OLTC Course – e-lesson #1: On-load tap-changer basics

This is the first lesson of the OLTC course conducted on the basic level.

Join us on March 5th at 2 pm CET for this interactive session and dive deep with industry experts!

In this event you will learn:

• • Foundational knowledge of load tap changers
  • Their purpose
  • The different construction types and operating principles of the patented process
  • Resistor and reactor constructions.

Content of this lesson is fully vendor agnostic but it is sponsored by Huaming!

This lesson introduces the basics of on-load tap changers (OLTC), explaining their crucial role in maintaining voltage stability in transformers. OLTCs allow voltage adjustment without interrupting service by modifying the output voltage through taps. The lesson covers the operational mechanics, design variations (e.g., resistor-type, reactor-type), and standards for these devices. It also highlights the importance of voltage regulation, explains various switching principles, and differentiates between arcing and selector switches. Further, the lesson delves into transformer construction, current interruption techniques, and the key concept of bridging positions, crucial for effective tap changing. Lastly, the lesson addresses failure rates associated with OLTCs, providing practical insights into the risks and benefits of different transformer designs.