2.

Three-Phase Transformers
All major power generation, transmission and distribution systems are three-phase ac systems.
These systems need three phase transformers. There are two different ways to construct threephase transformers.
2.1 Methods of Construction
2.1.1 Using a bank of three-single phase transformers

A1

B1

A2

C1

B2

C2

There are two types of core used in single phase transformer construction: Core-type and
Shell-type.

Core-Type Transformer

Shell-Type transformer

Advantages of using three single-phase transformers:

Each unit in the bank can be replaced in the event of failure.
2.1.2

Using three sets of windings wrapped on a common core

a

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

When a three-phase balanced set of voltages is applied, the fluxes in each limb of the core are:
a = max cos(t ) ; b = max cos(t 120) ; c = max cos(t 240)
Therefore,
a + b + c = 0
Therefore, it is possible to have a three limbed transformer core as shown above. However, the
above arrangement causes difficulties when the voltages are unbalanced: the resultant flux due to
unbalance is forced to pass through high reluctance air paths. Four limbed or five limbed
transformers can be used to rectify this situation.

Three-limbed core

Four-limbed core

Five-limbed core

Advantages of three-phase transformers with a common core are:

Lighter
Smaller in size and less foot print
Cheaper
Slightly more efficient

Three-phase power transformers: windings and appearance

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

2.2 Three-phase transformer connections

Regardless of the construction type (three-separate cores or single three-phase core), primary and
secondary windings can be independently connected in either a Wye (Y) or a Delta (). This
gives four possible connections.
Wye-Wye (Y-Y) connection
Wye-Delta (Y-) connection
Delta-Wye (-Y) connection
Delta-Delta (-) connection
2.2.1 Wye-Wye (Y-Y) connection
a:1

a1
+
VL1

+
V1

b1

a2
+
V2

+
VL2

b2
Vca1

Va1

Vc1

c1

c2

Vab1
Vb1

Vbc1
primary

n1

Vca2

Va21 Vab2

Vc2

Vb2

Vbc21
secondary

n2

In three-phase transformer voltage ratio specified is usually the ratio between line-to-line
voltages at the primary and secondary. For Y-Y connected transformer:
Relationship between the primary and secondary winding voltages:
V 1
=a
V 2
Line voltages of the primary and secondary sides:
VL1 = 3.V 1
VL 2 = 3.V 2
Ratio between the primary and secondary line voltages:
3 V 1
VL1
=
=a
VL 2
3 V 2

Phasor diagrams of the primary and secondary side voltages show that the corresponding phase
voltages on the primary and secondary sides are in phase.

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

Advantages of Y-Y connection:

Neutral point is available on both primary and secondary sides, and can be grounded if
necessary.
Electrical insulation required for each winding is 58% (or 1/3) of the respective line
voltage.
However, there are two serious drawbacks in the Y-Y connections.
If loads are unbalanced, then the voltages on the transformer can be seriously unbalanced.
Third harmonic voltage can be large
Transformer exciting currents are not exactly sinusoidal and contain significant third harmonic
component. Therefore, the exciting currents in three phases do not add up to zero, even if they
have the same magnitude and are displaced by 120o from each other. If the neutral is not
grounded, the exciting currents are forced to add up to zero at the neutral point. This results in a
distorted flux waveform, and hence a distorted voltage waveform that contain third harmonics.
Although fundamental frequency voltages are 120o phase shifted from each other, third harmonic
component of the each phase will be in phase. These components add up resulting in large third
harmonic voltages.
Both the unbalance problem and third-harmonic problem can be solved by using one of two
techniques:
Solidly grounding the neutrals of the transformer
This allows additive third harmonic currents to flow into the neutral instead of building
large voltages. Neutral also provides return path for unbalanced currents.
Add a third (tertiary) winding connected in
The third-harmonic voltages in the winding will add up, causing a circulating current
flow within the winding. This suppresses the third-harmonic components of voltage in
the same manner as grounding the transformer neutral.
One of the above correction techniques MUST be used any time a Y-Y transformer is installed.
In practice, Y-Y transformers are rarely used because of the same job can be done with one of
the other types.

