A wind turbine transformer steps the generator or converter output up to the wind farm's collection voltage. It may sit in the nacelle, the tower base or a pad-mounted enclosure beside the turbine, and its operating conditions are harder than a typical distribution transformer's.
## Why the duty is different
- Highly variable loading that follows the wind, with frequent transitions between light load and full output.
- Harmonics and fast transients from power-electronic converters and switching in the collection network.
- Mechanical stress from vibration when installed in the nacelle or tower.
- Harsh environments — humidity, salt and condensation for coastal and offshore sites, and wide temperature ranges.
- Space and weight limits inside towers and nacelles.
## Standards
IEC 60076-16 sets requirements specific to transformers for wind turbine applications, in addition to the general IEC 60076 series. Grid-operator requirements for the point of connection also apply.
## Questions to settle early
- Installation location (nacelle, tower base, external) and enclosure type.
- Converter type and harmonic spectrum.
- Insulating liquid (fire behaviour matters inside towers) or dry type.
- Collection voltage, tapping and vector group.
General engineering information. Contact our engineering team to discuss whether a specific wind application is within our current scope.