MGM's College of Engineering and Technology

Kamothe, Navi Mumbai – 410209

Department: Electrical Engineering Class: SE Sem: IV

Subject NaSme: Electrical Machines -I (2223112)
Syllabus: NEP 2020
Name of Subject teacher: Dr. Saborni Das
Module 3: Three Phase Transformer (7 Hours, 20 -30 marks)
Course Objectives: 3. To analyze various connections and performance characteristics of three-phase
transformers.
Course Outcomes: 3) Analyze connections and performance of three phase transformers under various
conditions.
Syllabus: Principle of operation, Connections and Phasor groups, Parallel operation, Harmonics in three
phase transformers, Suppression of harmonics, Oscillating neutral phenomenon, Open delta or V -
connection, Scott Connection.
Book: GENERALIZED THEORY of ELECTRICAL MACHINES by [Link], Page No. 798, Pdf
page No. 407

Three-Phase Transformer: A three-phase transformer operates on the principle of electromagnetic

induction, similar to a single-phase transformer, but with the added complexity of handling three-phase
power. It consists of three primary and three secondary windings, each associated with one phase of the
three-phase system. These windings are arranged on a laminated iron core, and when an alternating
current (AC) is applied to the primary windings, it induces a voltage in the secondary windings through
mutual inductance.
Three-Phase Transformer Construction: The three-phase transformer construction is of two types:
Core type and Shell type.
1. Core Type Construction: In this type
of construction, there are three cores and two
yokes. Each core has both primary and
secondary windings wounded spirally as shown
in the figure. Each leg of the core carries high
voltage as well as low voltage windings. The
core is laminated to minimize eddy current
losses on core and yoke. As it is easier to
laminate low voltage (LV) winding than the
high voltage (HV) winding. The LV windings
are positioned near the core with appropriate
insulation and oil ducts in between them
whereas, the HV windings are placed above the
LV windings with appropriate insulation and
oil ducts between them.

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 2. Shell Type Transformer: The three-phase shell type
transformer is generally constructed by stacking three
individual single-phase transformers. Three phases of a
shell-type transformer are independent than the core-
type transformer, while each phase has an individual
magnetic circuit. These magnetic circuits are parallel to
each other and flux induced by each winding is in
phase. Shell type transformer is highly preferred as the
voltage waveforms are less distorted.

Working of Three-Phase Transformers:

The figure below shows the three-phase
transformer, wherein three cores are
placed at 120˚ from each other. This
figure is simplified to show only primary
windings and their connection to the
three-phase power supply. As soon as the
three-phase supply is excited, the currents
IR, IY, and IB are carried by the primary
windings and thus inducing the fluxes ɸR,
ɸY, and ɸB individually in each core. The
center leg will carry the sum of all the
fluxes, and the center leg combined all
the legs of a core.
For instance, if the sum of the currents
IR+IY+IB is zero in a three-phase system,
then the sum of all the three fluxes also
becomes zero, resulting in the center leg
carrying no flux. Therefore, removing the
center leg makes no difference for other
transformer conditions.

Q. Describe the Y-connection with diagram. [10 marks] (24m)

Ans. A Y-connection, or wye connection, also called star connection, connects three electrical
components (like windings or loads) at a common point, forming a shape resembling the letter 'Y'. The
three "legs" of the Y are the respective phase windings, while the common point is called the "neutral"
or "star point" from which a neutral wire can be connected.

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This configuration is used in three-phase systems, Diagram of a Y-Connection:
offering both line-to-line and line-to-neutral
voltages, which is ideal for mixed single-phase and
three-phase loads. The current flowing through
each phase is called Phase current Iph, and the
current flowing through each line conductor is
called Line Current IL. Similarly, the voltage
across each phase is called Phase Voltage Eph, and
the voltage across two line conductors is known as
the Line Voltage EL.

Relation between Phase Voltage and Line Voltage in Star Connection:

As the system is balanced, a balanced system means that in
all the three phases, i.e., R, Y and B, the equal amount of
current flows through them. Therefore, the three voltages
ENR, ENY and ENB are equal in magnitude but displaced
from one another by 120° electrical.
Now,
There are two-phase voltages between any two lines.
Tracing the loop NRYN

To find the vector sum of ENY and –ENR, we have to

reverse the vector ENR and add it with ENY as shown in
the phasor diagram above.
Therefore,

Vector Diagram of Y-connected System

Relation between Phase Current and Line Current in Star Connection: The same current flows
through phase winding as well as in the line conductor as it is connected in series with the phase
winding.
Where the phase current will be:
The line current will be:

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Q. Explain any one connection from group no. 1 and 2 of transformer phase group. (5 Marks)
Ans:

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Q. Explain any one connection from group no. 4 and 3 of transformer phase group. (5 Marks)
[19d]
Ans.