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

2.2.2 Wye-Delta (Y-) connection

a:1

a1
+
V1

+
VL1

b1

a2
+
V2

+
VL2

b2

Vca2
Vca1

Va1

Vc1

c1

Vab1

Va2
Vc2

Vb1

Vbc2

c2

Vab2
Vb2

Vbc1
primary

n1

secondary

Relationship between the primary and secondary winding voltages:

V 1
=a
V 2
Line voltages of the primary and secondary sides:
VL1 = 3.V 1
VL 2 = V 2
Ratio between the primary and secondary line voltages:
3 V 1
VL1
=
= 3a
VL 2
V 2
Phasor diagrams of primary and secondary voltages show that the secondary sides line voltages
lags behind the corresponding voltages on the primary side by 30o.
Advantages of Y- connection:
No serious problems with unbalanced loads. The winding partially redistributes any
imbalance that occurs.

No problem of third-harmonic voltages. The third harmonic components in voltage are

consumed in a circulating current formed on the winding.

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

Drawbacks in the Y- connection

Voltage on the secondary is phase shifted with respect to the primary side. If two
transformer secondary windings are paralleling, care must be taken to make sure both
secondary windings are phase shifted by the same amount.
Electrical insulation required for secondary winding is equal to the line voltage.
Therefore, Y- transformers are mainly used for step-down applications.
2.2.3 Delta-Wye (-Y) connection
a:1

a1
+
VL1

+
V1

b1

a2
+
V2

+
VL2

b2

Vca1

Vab2
Va1 Vab1

Va2

Vca2
Vc1

Vc2

Vb2

Vb1

c1

Vbc1

c2

primary

Vbc2

secondary

n2

Relationship between the primary and secondary winding voltages:

V 1
=a
V 2
Line voltages of the primary and secondary sides:
VL1 = V 1
VL 2 = 3 V 2
Ratio between the primary and secondary line voltages:
V1
VL1
1
=
=
a
VL 2
3 V 2
3
According to the connection diagram shown, the secondary sides phase voltages lead the
corresponding primary side voltages by 30o.
-Y transformers have the same characteristics as Y- transformers. Winding insulation
requirements make -Y transformers more suitable for step-up applications. However, -Y
transformers are commonly used as step-down transformers in distribution systems where the
voltages are not very high. The neutral point on the secondary side allows supplying both threephase and single phase loads, while primary reduces the effects of unbalanced loading, which
is common in distribution systems.

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

2.2.4 Delta-Delta (-) connection

a:1

a1
+
VL1

+
V1

a2
+
V2

+
VL2

c2

b1

Vca1
Vc1

Vc2

Va1

Vbc1

Va2

Vbc2
Vb1

Vb2

Vab1

b2

c1

Vca2

primary

Vab2
secondary

Relationship between the primary and secondary winding voltages:

V 1
=a
V 2
Line voltages of the primary and secondary sides:
VL1 = V1
VL 2 = V 2
Ratio between the primary and secondary line voltages:
VL1 V1
=
=a
VL 2
V 2
According to the phasor diagrams of primary and secondary voltages, the corresponding line
voltages on the primary and secondary sides are in phase.
Advantages of - connection:

No serious problems with unbalanced loads.

No problem of third-harmonic voltages.
No phase shift in the voltages.
One transformer can be removed for maintenance while the other two continue to supply
three phase power at a reduced rating (58%).

Drawbacks in the - connection

Electrical insulation required for each winding is equal to the respective line voltage.
No neutral point is available on both sides of the transformer.

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

2.3 Zig-Zag Transformer

A zigzag winding is a series connection of two windings whose voltages are 600 out of phase.
The two windings are typically the same voltage magnitude, but custom phase shifts can be
created if the voltage magnitude of the two windings differs. There are two basic ways to create
a zigzag winding:
Connect the A leg in series with B leg (called a ZAB)
Connect the A leg in series with C leg (called a ZAC)
The polarity marks of the two windings either face toward one another or face away from one
another. The connection diagram for a ZAC zig-zag winding is shown below.

