What Is An Autotransformer
What Is An Autotransformer
The
Complete Information Guide
April 7, 2019 By Administrator 3 Comments
In this tutorial, we will learn about Autotransformers. This is a complete guide to theory
and design of Autotransformer, its efficiency numbers, electrical symbols, starting
technique, protection measures, advantages, disadvantages, applications and many
more.
Table of Contents
Introduction
What is an Autotransformer?
Autotransformer Theory and Design
o Auto transformer with Multiple Tapping Points
Autotransformer Symbols
Types of Autotransformers
o Step Up Auto transformer
o Step Down Auto transformer
o Variable Auto transformer ( Variac or Dimmer Set)
Starting of Autotransformer
Auto transformer Efficiency
Auto transformer Impedance Calculation
o Auto transformer Impedance Example
o Auto Transformer Earthling or Grounding
o Auto transformer Example
3-Phase Autotransformer
o 3-Phase Autotransformer Rating
Autotransformer Starter of Induction Motor
Additional Information on Autotransformers
o Autotransformer Features
o Auto transformer Protection
o Autotransformer Tertiary Winding Protection
o Autotransformer Testing Procedure
Advantages of Autotransformer
Disadvantages of Autotransformer
Autotransformer Applications
Limitations of Autotransformer
Summary
Introduction
The Transformers are electromagnetic devices that transfer electrical energy from one
circuit to another by principle of mutual induction. Mutual induction is the coupling of
inductances by their mutual magnetic fields. For example, in a single-phase transformer
there are two coils, a primary and a secondary coil.
The primary coil will get the power from any electrical source like an AC generator. The
magnetic field produced by the primary induces a voltage into the secondary coil. This
secondary coil will be connected to the load and gets the supply accordingly.
Transformers are used to increase the voltage up to a higher level and they are called
step up transformers. In the same way the transformers decrease the voltage down to a
lower level and they are called as Step down transformers.
What is an Autotransformer?
As stated above a normal transformer will have two windings which are physically
separated but magnetically coupled together with the help of a magnetic core. As they
are separately being isolated, they are called as primary winding which receives the
voltage from the source and secondary winding which transfers to the output load.
But the transformer in which there will be only one winding which is common to both
primary and secondary is called Autotransformer. The term Auto here refers to that the
voltage input variations will be automatically can be improved or can be reduced
utilizing the single winding.
Auto Transformers are used in applications where there is no requirement for electrical
insulation between input and output windings. These are popular for industrial
automation and marine applications.
Autotransformer Theory and Design
In the autotransformer, part of the energy is transferred by induction and the rest is by
conduction. There are three types of auto transformers: step-up, step-down, and
variable auto transformers which can be either step-up or step-down the voltage.
Variable auto transformers are used in the laboratory and industry to provide a wide
range of ac voltages from a single source. The above figures show step-up and step-
down autotransformers.
In the above Figures, the first winding is shown connected in an additive manner to the
secondary winding. Now, the relationship between the voltage on the first winding and
the voltage on the second winding is given by the turn’s ratio of the transformer.
However, the voltage at the output of the whole transformer is the sum of the voltage on
the first winding and the voltage on the second winding. The first winding here is called
the common winding, because its voltage appears on both sides of the transformer. The
small winding is called the series winding, because it is connected in series with the
common winding.
The voltage relationship in an autotransformer as shown in the above Figure (a) is given
by
V₂= Vc + Vse
But,
Vc / Vse = Nc / Nse
But,
V₁ = Vc
I₁ =Ic + Ise
But,
Ic = (Nse/Nc) * Ise
But,
I₂ = Ise
===> I₁ = I₂ * (1 + (Nse/Nc))
It is interesting to note that not all the power travelling from the primary to the secondary
in the autotransformer goes through the windings. As a result, if a conventional
transformer is reconnected as an autotransformer, it can handle much more power than
it is originally rated for. Notice that the input apparent power to the autotransformer is
given by
Sin = V₁I₁;
Sout = V₂I₂.
It is easy to show that the input apparent power is equal the to the output apparent
power so that
Sw =V₁ * (I₁-I₂)
Sw =V₁I₁ – V₁ I₂
An autotransformer of 500 Kva rating connecting 110 Kv line to 138 Kv line so N c/Nse
ratio will be 110/28. Now using the about derived formula of winding power and
apparent power, we can calculate the actual power being travelled through the
windings.