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Q. Explain connection and phasor diagram of Dd0 & Yy0. [5 marks] (24d, 24m)
Q. With neat diagrams explain Dd6 and Dy1 connections. (5 marks) [22d]
Q. Describe connection and phasor diagram of Yd11 transformer. (5 Marks) [23d, 23m]
Q. Describe connection and phasor diagram of Yy0 and Yd11 transformer. (5 marks) [25m]

Q. Write short note on Open delta connection. [10 marks] (24d, 22d)
Ans. If one transformer of delta-delta connected transformer bank is damaged or opened, then rest of the
system will continue to supply the 3-phase power. If this damaged transformer is isolated, the remaining
two transformers will function as a 3-phase bank with rating reduced to about 58 % that of the original
delta-delta bank. This type of arrangement is known as open-delta or V-V connection.
Therefore, in the case of open-delta or V-V connection, two instead of three 1-phase transformers are
used for three-phase operation.

Applications of the Open Delta or V-V Connection:

Following are the applications in which open-delta system is used −
As a temporary measure, when one transformer of a delta-delta bank is damaged and removed for
maintenance.
The V-V connected transformers are used to supply a combination of large 1-phase and smaller 3-phase
loads.
The V-V connected transformers are used to provide service in a new development area where the full
growth of load requires several years. In such cases, an open-delta system is installed in the initial stage
and whenever the need arises at a future date to accommodate the growth in the power demand, a third
transformer is added for deltadelta operation. This third transformer increases the capacity of the bank
by 73.2%.

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Q. Write a short note on ‘Scott Connection’. (5 Marks) [19d]
Q. Draw and explain Scott connection of transformer in detail. [10 marks] (24d, 24m, 23d, 23m,
22d)
Ans. The Scott-T connection is a method of connecting two 1-phase transformers to perform the 3-
phase to 2-phase conversion and vice-versa. In the Scott connection, the two 1-phase transformers are
connected electrically (not magnetically), where one transformer is known as main transformer and the
other is called as auxiliary or teaser transformer.

The connection diagram of the Scott connection is shown in the figure. The main transformer is the
centre tapped transformer at point D and is connected across the lines Y and B of the 3- phase side.
Thus, the primary of the main transformer is YB and the secondary is a1a2. The teaser transformer is
connected between the line terminal R and the centre tapping point D. Thus, the teaser transformer has
primary winding RD and the secondary winding b1b2.
Phasor Diagram of Scott-T Connection
The phasor diagram of the Scott connection is shown in the figure.

Here, the line voltages of the three-phase balanced supply systb are −

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VRY=VYB=VBR=VL
Let VYB be taken as the reference phasor, then
VYB=VL∠0∘
VRY=VL∠+120∘
VBR=VL∠−120∘
The figure also shows the voltages on the primary windings of the main and teaser transformers. Since,
the centre tapping point D divides the primary winding YB of the main transformer into two equal
halves.
Applications of Scott-T Connection:
The Scott connection of transformer is used in following applications −
 The Scott connection is used to link a 3-phase system with a 2-phase system with the flow of
power in either direction.
 It is used to operate two 1-phase electric furnaces together when the power is drawn from the 3-
phase supply.
 It is also used to supply 1-phase loads such as electric trains from the balanced three phase
supply.

