Auto Transformer
Auto Transformer
An autotransformer has a single continuous winding with a tap point between the
primary and secondary windings. The tap point can be adjusted to obtain the
desired output voltage, hence this is an obvious advantage of the autotransformer.
The main disadvantage of an autotransformer is that the secondary winding is not
electrically isolated from the primary.
Obviously the two windings are electrically connected and it works on the
principle of conduction as well as induction. The power transfer in 2 winding
transformer is fully inductively while in autotransformer the power is transferred
from primary to secondary by both inductively as well as conductively.
In autotransformer the output voltage can be stepped down (see Fig.b below) or
stepped up (see Fig. c below)
In which the current I1 is the primary input current and the current I2 is the
secondary output current or load current. The current in common portion of the
primary and secondary windings is the difference of the currents I1 and I2,
regardless of whether the autotransformer is step down or step-up.
For the step-down autotransformer the current I2 > I1, thus the current flowing in
the common portion is
Current in common portion=I2−I1
For the step-up autotransformer the current I2 < I1, thus the current in the common
portion is
Input power = V1 I1
Output power = V2 I2
where:
I1 =the current drawn from the supply,
V1 = the input voltage.
I2 =the load current,
V2= the load voltage.
Now BC portion has N2 turns and acts as secondary. The current induced in this
secondary due to transformer action is I2- I1, while secondary induced voltage is
V2.
Applications of Autotransformer
5. It can be used to vary the voltage to the load, smoothly from zero to the
rated voltage. Such a device giving smooth and continuous supply using
an autotransformer is called variac (see Figure below).
Solved Problems