It means actual winding power handling capacity is only 1015 KVA but this
autotransformer can handle 5000 KVA means auto transformer can handle 5 times
more power and 5 times smaller than a conventional 2 winding transformer.
It means we have to design and select copper wire for only handling power up to
1015kva. If we have operating voltage 220 then apparent current will be
We can select copper wire from SWG or AWG wire gauge table for proper current
density.
The Auto transformer can also be constructed with more than one single tapping point.
Auto-transformers can be used to provide different voltage points along its winding.
Autotransformer Symbols
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Types of Autotransformers
There are 3 general types of auto transformers categorised on the basis of the use of
autotransformer:
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In this type of autotransformer input voltage is stepped up to the desired voltage and
output voltage will depend on the turn ratio of the auto transformer.
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Construction is same for both step up and step down autotransformer but in this
configuration primary voltage is high and secondary voltage is low that’s why it is called
step down transformer.
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Fixed turn ratio auto transformers are widely used for many applications but sometimes
it is required to have variable output voltage capability. Such transformers are very
useful because they can be adjusted to any required voltage by just rotating the knob.
They can be used in the place of step up and step down auto transformer.
The center part of this round inductor is the knob. The voltage varies by rotating the
knob of the autotransformer. Variable autotransformer can be equipped with many taps
as required by the particular application and act as Ac voltage regulator.
By addition of some sensing circuitry these variable auto transformers can be used as
automatic voltage regulator. This is also known as variac or dimmer set.
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Starting of Autotransformer
When transformers are connected across the power line the starting current of the
connected equipment will be 10 to 15 times more than the rated current of the
equipment, then the total current flows through the 2 windings of the transformer for a
fraction of time.
In some steroidal transformers inrush current is 60 times more than its rated capacity. In
large transformers this transient current can stay for a couple of seconds until the
equilibrium or settling time is being achieved.
In the same way in the autotransformer Inrush current also severe when the power
supply is connected to transformer at an instant when the voltage is crossing the zero
transit time where the load current depends on the resistance and inductance of the
windings of the transformer.
For large transformers with very high inductances compared to the load transient
current time will also be large and vice versa.
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Pout= Vs * Is * Cos(Ø)
Copper loss
Core loss
Copper loss can be calculated by the short circuit test and iron or core loss is calculated
by the open circuit test. Once both losses are calculated algebraic sum of both of these
losses is the total loss in the autotransformer.
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This less internal impedance can be a serious problem in such cases where reducing
the current in power system faults like short circuit so in this situation, it is highly
desirable to limit the current to reduce the chance of more damage.
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Conventional transformer of 1000kva voltage ration 12/1.2 Kv, 60Hz now this
transformer is to be used as 13.2/12 Kv autotransformer in power system now calculate
the power advantage of this auto transformer and calculate the auto transformers series
impedance per unit.
Sol:
We can see the internal impedance of autotransformer is 11 times less than the
conventional 2 winding transformer.
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Case-1:
The 2300 winding is used as the secondary.
The two winding transformer voltage ratio a = V 1/V2 = N1/N2 = 11.5 / 2.3 = 5
Then I1 = (1/(1+a))I2
Case 2:
V1 = 13.8 kV
V2 = 11.5 kV
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3-Phase Autotransformer
A three phase auto transformer is special type in which common winding is being
shared by the high voltage and low voltage. Three phase AC being supplied at primary
and output is collected at secondary. Three phase auto transformer is used for such
application where small voltage is used in distribution system. There is no electrical
isolation is provided between them. It is designed for step up and step down voltage
and work on magnetic induction principle.
Three phase auto transformer is used in power application to connect system operating
at voltage level ranging from 66Kv to 138Kv transmission line.
It is rated in KVA ranging its capacity from (1 KVA-500KVA). Its tolerance range (±5%).
The insulating resistance being used in 3 phase auto transformer is 2000MΩ.
KVA = (volts*amp*1.73)/1000
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The principle of auto transformer is similar to star delta starter method. The starting
current is limited by using 3 phase auto transformer. Auto transformer can be replaced
with the star delta starters and with other starters which are more expensive and being
complicated in operation. Auto transformer is suitable for both star and delta connected
motor, starting current and torque can be adjusted by taking correct tapping from auto
transformer. It gives highest motor torque per line ampere.
