This is the third e-lesson in the Design of power transformers course, authored and hosted on basic level by Aleksandar Lojpur.
This lesson provides a basic-level overview of the fundamental concepts in electric insulation design for power transformers. We will cover the key properties of electrical insulation materials, including solids, liquids, and gases, and how they impact overall transformer design. Understanding the behavior of electric fields and voltage distribution within the transformer is crucial, as it determines the required insulation levels. Various calculation methods, such as finite element analysis, are used to model these complex electromagnetic phenomena. Electrical breakdown and partial discharge are important failure modes that must be considered in the insulation design. The lesson will also touch on the purpose and types of electrical tests performed to verify the transformer’s insulation integrity. Finally, the concepts of rated insulation level and highest voltage for equipment will be explained. This knowledge forms the foundation for designing reliable and long-lasting power transformer insulation systems.
