Dry-type Transformers

BULLETIN
December 2002

 

The Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is giving notice of intent to amend Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations (the Regulations) under which Canadian dealers would be required to comply with minimum energy performance standards for dry-type transformers imported or shipped interprovincially for sale or lease in Canada.

Amendment 6 to Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations was pre-published on December 14, 2002. The regulation of dry-type transformers is included in this amendment with a completion date of January 1, 2005. This would require all dry-type transformers, as defined in this document, manufactured after this date to meet the minimum efficiency performance standards.

NRCan is concerned about the energy efficiency of transformers available in the marketplace. Economic analyses have shown that there are substantial energy savings to be achieved by regulating minimum efficiency levels. The regulation of dry-type transformers will significantly contribute to the reduction of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric emissions.

This bulletin attempts to put the requirements of the amendment in simpler terms. However, the legal text of the amendment, as found in the Canada Gazette Part 1, is the official document.

BACKGROUND
In June 1997, NRCan distributed a bulletin which contained proposed regulations for transformers. NRCan conducted three consultation workshops in November 1997, June 1998, October 1999 and February 2001 (bulletin in December 2000) to receive comments on these proposed regulations.

Issues identified at the workshops included the transformers to be regulated (and excluded), the proposed energy efficiency standards and the economic analysis. Also of interest was harmonization with other Canadian (provincial) standards and the voluntary standard National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) TP 1-1996, Guide for Determining Energy Efficiency for Distribution Transformers and associated document TP 2-1998, Standard Test Method for Measuring the Energy Consumption of Distribution Transformers, in the U.S.

NRCan places a great deal of importance on consultation with stakeholders in the development of the Regulations. As a result of their input and through continued discussion with affected groups, NRCan has separated the processes for Dry-Type and Liquid Filled Transformers. The regulation discussed in this bulletin deals solely with dry-type transformers.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
NRCan is proposing that the Regulations will apply to single- and three-phase, 60 Hz, dry-type transformers with a primary voltage of 35 kV and below and a secondary voltage of 600 volts and below, rated 15 to 833 kVA for single-phase and 15 to 7500 kVA for three-phase.

Products specifically excluded from this regulation include:

  1. Autotransformers
  2. Drive isolation transformers
  3. Instrument transformers
  4. Rectifier and converter transformers
  5. Sealed and transformers
  6. Testing transformers
  7. Transformers with tap ranges greater than 10% (includes furnace transformers)
  8. Welding transformers.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS
Originally, the maximum losses specified in the Canadian Standards Association document CSA-C802-94, Maximum Losses for Distribution, Power and Dry-Type Transformers, was proposed as the regulated energy efficiency standard for transformers.

Transformer workshop participants encouraged NRCan to consider harmonization of the transformer minimum efficiency levels with those specified in NEMA TP-1. NEMA TP-1 specifies transformer minimum efficiency levels as per cent efficiency. NRCan consulted with members of the CSA-C802 Technical Subcommittee and other stakeholders and is now proposing the following minimum per cent efficiency levels as the dry-type transformer energy efficiency standards as found in CSA-C802.2-00, Table 1. This table introduces a second decimal place to the minimum levels.

The reference winding temperature is 75ºC.

