This article serves as a comparison of Power Transformer Vs Voltage Transformer. Transformers are static electrical machines utilized for scaling up or scaling down power from one circuit to another.
| Parameter | Power Transformer | Voltage Transformer | |
| Definition | Power transformers are machines used in transmission lines for voltage stepping up or stepping down purposes. | Voltage or potential transformers are machines designed for accurate measurement of voltage in transmission lines. | |
| Connection | Power transformers are placed near the power generating station. | Voltage transformers are placed near the incoming side of the circuit breakers and they are connected in parallel with the line. | |
| Function | A power transformer is a power supplying device. | A voltage transformer is more of a protective measuring device. | |
| Rating | Usually power transformers have ratings above 200 MVA. | Voltage transformers’ ratings mostly stay within 200 MVA. | |
| Size | It is bigger in size than a voltage transformer due to heavy insulation. | It is comparatively small in size. | |
| Windings | Power transformers have thicker windings. | Voltage transformers have thin windings. | |
| Phase | Most power transformers are three phase. However, it can be single phase also. | Voltage transformers are single phase. LossesDue to full-load operation, a power transformer has minimized and equal copper and iron losses. | A voltage transformer is generally operated at less than full-load and has minimized core losses. |
| Efficiency | Power transformers have efficiency nearly 100%. | Voltage or potential transformers have maximum efficiency of 60-70%. |
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Power Transformer Vs Voltage Transformer- FAQs
Is a voltage transformer the same as a potential transformer?
Potential transformer is synonymous with a voltage transformer. Essentially, these transformers reduce the voltage or current of an electrical system ( relays, meters etc) to a lower value to keep the system safe.
A voltage or potential transformer, joined in parallel with the transmission line, measures the voltage of the line. The measuring devices are low voltage machines and they can’t be directly joined to the high voltage line. Therefore a potential transformer is placed in between that steps down the high voltage.
What is a power voltage transformer?
Power voltage transformers (also called as Station Service Voltage Transformer or SSVT) convert power from high to low voltage. These transformers have qualities of both voltage and distribution transformers.
Power voltage transformers are preferred for their compact architecture, cost effectiveness, high longevity (up to 30 years), increased power availability etc. They can provide power as high as 100 kVA for any type of load. Obscure areas with no nearby distribution network make use of these transformers.
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How is a power transformer different from a distribution transformer?
A power transformer is a generic transformer with the speciality of transmission of high power. A distribution transformer transforms voltage from high to low for power supply at distribution systems.
Power transformers are an integral part of transmission lines. After the transmission, a distribution transformer steps down the voltage for further supply in the household. Distribution transformers have relatively lower MVA rating and efficiency than power transformers. They are smaller in size as well.
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What is a three phase power transformer?
All the three phase transformers that we see are power transformers. But the converse is not always true. There can be single phase power transformers also. Those transformers work for single phase loads.
Power transformers supply power to a circuit. The rating of three phase power transformers can vary from 3 kVA to 1000 kVA. These transformers can be designed by connecting three single phase transformers or by keeping three windings in a core. Power transformers are the most popular ones in any grid systems.
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Hi……I am Kaushikee Banerjee completed my master’s in Electronics and Communications. I am an electronics enthusiast and am currently devoted to the field of Electronics and Communications. My interest lies in exploring cutting-edge technologies. I’m an enthusiastic learner and I tinker around with open-source electronics.
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