Three-phase Transformer Connections

The connection of the primary and secondary winding of a three-phase transformer can
be designed in different ways according to the desired application and available
terminals.

Mostly, transformer winding is placed on one core that provides an economic connection
between the iron core and copper windings.

Table of content

1. Delta-Delta (Δ-Δ)

2. Star-Star (Y-Y)

3. Delta-Star (Δ-Δ)

4. Star-Delta (Y-Δ)

Three-Phase Transformer Connections

There are two three-phase windings in a three-phase transformer; primary winding and
secondary winding.

The connection of primary winding and secondary winding can be a star or delta
connection. According to the application of a transformer, the primary winding and
secondary winding can be connected in four possible configurations as follows:

• Delta-Delta (Δ-Δ)

• Star-Star (Y-Y)

• Delta-Star (Δ-Δ)

• Star-Delta (Y-Δ)

Delta-Delta (Δ-Δ) Connection

 In the delta-delta transformer connection, primary and secondary are connected in the
Delta connection. The connection diagram of this configuration is shown in the figure
below.

This connection is generally used even if the load is unbalanced and for large, low-
voltage transformers. The number of required phases/turns is relatively greater than that
for star-star connection.

The ratio of line voltages on the primary and secondary sides is equal to the
transformation ratio of the transformers.

Besides that, this connection is that even if one transformer is disabled, the system can
continue to operate in an open delta connection but with reduced available capacity.

The advantages of delta-delta connection:

 The main advantage of this system is that if one phase fails to operate, the transformer
will run on the other two phases. This system is known as an open delta connection or V-
V connection.

 This connection can be used for both balanced and unbalanced loading conditions.

 The third harmonic is present in this system, but it circulates in the close path and does
not appear in the output voltage.

 The disadvantage of the delta-delta connection is that the neutral point is not available in
the system. Therefore, a delta-delta connection is useful when primary or secondary
winding does not require a neutral terminal.
Star-Star (Y-Y) Connection

In this connection, the primary winding and secondary winding are connected in a star
connection. The connection diagram of the star-star connection is shown in the figure
below.

This connection is generally used only if the connected load is balanced for small, high-
voltage transformers. Because of the star connection, the number of required turns/phase
is reduced (as phase voltage in star connection is 1/√3 times of line voltage only).
Therefore, the amount of insulation required is also reduced.

The ratio of line voltages on the primary side and the secondary side is equal to the
transformation ratio of the transformers.

Line voltages on both the primary side and the secondary side are in phase with each
other.
Delta-Star (Δ-Y) Connection

In a Delta-star connection of a three-phase transformer, the primary winding is connected

in a Delta connection, and the secondary winding is connected in a star connection.

The connection diagram of a Delta-star configuration is shown in the figure below.

The primary winding is connected in a Delta connection. Therefore, in the primary

winding, the phase voltage is equal to the line voltage.

The secondary winding is connected in a star connection. Therefore, in the secondary

winding, the line voltage is √3 times the phase voltage.

The primary winding is connected in the delta and the secondary winding is connected in
the star with neutral ground. Therefore, it can be used to provide a 3-phase 4-wire
service.

This connection is mainly used in a step-up transformer at the beginning of the

transmission line.

The ratio of secondary to primary line voltage is √3 times the transformation ratio.

There is a 30° shift between the primary and secondary line voltages.

Star-Delta (Y-Δ) Connection

In a star-delta connection, the secondary winding is connected in a delta configuration

and the primary winding is connected in a star configuration. The connection diagram of
the star-delta configuration is shown in the figure below.

The secondary winding is delta connected and the primary winding is star star (Y)
connected with grounded neutral.

This star-delta connection is mainly used in step-down transformers at the substation end
of the transmission line.

The ratio of secondary to primary line voltage is 1/√3 times the transformation ratio.

There is a 30° shift between the secondary and primary line voltages.