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400/33kV Transformer

The transformers of 400/33kV, 160MVA & 125MVA rating should be avoided as practice of using such low MVA rating transformers are not desirable at 400kV level. It is desirable that Transformers of above ratings are only procured by utilities to have standard ratings across the country. Can anyone explain why this is?

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  • As Mike says, in the UK at least, 400kV is the supergrid - if you like the equivalent of motorways. Whereas 33kV is more like a country lane.

    Generally you don't see many country lanes connecting directly with motorways - it just adds too much complexity to the motorway system.

    Likewise a 400kV system will serve a large area and so need to be very reliable - adding lots of little connections would mean adding a lot of complexity to the 400kV system - many more points of failure, much harder to disconnect for maintenance. In general it would be better to group smaller loads together (probably via some intermediate voltage) and minimise the number of connections direct to the 400kV system.

       - Andy.

  • 400 to 33Kv is a heck of a drop I've not heard of it being done before so I guess its not a common thing. I remember being surprised when I first heard they some times drop from 132 to 11Kv  but only if the loads over 100KVa. Does anyone know when that first  started? I think Hastings 132Kv grid station has it it also used to have a power station but that's long gone.

  • well there is form for this in Wales (Pen y Cymoedd)

    https://www.energetica-india.net/news/abb-to-connect-one-of-europes-largest-onshore-wind-farms-in-the-uk

    "ABB ...  supply transformers to step up the voltage from 33 kV at the point of generation to 132 kV for sub-transmission and then to 400 kV for input into the National Electricity Transmission System "
    They are not exactly 'small' transformers though being 280 megawatts or so .

    https://www.voltimum.co.uk/articles/first-abb-transformer-delivered-big-welsh

    It is also fun to look at the costs per km and per gigwatt figures only normally seen side by side when alternate line voltages and constructions are being discussed.

    https://business.senedd.wales/documents/s500000510/Consultation%20response%20EPP%20059%20-%20Tony%20Burton.html?CT=2

    M.

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