Name

Reg. #
Experiment 11:

Determine the voltage regulation of a transformer

A transformer is a static device which is used to step up or step-down voltage in an AC circuit. It

consists of a laminated core of iron carrying two windings. The one connected to the supply is
known as primary and the other connected to the load as the secondary winding. Its working
principal is the mutual induction. When primary is connected to an AC supply an alternating flux
is set up in the core. This flux linking with the secondary ending induces in it an alternating
e.m.f.

The ratio of the applied voltage Vp to the secondary voltage Vs is very nearly equal to the turn’s
ratio i.e.

Vp Np
=
Vs Ns

There should neither be vibration nor leaking in a transformer. It is for this purpose that the
transformer coils are immersed in varnish. Except for very small sizes (below 5 KVA), cores and
windings of the transformer have to be cooled otherwise it may be damaged. The mineral oil is
one of the suitable coolants. Due to the flow of heavy currents in the windings, various losses
such as Iron Losses and Copper Losses also take place which need to be minimized for higher
efficiency. Transformer efficiency is the ratio of output power to input power, while percentage
voltage regulation is the percentage drop of volts from no load to full load. For better
performance, it is usually desired to have the terminal P.D. constant i.e. minimum variation from
no load.

1. Find the voltage regulation of transformer

The voltage regulation of a transformer is defined as the variation of the secondary voltage
between no load and full load expressed as a percentage of the no load voltage, the primary
voltage being assumed constant i.e.

Vn−Vf
Voltage Regulation = ×100
Vn

Typical values of voltage regulations of transformers at 0.9 power factor (lagging) are 3 % in
small transformers and 1-112 % in 50 KVA or larger units. The variation of the secondary
voltage between no-load and full load is due to the resistance and reactance of the windings.

Procedure:
1. Connect a circuit similar to circuit shown in Figure 19. Any type of load (i.e., a lamp) can
be used instead of the resistor and inductor shown.

Figure 1 220/12 V Transformer with Full-load

2. With the secondary circuit open i.e., no-load, note down the secondary induced voltage
from voltmeter, label it as Vn and record it here:
Vn= ________
3. Connect the full-load and record the of the same voltmeter and call it as V f .
4. Change the load values and record the corresponding voltmeter and ammeter readings in
the observation table.
5. Calculate the percentage voltage regulation from the readings using:

Vn−V f
% Voltage Regulation = ×100
Vn

6. Plot a graph between % age voltage regulation and load current I L.

Table 1 Measurements to calculate VR of a transformer

Sr. no. Measured Load Current I L % Voltage

V f /V /A Regulation

7
Interpretation and Analysis

Does the load current affect the performance of a transformer? Explain.

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Can you achieve 100% voltage regulation? Explain.

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Conclusion
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