Q. Discuss the necessary conditions required for parallel operation of three-phase transformers.
[10 marks] (24m)
Ans. For satisfactory parallel operation, three-phase transformers require: same voltage ratio, same
frequency, same phase sequence, same polarity, same vector group, and identical impedance (per unit
and X/R ratio). These conditions prevent harmful circulating currents, ensure balanced load sharing, and
maintain system stability.
Here's a detailed breakdown of each condition:
1. Same Voltage Ratio and Turns Ratio:
 The primary and secondary line voltage ratings of all transformers must be identical.
 This prevents voltage differences that would drive circulating currents, even if all other
conditions are met.
 It's crucial to ensure the same ratio at all tap positions for transformers with tap changers.
2. Same Frequency:
 All transformers must be designed to operate at the same frequency (e.g., 50Hz or
60Hz).
 A frequency mismatch leads to asynchronous operation and can damage the
transformers.
3. Same Polarity:
 The dot polarity of each transformer's windings must be consistent.
 If polarity is reversed, a dangerous low-impedance path for circulating currents is created,
potentially causing severe damage.
4. Same Phase Sequence:
 The phase sequences (e.g., ABC) of all connected transformers must be identical.
 An incorrect phase sequence will result in extreme circulating currents and system
instability.
5. Same Vector Group (Phase Angle Shift):
 This is a critical condition for three-phase transformers, ensuring the phase displacement
between their primary and secondary voltages is the same.
 All transformers must belong to the same vector group.

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 6. Identical Impedance:
 Same Impedance (per unit): The per-unit leakage impedance of the transformers should
be equal or inversely proportional to their KVA ratings to ensure proper load sharing.
 Same X/R Ratio: The ratio of equivalent leakage reactance to equivalent resistance (X/R
ratio) must be the same for all parallel transformers. This ensures all transformers operate
at the same power factor.

Q. Explain effect of ‘incorrect phase sequence’ and ‘phase difference’ on parallel operation of
three phase transformers. (10 Marks) [19m]
Ans. Effect of Incorrect Phase Sequence
 Short Circuit & High Circulating Currents: If the phase sequences of two transformers are
different (e.g., one is ABC and the other is CBA), then during each half cycle, one phase of the
first transformer will be in parallel with a phase of the second transformer, leading to a direct
short circuit. This results in enormous circulating currents that can quickly damage the
transformers.
 Motor Direction Reversal: Connected loads, particularly three-phase motors, will run in the
opposite direction of their intended operation. This can cause mechanical damage to
machinery, equipment failures, and safety hazards.
Effect of Phase Difference
 Unequal Load Sharing: A significant phase difference between parallel transformers leads to
a large difference in their power factors, causing them to share the active and reactive power
unequally.
 Reduced Capacity & Overloading: Even with identical voltage ratios and kVA ratings, a
phase difference can result in uneven load division, with the transformers not being able to
carry their full combined rated load efficiently. One transformer might become overloaded
while the other remains underloaded.
 Increased Circulating Currents: A phase difference can induce circulating currents in the
secondary windings of the transformers, even under no-load conditions.
 Reduced Overall System Efficiency: When transformers operate with significant phase
differences, the overall efficiency of the parallel system decreases, leading to greater losses
and reduced operational effectiveness.

Q. Two three-phase transformers connected in parallel supply a load requiring an active power of
700 kW and lagging power factor of 0.75. Transformer 1 is rated at 400 KVA and has p.u.
impedance of 0.03+j0.08; while transformer 2 is rated at 600 KVA and has p.u. impedance of
(0.02 + j0.07). Determine a) voltage ratio, b) power shared by each transformer and operating
power factor. (10 marks) [19d] [22d]
Ans.

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Results (rounded)
a. Voltage ratio: for parallel operation the secondary voltages (induced EMFs) must be equal and in
phase — so the required ratio is 1 : 1 (i.e. no change of ratio between the two secondaries).
(If one transformer had different nominal secondary voltage, a tap adjustment to make the secondary
voltages equal would be required; here the working assumption for parallel is equal secondary voltage.)
b. Power shared by each transformer (kW & kVAr) (computed on actual kVA basis):

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Q. Explain the methods used to suppress harmonics in three phase transformer. (5 Marks) [19d]
Q. Describe harmonics and suppression of harmonics in three-phase transformers. [10 marks]
(24d, 25m)
Ans. Harmonics are sinusoidal voltages or currents whose frequency is an integer multiple of the
fundamental frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz). For example: 150 Hz = 3rd harmonic, 250 Hz = 5th harmonic,
etc. In transformers, harmonics are mainly produced due to non-linear magnetization of the core
(magnetizing current is non-sinusoidal) and also due to unbalanced or distorted loads. In a three-phase
transformer, the non-sinusoidal nature of magnetising current produces sinusoidal flux which gives rise
to the undesirable phenomenon. The phase magnetising currents in transformer should contain third
harmonics and higher harmonics necessary to produce a sinusoidal flux.

