Chapter 31

Transformer MVA Sizing

In power systems, there are many devices whose proper size is critical to the design of a power delivery
system. One of the most important is the power transformer. There are several factors involved in the
process of sizing a transformer. ANSI and IEC standards provide a set of guidelines that list these factors
and how they can be used to determine if a transformer can handle its required operating load.
Inadequately sized transformers may shorten the equipments operating life or cause overloading failures.

ETAP has compiled the information contained on standards ANSI/IEEE C57, IEC 60076-2 & 60726 into
a program that can easily determine the proper size of a power transformer. The method used by the
program considers several factors like ambient temperature, altitude, cooling stage and type (dry or liquid
fill). When sizing a transformer, it is also very important to consider the expected future growth of the
required load. The MVA sizing module uses adjusting factors to take this into account. The transformer
short-circuit requirement transformer impedance and basic impulse level (BIL), are also considered by
the MVA sizing module. The module has built in functions that compare the calculated size and
impedance against the minimum values recommended by the standards.

The ETAP Transformer Sizing module provides two sizing calculations. One calculation is to size
transformer MVA rating (both rated and maximum) and %Z for single-phase and 3-phase 2-winding
transformers, based on ANSI and IEC standards. Another calculation is to optimize a generator unit
transformer tap ratio based on ANSI standards. The first calculation is hereafter referred to as
Transformer MVA Sizing, whereas the second calculation is referred to hereafter as Transformer Tap
Optimization. Transformer Tap Optimization is explained in detail in Chapter 27.

This chapter describes the interfaces, input, and output data involved in running the Transformer MVA
Sizing module. Other associated operations including data update will also be explained. A brief view of
the related standards is included as well.

The Transformer MVA Sizing chapter describes how to start the transformer MVA sizing calculation, the
input data and output results of the calculation, and how to use the sizing results to update the transformer
editor. The section on calculation methods provides some technical background on the calculations
involved with transformer MVA sizing.

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Transformer Sizing 2-Winding Transformer MVA Sizing

31.1 2-Winding Transformer MVA Sizing

The 2-Winding Transformer MVA Sizing calculation sizes the transformer rated MVA, maximum MVA,
and %Z based on the transformer loading, installation, insulation level, and short-circuit duties. Load
variation factors can also be included in the sizing calculation. This section describes how to access the
Transformer MVA Sizing calculation, sizing options, required input data, and available results.

To access the Transformer MVA Sizing module, double-click on the transformer icon in the one-line
diagram to access the Transformer editor. Next, select the Sizing page.

You may access the Transformer editor from the Project view as well.

On the Sizing page, you can select or enter the transformer loading data, transformer installation, and
transformer insulation data to run the sizing calculation, select the recommended sizing results and update
the transformer ratings based on the calculated size.

Transformer Loading
The Transformer Loading group allows you to find the operating load or the connected load to this
transformer and then use either load for sizing purposes. Also, you can manually enter a loading for the
transformer.

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Transformer Sizing 2-Winding Transformer MVA Sizing

MVA
Enter the loading seen by the transformer. The loading MVA can be entered manually or updated
automatically by clicking on the Operating or Connected Load buttons. This value is used as the
transformer load MVA in the sizing calculations.

Operating MVA, MW and Mvar

If you run Load Flow Analysis and select the option to update Operating Load & V from the Load Flow
Study Case editor, the transformer operating MVA, MW and Mvar will be updated and displayed in these
fields and the Operating button will be enabled.

Load Flow Study Case Info Page

Two Winding Transformer Sizing Page

Clicking on the Operating button will update the MVA field and at the same time run the sizing
calculations.

Connected MVA, MW and Mvar

If the loading on a transformer is due to a radial system, the connected loading can then be automatically
computed and displayed in these fields and the Connected button. If a non-radial or looped configuration
is encountered, a message displaying Loop configuration detected. No Calculations! will appear.

Click on the Connected button to update the load MVA field and run the sizing calculations.

Spare Loads
While calculating the total connected load downstream to a transformer, you can use this option to
include all spare loads to determine the final connected load to the transformer. A spare load is defined as
having a configuration status set to spare in the respective element editor.

Configuration Status Demand Factor

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Transformer Sizing 2-Winding Transformer MVA Sizing

Load Variation
This section defines load variation factors that affect MVA sizing calculation.

Growth Factor
The growth factor is an allowance for future growth. This percent value indicates how much future load
increase should be expected for the given transformer. The growth factor is used for calculating the
required Rated MVA of the transformer. If you select the option Use GF for Max. MVA, then the growth
factor will be used for calculating the Max MVA size.

Load Factor
The load factor is defined as the ratio of the average load to the peak load over a designated period of
time. You may calculate the Load Factor in percent from the following relation:

kWi * Ti
% Load Factor = 100 *
kWp * Tt
where:

i Interval of time when the load is non-zero

kWi Load at interval i
Ti Number of hours of interval i
kWp Peak load
Tt Ton + Toff
Ton Total hours when the load is on
Toff Total hours when the load is off

If the transformer carries load at every interval, then the relationship may be simplified to:
Ton
% Load Factor = 100 *
Tt
The Load Factor is equal to 100% if the transformer carries the required load continuously all the time.

Installation
This group defines the transformer installation conditions that affect MVA sizing calculations.

Altitude
Enter the altitude of the transformer installation in feet or meters. ETAP adjusts the calculated Required
Rated MVA based on this altitude value.

Per Standards C57.92-1981 and C57.96-1986, ETAP uses the following derating factors for every 330 ft.
(100 m) above 3300 ft. (1000 m), for transformers installed at an altitude greater than 3300 ft. (1000 m).

