Transformer Test Power Source

Transformer Test Power Supply

Select a controlled AC power source for transformer partial discharge, induced-voltage, no-load loss, load and temperature-rise testing.

Different transformer tests place different requirements on the power source, including voltage, frequency, capacity and partial-discharge background where applicable. SDACME configures transformer test power supplies according to the test method and the transformer under test.

Choose by Test Type Send Test Requirements
Variable-Frequency AC Output Project-Configured Capacity Transformer Test Applications
Start With the Test
What transformer test do you need to perform?

The test method determines which power-source characteristics should be prioritized.

01
Partial Discharge / IVPD Low-background test-power conditions
02
Induced Voltage / DVDF / ACLD Controlled variable-frequency excitation
03
No-Load / Load Testing Power source selected around test requirements
04
Temperature-Rise Testing Project-configured transformer test power
Not sure? Start with the transformer and test type. SDACME
Transformer Test Power Source

What Is a Transformer Test Power Supply?

A transformer test power supply is the controlled AC power source used to provide the voltage, frequency and power required for a specific transformer test.

The required source depends on the test method. Partial-discharge testing places particular emphasis on the electrical background of the test arrangement, while induced-voltage testing requires controlled variable-frequency excitation. No-load loss, load and temperature-rise tests require the test power source to be configured according to the transformer and the applicable test conditions.

A simple way to define the power-source role
STEP 01 Test Requirement Define the transformer and the test that must be performed.
STEP 02 Test Power Source Select voltage, frequency and power-source configuration around the test requirement.
STEP 03 Transformer Under Test Apply the required electrical test conditions to the transformer.
The test power supply is the electrical source within the broader transformer test arrangement. Measuring and test equipment are selected according to the specific test method.
Selection by Test Requirement

Choose a Power Source by Transformer Test

Start with the transformer test you need to perform. Each test places different requirements on the AC power source, so the appropriate configuration should be selected around the test method rather than by a single power rating alone.

03

PD-Free Variable-Frequency Power Source

Power-Source Focus

A variable-frequency AC source configured for transformer tests where low partial-discharge background is required.

Partial Discharge-Free Power Supply
04

No-Load & Load Testing

Power-Source Focus

Test power configured according to the transformer and the applicable no-load or load test requirements.

See Transformer Factory Tests
05

Temperature-Rise Testing

Power-Source Focus

Transformer test power configured according to the required temperature-rise test arrangement and project conditions.

Covered on This Hub Page
Selection principle: define the transformer and test requirement first, then determine the appropriate power-source configuration.
Partial Discharge Testing

Power Source for Partial Discharge and IVPD Testing

Partial-discharge testing requires a test power source selected with particular attention to the electrical background of the complete test arrangement, as well as the required voltage, frequency and transformer test conditions.

Define the PD test conditions first

Transformer Under Test Define the transformer type and rating.
Required Test Voltage Specify the electrical test condition.
Test Frequency Confirm the frequency required by the test method.
PD Background Requirement Identify whether a low-background source is required.
Application Guide

Transformer Partial Discharge Test

See the dedicated application page for transformer PD / IVPD test requirements, test arrangement and power-source considerations.

Explore PD Testing
The power source provides the electrical test power. Partial-discharge detection and measurement are performed by the associated measuring equipment in the test arrangement.
Induced Withstand Testing

Power Source for Induced Voltage, DVDF and ACLD Tests

Transformer induced-voltage testing requires controlled AC excitation. A variable-frequency power source allows the output conditions to be configured according to the transformer and the applicable induced withstand test requirement.

V

Required Test Voltage

Define the electrical test voltage required for the transformer under test.

Hz

Adjustable Frequency

Select the frequency required by the induced-voltage test procedure.

kVA

Power-Source Capacity

Configure the source around the transformer and the required test conditions.

Need the induced-voltage test application guide?

Continue to the dedicated DVDF / ACLD / transformer induced-voltage page.

Explore Induced Voltage Test →
Product Route

When Is a PD-Free Variable-Frequency Power Supply Required?

Not every transformer test requires the same partial-discharge background performance. For PD-sensitive tests, a partial discharge-free variable-frequency source can be selected when a low-background AC test source is required.

Variable Frequency Adjustable AC frequency for transformer test requirements.
Controlled AC Output Output conditions configured around the transformer test.
Low-Background Configuration Applied where the test requires PD-sensitive electrical conditions.
For detailed product specifications, configuration range and partial-discharge-free power-source information, continue to the dedicated product page.
View PD-Free Power Supply →
Additional Transformer Tests

Power Sources for Other Transformer Factory Tests

In addition to partial-discharge and induced-voltage applications, transformer test power can also be configured for no-load loss, load and temperature-rise testing.