The Zig-Zag transformers which have only a primary windings but no secondary winding are
used to derive an earth reference point for an ungrounded electrical system. Another application
is to control harmonic currents.

2.4 Transformer Vector Groups

It is possible to connect three-phase transformers to achieve different phase shifts between the
primary and secondary sides. For example, -Y transformer, which usually has a +30o phase
shift in the secondary corresponding to primary side, can be connected to achieve a -30o phase
shift as shown below.

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

a:1

a1

+
V2

+
V1

+
VL1

a2
+
VL2

Vca1

b2

b1

Vca2
Va1

Vab1

Va2

Vab2
Vc2

Vc1
Vb1

Vb2

Vbc2

Vbc1
c2

c1

primary

secondary

n2
According to IEC standards, this connection is denoted as Dy1 connection. The D indicates
delta primary, y indicates wye connected secondary and 1 indicates a -30o phase shift in
secondary phase voltages relative to primary phase voltages. The number 1 comes from the fact
that primary and secondary phase-A voltage vectors when plotted together indicate clock
position 1. The following table gives different vector groups of -Y and Y- transformers.

Va1

-30o

Va2

Dy1

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

Common transformer connections and their vector groups

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

10

In North America, it is customary to make the secondary voltage lag the primary voltage.
According to ANSI Standards (ANSI/IEEE Std C57.70).:
High voltage terminals are marked with H1, H2 and H3 (or A,B, and C ).
Low voltage terminals are marked with X1, X2 and X3 (or a, b, and c ).
The American Standards for labeling of the windings states that In either a Y- or -Y
transformer, positive-sequence quantities on the HV side shall lead their corresponding quantities
on the low voltage side by 30o. Thus in the three-phase Y- or -Y transformers manufactured
according to American Standards, the HV side voltages are always leading the LV side voltages,
regardless of the HV winding connection type. Instead of the vector group, the name plate
provides a vector diagram such as the one shown below.

The above transformer example has the vector group Dy1.

2.5 Three-Phase Transformation Using Two Transformers
2.5.1 Open-Delta or V-V Connection

One phase
removed
a1
b1

a2
Vca2

Vab2

c1

b2
Vbc2

c2

Suppose that a - transformer bank composed of separate transformers has a damaged phase
that must be removed for repair. If the two remaining secondary voltages are V ab 2 = V L 2 0 and
Vbc 2 = V L 2 120 , then the voltage across the gap, Vca2 is given by

Vca 2 = Vab 2 Vbc 2 = V L 2 0 V L 2 120

Vca 2 = V L 2 V L 2 (0.5 j 0.866) = V L 2 (0.5 + j 0.886)
Vca 2 = V L 2 120

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

11

This is exactly the same voltage that would be present if the third winding were still present.
Thus the open delta connection lets transformer bank get by with only two transformers,
allowing some power flow to continue even with a damaged phase removed.

How much apparent power can the bank supply with one of its three transformers removed? At
first it seems that it could supply 2/3 of its rated apparent power, since two out of three
transformers are present. Things are not quite that simple.
When all three transformers are present, the total power supplied to the resistive load
P3 = 3V I
With open delta connection, transformer current is equal to the line current. The currents and
voltages are no longer in phase; there is a 30o phase shift. In a standard delta configuration, the
line current is 3 times greater than the current flowing in the phase winding. When one of the
transformers is absent, full line current flows through the phase windings, since line and phase
currents are the same in an open-delta configuration. The large increase in current will cause the
phase windings to overheat and will damage the transformer unless load power is reduced. The
line current must therefore be reduced by 3.
Power delivered by the first transformer:
P 1 = V I cos(150 120)
= V I cos(30)
=

