Transformer

Transformer is considered to be a backbone of a power system. For generation,

transmission and distribution of electric power, AC system is adopted instead of
DC system because voltage level can be changed comfortably by using a
transformer. For economic reasons, high voltages are required for transmission
whereas, for safety reasons, low voltages are required for utilizations. Transformer
is an essential part of power system. Hence, it is rightly said that transformer is a
backbone of a power system. In this chapter, we shall discuss the general features
and principle of operation of single-phase transformers.
Applications Main applications of the transformers are given below:
(a) To change the level of voltage and current in electric power systems.
(b) As impedance-matching device for maximum power transfer in low-power electronic and
control circuits.

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(c) As a coupling device is electronic circuits
(d) To isolate one circuit from another, since primary and secondary are not electrically
connected. (e) To measure voltage and currents; these are known as instrument transformers.
Transformers are extensively used in AC power systems because of the following reasons:
1. Electric energy can be generated at the most economic level (11–33 kV)
2. Stepping up the generated voltage to high voltage, extra high voltage EHV (voltage above
230 kV), or to even ultra high voltage UHV (750 kV and above) to suit the power transmission
requirement to minimise losses and increase transmission capacity of lines.
3. The transmission voltage is stepped down in many stages for distribution and utilization for
domestic, commercial and industrial consumers.

primary and secondary, respectively. These induced emf’s are developed in phase opposition to
V1as per Lenz’s law. The self-induced emf in the primary is also called back emf since it acts in
opposite direction to the applied voltage. Although, there is no electrical connection between
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primary and secondary winding, still electric power is transferred from one circuit (primary side)
to the other circuit (secondary side). It is all because of magnetic coupling, i.e., the alternating
flux which is set-up in the core linking with both the windings. The magnitude of induced emf in
a coil depends upon rate of change of flux linkages i.e., e v N. since, the rate of change of flux
for both the winding is the same, the magnitude of induced emf in primary and secondary will
depend upon their number of turns, i.e., primary induced emf E1 ⁓N1 and secondary induced
emf E2 ⁓ N2. When N2 > N1, the transformer is called a step-up transformer, on the other
hand, when N2< N1 the transformer is called step-down transformer.
Turn ratio: The ratio of primary to secondary turns is called turn ratio, i.e., turn ratio = N1/ N2.
Transformation ratio: The ratio of secondary voltage to primary voltage is called voltage
transformation ratio of the transformer. It is represented by K.

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K= E2/E1=N2/N1 (since E2 ⁓ N2 and E1 ⁓ N1)

Ther fore R.M.S. value of emf induced/turn, E = 1.11 × 4 f ɸm= 4.44 f ɸm volt
Since primary and secondary have N1 and N2 turns, respectively. Therefore
[Link] of emf induced in primary, E1= (emf induced/turn) × No. of primary
turns = 4·44 N1 f ɸm volt Similarly, r.m.s. value of emf induced in secondary, E2=
4·44 N2 f ɸm volt we get, E 1/N 1 = 4.44 f ɸm volt/turn and also E2/ N 2 =
4.44 f ɸm volt/turn . It is clearly show that emf induced per turn on both the sides
i.e., primary and secondary is the same.
Example . What will be the number of primary and secondary turn of a single-
phase 2310/220V, 50 Hz transformer which has in emf of 13V per turn
approximately. Solution: Here, E1/ N 1 = E2 N 2 = 13 V (given); E1= 2310 V;
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E2= 220 V ? Primary turns, N1 = E1 /13= 2310/ 13= 177 .69 = 178 (Ans.)
Secondary turns, N2 = E2 /13 220 /13= 16 .92 =17 (Ans.)

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The reasons that necessitate parallel operation are as follows.
1. Non-availability of a single large transformer to meet the total load requirement.
2. The power demand might have increased over a time necessitating augmentation
of the capacity. More transformers connected in parallel will then be pressed into
service.
[Link] ensure improved reliability. Even if one of the transformers gets into a fault or
is taken out for maintenance/repair the load can continued to be serviced.
4. To reduce the spare capacity. If many smaller size transformers are used one
machine can be used as spare. If only one large machine is feeding the load, a spare
of similar rating has to be available. The problem of spares becomes more acute
with fewer machines in service at a location.
[Link] transportation problems limit installation of large transformers at site, it
may be easier to transport smaller ones to site and work them in parallel.

Three Phase Transformers

Introduction:
Almost all the major power generation and distribution systems in the world today are three-
phase ac systems. Since three-phase systems play such an important role in modern life, it is
necessary to understand how transformers are used in them. Transformers for three-phase circuits
can be constructed in two ways. One approach is simply to take three single-phase transformers
and connect them in a three-phase bank. An alternative approach is to make a three-phase
transformer consisting of three sets of windings wrapped on a common core. These two possible
types of transformer construction are shown in the figures below. The construction of a single
three-phase transformer is the preferred practice today, since it is lighter, smaller, cheaper, and
slightly more efficient. The older construction approach was to use three separate transformers.
That approach had the advantage that each unit in the bank could be replaced individually in the
event of trouble, but that does not outweigh the advantages of a combined three phase unit for
most applications. However, there are still a great many installations consisting of three single-
phase units in service.

