

But note that a transformer has very high efficiency because the losses occur in transformer are very low. Since the Input and Output almost equal, therefore measurement of input and output is practically not possible. The best way to find the transformer efficiency is that, first determine the losses in transformer and then calculate the transformer efficiency with the help of those losses calculation.

• You may also read: EMF Equation Of a Transformer

Formulas for Transformer Efficiency

Efficiency = η = Output / Input

Efficiency = η= Output / (Output + Losses) ….. (As Input = Output +Losses)

Efficiency = η= Output / (Output +Copper Losses + Iron Losses)

You may also find the Efficiency by the following formula

Efficiency = η= Output / Input

Efficiency = η = (Input – Losses) / Input ….. (As Output = Input – Losses)

Taking LCM

Efficiency = η = 1 – (Losses /Input)

As we know that the rating of Transform is expressed in kVA not in kW. But the efficiency doesn’t depend on VA i.e. it would be expressed in Power Watts (kW) not in kVA. Although, the Losses are directly proportional to VA (Volt-Amperes), thus, efficiency depends on Power factor on every kind of VA load. And the efficiency would be maximum on unity (1) Power factor.

• You may also read: Power Transformers Maintenance, Diagnostic & Monitoring

Good to Know

We can also find transformer efficiency by determining:

• Core losses by open circuit test or No Load test, and
• Copper losses by short circuit test.

Condition for Maximum Efficiency of Transformer

We know that,

Copper Loss = W_C = I₁² x R₁   or    I₂² x R₂

Iron Loss= W_I = Hysteresis Loss + Eddy Current Loss = W_I = W_H + W_E

Suppose to the primary side of transformer…

Primary Input = P₁ = V₁ x I₁ Cosθ₁

Efficiency = η = Output / Input

Efficiency = η = (Input – Losses) / input ….. (As Output = Input – Losses)

Efficiency = η = (Input – Copper losses – Iron Losses)/Input

Efficiency = η = (P₁ – W_C – W_I) / P₁

Efficiency = η = (V₁ x I₁ Cosθ₁ – I₁²  x R₁ – W_I) / V₁ x I₁ Cosθ₁

Taking LCM

Efficiency = η = 1- (I₁² x R₁ / V₁I₁ Cosθ₁) – (W_I / V₁ x I₁ Cosθ₁)

Or

Efficiency = η = 1- (I₁ x R₁ / V₁ Cosθ₁) – (W_I / V₁ x I₁ Cosθ₁)

Differentiate both sides with respect to I₁

Dη / dI₁ = 0 – ( R₁ / V₁ Cosθ₁) + (W_I /V₁ x I₁² Cosθ₁)

Dη / dI₁= – ( R₁ / V₁ Cosθ₁) + (W_I / V₁ x I₁² Cosθ₁)

For Maximum Efficiency, the value of (Dη / dI₁) should be Minimum i.e.

Dη / dI₁ = 0

The above Equation can be written as

R₁ / (V₁ Cosθ₁) = (W_I /V₁ x I₁² Cosθ₁)

Or

W_I = I₁² x R₁     or       I₂² x R₂

Iron Loss = Copper Loss

The value of Output current (I₂) on which Maximum efficiency can be gained

I₂ = √ (W_I / R₂)

The value of output current (I₂) is the actor who equals the value of copper loss and iron loss (i.e. Copper Loss = Iron Loss)

Doing so, the maximum efficiency can be gained. Therefore, with proper designing, maximum efficiency can be attained at any desired load i.e. Copper loss and Iron Loss can be equaled.

• Also read: Transformer Phasing: The Dot Notation and Dot Convention

Good to Know

• Efficiency is usually less than 1 and it is often expressed as a percent (%).
• Ideal Transformer is 100% efficient i.e. the efficiency of ideal transformer is 1.
• Practical transformers efficiencies are generally quite high in compression to other electrical machines and electronics devices (i.e. motors, generators etc) on the ordure of 90 t0 98%.

All Day Efficiency of Transformer

As we know that the commercial or typical efficiency of a transformer is the ratio of Output and Input in watts.

Efficiency = Output (in Watts) / Input (in Watts)

But there are number of transformers whose performance can’t be monitored according the above general efficiency formula.

Those distribution transformers which supply electrical energy to lighting and other general circuits, their primary energize for 24 hours, but the secondary windings does not energize all the time at once. In other words, secondary windings only energize at the night time when they supply electrical energy to lighting circuits. I.e. secondary windings supply eclectic power for very small load or no load for maximum time in 24 hours. It means that core loss occurs for 24 hours regularly but copper loss occurs only when transformer is on load.

• Also read: Difference between Power Transformers and Distribution Transformers?

Therefore, it realizes the necessity to design a transformer in which the core loss should be low. As copper loss depends on load, therefore, they should be neglected. In this type of transformers, we can track their performance only by all day efficiency.

All day efficiency may be also called “Operational efficiency”. On the base of usable energy, we estimate the all day efficiency for a specific time (during the 24 hours = one day). And we can find it by the following formula

All Day Efficiency = Output (in kWh) / Input (in kWh)

To understand about the all day efficiency, we must know about the load cycle i.e. how much load is connected for how much time (in 24 hours).

You may also read:

• Current Transformers (CT) – Types, Characteristic & Applications
• Uses and Application of Transformer
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Three Phase Transformer over Single Phase Transformer

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