Experiment-7

Steady- state performance of a 1-phase transformer

Objective: Obtain equivalent circuit parameters by conducting open-circuit, short-circuit and
resistance measurement tests.

Theory

A single phase transformer essentially consists of two magnetically coupled windings capable
of transforming the voltage and current level of the alternating supply to different values. The two
windings, one called the input or the primary winding and the other called the output or the secondary
winding are placed on a same core made of silicon steel stampings. The core provides a low
reluctance path for the alternating magnetic flux, which links both the windings.

If we assume the pulsating flux Ф to have a sinusoidal waveform ФmCosωt, where ω is the
supply frequency in radians per second, the induced primary voltage is given by

E1 = -N1dФm/dt (1.1)

Where, N1 is the number of primary turns.

Thus the primary RMS induced voltage E1 is proportional to the primary turns N1 and
lags behind the flux by 90º. Since the flux Фm also links with the secondary turns and is in
phase with E1.

E1/E2 = N1/N2 (1.2)

Now, E1 opposes the applied voltage say VI and is nearly equal to VI if the primary
resistance and leakage reactance is very small. Figures 1.1 and 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 respectively
show the equivalent circuit and phasor diagram of a single phase transformer.

Now with the primary resistance and leakage inductance neglected, we have

E1 = V1 (1.3)

E2 = V2 (1.4)

Since E2/E1 = N2/N1, we can say that V2/V1 = N2/N1. Thus approximately the output
voltage bears the same ratio to the input voltage, which secondary turns bear to the primary
turns.

So far the secondary has been considered open circuited. If it is loaded, a current I2
will flow through the load and secondary winding. The effect of this current is to reduce the
flux Фm according to lenz’s law. This decreases the induced emf E1. The current now rushes
from the primary supply to cancel the effect of the secondary current and to establish
equilibrium flux Фm. Thus the power has been transferred from the primary to the secondary
winding through the mutual flux. Now ignoring the losses one can say that output power is
equal to the input power. Thus
I2E2 = I1E1

I2/I1 = E1/E2 = N1/N2 (1.5)

Therefore the current ratio is equal to the inverse of the voltage turns ratio. This situation in
’
the phasor diagram where I2 is shown to balance the effect of I2 and the total input current on
load become I1. The phasor diagram can now be modified to include the effect of resistance
and leakage reactances of the windings.

It is well known that the equivalent circuit of a single phase transformer can be
approximately represented as shown in Fig.1.2. The parameters R0 and X0, which take into
account the two components of no load current, can be determined by conducting OPEN-
CIRCUIT test. The parameter R1 and X1 are determined by SHORT-CIRCUIT test. These
parameters depend to a certain extent on the actual load conditions of the transformer.

Fig.1.1 Exact equivalent circuit

R1 jX1

I0

IW Iµ

V1 jX0 V2’ Load

Fig.1.2 Approximate equivalent circuit

 V1 E1

I0
Iw
Φ0

Iµ Φ

Fig.1.3 No load phasor diagram

Fig.1.4 Full-load phasor diagram

Equipment and Components

(a) One 1-ϕ transformers of identical ratings.

(b) One 1-ϕ auto-transformers.
(c) One low pf wattmeters.
(d) One a.c. ammeters.
(e) One a.c. voltmeters.
Procedure, Connection Diagrams, Experimentation and Precautions

Note down the name plate details of the transformer and identify terminals. Observe
the windings and constructional features.

OPEN-CIRCUIT Test

The open circuit test is usually done on the LOW-VOLTAGE side, keeping the
HIGH-VOLTAGE side open. Make connections as shown in Fig. 1.5. Apply rated voltage V0
and note the corresponding power input (W0) and current drawn (I0). Repeat the above for
different input voltages and tabulate the readings as shown in Table.1.1.

