Energy Conservation I ST Details:

EEE221 Md. Reshad Al Muttaki

Tutorial 5 - 6 Email: reshad.al.muttaki@g.bracu.ac.bd
Spring 2025 Section: 1 & 3

Autotransformers
An autotransformer is a type of transformer with a single winding that serves as both the primary and secondary
winding, unlike a conventional transformer that has separate windings for each. Autotransformers are commonly
used for applications requiring a small change in voltage level and are known for their compact size, efficiency,
and cost-effectiveness.

Here’s an in-depth look at the key aspects of autotransformers:

Construction of an Autotransformer

 Single Winding: An autotransformer has a single winding with a series of taps at different points. The
winding is divided into two parts:
o Primary Portion: Connected to the input voltage source.
o Secondary Portion: Connects to the output load.
 Taps: The voltage output is drawn from taps along the winding, enabling different output voltages.
 Variable Output: By adjusting the position of the taps, an autotransformer can produce variable output
voltages.

Because the transformer coils are physically connected,

Figure: Transformer coils are physically connected forming Autotransformer

a different terminology is used for the autotransformer than for other types of transformers. The voltage on the
common coil is called the common voltage Vc, and the current in that coil is called the common current Ic. The
voltage on the series coil is called the series voltage VSE, and the current in that coil is called the series current
ISE.

The winding’s shared structure makes autotransformers more compact and cost-effective compared to
conventional transformers of the same power rating.
 Figure: A transformer with its windings (a) connected in the conventional manner and (b) reconnected as an
autotransformer.

Figure: A step-down autotransformer connection

The voltage and current on the low-voltage side of the transformer are called VL and IL respectively, while the
corresponding quantities on the high-voltage side of the transformer are called VH and IH. The primary side of the
autotransformer (the side with power into it) can be either the high-voltage side or the low-voltage side, depending
on whether the autotransformer is acting as a step-down or a step-up transformer. From Figure b the voltages and
currents in the coils are related by the equations:

𝑽 𝑁
=
𝑽 𝑁

𝑁𝑰 =𝑁 𝑰

The voltages in the coils are related to the voltages at the terminals by the equations:

𝑽 =𝑽

𝑽 =𝑽 +𝑽
 𝑁 𝑁
=𝑽 + 𝑽 =𝑽 + 𝑽
𝑁 𝑁

𝑽 𝑁
∴ =
𝑽 𝑁 +𝑁

and the currents in the coils are related to the currents at the terminals by the equations:

𝑰 =𝑰

𝑰 =𝑰 +𝑰

𝑁 𝑁
= 𝑰 +𝑰 = 𝑰 +𝑰
𝑁 𝑁

𝑰 𝑁 +𝑁
∴ =
𝑰 𝑁

The input and output apparent power of an autotransformer are given as:

𝑆 =𝑉𝐼 𝑆 =𝑉 𝐼

𝑆 =𝑆 =𝑆

where SIO is defined to be the input and output apparent powers of the transformer. However, the apparent power
in the transformer windings is:

𝑆 =𝑉 𝐼 =𝑉 𝐼

The relationship between the power going into the primary (and out the secondary) of the transformer and the
power in the transformer’s actual windings can be found as follows:

𝑆 =𝑉 𝐼

= 𝑉 (𝐼 − 𝐼 ) = 𝑉 𝐼 − 𝑉 𝐼

𝑁
= 𝑉 𝐼 −𝑉 𝐼
𝑁 +𝑁

(𝑁 +𝑁 )−𝑁
=𝑉𝐼
𝑁 +𝑁

𝑁
=𝑆
𝑁 +𝑁

𝑆 𝑁 +𝑁
∴ =
𝑆 𝑁
 Parallel Operation of Transformers (Lab Project)

Parallel operation of transformers involves connecting two or more transformers to share a common load. This
technique is widely used in power systems to enhance reliability, flexibility, and efficiency.

Why Operate Transformers in Parallel?

Parallel operation is done to:

 Increase overall system capacity

 Improve system reliability (if one transformer fails, the other can still supply power)
 Enhance efficiency by using only the required number of transformers based on load conditions
 Allow easy expansion of the power system

Conditions for Parallel Operation

For transformers to operate efficiently in parallel, they must satisfy the following conditions:

A. Identical Voltage Ratings (Primary & Secondary)

 The transformers must have the same primary and secondary voltage ratings.
 If the voltage ratings differ, circulating currents will flow between transformers, causing losses and
possible overheating.

B. Same Turn Ratio (or Transformation Ratio)

 The turn ratio (𝑁₁/𝑁₂) of both transformers should be equal.

 If different, the secondary voltages will be mismatched, leading to circulating currents and uneven load
sharing.

C. Similar Percentage Impedance (Per Unit Impedance)

 The percentage impedance of each transformer should be nearly equal.

 If not, the transformers will not share the load proportionally, leading to overheating and inefficiency.

D. Same Polarity

 Transformers must have the same polarity to avoid phase opposition, which could result in a short circuit.

E. Same Phase Sequence (for Three-Phase Systems)

 The phase sequence (R-Y-B or A-B-C) must be identical in all transformers to prevent phase mismatches
and short circuits.

F. Similar X/R Ratio

 The ratio of reactance to resistance (X/R) should be nearly equal for each transformer to ensure
proportional load sharing under varying power factors.
Load Sharing in Parallel Transformers

When two transformers operate in parallel, the load they share depends on their impedance values. The
transformer with lower impedance carries a higher proportion of the load. The load-sharing formula is:

𝑍
𝑆 :𝑆 =
𝑍

where:

 𝑆 and 𝑆 are the kVA ratings of transformers 1 and 2

 𝑍 and 𝑍 are the per-unit impedances of the respective transformers

Key Point: If impedance values are equal, the load is shared equally. Otherwise, the transformer with lower
impedance carries more load.

Advantages of Parallel Operation

 Improved Reliability: If one transformer fails, the others can still supply power.
 Flexibility in Expansion: Additional transformers can be added as the demand increases.
 Increased Efficiency: Transformers can be switched ON/OFF based on load requirements to reduce
losses.
 Better Voltage Regulation: Multiple transformers reduce the voltage drop in the system.

Disadvantages of Parallel Operation

 Unequal Load Sharing: If impedance mismatches occur, one transformer may overheat.
 Circulating Currents: If voltage ratios are not identical, unwanted currents flow, increasing losses.
 Complexity: Requires careful selection of transformers and proper protection coordination.

Parallel Connection Procedure

1. Check Transformer Ratings: Ensure that voltage ratings, turn ratios, and impedance values are suitable
for parallel operation.
2. Verify Polarity: Perform a polarity test to ensure correct
connections.
3. Check Phase Sequence (for Three-Phase Systems):
Use a phase sequence indicator to confirm matching
phase order.
4. Measure No-Load Voltages: Compare secondary
voltages to ensure they are equal.
5. Connect the Transformers: Carefully wire the
transformers in parallel, ensuring correct polarity.
6. Monitor Load Sharing: Apply load and check the
current sharing between transformers. Adjust if
necessary.
 Figure: Parallel Operation of a 1 − ∅ transformer

Applications of Parallel Transformers

 Power Grids: Ensures continuity of supply and redundancy

 Industrial Plants: Handles varying loads efficiently
 Renewable Energy Systems: Used in solar and wind farms
 Electrical Substations: Expands power capacity without replacing old transformers

Parallel operation is a critical technique in power systems that improves reliability, efficiency, and flexibility.
However, it requires careful matching of transformer parameters to avoid performance issues.

Reference Image To Relate With EEE203:

Figure: Load Sharing Between Two Single-Phase Transformers