Autotransformer

This is a special connection of the transformer from which a variable AC

voltage can be obtained at the secondary. A common winding as shown in
Fig.3.19 is mounted on core and the secondary is taken from a tap on the winding.
In contrast to the two-winding transformer discussed earlier, the primary and
secondary of an autotransformer are physically connected. However, the basic
principle of operation is the same as that of the two-winding transformer.

Fig.3.19 Step down autotransformer.

Since all the turns link the same flux in the transformer core,

V1 N1

a
V2 N 2

(3.34)

If the secondary tapping is replaced by a slider, the output voltage can be varied
over the range

0 V2 V1

The ampere-turns provided by the upper half (i.e., by turns between points a and b)
are:

N1 N 2 * I1

1
1 N1 I 1
a

(3.35)

The ampere-turns provided by the lower half (i.e., by turns between points b and c)
are:

N 2 I 2 I1

N1
I 2 I1
a

(3.36)

from amper turn balance, from equations (3.35) and (3.36)

1
N
1 N1 I 1 I 2 I1
a
a

Then,

I1 1

I2 a

(3.37)

(3.38)

Equations (3.34) and (3.37) indicate that, viewed from the terminals of the
autotransformer, the voltages and currents are related by the same turns ratio as in
a two-winding transformer.
The advantages of an autotransformer connection are lower leakage reactances,
lower losses, lower exciting current, increased kVA rating (see Example 3.11),
and variable output voltage when a sliding contact is used for the secondary. The
disadvantage is the direct connection between the primary and secondary sides.

Example 3.14 A 1

, 100 kVA, 2000/200 V two-winding transformer is

connected as an autotransformer as shown in Fig.E2.6 such that more than 2000

V is obtained at the secondary. The portion ab is the 200 V winding, and the
portion be is the 2000 V winding. Compute the kVA rating as an autotransformer.

Fig.3.20
Solution:
The current ratings of the windings are

Therefore, for full-load operation of the autotransformer, the terminal currents

are:

A single-phase, 100 kVA, two-winding transformer when connected as an

autotransformer can deliver 1100 kVA. Note that this higher rating of an
autotransformer results from the conductive connection. Not all of the 1100 kVA
is transformed by electromagnetic induction. Also note that the 200 V winding
must have sufficient insulation to withstand a voltage of 2200 V to ground.
Example 3.15 A single phase, 50 kVA, 2400/460 V, 50 Hz transformer has an
efficiency of 0.95% when it delivers 45kW at 0.9 power factor. This transformer is
connected as an auto-transformer to supply load to a 2400 V circuit from 2860 V
source.
(a) Show the transformer connection.
(b) Determine the maximum kVA the autotransformer can supply to 2400 V
circuit. (c) Determine the efficiency of the autotransformer for full load at 0.9
power factor.
Solution:
(a)

460

2860

2400

I s,2w
(b)
Then,

kVA Auto 108.782860 310.87 kW

2 w
(c)
Then,

50 *103

108.7 A
2460

50 *103 * 0.9

0.95
50 *103 * 0.9 Pi Pcu, FL

Pi Pcu, FL 2368.42 W

Auto

310870 * 0.9
99.61 %
310870 * 0.9 2368.42