Difference between Power Transformer and Distribution Transformer

Difference between Power Transformer and Distribution Transformer

Power transformers are used for transmission & receiving purpose, whereas Distribution transformers are used only for Distribution purpose.

Power Transformer voltage ratio varies b/w 756 kV to 11kV. Whereas Distribution Transformer voltage ratio varies b/w 33kV to 430V.

Power transformers usually have higher MVA rating compare to Distribution Transformer.

To understand above, I want you to understand the different voltage levels which we use from starting of power generation till its Distribution Transformer

1. Generally electrical power is generated at low voltages i.e. 11kV. Large generators are designed to generate voltage ranging from 11 kV to 28 kV and frequency in 50 Hz or 60 Hz range. But to generate at 33kV, the size of the generator might be twice as large as the size of the 11kV generator.
2. Now this generated energy is transmitted over the transmission lines of several hundred kilometers, when a current flows through these wires some energy is lost as heat. The higher the current, the more heat is lost. Hence we need to transmit the power at low current to minimize the conductor size and losses. To reduce the current we need to increase the voltage. In transmission/generating stations we use Step-up transformer to increase the voltage to say 220 kV or above, these transformers are called as power transformers.
3. Now this EHV transmission line terminates at local receiving station, where 220 kV voltage is step down to say 33 or 11kV using the step down transformers, these transformers are also called as Power transformers.
4. Now, these 11kV voltage line is then distributed along every distribution station of the city, where voltage is further step down to 430V AC using the step down transformer. Transformers used here are called Distribution transformers.
5. These 430V (3 Phase & 1 Neutral) AC is then given to industrial and household consumers. Normally household consumer gets 230V as a standard single phase voltage, this configuration is achieved with one phase and one neutral wire.

Above points can be visualized as follow

A Distribution Transformer a type of step down Distribution that is used in and around the city neighborhood to bring down the high tension /voltage level coming from the substation to a usable level before it enter any customer premises..

Typical voltage level distributed from power substations ranges in several KV range which are step down by the Distribution Transformer to about 240 volts before it enters and fed for domestic and commercial usage..

You have not specified the voltage for which the current is needed. KVA on any side of transformer in each delta connected winding is V×I /1000, where V is line voltage and I is current in winding. So you may calculate the current capacity from the voltage on reference side (primary or secondary).

And the complete research about market for Distribution Transformer

Get complete market research report for Indian Market on Power and Distribution Transformer market at the world transformer core market is projected to reach $8,897 million by 2022, from 2015 value of $7,123 with a CAGR of 3.5% from 2016 to 2022. And The distribution transformer segment is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of 3.5%.

Major players in the transformer core market are

ABB Ltd.
Siemens AG
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
Crompton Greaves
Toshiba Corporation
Hitachi, Ltd.
Fuji Electric Co. Ltd.
Ferroxcube International Holding B.V.