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 Fig: A three-phase transformer wound on a single three-legged
core.
Three-Phase Transformer Connections:
A three-phase transformer consists of three transformers, either separate or
combined on one core. The primaries and secondaries of any three-phase
transformer can be independently connected in either a Wye (Y) or a Delta (∆ ).
This gives a total of four possible connections for a three-phase transformer bank:
I. Wye(star)-Wye(star)

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2. Delta-Delta
3. (star)Wye-Delta (Y-Y) (∆-∆) (Y -∆)
4. Delta-Wye(star) (∆-Y)

WYE-WYE CONNECTION:
The Y-Y connection details of three-phase transformers are shown in the figure below.

Figure (b): Star-Star(Y-Y) connection Phasor diagram

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When a three-phase set of voltages is applied to a Y - Y transformer, the voltages in any phase
will be 1200 apart from the voltages in any other phase. However, the third-harmonic
components of each of the three phases will be in phase with each other, since there are three
cycles in the third harmonic for each cycle of the fundamental frequency. There will always be
some third-harmonic components in a transformer because of the nonlinearity of the core, and
these components add up. The result is a very large third-harmonic component of voltage on top
of the 50 or 6O-Hz fundamental voltage. This third-harmonic voltage can be larger than the
fundamental voltage itself. Both the unbalance problem and the third-harmonic problem can be
solved using one of the two following techniques: 1. Solidly ground the neutrals of the
transformers, especially the primary winding’s neutral. This connection permits the additive

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third-harmonic components to cause a current flow in the neutral instead of building up large
voltages. The neutral also provides a return path for any current imbalances in the load.

DELTA-DELTA CONNECTION:

The ∆- ∆ connection details are shown in the figure below.

Figure (b): Delta-Delta (∆-∆) connection Phasor diagram

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• The phase current is lesser than the Line current (by 1/√3). Hence the
conductor cross sectional area can be smaller thus resulting in saving of
conductor material.

Disadvantages:

• Due to the nonavailability of the Neutral point this configuration is not

suitable for three phase four wire systems

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Advantages/Application:

• This connection is advantageous/economical for high power high voltage step up power
transformers. Primary in Delta configuration can be used for lower voltage (line voltage being
equal to phase voltage) And secondary in Wye (star) configuration can be used for higher voltage
since line voltage is √3 times the phase voltage and thus the number of turns required per phase
will be lesser for a higher line voltage. • Hence transformers with this type of connection are
used at the starting (Generating station) end of a transmission line where a step up transformer is
required.

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Fig 5. Auto-transformer As shown in Fig. 5, AB, is primary winding having N1 turns and BC is
secondary winding having N2 turns. Neglecting iron losses and no-load current.

V2/V1 =𝑁 2/ 𝑁1 = I1/ I2 =𝐾

Advantages of autotransformers

1- An autotransformer requires less Cu than a two-winding transformer of similar rating.

2- An autotransformer operates at a higher efficiency than a two-winding transformer of similar

rating.
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3- An autotransformer has better voltage regulation than a two-winding transformer of the same
rating.

4- An autotransformer has smaller size than a two-winding transformer of the same rating.

5- An autotransformer requires smaller exciting current than a two-winding transformer of the

same rating.

Applications of Auto transformer

The various applications of an auto-transformer are,

1- For safely starting the machines like induction motors, synchronous motors i.e. as a starter.
2- To give a small boost to a distribution cable to compensate for a voltage drop i.e. as a
booster
3- 3As a furnace transformer to supply power to the furnaces at the required supply voltage.
4- For interconnecting the systems which are operating roughly at same voltage level.

Multi-Winding Transformers
The typical circuit diagram for a multi-winding transformer is
shown in the image below. These transformers have a single
input (primary winding) and more than one output (multiple
secondary windings), so a single input AC wave can couple
power to multiple outputs at once. The polarity of the
coupled power in each output can be controlled through the
two winding directions.

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Instrument Transformer

Instrument Transformers convert signal levels from dangerous (high voltage) or inconvenient
(high current, or current at high voltage) to levels appropriate for metering. There are two
fundamental types: CT’s (Current Transformers) PT’s (Potential Transformers)

Potential Transformers

• Step down voltages to safe levels for the meter and personnel • 480 volts to 120 volts (4/1
multiplier) • 277 volts to 111 volts (2.5/1 multiplier) • 14,400 volts to 120 volts (120/1
multiplier) • 7200 volts to 120 volts (60/1 multiplier) • Metering grade accuracy class of 0.3% •
Power rating expressed in VA

Current Transformers

• CT’s allow the measurement of high currents at potentially high voltages.

• They come in many shapes and sizes for different applications

• They are potentially extremely dangerous

CT Ratio Rating :

• The ratio of a CT is referenced to a 5 amp secondary output for nominal full value input
current • A CT ratio of 400 to 5 means that the CT would produce a secondary current of 5 amps
when exposed to a primary current of 400 amps.

• The Turns Ratio Is The Mathematical Ratio Of The Primary Turns To The Secondary Turns.
The 400:5 Example Becomes 80:1

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