Circular vs Square Power Transformer
Circular vs Square Power Transformer
(OP)
I was asked a question about which transformer design is best for a plant using large induction motors (no plug stop)...the largest is two 1250HP motors. The question was whether a circular-design power transformer or traditional rectangular design power transformer is best suited for this industrial application. The transformer in question will step the voltage from 34.5 to 4kv (69kV to 4kV at a later date). I heard that the circular design gives better voltage performance, but the rectangular design is more robust in regards to faults/etc. Has anyone dealt with this question or does anyone know of where I can find information regarding?





RE: Circular vs Square Power Transformer
Barry1961
RE: Circular vs Square Power Transformer
RE: Circular vs Square Power Transformer
RE: Circular vs Square Power Transformer
If you get competitive bids on large transformers, my experience has been that the lowest bids will be rectangular core.
From my limited experience, I have never seen or heard of a circular unit failing on a through-fault. I know of a few rectangular units that have failed. But that's not really a statistically significant sample.
RE: Circular vs Square Power Transformer
Most cores aren't true squares, except very small ones, regardless of the shape of the tank. The core has a quasi-circular shape by virtue of the laminations decreasing in width toward the outside of the core structure. The larger the core, the closer the approximation to a circle. The windings are often circular because it is easier to wind them that way - the circular form avoids discontinuities and sharp angles which raise electrical and mechanical stress which then have to be dealt with.
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RE: Circular vs Square Power Transformer
transformers. They built a 4 MW AC/DC power supply for a customer not too long ago. They claimed the circular was better through more modern design techniques.