Difference Between Power Transformer And Distribution Transformer
Power Transformer
Power transformers are installed in various power stations for power generation and transmission. It serves as a step-up or step-down transformer, increasing and decreasing voltage levels as needed, and also serves as an interconnection between two power stations.
Distribution Transformer
Distribution transformers are used to reduce or lower the voltage and current levels of transmission lines to predetermined levels, which is referred to as the safety level for end-users and consumers in household and industrial applications.
The Main Differences Between Power Transformers And Distribution Transformers
1.Power transformers are used in higher voltage transmission networks, while distribution transformers are used in lower voltage distribution networks.
2.The power transformers on the market have various ratings such as 400 kV, 200 kV, 110 kV, 66 kV, 33 kV, and distribution transformers have 11 kV, 6.6 kV, 3.3 kV, 440 V, and 230 volts.
3.Power transformers always operate at rated full load because load fluctuations are very small, but distribution transformers operate at loads below full load because load changes are very large.
4.The maximum efficiency of a power transformer is designed to be 100%, which is simply calculated by the ratio of output power to input power, while the maximum efficiency of a distribution transformer is 50-70% and is calculated through All Day Efficiency.
5.Power transformers are used in power stations and transmission substations, and distribution transformers are installed in distribution stations to distribute electricity for industry and households.
6.Compared to distribution transformers, power transformers have a larger size.
7.In power transformers, iron and copper losses occur throughout the day, while in distribution transformers, iron losses occur within 24 hours, that is, throughout the day, and copper losses depend on the load cycle.
Difference Between Power Transformer And Distribution Transformer Is As Below
The basis of differences | Power transformer | Distribution transformer |
Network type | For higher voltage transmission networks | It is used in lower voltage distribution networks. |
Availability of ratings | 400 kV, 200 kV, 110 kV, 66 kV, 33 kV. | 11 kV, 6.6 kV, 3.3 kV, 440 V, 230 V |
Maximum usage rating | Power transformers for ratings exceeding 200 MVA | Distribution transformers for ratings less than 200 MVA |
size | Larger size compared to distribution transformers | Smaller volume |
design efficiency | Designed specifically for 100% maximum efficiency | Designed specifically for efficiency of 50-70% |
Efficiency formula | Efficiency is measured as the ratio of output to input power | Consider full day efficiency here. It is the ratio of the output of a transformer in kilowatt hours (kWh) or watt hours (Wh) to the input in kWh or Wh within 24 hours. |
application | For power stations and transmission substations | Used for power distribution stations, as well as industrial and household purposes |
loss | Copper and iron losses occur throughout the day | Iron loss occurs for 24 hours, and copper loss is based on load cycling |
Load fluctuation | In power transformers, load fluctuations are very small | Very large load fluctuations |
Operating conditions | Always operate at full load | As the load cycle fluctuates, operate under loads less than full load |
Considering time | It is not related to time | It depends on time |
Flux density | High magnetic flux density in power transformers | Compared to power transformers, distribution transformers have a lower magnetic flux density |
Core design | Designed to maximize the utilization of the core and operate near the saturation point of the BH curve, this helps to reduce the quality of the core | Compared to power transformers, distribution transformers have a lower magnetic flux density |
usage | Used for boosting and reducing pressure | Used as End User Connection |