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Autotransformer Features
Ratings of autotransformer starters are less than the conventional motor starter ratings
for the higher kilowatt motors. Main, size of auto transformer is very small, so effective
material will reduce the cost. Effectively reducing the material makes the copper and
iron losses less so auto transformer when compared to normal isolation transformers,
have high efficiency.
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Normal transformer Differential protection relays and accessories can be used for Auto
transformer protection also. Transformer differential protection contains a number of
additional functions (matching to transformation ratio and vector group, stabilisation
(restraint) against inrush currents and over excitation) and therefore requires some
fundamental consideration for configuration and selection of the setting values.
The additional functions integrated per relay can be used to advantage. However, it
must be considered that backup protection functions must be arranged in separate
hardware (further relay) for reasons of hardware redundancy.
This means that the over current-time protection in the differential protection can only be
used as backup protection against external faults in the connected power system. The
backup protection for the transformer itself must be provided as a separate over current
relay. The Buchholz protection as fast short-circuit protection.
Due to the size and importance of auto-transformers in modern power systems (e.g.
mostly used as system intertie transformers) full duplication of the protection scheme is
typically easily justified.
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From the differential relay point of view, the differential protection scheme is same for
normal isolation transformers and to the autotransformers. The only difference is that all
three individual currents within tertiary delta winding are available to the relay.
Consequently the tertiary delta winding can be loaded with such arrangement. Used
equation and advantages of such differential scheme can be easily calculated and can
be implemented. In auto transformer tertiary delta winding is used.
It is used to limit the generation of harmonics voltages which are caused by magnetizing
currents affecting the lower zero sequence impedance. The tertiary delta winding is one
third rated through power of auto transformer. It redistributes the flow of current
detected from fault. It also reduces the unbalancing being used in three phase load.
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When transformers are received from the factory or relocated from another location it is
necessary to verify that each transformer is dry, no damage has occurred during
shipping, internal connections have not been loosened, the transformer ratio, polarity,
and impedance agree with its nameplate, its major insulation structure is intact, wiring
insulation has not been bridged, and the transformer is ready for service.
Physical size, voltage class, and kVA rating are the major factors that dictate the
amount of preparation required to put transformers in service. Size and kVA rating also
dictate the kind and number of auxiliary devices a transformer will require.
All of these factors affect the amount of testing necessary to certify that a transformer is
ready to be energized and placed in service.
Some tests and procedures may be performed by specialists during the assembly
phase. Special tests, other than the listed, may also be required. Many require special
equipment and expertise that construction electricians do not have and are not
expected to provide.
Some tests are performed by an assembly crew, while other tests are done by the
person(s) making the final electrical tests on the transformers.
Also, the following test descriptions provide an anchor point from which to ask for help
when needed. The following items are discussed or described:
Nameplate Data
Power Meggering
Auxiliary Components and Wire Checks
Lightning Arrestors
Hand Meggering
Temperature Devices
CT Tests
Winding Temperature and Thermal Image
Bushing Power Factoring
Remote Temperature Indication
Transformer Power Factoring
Auxiliary Power
Voltage Ratio
Automatic Transfer Switch
Polarity
Cooling System
Transformer-Turns Ratio
Bushing Potential Device
Tap Changers
Auxiliary-Equipment Protection and Alarms
Short-Circuit Impedance
Overall Loading
Zero Sequence
Trip Checks
Winding Resistance
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Advantages of Autotransformer
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Disadvantages of Autotransformer
Higher levels of protection to the equipment and for human beings are required
because of higher short circuit currents and because of low series impedance of
the autotransformer which damages both equipment as well as threat to human-
beings.
If any winding of auto transformer short circuited the output voltages will swing to
higher voltages than operating voltage causing a very huge damage.
It consists of single winding around the iron core which develops change in
voltage from one end to the other. There is no isolation of low and high voltages
either at the input or at the output of the transformer. So any noise or voltage
pertaining on one side will reflects on the other side. So Filtering circuits are
necessary wherever auto transformer is used in electronic circuits.
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Autotransformer Applications
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Limitations of Autotransformer
Cannot be used for isolated operable systems as the earth or ground is common
for both input and output connected equipment.
Safety concern issues stringently to be taken, as the common ground
phenomenon may create a human threat.
A failure of the winding insulation of the autotransformer will result in full input
voltage applied to the output.
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Summary