Auto Transformer Connection

(7) Auto Transformer Connection:

An Ordinary Transformer consists of two windings called primary winding and secondary winding. These two
windings are magnetically coupled and electrically isolated. But the transformer in which a part of windings is
common to both primary and secondary is called Auto Transformer.

In Auto Transformer two windings are not only magnetically coupled but also electrically coupled. The input
to the transformer is constant but the output can be varied by varying the tapings.

The autotransformer is both the most simple and the most fascinating of the connections involving two
windings. It is used quite extensively in bulk power transmission systems because of its ability to multiply the
effective KVA capacity of a transformer. Autotransformers are also used on radial distribution feeder circuits as

voltage regulators. The connection is shown in Figure

The primary and secondary windings of a two winding transformer have induced emf in them due to a
common mutual flux and hence are in phase. The currents drawn by these two windings are out of phase by 180.
This prompted the use of a part of the primary as secondary. This is equivalent to common the secondary turns
into primary turns.

The common section need to have a cross sectional area of the conductor to carry (I2I1) ampere.

Total number of turns between A and C are T1. At point B a connection is taken. Section AB has T2 turns. As
the volts per turn, which is proportional to the flux in the machine, is the same for the whole winding, V1 : V2 =
T1 : T2

When the secondary winding delivers a load current of I2 Ampere the demagnetizing ampere turns is I2T2.
This will be countered by a current I1 flowing from the source through the T1 turns such that, I1T1 = I2T2

A current of I1 ampere flows through the winding between B and C. The current in the winding between A
and B is (I2 I1) ampere. The cross section of the wire to be selected for AB is proportional to this current
assuming a constant current density for the whole winding. Thus some amount of material saving can be
achieved compared to a two winding transformer. The magnetic circuit is assumed to be identical and hence there
is no saving in the same. To quantify the saving the total quantity of copper used in an auto transformer is
expressed as a fraction of that used in a two winding transformer As

copper in auto transformer / copper in two winding transformer =((T1 T2)I1 + T2(I2 I1))/T1I1 + T2I2

copper in auto transformer / copper in two winding transformer = 1 (2T2I1 / (T1I1 + T2I2))

But T1I1 = T2I2 so

The Ratio = 1 (2T2I1 / 2T1I1) = 1 (T2/T1)

This means that an auto transformer requires the use of lesser quantity of copper given by the ratio
of turns. This ratio therefore the savings in copper.

As the space for the second winding need not be there, the window space can be less for an auto
transformer, giving some saving in the lamination weight also. The larger the ratio of the voltages, smaller is the
savings. As T2 approaches T1 the savings become significant. Thus auto transformers become ideal choice for

close ratio transformations.

The auto transformer shown in Figure is connected as a boosting auto transformer because the series
winding boosts the output voltage. Care must be exercised when discussing primary and secondary voltages
in relationship to windings in an auto transformer.

In two-winding transformers, the primary voltage is associated with the primary winding, the secondary
voltage is associated with the secondary winding, and the primary voltage is normally considered to be greater
than the secondary voltage. In the case of a boosting autotransformer, however, the primary (or high) voltage is
associated with the series winding, and the secondary (or low) voltage is associated with the common winding;
but the voltage across the common winding is higher than across the series winding.

Limitation of the autotransformer

One of the limitations of the autotransformer connection is that not all types of three-phase connections are
possible. For example, the -Y and Y- connections are not possible using the autotransformer. The Y-Y
connection must share a common neutral between the high-voltage and low-voltage windings, so the neutrals of
the circuits connected to these windings cannot be isolated.

A - autotransformer connection is theoretically possible; however, this will create a peculiar phase shift.
The phase shift is a function of the ratio of the primary to secondary voltages and it can be calculated from the
vector diagram. This phase shift cannot be changed or eliminated and for this reason, autotransformers are very
seldom connected as transformers.

Advantages of the autotransformer

There are considerable savings in size and weight.

There are decreased losses for a given KVA capacity.

Using an autotransformer connection provides an opportunity for achieving lower series impedances and
better regulation. Its efficiency is more when compared with the conventional one.

Its size is relatively very smaller.

Voltage regulation of autotransformer is much better.

Lower cost

Low requirements of excitation current.

Less copper is used in its design and construction.

In conventional transformer the voltage step up or step down value is fixed while in autotransformer, we can
vary the output voltage as per out requirements and can smoothly increase or decrease its value as per our
requirement.

Disadvantages of the autotransformer:

The autotransformer connection is not available with certain three-phase connections.

Higher (and possibly more damaging) short-circuit currents can result from a lower series impedance.

Short circuits can impress voltages significantly higher than operating voltages across the windings of an
autotransformer.

For the same voltage surge at the line terminals, the impressed and induced voltages are greater for an
autotransformer than for a two-winding transformer.

Autotransformer consists of a single winding around an iron core, which creates a change in voltage from
one end to the other. In other words, the self-inductance of the winding around the core changes the voltage
potential, but there is no isolation of the high and low voltage ends of the winding. So any noise or other voltage
anomaly coming in on one side is passed through to the other. For that reason, Autotransformers are typically
only used where there is already some sort of filtering or conditioning ahead of it, as in electronic applications, or
the downstream device is unaffected by those anomalies, such as an AC motor during starting

Applications:

Used in both Synchronous motors and induction motors.

Used in electrical apparatus testing labs since the voltage can be smoothly and continuously varied.

They find application as boosters in AC feeders to increase the voltage levels.

Used in HV Substation due to following reasons.

1.

If we use normal transformer the size of transformer will be very high which leads to heavy weight, more
copper and high cost.

2.

The tertiary winding used in Auto transformer balances single phase unbalanced loads connected to
secondary and it does not pass on these unbalanced currents to Primary side. Hence Harmonics and voltage
unbalance are eliminated.

3.

Tertiary winding in the Auto Transformer balances amp turns so that Auto transformer achieves magnetic
separation like two winding transformers.