SGB SMIT - Generator Step-up Transformers
In a conventional power plant, thermal or potential energy is converted to mechanical energy, which in turn must be converted to electrical energy. A steam, gas or water turbine is used to drive a rotating shaft, which in turn drives a generator, producing electricity at a relatively low voltage (typically in the range 15kV-24kV). This low voltage must be transformed to a higher voltage using a generator step-up transformer, otherwise the transmission conductors would be too large in cross-section to be practical, and the voltage drop (typically 10kV on typical transmission line) would mean that little or no power could actually be transmitted.
The generator transformer typically consists of a low voltage winding, a high voltage winding and an optional high voltage regulating winding, to allow some control of the output voltage level.
Many of the challenges with the design of generator step-up transformers relate to the extremely high currents in the LV windings, and the magnetic fields produced by the heavy current connections. Royal SMIT Transformers B.V. takes great care to calculate and control these magnetic fields in order to avoid hotspots in either the internal clamping structures or the transformer tank.
Royal SMIT Transformers B.V. has an ongoing engineering evaluation process for continuous improvement and upgrade of its design programs.
Royal SMIT engineering is making full use of a high end 3D-CAD system for the complete transformer design. Active parts and tanks can be combined in one model allowing the best possible check on correct dimensioning.
Almost all engineers use 3D-CAD stations. The introduction of 3D-CAD technology was thoroughly prepared over the past years. A team of experts worked fulltime on the required tank- and active part models.
The great advantages for SMIT as well as its customers are:
- constant quality because of modular design
- large reduction of engineering time for standardised transformer designs
- reduced engineering lead time for even the most complicated transformers