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Transformer Sizing 2-Winding Transformer MVA Sizing

Types of Cooling Derating Factor (%)

Liquid-immersed air-cooled 0.4
Liquid-immersed water-cooled 0.0
Liquid-immersed forced-air-cooled 0.5
Liquid-immersed forced-liquid-cooled
With liquid-to-air cooler 0.5
Liquid-immersed forced-liquid-cooled
With liquid-to-water cooler 0.0

Dry type, Self-Cooled (AA) 0.3

Dry type, Forced-Air-Cooled (AA/FA and AFA) 0.5

For IEC rated transformers, naturally cooled, the limit of average winding temperature rise is reduced by
1k for every 400m above 1000m. For forced cooled transformers, the reduction shall be 1k for every
250 m.

Ambient Temp.
Enter the ambient temperature of the transformer location in degrees Celsius. ETAP adjusts the Required
Rated MVA based on the ambient temperature value.

Impedance
This data section defines the transformer Basic Impulse Level (BIL) and primary and secondary short
circuit duties that affect calculations of the transformer impedance.

BIL Limit
Enter the Basic Impulse Level of the transformer. ETAP utilizes this value for determining the
transformer minimum impedance according to ANSI/IEC standards.

Limit Short-Circuit kA
If you select this option, ETAP will use the short circuit current contribution, the BIL value, and the
transformer type to determine the impedance of the transformer.

@ Prim.
Enter the primary winding short-circuit current requirement in kA. ETAP will use this value to calculate
the transformer impedance. This value indicates the short circuit current contribution for the transfer from
secondary to primary.

@ Sec.
Enter the secondary winding short circuit current requirement in kA. This value indicates the short circuit
current contribution for the transfer from primary to secondary.

ETAP will determine either the primary or secondary short circuit current contribution if either value is
known based on the rated voltage ratio.

Options
This group defines additional options used for Transformer MVA Sizing calculation.

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Transformer Sizing 2-Winding Transformer MVA Sizing

Use GF for Max. MVA

If you select this option, ETAP will use the Growth Factor to adjust the required Max MVA value
calculated by the program.

Result
This data section displays all the results from the Transformer MVA Sizing calculation.

One Size Larger (Standard)

Required Size (Non-Standard)

One Size Smaller (Standard)

Larger Size
Calculated Rated MVA, Max MVA, and %Z will be displayed in these fields for the One Size Larger
Transformer. ETAP first will calculate the Required Rated MVA, Max MVA, and %Z. Then, based on
the ANSI or IEC Standard Tables, ETAP will select a standard larger size from the required values.

You can update the Transformer Ratings using the calculated Larger Size values by pressing on the
Larger Size button.

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Transformer Sizing 2-Winding Transformer MVA Sizing

Required Size
ETAP calculates the required Rated MVA, Max MVA, and % Z. Then, the calculated values are
displayed in these fields.

You can update the Transformer Ratings using the calculated Required Size values by pressing on the
Required Size button.

Smaller Size
Calculated Rated MVA, Max MVA, and %Z will be displayed in these fields for the One Size Smaller
Transformer. ETAP first will calculate the Required Rated MVA, Max MVA, and %Z. Then, based on
the ANSI or IEC Standard Tables, ETAP will select a standard smaller size from the required values.

You can update the Transformer Ratings using the calculated Smaller Size values by pressing on the
Smaller Size button.

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Transformer Sizing Calculation Method

31.2 Calculation Method

Standard Compliance
ETAP Transformer MVA Sizing calculation complies with the following standards:

ANSI/IEEE C57-1994
IEC 60076-2 (liquid)
IEC 60726 (Dry)

Calculation Procedure
ETAP Transformer MVA Sizing module follows recommended transformer sizing procedures as
described in ANSI/IEEE C57, IEC 60076-2, and IEC 60726. The standard transformer sizes used by the
program are taken from transformer size tables described by these standards. The MVA sizing module
determines the transformer required size based on the use of several multiplying factors. The different
multiplying factors are based on the transformer installation altitude, ambient temperature, insulation
/encapsulation type, number of phases, cooling stage, and transformer size. For example, a transformer
installed at an ambient temperature of 20 degrees Celsius will have a higher MVA capacity than a
transformer installed at a 30 degrees Celsius location. ANSI/IEEE standards require that the transformer
be sized based on the output MVA requirement. IEC standards require that the transformer be sized based
on the output MVA requirement plus the transformer losses. This means that when you size a transformer
based on IEC standards, the losses of the transformer are included in the calculated required size.

ETAP will show N/A for the next larger MVA or next smaller MVA if the value is not available from the
standard ANSI/IEC transformer sizes.

The Transformer MVA Sizing module also provides the user with the typical percent impedance values
for the calculated required size, next larger size, and next smaller size. If the Limit Short-Circuit kA
option is enabled, the %Z value is determined based on the primary short circuit current and the full load
current of the required MVA load. The BIL rating of the transformer is used to determine the minimum
impedance that the transformer should have in case the required short circuit current is too high.

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Transformer Sizing Required Data

31.3 Required Data

Input Data
The input data required for the Transformer MVA Sizing calculation is found in the Transformer editor.
The data is located in three pages.

2-Winding Transformer Editor Info page:

Standard
Type
Subtype
Class
Temp. Rise

2-Winding Transformer Editor Rating page:

Primary Winding kV rating

2-Winding Transformer Editor Sizing page:

Growth factor
Load Factor
Altitude
Ambient Temperature
BIL
Primary/Secondary SC kA requirement
Operating load
Connected load

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