W
M L
A
C

1-ϕ LV HV
Supply SIDE SIDE

Fig.1.5 Connection diagram for OPEN-CIRCUIT test

Table 1.1 OPEN-CIRCUIT test readings

Voltage applied Current drawn Power input

V0 (volts) I0 (amps) W0 (watts)

SHORT-CIRCUIT Test

The short circuit test is usually done on the HIGH-VOLTAGE side, keeping the
LOW-VOLTAGE side short-circuited. Make connections as shown in Fig.1.5. Apply the
required voltage (VSC) so that the current drawn (ISC) is equal to the rated current. Note the
corresponding power input (WSC). Repeat the above for different values of short circuit
currents and tabulate the readings as in Table.1.2.
 W
M L
A
C

1-ϕ HV LV
Supply SIDE SIDE

Fig.1.6 Connection diagram for SHORT-CIRCUIT test

Table 1.2 SHORT-CIRCUIT test readings

Voltage applied Current drawn Power input

VSC (volts) ISC (amps) WSC (watts)

Determination of the Coefficient of Coupling

Measure the resistance of primary winding (R1) and secondary winding (R2) by using
a low voltage/ battery supply. Conduct OPEN-CIRCUIT test on the primary side (for rated
voltage) with a voltmeter connected to the secondary side. Note the OPEN-CIRCUIT input
voltage (V10), input current (I10), and the secondary induced voltage (E20) and tabulate as
shown in Table.1.3. Now, short circuit the secondary windings and supply the required
voltage on the primary side so that the short circuit current is equal to the rated current. Note
the corresponding voltage (V1SC) and current (I1SC) and tabulate as shown in Table.1.3.

Table.1.3

V10 I10 E20 V1SC I1SC

Data Sheet

1-ϕ transformer:

KVA rating:

Primary voltage:
Secondary voltage:

Frequency:

Determination of Coefficient of Coupling

Resistance of primary winding (R1) = ……ohms

Resistance of secondary winding (R2) = …….ohms

Data Processing and Analysis

Losses

Iron loss (for rated voltage) = …………Watts

Full load copper loss = …………Watts

Equivalent Circuit Parameters

The four parameters of the equivalent circuit are R0, X0, R1 and X1 (see Fig.1.1).R0
and X0 are obtained from OPEN-CIRCUIT test and R1 and X1 are obtained from the SHORT-
CIRCUIT test as follows:

From OPEN-CIRCUIT test,

No load p.f. (cosϕ0) = W0/V0I0) = ……….

∴ sin ϕ0 = ……….

IW= I0cosϕ0= ……….amps

Iµ = I0 sin ϕ0= ……….amps

R0 =V0/IW = ……..ohms

X0 = V0/Iµ = ……..ohms

From SHORT-CIRCUIT test,

Total impedance referred to HIGH-VOLTAGE side (sec. side),

Z 2= VSC/ISC= ……..ohms

Total resistance referred to HIGH-VOLTAGE

R 2= WSC/ISC2 = ……..ohms

2 2
∴ X 2 = Z 2 − R 2 = ……..ohms

∴ Total resistance referred to LOW-VOLTAGE side (primary),

 R 1= R 2(N1/N2)2= ……..ohms

Similarly X 1= X 2(N1/N2)2= ……..ohms

Coefficient of Coupling (K)

Self-impedance of primary winding, Z11 = R1+ jωL11

= V10/I10 = ……..ohms

Resistance of the primary winding (R1) = ……..ohms

∴ X11 = jωL11 = Z112 − R12 = ……..ohms

∴ L11 = ……..henry

Now, E20 = ( jωL12) · I10

∴ Z12 = jωL12 = E20/I20 = ……..ohms

∴ L12 = ……..henry

Let Z22 = R2 + jωL22

The driving point impedance of the primary winding with the secondary winding shorted is,

ZSC = V1SC/ISC = ……..ohms

It can be shown that ZSC = Z11- Z122/Z22, where - Z122/Z22 is called the reflected impedance of
the secondary circuit.

∴ Z22 = ……..ohms, R2 = ……..ohms

X22 = Z 22 2 − R2 2 = ……..ohms

∴ L22 = ……..henry

∴ K = L12/ L11 ⋅ L22 = ……..

References

(a) A.S. Langsdorf, Theory of Alternating-Current Machinery, McGraw-Hill, Second ed.,

(1955).
(b) M.G. Say, Performance of AC Machines, ELBS (1961).
(c) A.F. Puchstein, T.C. Lloyd and A.G. Conrad, Alternating Current Machines, Asia, Third
ed.,(1968).
(d) E.W. Kimbark, Power System Stability: Synchronous Machines, Dover N.Y., (1968).
(e) A.E. Fitzgerald and C. Kingsley, Electric Machinery, McGraw-Hill, Second ed., (1961).