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James Shepherd
James Shepherd
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James ShepherdMember
Real transformers exhibit core losses (hysteresis + eddy), copper losses (I²R), stray losses, dielectric heating, and mechanical losses from vibration. These losses convert electrical energy into heat and limit efficiency below 100%.
January 27, 2026 at 3:19 am in reply to: what role does a transformer play in power transmission? #332167James ShepherdMemberIn power transmission, transformers enable efficient long distance transfer of energy by stepping voltages up and down. At generating stations, step up transformers increase voltage to transmission levels, reducing current and line losses. Along transmission routes and at receiving ends, step down transformers reduce voltage to levels suitable for sub transmission and distribution networks. They also facilitate interconnection of systems with different voltage tiers, support voltage regulation via tap changers and help control short circuit levels. Without transformers, high voltage transmission and modern interconnected grids would not be practical.
January 24, 2026 at 5:13 pm in reply to: What skills are required for power transformer design engineer jobs? #331703James ShepherdMemberSkills include electromagnetic design, thermal modeling, dielectric coordination, mechanical short-circuit withstand, standards compliance, CFD/FEA, and materials selection.
January 24, 2026 at 4:42 pm in reply to: How are power transformer sizes determined for kVA and voltage? #331699James ShepherdMemberSize is determined by load demand, fault levels, voltage class, cooling method, and service conditions. kVA and voltage dictate conductor size, insulation, and core dimensions.
January 24, 2026 at 1:47 am in reply to: What procedures are used in a power transformer test? #331571James ShepherdMemberProcedures include ratio, winding resistance, insulation resistance, tan-delta, PD, AC withstand, induced tests, FRA, and DGA.
January 23, 2026 at 5:22 am in reply to: Why are oil power transformers used for insulation and thermal management? #331397James ShepherdMemberMineral or synthetic oil in power transformers acts as both an electrical insulator and a cooling medium. The oil fills voids around windings, increases dielectric strength, and allows high voltage clearances to be reduced compared to air. It also transfers heat from the windings and core to the tank and radiators, where it is dissipated to ambient air or water. The combination of good dielectric properties, thermal capacity and circulation makes oil a very effective medium for high voltage, high MVA transformers.
James ShepherdMemberLegacy Westinghouse units are used across North American transmission, distribution, and industrial networks, as well as in nuclear and heavy industrial service where long fleet life and retrofit support are common.
James ShepherdMemberkVA rating, voltage levels, impedance, vector group, cooling class (ONAN, ONAF, OFAF, etc), frequency, BIL, tap range, temperature rise, and insulation class define transformer performance and compatibility.
January 22, 2026 at 9:03 am in reply to: What does a shock recorder monitor on a power transformer? #331215James ShepherdMemberIt monitors mechanical shocks, vibration, and handling impacts during transport or installation to detect events that may compromise core alignment or winding structure.
January 22, 2026 at 4:49 am in reply to: What does the Hammond power transformers catalog include? #331155James ShepherdMemberIt includes product ratings, voltage taps, insulation classes, winding configurations, mounting options, and application notes for industrial and commercial use.
January 21, 2026 at 11:01 pm in reply to: What are the advantages of heating oil to 70 °C before gearbox fill? #331072James ShepherdMemberHeating the oil to 70 °C reduces viscosity, improving pumpability and ensuring full filling of internal cavities. Warm oil also enhances the bonding of lubricant molecules to gear and bearing surfaces at startup, reducing thermal shock and improving protection against wear. Combined with filtration, this results in a more effective maintenance cycle.
January 21, 2026 at 7:44 pm in reply to: How does vacuum drying impact transformer service life and reliability? #331024James ShepherdMemberBy thoroughly removing moisture and reducing air voids, vacuum drying improves the dielectric properties of insulation, which directly enhances transformer reliability and extends operational life. Drier insulation reduces the likelihood of electrical breakdowns, thermal aging, and moisture-related degradation, leading to fewer failures and longer maintenance intervals.
January 20, 2026 at 11:31 pm in reply to: How does a power transformer step up voltage for grid distribution? #330711James ShepherdMemberGenerator step-up transformers increase voltage to transmission levels (e.g., 11kV to 110-400kV) reducing I²R losses over distance.
January 20, 2026 at 9:09 pm in reply to: What does a frequency response analysis (FRA) test on a power transformer detect? #330678James ShepherdMemberFRA (or SFRA) injects a low-voltage swept-frequency signal into windings and measures the response, creating a fingerprint of the mechanical and electrical network. Changes in the signature over time can indicate winding displacement, core movement, clamping loosening, or lead deformation caused by faults, transport shocks, or short-circuits. It is extremely sensitive to mechanical changes and is widely used after shipping, fault events, or major short-circuit incidents to verify internal mechanical integrity without de-tanking.
January 20, 2026 at 7:16 pm in reply to: What is the importance and benefit of measuring water activity in oil? #330650James ShepherdMemberMeasuring water activity is important because it shows the real moisture risk, not just the absolute ppm value. Ppm depends strongly on temperature and oil type, while water activity directly reflects how close the oil is to saturation and condensation. It correlates with moisture equilibrium between oil and paper, so it is a better indicator of dew point risk and cellulose wetting. This makes aw much more useful for online monitoring and trend control than ppm alone.
January 20, 2026 at 7:24 am in reply to: How is a power transformer cost estimate calculated for utilities? #330484James ShepherdMemberCosts reflect kVA rating, voltage class, cooling type (ONAN/ONAF/ODAF), impedances, accessories, testing, logistics, and installation.
November 10, 2025 at 12:33 pm in reply to: A company engaged in transformer oil purification and testing requires a portable transformer drying unit. Please confirm availability. #327394James ShepherdMemberGlobeCore offers portable transformer drying systems, including the CMM-D and UVS series, designed for moisture removal and insulation drying under vacuum. We will confirm availability and provide specifications.
James ShepherdMemberGlobeCore offers portable oil filtration and degassing carts for transformer oil servicing. Please confirm oil type, capacity, and voltage to receive technical and pricing information.
September 17, 2025 at 6:28 pm in reply to: Why is preventive maintenance of transformer important? #325629James ShepherdMemberIt helps detect problems early, avoiding failures and unplanned downtime. GlobeCore systems enable regular oil testing and purification, keeping insulation oil within IEC standards and improving reliability.
September 9, 2025 at 12:03 pm in reply to: How is bitumen emulsion used in road construction? #324936James ShepherdMemberBitumen emulsion is widely used in tack coats, surface dressing, and cold mix applications due to its eco-friendly, energy-saving nature. GlobeCore provides turnkey emulsion plants that meet international specifications, enabling fast and scalable production on site or at asphalt plants.
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