Factory Test

No-Load Loss Test

Test power can be configured for transformer no-load loss testing according to the transformer and the required test conditions.

Factory Test

Load Test

Test power can be configured for transformer load testing according to the transformer and project test requirements.

Factory Test

Temperature-Rise Test

Test power can also be configured for transformer temperature-rise testing according to the required test arrangement.

These applications are configured according to the transformer and test requirements rather than treated as one fixed power-supply specification.
Engineering Selection

How to Select a Transformer Test Power Supply

Start with the transformer and the test requirement. The following information gives SDACME the basis for an initial power-source review.

01
Test Type PD, IVPD, induced voltage, no-load, load or temperature rise.
02
Transformer Rating Provide the transformer type and rated capacity.
03
Required Test Voltage Specify the required AC test voltage or test condition.
04
Required Test Frequency Important for induced and variable-frequency testing.
05
Required Capacity / Current Provide known power or current requirements where available.
06
PD Measurement Requirement Confirm whether partial-discharge measurement is part of the test.
07
Available Input Supply Provide the available laboratory or factory incoming power.
08
Test Arrangement Share the known test arrangement or project requirements.
Have your transformer and test information ready? Send the available conditions for an initial configuration review.
Send Test Conditions →
Configuration Reference

Reference Configuration Range

The variable-frequency power platform covers a broad reference range for transformer testing. Final configuration is selected according to the transformer, test method and project requirements.

5–2000 kVA Capacity Reference configuration range
0–1000 V Output Voltage Line-to-line reference range
45–200 Hz Output Frequency Adjustable variable-frequency output
Need detailed electrical specifications? The dedicated partial discharge-free power supply page covers the product-level specification set.
Transformer Test Projects

Transformer Test Power Supply Project References

Transformer test-station requirements vary by project. Existing project references demonstrate different capacity levels used in transformer testing applications.

450 kVA
35 kV Transformer Test Station

Project reference for a partial discharge-free variable-frequency power source used in a transformer test-station application.

1000 kVA
220 kV Transformer Test Station

High-power transformer testing reference based on an existing project configuration.

1500 kVA
110 kV / 220 kV References

Existing project records include 1500 kVA configurations associated with both 110 kV-class and 220 kV-class transformer test stations.

1600 kVA
220 kV Transformer Test Station

Project reference demonstrating a higher-capacity transformer test power-source configuration.

Project references are configuration examples. They do not define one standard specification for every transformer test application.
FAQ

Transformer Test Power Supply FAQ

Key questions when selecting a power source for transformer testing.

What is a transformer test power supply?
A transformer test power supply is a controlled AC source used to provide the voltage, frequency and power required for a transformer test. The configuration depends on the transformer and the test method.
What power source is used for transformer partial discharge testing?
Transformer PD testing requires a stable test source selected with consideration for the required voltage, frequency and the partial-discharge background requirement of the test arrangement.
Why is variable frequency used for transformer induced-voltage testing?
Induced-voltage test procedures may require excitation at a frequency different from normal power frequency. A variable-frequency source allows the required test frequency to be configured for the test.
Do all transformer tests require a PD-free power supply?
No. The required partial-discharge background depends on the test. PD-sensitive applications may require a low-background source, while other transformer factory tests are configured according to their electrical test requirements.
Can one power platform support different transformer tests?
A variable-frequency transformer test power platform can be configured for different applications including partial discharge, induced withstand voltage, no-load loss, load and temperature-rise testing. Final configuration depends on the specific test.
How is transformer test power-supply capacity selected?
Capacity should be reviewed together with the transformer rating, required test voltage and frequency, the test method and the known electrical requirements of the test arrangement.
Is a transformer test power supply the same as a complete transformer test system?
No. The power supply provides the electrical test power. A complete transformer test arrangement may also include measuring instruments and other equipment required by the specific test method.
Transformer Test Power Source RFQ

Configure the Power Source Around Your Transformer Test

Tell us what transformer you need to test and which test you need to perform. SDACME can review the available electrical requirements and recommend an appropriate transformer test power-source configuration.

Send Your Test Requirements
Information to Send
Transformer type
Transformer rated capacity
Test type
Required test voltage
Required test frequency
Required capacity / current
PD measurement requirement
Available input supply
If some parameters are not yet available, send the transformer rating and intended test first for an initial review.