3
V I
2

Power delivered by the second transformer

P 1 = V I cos(30 60)
= V I cos(30)
=

3
V I
2

Therefore, the total power supplied

P3 = 3V I

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

12

Since the rated current is the same for each transformer, and the voltage is the same on each
transformer; so the ratio of the output power available from the open-delta bank to the output
power available from normal three-phase transformer bank is
3V I
PV V
1
=
=
= 57.7%
3V I
P
3
The lpower capacity in the open-delta configuration is limited to 57.7% of the power capacity
normal delta-delta configuration. The following example illustrates the calculation of maximum
power. When three 50-kVA transformers are connected in delta-delta configuration, the total
capacity of the bank is their sum, or 150 kVA. For two transformers in an open-delta
configuration, the capacity is 150 kVA/3, or 86.6 kVA, which is the same as 86.6% of the total
capacity of two transformers (0.866 x 100 kVA = 86.6 kVA).
2.5.2 Open-Wye - Open-Delta Connection

a1
a2
V1
VL1

n1

V2
c2

VL2

c1
b2
b1

One phase
removed
Open-Wye-Open-Delta connection is very similar to open-delta connection except that the
primary voltages are derived from two phases and neutral. A major disadvantage is that a very
large return current must flow in the neutral of the primary circuit.
2.5.3 Scott-T Connection

Scott-T connection is a way to derive two phases 90o apart from a three-phase power supply.
Scott-T connection was developed to interconnect two-phase and three-phase power systems at
early days when both systems were common. However, today two phase power is primarily used
for certain specific control applications and electric railways.
Scott-T connection needed two single phase transformers with identical ratings, with one having
a tap on its primary winding at 86.6% of full load voltage, and the other having a tap on its
primary winding at 50%. The connection shown below results in two voltages at the secondary
windings to have a 90o phase difference. Phase relationships of the voltages are as shown in the
phasor diagrams.

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

13

a1
T2

Vp2

Vy

86.6% tap

b1

50% tap

T1

Vx

Vp1

c1

Vy
Vca1

Va1 Vab1

Vab1

Vca1
Vp2

Vc1
Vb1

Vx

Vbc1

Vbc1 = Vp1
Primary side

Three-phase source

secondary side

2.5.4 Three-Phase T Connection

In three-phase T connection, both primary and secondary sides are connected in the same way as
Scott-T connection primary. In this way, three-phase voltages are reconstructed at the secondary
side. The advantage of this connection is that, if needed a neutral point can be obtained at the
secondary side. This connection is sometime used in distribution transformers, as it can be
constructed at a lower cost.
n2
a1

a2
Vp2

T2

50% tap

86.6% tap

86.6% tap

b1

50% tap

50% tap

T1

b2

Vp1
c1

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

c2

14

2.6 Analysis of Three-Phase Transformers

Circuit computations involving three-phase transformers under balanced conditions can be made
by dealing with only one transformer or one phase, and recognizing the that conditions in the
other phases are the same except for the phase displacements. It is convenient to carryout
computations using a single phase basis (usually know as per phase basis). In dealing with -Y,
Y- and - transformers, all impedances on sides can be transformed to equivalent Y
connected impedances. For a balanced - connected system,
Z Y = 13 Z
Example 1:
Three identical single-phase transformers are each rated at 30 kVA, 200/40 kV, 60 Hz. They are
connected to form a three-phase, step-down, Y- transformer. The bank is energized with a 345
kV three-phase source. A 60 MVA, 0.9 pf lagging three phase load is connected to the secondary
of the transformer bank. Neglecting exciting currents and voltage drops across the transformer,
determine the primary and secondary voltages and currents.
Example 2:
Three single-phase 100 kVA, 2400/240 V, 60 Hz transformers are connected to form a threephase, 4160/240 V transformer bank. The equivalent impedance of each transformer referred to
its low voltage side is 0.045+j0.16 . The transformer is connected to a three-phase source
through a three-phase feeder with an impedance of 0.5+j1.5 /phase. The transformer delivers
250 kW at 240 V and 0.866 lagging power factor. Determine the transformer winding currents
and the sending end voltage at the source.
Example 3:
Three identical single-phase transformers, each rated at 12 kVA, 120/240 V, 60 Hz are
connected to form a three-phase, step-up, Y- connection. The parameters of the transformers
are RmL= 240 , XmL= 290 , RL=39.5 m, XL=1.5 m, RH=133.5 m and XH=201 m
(where the subscripts L and H denote the low and high voltage windings respectively). What are
the nominal voltage, current, and power ratings of the three-phase transformer? When it delivers
the rated load at the rated voltage and 0.8 pf lagging, determine the line voltages, line currents,
and the efficiency of the transformer.

