Experiment 5

Experiment 5
The different three-phase connections

5.1 Theory
The windings of a three-phase transformer can be connected in Y (star), D (delta) or
Z (zig-zag) formation. It is assumed that the characteristics of star and delta connections are
known, but the Z connection, which is used quite frequently in practice, will be dealt with here
in some detail. The Z connection has certain advantages when there is an uneven
distribution of the load on the transformer, see Experiment 6. Each winding phase of a
Z-connected transformer consists of two similar parts wound on the same limb. See the
figure below, which shows a Yz-connected transformer.

It can be shown that, compared with a Y-connected winding, a Z-connected winding requires
15 % more winding turns for the same voltage.
The up and down windings in a three-phase transformer can be connected in different ways.
This usually means a certain phase shift between the up and down voltages. When
transformers are to be connected in parallel it is important that they all have the same phase
shift. For this reason the phase shift is always given on the transformer rating plate, and then
in the form of the type of connection for the transformer.
The type of connection consists of the designation for the connection of the up-voltage
winding, and then the designations for other winding connections and phases in descending
order, according to the rated voltage.
The connection of the up side is given in capital letters. Small letters are used for other
windings. If there is a neutral terminal, N or n is added to the connection designation, for
example YN, zn.
The phase of a three-phase winding is given as the position of the phase voltage vector Va
for the winding in question, in relation to the position of the phase voltage vector for the upvoltage winding VA.

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Experiment 5
The phase sequence of the impressed voltage must agree with the marking sequence of the
phase terminals. The phase is expressed in accordance with the clock method, that is to say
as a particular time, which on the face of a clock is given by the position of the phase voltage
vector Va (hour hand) when the phase voltage vector VA (minute hand) is on 12. The figure
below shows the Dyn 1 type of connection.

Some examples of the more usual types of connections for three-phase transformers are
given below.

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Experiment 5
5.2 Yd connection
5.2.1 Connection diagram

5.2.2 Equipment
Power pack MV 1300
T
= Transformer MV 1915
V
= Voltmeter 500 V, MV 1926

5.2.3 Procedure
1. Switch on the three-phase voltage. Make a note of the voltage reading of the
voltmeter.
2. Switch off the three-phase voltage and move the voltmeter to terminals B-c.
3. Switch on the three-phase voltage and make a note of the voltmeter reading.
4. Measure the voltages C-b and A-B in the same way.

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Experiment 5
5.2.4 Problems
Find in the table below the correct type of connection for the transformer.
Type of connection (Phase Relation between the
position)
measured voltages
0

Cc < Bc = Cb > Cc < AB

Cc < Bc > Cb = Cc < AB

Cc < Bc > Cb < Cc < AB

Cc < Bc > Cb < Cc

Cc < Bc > Cb < Cc > AB

Cc < Bc > Cb < Cc > AB

Cc < Bc = Cb < Cc > AB

Cc < Bc < Cb = Cc > AB

Cc < Bc < Cb > Cc

Cc < Bc < Cb > Cc < AB

10

Cc < Bc < Cb > Cc < AB

11

Cc < Bc < Cb > Cc < AB

28

AB

AB

Experiment 5
5.3 Dyn connection
5.3.1 Connection diagram

5.3.2 Equipment
Power pack MV 1300
T
= Transformer MV 1915
V
= Voltmeter 500 V, MV 1926

5.3.3 Procedure
1. Switch on the three-phase voltage. Make a note of the voltage reading of the
voltmeter.
2. Switch off the three-phase voltage and move the voltmeter to terminals B-c.
3. Switch on the three-phase voltage and make a note of the voltmeter reading.
4. Measure the voltages C-b and A-B in the same way.

5.3.4 Problems
Find in the table on page 28 the correct type of connection for the transformer.

29

Experiment 5
5.4 Yzn connection
5.4.1 Connection diagram

5.4.2 Equipment
Power pack MV 1300
T
= Transformer MV 1915
V
= Voltmeter 500 V, MV 1926

5.4.3 Procedure
1. Switch on the three-phase voltage. Make a note of the voltage reading of the
voltmeter.
2. Switch off the three-phase voltage and move the voltmeter to terminals B-c.
3. Switch on the three-phase voltage and irake a note of the voltmeter reading.
4. Measure the voltages C-b and A-B in the same way.

5.4.4 Problems
Find in the table on page 28 the correct type of connection for the transformer.

30