Name : Sithembiso Michael Nkabinde

Student Number : 214152711

Practical Number : 3(B)
Date : 2016/09/07
Qualification : N.Dip Mechanical Engineering
Subject Name : Electric Machines III
Title : Transformer saturation test
Lecturer : D.P Zikalala
 Table of Contents
Topic Page no.
1. Description Page 3
2. Purpose Page 3
3. Experiment Page 3 to Page 5
4. Results Page 5
5. Observation and Conclusion Page 5
6. Reference Page 6

2
1. Description

This experiment is about the saturation effect transformers experience due to high
voltage.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the effect of saturation. Since it is clear
that the transformer will saturate either due to a too high voltage or a too low frequency,
only one of these needs to be applied to the transformer. In general variation of the
voltage level is easier to achieve.

3. Experiment

3.1 Experimental equipment and parts list

1 x single phase transformer (100VA, 15.6/230V)

Leads

2 x Multimeters

AC Variable power source

Pen and paper to record data

3.2 Safety

Ensure that the supply power is off before beginning connections.

Ensure there are no exposed wires.

Ensure the dial is set to zero initially.

3
3.3 Practical layout and circuit diagram

Open-circuit test wiring diagram

Power Supply
S Multimeter used as a voltmeter

V2
+

C V

A W
S

LV HV

C V

A W

Multimeter Transformer

Figure 3.3.1

Transformer

AOC WOC

VOC LV HV V2
AC Voltmeter

Supply

Figure 3.3.2

4
3.4 Procedure

Ensure that the power supply is off then assemble the components as shown in figure
3.3.1.

Leave the secondary side open by connecting a voltmeter across.

The multimeter that is connected on the primary side will be the one at which we obtain
our open circuit readings from; the test will be done on the low voltage side so as to
allow for the increments of voltage to be done.

Calculate the primary voltages to be used.

Before switching the power supply on ensure the dial is at 0.

Turn on power supply and turn dial to 1.56 volts then record results then begin to
increase in 10% increments recording current power and secondary voltage.

4. Results

4.1 Results obtained from the lab are recorded in the tables below

Table 4.1

VOC (V) 1.56 3.12 4.68 6.24 7.8 9.36 10.92 12.48
IOC(A) 0.13 0.18 0.21 0.24 0.28 0.32 0.37 0.49
POC(W) 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 4
V2 (V) 20.8 40 59.8 79.8 103.7 125.1 142.5 165.3

VOC (V) 14.04 15.6 17.16 18.72 20.28 21.84 23.4 24.96
IOC(A) 0.71 0.94 1.23 1.49 2.04 2.53 3.78 5.49
POC(W) 5 7 9 11 15 18 23 29
V2 (V) 188 205 225 239 264 280 301 317

5. Observation and Conclusion

The results were satisfactory as they were what was expected as can be seen in the
graphs 3.2.1.1 below that a saturation curve seems to be developing.

It can be seen that the values obtained from the experiment show a straight line when
V1 and V2 were put along one another.

Results were affected by the fact that the dial cannot be easily adjusted to get exact
voltage value desired.

A deeper understanding of the subject content was obtained from these tests.

5
6. References

http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/textbook/alternating-current/chpt-9/practical-
considerations-transformers

Bird, J. Electrical Circuit Theory and Technology, Routledge, New York, USA, 2014

Electromagnetic Induction notes, compiled by Zikalala DP, TUT

Single Phase transformers, compiled by Zikalala DP, TUT

6
Name : Sithembiso Michael Nkabinde
Student Number : 214152711
Assignment Number : 3 (B)
Date : 2016/09/07
Qualification : N.Dip Mechanical Engineering
Subject Name : Electric Machines III
Title : Transformer Saturation Test
Lecturer : D.P Zikalala

7
3.2)

3.2.1) Graphs with voltage on y-axis

Graph 3.2.1.1 below of voltage 1 vs. current

Voltage VS Current
30

25

20
Voltage (V)

15

10

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Current (A)

Graph 3.2.1.2 below of voltage 1 vs. power

Power VS Voltage
30

25

20
Voltage (V)

15

10

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Power (W)

8
Graph 3.2.1.3 below of voltage 1 vs. voltage 2

Voltage 1 VS Voltage 2
30

25

20
Voltage 1

15

10

0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Voltage 2

3.2.2) Graph with voltage 1 on x-axis

Graph 3.2.2.1 below of voltage 1 vs. current

Voltage VS Current
6

4
Current (A)

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Voltage (V)

9
Graph 3.2.2.2 below of voltage 1 vs. power

Power VS Voltage
24.96, 29
35
23.4, 23
30
20.28, 15
25
17.16, 9
Power (W)

20
14.04, 5
15 1.56, 0 4.68, 1 7.8, 2 10.92, 3 21.84, 18

10
18.72, 11
5
15.6, 7
0 9.36, 2 12.48, 4
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
-5
3.12, 0 6.24, 1 Voltage (V)
0, 0

Graph 3.2.2.3 below of voltage 1 vs. voltage 2

Voltage 1 VS Voltage 2 24.96, 317

350 21.84, 280

300 18.72, 239

15.6, 205
23.4, 301
250
12.48, 165.3
17.16, 225
Voltage 2

200 9.36, 125.1 20.28, 264

6.24, 79.8
150 14.04, 188
3.12, 40
10.92, 142.5
100
0, 0
50 7.8, 103.7

1.56, 20.4 4.68, 59.8

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Voltage 1

3.3) Graphs 3.2.1.1 and 3.2.2.1 above show a trend which is very similar to a
saturation curve, in the beginning the graphs appear to be very steep but as the
experiment continues it can be seen that the graph seems to level out somewhat. The
input and output voltage as shown in graphs show a linear relationship even at what
appears to be saturation the transformer still seems to be working at the same
capacity.

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