IEC 61378-1-2011 PDF

Full title and description

Converter transformers — Part 1: Transformers for industrial applications. Specifies requirements for the specification, design and testing of power transformers and reactors intended for integration within semiconductor converter plants (industrial convertor applications such as thyristor and diode rectifiers, converters feeding inverters for variable-speed drives, electrolysis, scrap-melting furnaces, etc.).

Abstract

This International Standard (IEC 61378-1:2011, 2nd edition) establishes ratings, design features, winding arrangements (including phase-displacement connections up to 30°), testing requirements and guidance for converter transformers and associated regulating units (step-down regulating transformers or autotransformers) used with semiconductor converter plants. The 2011 edition incorporated technical changes from the previous edition and the corrigendum issued in January 2012.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (stability date indicated by publisher: 2029).
• Publication date: 26 July 2011.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 29.180 (Transformers; Reactors).
• Edition / version: Edition 2.0 (2011).
• Number of pages: 184 pages (electronic/print edition as published by IEC).

These bibliographic and status details are taken from the IEC publication record for IEC 61378-1:2011.

Scope

IEC 61378-1:2011 is limited to converter transformers for industrial applications and applies to power converters of any power rating. It covers oil-filled and dry-type units intended to operate with semiconductor rectifiers and inverters, and includes requirements for ratings, terminal identification, phase displacement, tap-changers (OLTC) guidance, winding arrangements and thermal and dielectric testing appropriate to converter service. It is not a general power distribution transformer standard and is intended specifically for converter-integrated transformer installations.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions of rated power and reference-power basis appropriate for converter operation.
• Ratings and terminal identification for three‑phase units, including permitted phase displacement options (addition of 30° phase-displacement winding connections).
• Design and construction guidance for multiple active parts in a single tank and for high-current valve windings (current sharing and hot-spot temperature considerations).
• Guidance on selection and application of on‑load tap‑changers (OLTC) and regulating transformers feeding converter transformers.
• Requirements and tests for insulation and dielectric strength appropriate to converter duties, plus annexes with measurement and calculation examples.
• Inclusion of transductor (magnetic regulator) considerations when used with diode rectifiers for DC voltage regulation.
• Thermal, mechanical and routine test procedures adapted for converter service and special measurement arrangements.

Typical use and users

Typical users include transformer designers and manufacturers, electrical engineers specifying converter equipment for industrial plants (electrolysis, large drives, metal-melting furnaces, variable-speed drive installations), procurement and testing laboratories, project engineers for industrial power systems and standards committees developing related technical guidance. The standard is used to prepare technical specifications, perform factory and site testing, and verify thermal and dielectric performance for converter-connected transformers.

Related standards

IEC 61378 is a series. Relevant related parts and documents include IEC 61378-2 (Transformers for HVDC applications, earlier edition published 2001) and IEC 61378-3 (Application guide — edition updated 2015) along with associated IEC power-transformer standards such as IEC 60076 series for general transformer guidance. These parts and companion guides supplement or extend the Part 1 requirements for HVDC or application-specific topics.

Keywords

converter transformers, convertor transformers, transformer for industrial applications, valve winding, phase displacement, on-load tap-changer (OLTC), transductor, diode rectifier, thyristor rectifier, IEC 61378-1, power transformer testing, converter service.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61378-1:2011 is the second-edition International Standard that specifies design, ratings and test requirements for converter transformers intended for industrial semiconductor converter applications.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specification, design and testing of power transformers and reactors integrated within semiconductor converter plants — including winding connections, phase displacement, thermal and dielectric testing, OLTC guidance and considerations for high-current valve windings and transductors.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Transformer manufacturers, electrical and project engineers for industrial converter installations (electrolysis, large drives, melting furnaces, VSD systems), test laboratories and procurement/specification teams.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: IEC 61378-1:2011 is the 2nd edition published in 2011; a corrigendum was issued in January 2012 and is incorporated in copies of the 2011 edition. Publisher records show a stability date extending to 2029 for this edition; users should verify any later amendments or newer editions with the IEC webstore or their national standards body.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — IEC 61378 is a multipart series. Part 1 covers industrial converter transformers, Part 2 covers HVDC converter transformers, and Part 3 is an application guide that supplements the technical content of Parts 1 and 2.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Converter transformers, valve windings, phase displacement, OLTC, transductor, diode rectifier, thyristor rectifier, IEC 61378-1.