chimp1
Member
- Location
- Palm Bay, FL US
I was told you can increase the power of a transformer by changing its x/r ratio. You don't need a larger transformer to produce more power just change the x/r ratio. Is this true?
Changing the X/R ratio of a transformer
- Thread starter chimp1
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Wisconsin
- Occupation
- PE (Retired) - Power Systems
The X/R ratio of a transformer is determined by its design and construction. After it is built there is nothing for you to change.
weressl
Esteemed Member
That is true, mostly.
I had a 3MVA trasnformer core/coil inspection and it failed the X/R ratio. So they went back to make adjustments and managed to bring it into range. Granted the adjustmens that can be made are minor and has to do with clamping and tightness, but SOME things can be done.
- Location
- Wisconsin
- Occupation
- PE (Retired) - Power Systems
But all they did was bring it back to its design X/R. They did not change it with the end result being to change the output of the transformer.
If they could not restore the specified X/R, what ould have been the next step?
weressl
Esteemed Member
Yes Jim, that's why I said: "That is true, mostly."
Certainly the 'tightening' of the X/R ratio slightly changes the transformers capacity, but not to the degree the OP implied his needs, which he did not state with any quantitative values.
beanland
Senior Member
- Location
- Vancouver, WA
X/R is physical
X/R is physical
The R can be lowered by using larger wire in the windings, but that cannot be fixed after it is built. The X has to do with the proximity and coupling between windings, the tighter the windings are coupled, and coupled through the core, the lower the X. You can lower X by tweaking the windings but only a little. The X/R ratio and impedance are things that need to be designed into the transformer.
X/R is physical
The R can be lowered by using larger wire in the windings, but that cannot be fixed after it is built. The X has to do with the proximity and coupling between windings, the tighter the windings are coupled, and coupled through the core, the lower the X. You can lower X by tweaking the windings but only a little. The X/R ratio and impedance are things that need to be designed into the transformer.
- Location
- Wisconsin
- Occupation
- PE (Retired) - Power Systems
I was interested in what you would have done if they could not bring the X/R ratio back into specifications.
weressl
Esteemed Member
- See if it is sufficiently within the margins so that it does not cause motor starting problems, let it go as best they can bring it toward the range and ask for some money back.
- Have it built again.
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