single-phase
three-phase
kVA Minimum Low Voltage, V 1.2 kV Class, % Effi-
ciency at .35 per unit name-
plate load
BIL 20 - 150 kV, % Effi-
ciency at .5 per unit name-
plate load
kVA Minimum Low Voltage, V 1.2 kV Class, % Effi-
ciency at .35 per unit name-
plate load
BIL 20 - 150 kV, % Effi-
ciency at .5 per unit name-
plate load
15 120 / 240 97.70 97.60 15 208Y/
120
97.00 96.80
25 120 / 240 98.00 97.90 30 208Y/
120
97.50 97.30
37.5 120 / 240 98.20 98.10 45 208Y/
120
97.70 97.60
50 120 / 240 98.30 98.20 75 208Y/
120
98.00 97.90
75 120 / 240 98.50 98.40 112.5 208Y/
120
98.20 98.10
100 120 / 240 98.60 98.50 150 208Y/
120
98.30 98.20
167 120 / 240 98.70 98.70 225 208Y/
120
98.50 98.40
250 120 / 240 98.80 98.80 300 208Y/
120
98.60 98.50
333 120 / 240 98.90 98.90 500 208Y/
120
98.70 98.70
500 480 - 99.00 750 208Y/
120
98.80 98.80
667 480 - 99.00 1000 208Y/
120
98.90 98.90
833 480 - 99.10 1500 480Y/
277
- 99.00
        2000 480Y/
277
- 99.00
        2500 480Y/
277
- 99.10
        3000 600Y/
347
- 99.10
        3750 4160Y/
2400
- 99.20
        5000 4160Y/
2400
- 99.20
        7500 4160Y/
2400
- 99.20

ENERGY PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURE
The CSA International standard, CSA-C802-94, Maximum Losses for Distribution, Power and Dry-Type Transformers, was revised by the Technical Subcommittee and will be republished as three separate standards entitled:

CSA-C802.1-00, Minimum Efficiency Values for Liquid-Filled Distribution Transformers; CSA-C802.2-00, Minimum Efficiency Values for Dry-Type Transformers; and
CSA-C802.3-00, Minimum Efficiency Values for Power Transformers.

NRCan is now proposing the document CSA-C802.2-00, Minimum Efficiency Values for Dry-Type Transformers, as the test procedure for transformers under regulation as described in this document.

The standard can be ordered from:

Canadian Standards Association
5060 Spectrum Way, Suite 100
Mississauga, ON L4W 5N6
1 800 463-6727
(416) 747-4044 (in Greater Toronto Area)
Web site http://csa.ca

EFFECTIVE DATE
NRCan is giving notice that these energy efficiency standards for transformers come into effect on January 1, 2005.

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
There has been no change to the economic analysis for dry-type transformers.

NRCan employed benefit-cost analysis to determine the economic attractiveness of improving the energy efficiency of dry-type transformers. The net present value, calculated by subtracting the present value of incremental costs from the present value of incremental benefits, over the useful life of the product, was chosen as the indicator of economic attractiveness. The Base Case analysis used a 7 percent social discount rate, as prescribed by the Government of Canada Treasury Board, and Canada average industrial electricity prices, based on NRCan's official energy supply demand forecast (Canada's Energy Outlook 1992-2020: Update 1996). Sensitivity analyses were conducted around the discount rate (5 and 10 percent) and energy prices (high and low industrial electricity prices).

The economic analysis showed positive net benefits for the Base Case and all sensitivity scenarios for dry-type transformers. This finding supports the case for regulated minimum energy efficiency levels for dry-type transformers.

The industry representatives have indicated agreement with the market information and analysis presented at the previous workshops.

VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The same verification requirements that applied to other products regulated under the Energy Efficiency Act will apply to dry-type transformers.

NRCan is proposing that regulated transformers will carry a verification mark indicating that the energy performance of the product has been verified. The verification mark is the mark of a Standards Council of Canada accredited certification organization that administers an energy performance verification program for this product. This organization must also be recognized by NRCan. NRCan will also accept labels issued by a province indicating that the product meets the provincial energy efficiency levels as a verification mark, providing that the provincial level is equivalent to or exceeds the federally regulated level.

The industry representatives have indicated agreement with the verification requirements presented at the previous workshops.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The energy efficiency report (as per section 5 of Canada's Energy Efficiency Act) required for this product will include the following information:

  • the product name (i.e. Dry-Type Transformer)
  • the manufacturer
  • the brand name (i.e. model name)
  • the model number
  • the kVA rating
  • the name of the organization or province that carried out the verification and authorized the verification mark that will appear on the product
  • single- or three-phase
  • the voltage (high and low), and
  • the % efficiency
  • load and no load losses

This report must be submitted, by the dealer, to the Minister of NRCan before the product is imported into Canada or traded interprovincially for the first time.

