Three phase transformer

Three phase transformer can be formed using two arrangements:

1. Three individual identical single-phase transformers with individual housings
(tanks) and is called “ three phase transformer bank”.
фA фB фC
A1 a1 B1 b1 C1 c1

A2 a2 B2 b2 C2 c2

2. A single three-phase transformer and is called “ three phase transformer “

фA фB фC
A1 B1 C1
A2 B2 C2
a1 b1 c1
a2 b2 c2

Three phase 3 limb core type transformer (+ and – sequence)

фA=ф фA - фB
= 3 ф 30 фA

30
120 120
60 фA + фB
120 =ф -60

фC =ф фB =ф фC фB

Three phase phasor diagram

• The lengths of the magnetic paths for the three phases are not quite equal, and
the magnetizing currents are consequently not balanced.
• The center phase has lower magnetic path length and lower no load current.

• Very large transformers use the five-limb construction as shown in figure.

• Five limb transformers have balanced phases.

• The size of the yokes and outer limbs can be reduced because they carry lower
flux than the flux of the center limbs.

фA фB фC
A1 B1 C1
A2 B2 C2
a1 b1 c1
a2 b2 c2

Three phase 5 limb core type transformer (+ and – sequence)

In case of zero sequence

ф ф ф
A1 B1 C1
A2 B2 C2
a1 b1 c1
a2 b2 c2

Three phase 3 limb core type transformer zero sequence)

1.5 ф 0.5 ф 0.5 ф 1.5 ф

ф ф ф
A1 B1 C1
A2 B2 C2
a1 b1 c1
a2 b2 c2
1.5 ф 0.5 ф 0.5 ф 1.5 ф

Three phase 5 limb core type transformer (zerosequence)

 The second type of three phase transformer is shell type

1 2 3 4

фA фB фC
A1
A2

B2
B1
a2

C2
a1

C1
b2
b1

c1
c2
Three phase shell type transformer
In the above arrangement, the flux in the sections 1, 2, 3 and 4 are the same and
∅
equal
2
When all the three windings are wound in same sense, the flux in the sections 1
∅
and 4 are the same and equal . But the flux in the sections 2 and 3 are the same
2

√3
and equal ∅ (greater than flux of sections 1 and 4 by 73.21 %). Therefore, The
2
core area of sections 2 and 3 should be greater than one of sections 1 and 4 by
73.21%.
Comparison between three phase transformer and three phase bank:
• Three-phase transformer occupies less space than three phase bank.
• The cost of three-phase transformer is lower than the cost of three phase
transformer bank.
• Reduced cost being an overweighing consideration, it is common practice to use
a three-phase transformer unit.
• Three phase transformer has higher efficiency than the bank.
• Three-phase transformer has higher cost of spare unit than three phase bank.
• In underground use (mines) a bank of single-phase units may be preferred as it
is easier to transport these units.
• Three-phase transformer has lower reliability than three phase bank.
In a three-phase bank the phases are electrically connected but the three magnetic
circuits are (delinked- decoupled) independent.
In the more common three-phase, 3-limb core-type transformer, the three
magnetic circuits are also linked.

Common three phase connections

• The VA rating of each phase (or each transformer of a group of three single phase
transformers) is one third of the total VA rating regardless of the connection or
core type used.
• The voltage and current ratings of the individual phases or transformers depend
on the connection used.
 How to connect star and delta

V 0 V 0

VA VA
VAB VAB
V -120 V -120
VCA
VB VB
VBC
V 120 VBC V 120

VC VCA VC

Right Star connection Wrong Star connection

V 0 V 0

VA VA
VAB VAB
V -120 V -120

VB VB
VBC VBC
VCA V 120 VCA V 120

VC VC

Right Delta connection Wrong Delta connection

Find the required values.

Case 1
10 A L=1 H
L A
1ф
supply
N
L=1 H

??? A

L A
1ф
supply
N
Leq ??? H

Case 2
10 A
VA A
10 A
VB A

10 A
VC A

????
VA A
????
VB A

????
VC A