THREE-PHASE TRANSFORMERS

Dr. Amitava Biswas

Assistant Professor
Department of Applied Physics
Electrical Engineering Section
University of Calcutta
92, APC Road, Kolkata - 9

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 THREE-PHASE TRANSFORMERS
A three-phase transformer can be built in one of two
ways:
1. By suitably connecting a bank of three single-
phase transformers
2. By constructing a three-phase transformer on a
common magnetic structure.
The transformers may be inherently 3-phase, having
three primary windings and three secondary
windings mounted on a 3-legged core.
The primary and secondary windings may be
connected in either star (Y) or delta ()
configurations.
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 Advantage of Three-Phase Transformers

Advantages of a Three-Phase Transformer

It takes less space.
It is lighter and smaller as compared to three single
phase transformers.
It is slightly more efficient.
It is cheaper.

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 Construction of Three-Phase Transformers
The unique arrangement of the windings and the
core in a three-phase transformer makes it possible
to save a great deal of iron by interlinking the
magnetic circuits so that the same iron is used by the
three phase
A three-phase transformer is constructed by winding
three single-phase transformers on a single core are
are displaced 120 electrical degrees .
Three-phase transformers are connected in either
star or delta configurations.
Three-phase transformers are two type
1. Core type and
2. Shell type
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 Construction of Three-Phase Transformers

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 Construction of Three-Phase Transformers

Construction of three single-phase core-type 3-ph transformer

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 Shell type Three-Phase Transformer

Three-phase transformer construction

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 Shell type Three-Phase Transformer

Fluxes in the same direction Phasor diagram

With balanced conditions, we may write

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0 0
, B 1200 & C 2400 8
 Shell type Three-Phase Transformer
The flux in the section 2 is
3
2 A B 0 120 1 j
1 1 1

0 0
2 2 2 2 2
3 3
j
22 2

3 3
2
The magnitude, 3
2
2
2 2 2 2

3
Similarly, 3
2
This shows that for the same flux density, the cross-sectional
areas at 2 and 3 are 86% of the central core area. The flux
carried by 1 and 4 is /2, therefore, their areas are 50% of
the central core area.
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 Shell type Three-Phase Transformer
Now, the winding B is wound in the reversed direction

Three-phase shell-type transformer with middle Phasor diagram

winding wound in the reversed direction
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 Shell type Three-Phase Transformer
For balanced conditions,
2 A B 0 0 120 0
1 1
2 2
1 3 1 3
1 j j
2 2 2 2 2 2

3
2
1 1
2
The magnitude, 2

2 2 2 2
1
Similarly, 3
2
Consequently the area of cross-sectional 1, 2, 3 and 4 are the
same and is equal to half of the central limb area, that is, a
substantial economy of iron is possible. For this reason, the hand
of the central winding in three-phase shell-type transformers is
always opposite to that of the two other windings.
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 Winding of Three-Phase Transformers

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 Core-type Three-Phase Transformers

Three single-phase cores in contact with one another

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 Core-type Three-Phase Transformers

With balanced conditions, we may write

A 00 , B 1200 & C 2400
The total flux in the central limb is
R A B C
sin t B sin (t 1200 ) sin( t 2400 )
0
For this reason, the central limb might be removed.

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 Core-type Three-Phase Transformers

Central limb removed because it carries no flux

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 Core-type Three-Phase Transformers

Three limbs in the same plane

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 Core-type Three-Phase Transformers

Three limbs in the same plane

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 Three-Phase Transformers
Transformer Bank

Three single-phase transformers can be connected

together to deliver three-phase power. This is
referred to as a transformer bank.
This allows greater maintenance and replacement
options.

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 Three-Phase Transformers

Transformer bank without connections

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 Three-Phase Transformers Connection

There are three type of transformer connection.

