Power Transformer Fundamentals

February 11-12, 2025 | Online :: Central Time

0225-transformer-fundamentals

The Power Transformer Fundamentals course offers a comprehensive exploration of power transformers and their critical role within the electrical grid. The curriculum begins with a foundational overview of power transformers, detailing their evolution, importance in power distribution, and key operational principles. Students will be introduced to transformer theory, including windings, core flux, voltage and current relationships, as well as terminal designations, providing the technical backbone for understanding transformer behavior. The course also covers the different types of transformers, their classifications, and specifications, such as liquid-filled, dry-type, and cast coil transformers, alongside a detailed review of cooling methods, voltage levels, and ratings.

The course also delves into substation power transformers, exploring their construction, winding and core types, and related equipment like tap changers, fluid selections, and ancillary devices. Participants will gain practical knowledge of key diagnostic tools like dissolved gas analysis (DGA) and factory acceptance tests (FAT).

With an emphasis on preventive maintenance and monitoring, the course addresses techniques for extending transformer life, including oil sampling, loading strategies for different seasons, and transformer upgrades. This blend of theoretical understanding and practical application equips utility professionals with the essential skills for managing transformers efficiently in the field.

Learning Outcomes

• Review the fundamental principles of power transformer operation, including windings, core flux, and voltage relationships
• Identify and differentiate between various transformer types, such as liquid-filled, dry-type, and cast coil, along with their cooling methods and classifications
• Analyze substation power transformer components, including winding and core types, and interpret transformer nameplate information
• Explain the function and operation of tap changers (DETC and LTC) and the different fluid types used in transformer cooling
• Conduct and interpret Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) for transformer fluid diagnostics and perform Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT)
• Utilize monitoring systems to assess transformer health, focusing on online and offline monitoring techniques and key parameters
• Develop preventive maintenance strategies, including routine inspections, oil sampling, and transformer life extension techniques like oil reclamation and upgrades

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 : Central Time

 

Introduction to Power Transformers

• Overview of power transformers
• Importance in the electrical grid
• Historical development and evolution

Transformer Basics

• Transformer operation principles
• Transformer Theory
  • Windings and core
  • Terms for voltage and current from each side
  • Flux in the core
  • Equations from high voltage side to low voltage side
  • Terminal designations
  • Vectors and phase shifts

Transformer Types and Classifications

• Transformer standards and specifications
• Liquid filled transformers
• Dry type transformers
• Cast coil transformers
• Cooling classifications
• Nameplate information
• Voltage levels
• Ratings and capacity
• Distribution versus power transformers

Substation Power Transformers

• Cut-a-way views
• Winding types
  • Layer windings
  • Disk and helical windings
  • Conductor types
• Core types
  • Core Form versus shell type
  • Core types
    • Butt lap
    • Miter
    • Step lap miter
    • Wound core
  • Grades of core steel
• Liquid preservation systems
• Conservator type
• Sealed type

Tap Changers

• De-energized tap changers – DETC
• Load tap changers – LTC

Fluid Selection

• Mineral Oil
• Natural Ester
• Synthetic Ester
• Heavy Hydrocarbons
• Silicone
• Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) for Fluids

Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT)

Recommended Field Tests

 

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 : Central Time

 

Ancillary Devices

• Current Transformers -CTs
• Potential Transformers – PTs
  • Wound
  • CVVT
• Gauges
  • Liquid temperature
• Winding temperature
• Pressure relief
• Sudden pressure relays
• Bucholz relays

Bushings

• Construction
• Inspection and maintenance

Transformer Monitoring

• Importance of monitoring
• Online vs offline monitoring
• Key monitoring parameters

Preventive Maintenance

• Routine inspections and checks
• Oil sampling and analysis

Transformer Loading

• Summer normal/emergency
• Winter normal/emergency

Transformer Life Extension

• Strategies for extending transformer lifespan
• Oil reclamation and regeneration
• Retrofitting and upgrades

Leonard Fiume, Formerly with AECOM

Leonard has been in the utility industry over 40 years and holds experience in design, construction, maintenance, and operations of electric systems across residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and utility sectors. He most recently served as a Contractor for the New York Power Authority’s Lewiston Facility through AECOM, where he managed planning and construction for the Life Extension Project for the Switchyard. He held this position following an earlier tenure with the same organization.

Previously, Leonard worked at National Grid, where he progressed through various senior roles from 1982 to 2018. His roles included Director of PTO-Stations and Director of Protection & Telecom Operations for NY & NE. He also served as Manager of Energy Services, Superintendent of multiple divisions, and Supervisor of both Station Construction and Maintenance.

Leonard has contributed as an Adjunct Instructor in the Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) programs at both Buffalo State College and Erie Community College, sharing his deep knowledge and industry experience with students. His academic credentials include a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering (Electric Power) from the University at Buffalo, an MBA from Canisius College, and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (Electric Power) from the University at Buffalo.

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Sheldon Kennedy, PE, FIEEE; Formerly with Niagara Power Transformer

Sheldon is a highly experienced electrical engineer with over 40 years in the power transformer industry. As the Manager Member of Sheldon P. Kennedy Engineering, PLLC, he provides consulting services for transformer users across the utility, industrial, and transit sectors. His extensive expertise spans transformer core design, specification development, failure analysis, factory test witnessing, and more. Before founding his consultancy, Sheldon served as Vice President of Engineering at Niagara Transformer Corporation for over three decades, where he led engineering teams, oversaw transformer designs, and played a critical role in advancing manufacturing processes.

Sheldon is a Fellow of the IEEE, recognized for his contributions to rectifier, inverter, and harmonic-mitigating transformers. He has chaired numerous IEEE working groups, contributing to key industry standards, including IEEE C57.18.10 and C57.32. With a strong commitment to knowledge-sharing, he has authored several technical papers and regularly delivers presentations at industry conferences. His vast knowledge, leadership in standards development, and decades of hands-on transformer engineering make him a sought-after expert and instructor in the field.

We will be using Microsoft Teams to facilitate your participation in the upcoming event. You do not need to have an existing Teams account in order to participate in the broadcast – the course will play in your browser and you will have the option of using a microphone to speak with the room and ask questions, or type any questions in via the chat window and our on-site representative will relay your question to the instructor.

• Microsoft recommends downloading and installing the Teams app if possible. You may also use the Edge browser or Chrome.
• You will receive a separate email with a unique link to a personalized landing page which will include links to join all sessions of this event.
• If you are using a microphone, please ensure that it is muted until such time as you need to ask a question.
• The remote meeting connection will be open approximately 30 minutes before the start of the course. We encourage you to connect as early as possible in case you experience any unforeseen problems.

Please Note: This event is being conducted entirely online. All attendees will connect and attend from their computer, one connection per purchase. For details please see our FAQ

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all attendees for 7 days after the event

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Power Transformer Fundamentals

February 11-12, 2025 | Online

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before January 10, 2025 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Credits

EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 1.0 CEUs for this event

Verify our IACET accreditation

Who recognizes IACET Credits?

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must log in each day and be in attendance for the entirety of the course to be eligible for continuing education credit.

Instructional Methods

PowerPoint presentations, group discussions, and active participation.

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Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Course CPE Credits: 12.0
There is no prerequisite for this Course.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Advanced Preparation: None

EUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its web site: www.nasbaregistry.org

 

 

Who Should Attend

• Substation Engineers and Technicians
• Operations and Maintenance Personnel
• Utility Managers and Supervisors
• Electrical Engineers
• Asset Management Professionals
• Field Service Engineers