IMPORTING REQUIREMENTS
A dealer who is importing these products into Canada must include the following information on the customs release document:

  • the product name (i.e. Dry-type Transformer)
  • the model number
  • the name and address of the dealer importing the product, and
  • the purpose for which the product is being imported (i.e. for sale or lease in Canada without modification; for sale or lease in Canada after modification to comply with energy efficiency standards; or for use as a component in a product being exported from Canada)

ISSUES

ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR labelled products are being actively promoted in Canada. NRCan will be participating in a variety of marketing strategies that will be promoting the use of ENERGY STAR qualified transformers in the Canadian Market. These are still under development and we welcome input on how we structure these initiatives. Some Canadian manufacturers have already signed participant agreements with NRCan.

NRCan is exploring ways that the federal government can incorporate those levels in activities such as the Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP), the EnerGuide for Industry program and federal procurement policies.

Liquid Filled Transformers
Manufacturers and purchasers of liquid filled transformers (through the Canadian Electricity Association - CEA) are collecting and publishing data demonstrating the industry's compliance with CSA C802.1. The results are published in the CEA's Environmental Commitment Report starting in 2001.

Model Number
It is essential that the product name and model number used on the import documents correspond to those used in the initial report to ensure compliance to the regulations by providing a link between the documents.

NRCan has proposed a redefinition the definition of "Model Number" in the regulations.

"model number" means, in respect of any model of an energy-using product other than a motor, the designator that is assigned to that model for the purposes of these Regulations and that distinguishes it from similar models

This allows the manufacturers and NRCan to agree upon a designator, not necessarily the model number used by the manufacturers. NRCan will work with manufacturers and dealers to identify the designators to ensure compliance with the regulations. This new definition does not impact the Unique Motor Identifier (UMI) for Motors.

Rewound Transformers
Rewound or rebuilt transformers will not be covered by this regulation. NRCan will be undertaking to monitor the situation to determine if the rewound market is growing at the expense of compliant transformers. A similar concern was raised during the motor consultations prior to regulation in 1997. An April 2002 report, looking at the impact of the regulations on the Motor market, has shown a reduction in motor rewinds as the replace / repair decision is leaning towards replacement. The potential loophole did not materialize.

Harmonization
A major consideration in developing all regulations is harmonization with other regulatory authorities. This avoids placing undue competitive pressure on manufacturers and purchasers.

The test standard for NRCan's proposed regulation is CSA C802.2. This document uses as a basis the voluntary standard issued by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) in the US. NEMA Standard TP-2 is referred to for Test Accuracy (section 2), Resistance Measurements (Section 3) and Loss Measurements (Section 4). The minimum efficiency levels correspond with NEMA TP-1.

Dry type transformers have been drafted into Ontario Regulations, referencing C802.2, with an effective date of April 2003. Other Provinces have not indicated how they will proceed. NRCan will work with the provinces to ensure a level playing field for interprovincial trade.

There are strong indications that TP-1 and TP-2 will influence the USDOE's rulemaking process. NRCan is closely following the progress that DOE is making in their rulemaking and exchanging information where possible. The timetable for rulemaking is such that it is unlikely that the US will have effective minimum standards prior to 2007. NRCan is prepared to move towards harmonization with any US levels that are determined if they differ from those proposed here.

The following US states have, or will soon have, requirements that reference NEMA TP-1; Massachusetts, Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Vermont, California and Oregon.

COMMENTS INVITED
All correspondence should be forwarded to:

Katherine Delves
Office of Energy Efficiency
Natural Resources Canada
615 Booth Street, 4th Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0E4
tel.: (613) 947-1207
fax: (613) 947-5286
e-mail: kdelves{AT}nrcan.gc.ca
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