1. Star connection
2. Delta connection
3. Inter-star or Zigzag connection

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 Three-Phase Star connection

Connection digram Phasor diagram

Relation between lhe line and phase voltages is

VAB 3 VAN 300
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 Three-Phase Delta connection

Connection digram Phasor diagram

Relation between lhe line and phase voltages is

I A 3 I AB 30 0
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 Inter-Starr or ZIGZAG Connection

Three-phase zigzag connection

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 Inter-Starr or ZIGZAG Connection

Phasor diagram of zigzag connection

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 Inter-Starr or Zigzag Connection
The voltage between A and neutral point is
1 3 3 3
VAN E h E E 1 j E j 3 E 300

2 2 2 2
Hence the line voltage is
VAB 3 VAN 300 3 E 00

Ratio of normal star connection

with zigzag connection is
Line voltage with star connection 2 3 E
1.15
Line voltage with zigzag connection 3 E

For the same line voltage the zigzag connection requires more
turns; in face 15 percent more.
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 Three-Phase Transformers Connection

Primary and Secondary Connections

The primary (input) side of a three-phase
transformer can be connected in a star or delta
configuration.
The secondary (output) side of a three-phase
transformer can also be connected in a star or
delta configuration.

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 Three-Phase Transformers Connection

Transformer bank connected star-delta

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 Three-Phase Transformers

Primary and Secondary Connections

This allows four basic connection patterns:

1. Star-star or Wye-wye
2. Delta-Delta
3. Star-Delta
4. Delta-Star

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 Delta-delta connection

Delta-delta three-phase connection schematic

This connection is used for moderate voltages.

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 Delta-delta connection

In such a delta-delta connection, the voltages

between the respective incoming and outgoing
transmission lines are in phase.

If a balanced load is connected to lines 1-2-3, the

resulting line currents are equal in magnitude. This
produces balanced line currents in the incoming
lines I1-I2-I3.

The power rating of the transformer bank is three

times the rating of a single transformer.
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 Delta-Star connection
Advantages
System voltages are more stable in relation to
unbalanced load
If one t/f is failed it may be used for low power
level ie V-V connection
No distortion of flux ie 3rd harmonic current not
flowing to the line wire

Disadvantages
Compare to Y-Y require more insulation
Absence of star point ie fault may severe
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 Delta-Star connection

Delta-star three-phase connection schematic

This connection is used to step up voltage i.e. beginning

of high tension line.
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 Delta-Star connection
The voltage across each primary winding is equal to
the incoming line voltage.

However, the outgoing line voltage is 3 times the

secondary voltage across each transformer.

The line currents in phases A, B and C are 3 times

the currents in the primary windings.

A delta-star connection produces a 30 phase shift

between the line voltages of the incoming and
outgoing transmission lines.
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 Delta-Star connection

Advantages and Disadvantages

The secondary phase voltage is 1/3 times of line

voltage.
Neutral in secondary can be grounded for 3 phase 4
wire system.
Neutral shifting and 3rd harmonics are present.

Phase shift of 30 between secondary and primary

currents and voltages.

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 Star-Delta connection

Star-delta three-phase connection schematic

Used to step down voltage ie end of transmission line.

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 Star-Delta connection
Advantages
The primary side is star connected. Hence fewer number of
turns are required. This makes the connection economical
The neutral available on the primary can be earthed to avoid
distortion.
Large unbalanced loads can be handled satisfactory.

Disadvantages
The secondary voltage is not in phase with the primary.
(30 phase difference )
Hence it is not possible to operate this connection in
parallel with star-star or delta-delta connected transformer.
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 Star-Star connection

Star-star three-phase connection schematic

This connection satisfactory only in balanced load

otherwise neutral point will be shifted.
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 Star-Star connection

Advantages

Requires less turns per winding ie cheaper

Phase voltage is 1/3 times of line voltage

Cross section of winding is large ie stronger to bear

stress during short circuit
Line current is equal to phase current

Less dielectric strength in insulating materials

phase voltage is less

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 Star-Star connection

Disadvantages
If the load on the secondary side unbalanced
then the shifting of neutral point is possible

The third harmonic present in the alternator

voltage may appear on the secondary side. This
causes distortion in the secondary phase
voltages

Magnetizing current of transformer has 3rd

harmonic component

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 Factor Affecting the Choice of Connections

Some of the factors governing the choice of connections

are as follows :
1. Availability of a neutral connection for grounding,
protection, or load connections.
2. Insulation to ground and voltage stress.
3. Availability of a path for the flow of third harmonic
currents and zero-sequence currents.
4. Need for partial capacity with one circuit out of
service.
5. Parallel operation with other transformers.
6. Operation under fault conditions.