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

15

2.7 Use of Per Unit System for Transformer Analysis

Solving circuits containing transformers is a somewhat tedious task, as it needs to refer all the
different voltage levels on different sides of transformers to one common level. This need for
explicit voltage level conversion can be eliminated by using per unit system.
Definition of per unit (pu) quantities

Quantity in pu =

Actual value
Base value of quantity

In definition of base quantities for a particular circuit, two base quantities are selected arbitrarily.
Then all other base values are found by using electrical laws. The common practice is to select
Apparent Power Base (Sbase) and Voltage Base (Vbase) arbitrarily, and then calculate Current Base
(Ibase) and Impedance Base (Zbase). For a single phase system
S base = Vbase I base and Pbase = Qbase = S base )

Vbase
I base
I
= base
Vbase

Z base =

Ybase

also Z base =

(Vbase )2
S base

In a power system, Sbase and Vbase are selected for a specific point. Voltage changes when going
through a transformer. Therefore, Vbase also changes at every transformer. Transformer has no
effect on apparent power, and thus Sbase remain unchanged.
When one device such as a transformer or a generator is being analyzed, its own ratings are used
as the base of the per-unit system. This has an advantage: when expressed in pu (based on its
own ratings), parameters of the electrical machine or transformer falls within a narrow range.
This is a very useful check in problem solution. For example, for a power transformer
Req(pu) 0.01 pu
Xeq(pu) 0.02 0.1 pu
Rc(pu) 50-200 pu
Xm(pu) 10 40 pu
If more than one machine or transformer is involved, the entire system must have a common
base.

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

16

Per Unit System for Three-Phase Transformers

Sbase = Apparent power rating of the three-phase transformer bank

S base
3
S1 base

S1 base =

I base =

Z base =

V base

(V

I base =

S base
3 V base

base

S1 base

3(V base )

Z base =

S base

For a Y connected winding, VL = 3 V, and IL = I,

VL base = 3 V base

I L base = I base
I L base =

S base

3 VL base
For a connected winding, VL = V, and IL =3I,
VL base = V base

I L base = 3 I base
I L base =

S base
3 VL base

Example 4:
A 100 MVA, 230/115 kV, Y-Y connected, three-phase power transformer has a series resistance
of 0.02 pu and a series reactance of 0.055 pu. The excitation branch elements are Rc=110 pu and
Xm=20 pu. This transformer supplies 80 MVA load at 0.85 pf lagging, with load voltage equal to
the rated secondary voltage.
a) Determine the efficiency of the transformer bank under the above conditions using the
per unit basis for the calculation.
b) Sketch the per-phase equivalent circuit referred to the low voltage side. Indicate the actual values
of all voltages, currents and impedances on the diagram.

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

17

2.8 Instrument Transformers

Instrument transformers facilitate the measurement of high voltages and currents using very
accurate standard low range voltmeters and ammeters. They also provide the safety in making
measurements by electrically isolating meters from the primary circuits.
2.8.1 Potential (Voltage) transformers (PT, VT)

Potential transformer is a step down type transformer: Many turns on the primary winding
connected to the HV circuit and few turns on the secondary winding, which is connected to the
measuring instrument.
Magnetic core of a potential transformer is usually shell type to provide better accuracy. One end
of the secondary winding is usually grounded to provide adequate protection to the operator.
Since the voltmeter behaves like an open circuit, the output current is almost zero: the power
rating of the potential transformer is very low.
2.8.2 Current transformers (CT)