Effects of harmonics
 Increased copper and core losses (heating).
 Interference with communication systems.
 Malfunction of protection devices.
 Reduction in transformer efficiency and life.
Suppression of Harmonics in Three-Phase Transformers
Transformers are designed and connected in special ways to eliminate or confine harmonics.
1. Delta Connection
 In a delta winding, triplen harmonic components circulate within the closed delta and do not
appear in the line voltages.
 This is the most common method to suppress 3rd harmonic voltage in a transformer.

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2. Star (Y) Connection with Neutral
 Provides a path for triplen harmonic currents to flow into the neutral, preventing distortion of
line voltages.
3. Use of Phase Shifting (Y-Δ or Δ-Y)
 By connecting transformers in star–delta or delta–star, the phase shift between primary and
secondary helps in suppressing certain harmonic groups when multiple transformers operate in
parallel.
4. K-factor Rated Transformers
 For supplying non-linear loads (like rectifiers, drives), special K-rated transformers are designed
with reduced harmonic effects.
5. External Filtering
 Passive filters (L–C filters) and active filters are installed to absorb/suppress harmonics.
 Useful where harmonic-producing loads are significant.

Q. Describe switching transient phenomenon in three-phase transformer. (10 Marks) [23d, 23m]
Ans. Switching transient phenomenon in a three-phase transformer is a temporary, severe disturbance in
voltage and current caused by abrupt circuit changes, most commonly when a transformer is
energized. A key effect is the inrush current, where a high-frequency, large current spike occurs due to
the core attempting to establish flux from a zero or residual state, potentially reaching many times the
normal excitation current and causing the core to saturate. This also leads to high induced electromotive
force (EMF) and subsequent stress on the transformer's insulation.

Q. Oscillating neutral phenomenon in transformer. (10 marks) [22d, 25m]

Ans. The oscillating neutral phenomenon in a three-phase star-star transformer occurs when third
harmonic voltages, which are cophasal in all three phases, cause the neutral point to oscillate. This
undesirable effect can lead to high peak line-to-neutral voltages on the secondary side, unbalancing
phase voltages, and increased harmonic disturbances and losses. It can be prevented by grounding the
neutral points or using a delta winding on the primary or secondary side to provide a path for third
harmonic currents, which also helps to eliminate the oscillations.

Causes of Oscillating Neutral

 Third Harmonic Voltages: The primary cause is the presence of third harmonic voltages
generated by the transformer.

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  Cophasal Harmonics: Unlike the fundamental frequency voltages, which are 120 degrees out of
phase, these third harmonic voltages are in phase with each other and add up in the neutral point,
leading to an oscillation.
 Isolated Neutral Point: In a star-star connection with an isolated or ungrounded neutral, there is
no path for these harmonic currents to flow, causing the neutral point to shift.
Effects of Oscillating Neutral
 High Peak Voltages: The neutral point's oscillation at approximately twice the fundamental
frequency can result in dangerously high peak line-to-neutral voltages.
 Voltage Imbalance: This oscillation can cause the phase voltages to become unbalanced, which
can be detrimental to loads connected to the system.
 Increased Losses: Harmonic disturbances from the oscillating neutral lead to increased harmonic
losses in the transformer and connected equipment.
How to Prevent Oscillating Neutral
 Grounding: Properly grounding the neutral point on the primary or secondary side provides a
path for third harmonic currents to flow, thereby eliminating the oscillation.
 Delta Winding: Connecting the primary or secondary windings in a delta configuration creates a
closed path for third harmonic currents, preventing them from accumulating at the neutral.
 Third Harmonic Stabilizing Winding: Including a delta-connected stabilizing winding on the
same core can provide a path for third harmonic currents.

Q. Explain the term 'all day efficiency' in case of transformer. (5 Marks)[19d, 18d]
Ans. All-day efficiency is the ratio of total energy output to total energy input over a 24-hour period,
accounting for varying loads, and is a crucial metric for distribution transformers that operate under
fluctuating conditions. Unlike commercial efficiency, which measures efficiency at a single point in
time, all-day efficiency reflects a transformer's actual, cumulative performance by considering both
constant iron losses (which occur for the entire day) and copper losses (which vary with the load) over
the whole day.
The formula for all-day efficiency is: All-Day Efficiency = (Total Energy Output in 24 hours / Total
Energy Input in 24 hours) × 100%

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