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Connections and Phasor Diagram of Three Phase Transformer

Star-star connection

7/10/2017 Phasor diagram 41

Connections and Phasor Diagram of Three Phase Transformer

Delta-delta connection

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Connections and Phasor Diagram of Three Phase Transformer

Star-delta connection

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Connections and Phasor Diagram of Three Phase Transformer

Delta-star connection

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 Phasor Groups of Three-Phase Transformers

Three phase transforms are allotted symbols giving

the type of phase-connection and the angle of
advance turned through in passing from the phasor
representing the h.v. emf to that representing the l.v.
emf at the corresponding terminal.
The phase angle between high voltage and low
voltage phasor can be represented by clockface hour
figure.
The high voltage phasor is given the 12 Oclock (or
zero) and the position of low voltage phasor is
represented by the hour hand of clock.
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 Phasor Groups of Three-Phase Transformers

When the hour hand is at 12 Oclock, there is no phase

displacement between high voltage and low voltage
phasor or 00.
When the hour hand is at 6 Oclock, it indicates that low
voltage phasor is lagging the high voltage phasor by
1800.
When the hour hand is at 1 Oclock, it indicates that low
voltage phasor is lagging the high voltage phasor by 300
(clockwise rotation of phasor is considered negative or
- 300).
When the hour hand is at 11 Oclock, it indicates that
low voltage phasor is leading the high voltage phasor by
300 (clockwise rotation of phasor is considered positive
or + 300).
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 Phasor Groups of Three-Phase Transformers
Three-phase transformers are the four main groups.
The transformer connections being identified by two
figures, the firs denoting the main group and second the
connection with that group.
They are also given three letters denoting the type of
connection, Y standing for star, D for delta, and Z for zigzag,
with capitals or small letters for primary and secondary as
appropriate.
The group into which all possible three-phase transformer
connections are classified are as follows :
1. Group 1 : 00 Phase difference, (Yy0, Dd0, Dz0, Zd0)
2. Group 2 :1800 Phase difference, (Yy6, Dd6, Dz6, Zd6)
3. Group 3 : + 300 Phase difference, (Dy11, Yd11, Yz11, Zy11)
4. Group 4 : - 300 Phase difference, (Dy1, Yd1, Yz1, Zy1).
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 Group-1 : Zero Phase Difference (Yy0, Dd0, Dz0)

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 Group -2 : 1800 Phase Difference (Yy6, Dd6, Dz6)

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Group -3 : Phase Difference (+ 300 ) (Dy11, Yd11, Yz11)

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 Group -4 : Phase Difference (- 300 ) (Dy1, Yd1, Yz1)

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 Open-Delta or V-V Connection

Open delta or V-V connection diagram

Input side Load side

Phasor diagrams
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 Open-Delta or V-V Connection

For equal primary-line voltage, with VCA as reference,

VCA VP 00 ; VBC VP 1200 and VAB VP 1200

Where VP is the magnitude of the line voltage on primary

side.
The potential difference between a and c
Vab Vbc Vca 0
Vab Vbc Vca
For equal secondary-line voltage, Vca with as reference,
Vca VS 00 and Vbc VS 1200
Where VS is the magnitude of the line voltage on
secondary side.
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 Open-Delta or V-V Connection

Now, the voltage between a and b is

Vab VS 00 VS 1200 VS 0.5VS j 0.866 VS

0.5VS j 0.866 VS
VS 1200
It is seen from above that Vab is equal in magnitude to
the other secondary voltages and is displaced from
both Vca and Vbc by 1200. This shows that at no load,
the secondary line voltages from a balanced three-
phase system of voltages.
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 Open-Delta or V-V Connection

KVA Delivered by Closed-Delta and Open-Delta Connections

A. For closed delta connection

Line voltage = Phase voltage,

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 Sine wave distortion caused by harmonics.
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 Harmonic Reduction

1. Reduce the neutral current in three-phase

systems by balancing the currents in the
phase legs.
2. Reduce triplen harmonics on the neutral by
adding filters.

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 Harmonic Reduction
3. Avoid shared neutrals and provide a
separate neutral for each phase conductor.
4. Install larger neutrals, especially on
multiphase circuits using a common neutral.

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 Harmonic Reduction

5. Derate the load capacity of transformers and

consider buying harmonic-rated
transformers.

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