CT with a wound primary

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

Clip-on type CT

18

Current transformer is designed to measure high currents in power systems. Primary has few
winding of heavy wire; Secondary has many turns of fine wire. In clamp-on type current
transformers, the current carrying conductor it self act as one-turn primary.
Low range ammeter is connected across the secondary winding. Ammeter has very low
impedance, and practically acts as a short circuit. Magnetizing current is almost negligible, and
flux density is relatively low. Consequently, CT core is never saturated under normal operating
conditions.
A CT is designed to operate with a short circuited (or very low impedance) secondary winding. It
should never be left open. If the secondary is left open, the primary winding is still carrying a
current (primary circuit current do not depend on the CT burden). Since there is no secondary
current to counteract its emf, core flux may increases to very high level. As a result, a
dangerously high voltage can induced on the secondary side.
Ratio and phase angle errors introduced by the instrument transformers must be minimized.
Therefore, they are designed to approximate the ideal transformers as closely as practical.
2.9 Inrush Currents
(t)

S
+
e(t)
_

+
v(t)
_

e(t ) = v(t ) = Vm sin(t )

(t ) =

1
Np

sin(t )dt

(t ) =

Vm
cos(t )
N p

Under steady state:

If the switch S is closed at voltage peak, and if the initial flux in the core is zero,

(t ) 0 =

(t ) =

Vm
[cos(t )]t t =90
N p

Vm
V
[cos(t ) 0] = m cos(t )
N p
N p

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

max =

Vm
N p

19

The maximum flux in the core is equal to the normal value of max under steady-state.
If the switch S is closed at voltage zero (assume that the initial flux in the core is zero)

(t ) 0 =
(t ) =

Vm
[cos(t )]t t =0
N p

Vm
V
[cos(t ) 1] = m [1 cos(t )]
N p
N p

max =

2Vm
N p

Core flux in this case, which could be twice the normal flux, will result in sever core
saturation, and hence a large magnetizing current, which could even exceed the rated current of
the transformer.

2Vm
N p
Vm
N p

Im1

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

Im2

20

The resulting magnetizing current

Closing at voltage peak: best situation

Closing at voltage zero: worst situation
Any other point on the voltage waveform: gives some inrush current below the peak inrush
current
If there is a residual flux in the core, the situation may become worse or better depending
on the direction of residual flux. For example, when closed at voltage zero
V
(t ) = res + m [1 cos(t )]
N p
Inrush currents will die down eventually due to circuit resistance and core losses.
However, the circuit equipment must be designed to withstand the inrush currents. Inrush current
can affect the operation of transformer protection equipment.
2.10 Transformer Ratings

When specifying the ratings of a three-phase transformer, the power rating normally refers
to the three-phase power and the voltage ratings refer to line-to-line voltages of the primary and
secondary sides.
2.10.1 Voltage and frequency ratings

Voltage rating serves two functions:

Protect the winding insulation from beak down due to excessive voltage applied to it
Limit the magnetizing current magnitude, which could be quite large if the core is
saturated
v(t ) = Vm sin(t )
V
(t ) = m cos(t )
N p

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21

If Vm is increased by 10%, the resulting max also increases by 10%. If the operating point is
shifted to saturation region, 10% increase in max will cause much higher increase in the
magnetizing current.
Maximum value of flux also depends on the frequency.
V
max = m
N p
If the frequency is reduced, max increases. Therefore, if the frequency is reduced, the voltage
must also be simultaneously reduced so that the ratio
Vm
= cons tan t
f
is maintained at a constant value. That is if a 60 Hz transformer is to be operated on 50Hz, its
applied voltage must also be reduced by a factor of 5/6.
2.10.1 Apparent power rating

When taken with voltage rating, the apparent power rating specifies the current flow through the
transformer. Usually, the output apparent power is specified. Apparent power rating limits the
I2R losses in the windings so that the transformer is not damaged due to overheating. If the
voltage rating is reduced due to some reason, apparent power rating must also be reduced by the
same percentage.

ECE 3650 / Dr. Athula Rajapakse

22