Lecture 7

Autotransformer
Another type of transformer is known as the autotransformer. It consists of a single tapped primary where the center tap is common to both primary and secondary (not isolated). some of the turns on the coil are used for the primary and some are used for the secondary. an example of a variable autotransformer is known as a variac. A variac is a single coil with a sweeping arm for the center common, this allows the ratio of primary turns:secondary turns to be altered easily.

Auto-transformer
transformer having a part of its windings common to the primary and secondary when a load is connected across b and c, then a current I2 will flow through the load. The current I2 will produce an m.m.f. in the core which will be balanced by a current I1 flowing in the complete winding

Auto-transformer
The voltages and currents are related by the same turns ratio as in a twowinding transformer:

V1 N1 = =a V2 N2
I1 N2 1 = = I2 N1 a

Example
A 1, 100 kVA, 2800/280 V two-winding transformer is connected as an autotransformer as shown in Fig. E2.6 such that more than 2800 V is obtained at the secondary. The portion ab is the 280 V winding, and the portion bc is the 2800 V winding. Compute the kVA rating as an autotransformer.

Example (cont)
The current rating of the winding are:
100,000 I ab = = 500A 200 100,000 = 50A Ibc = 2,000

Therefore, for full-load operation of the autotransformer, the terminal currents are:
I H = 500A I L = 500 + 50 = 550A

Example (cont)
Now, VL = 2800V and VH = 3080V Therefore,
2000 550 = 1100 (ans) kVA|L = 1000 2200 500 = 1100 (ans) kVA|H = 1000
Note: A 1, 100 kVA, two-winding transformer when connected as an autotransformer can deliver 1100 kVA.

Advantages of Auto-transformer
It effects a saving in winding material (copper or aluminum), since the secondary winding is part of the primary current. Lower copper loss, therefore efficiency is higher than in the two winding transformer. Lower leakage current. reactances, lower exciting

Variable output voltage can be obtained.

Disadvantages of Auto-Transformer
There is a direct connection between the primary and secondary sides. Should an open-circuit develop between points b and c, the full mains voltage would be applied to the secondary. The short-circuit current is much larger than for normal two-winding transformer

Application of Auto-transformer
Boosting or bucking of a supply voltage by a small amount. (The smaller difference voltage between the output and input voltages the greater is the saving of winding material.) Starting of a.c. machines, e.g. induction motor, where the voltage is raised in two or more steps from a small value to the full supply voltage. Continuously variable a.c. supply voltages, normally connected between a low voltage supply in and a high voltage supply out. Production of very high voltages, e.g. 275kV and 400kV grid system

Autotransformer (continued)

Same operation as two windings transformer Physical connection from primary to secondary Sliding connection allows for variable voltage Higher kVA delivery than two windings connection

Figure 9

Current Transformer Yet another type of transformer is the current transformer. Central to all of the AC power transducers is the measurement of current. This is accomplished using a current transformer (CT), a "donut" (toroidal) shaped core through which is threaded the wire whose current is to be measured. Current transformers are designed to produce either an alternating current or alternating voltage proportional to the current being measured.

Potential Transformer

Potential transformers are used by the electrical industry for smaller power applications and metering. They are a step-down transformer and range in wattage. This is a common Westinghouse 1500VA 12,000V transformer.

Ferroresonant transformer These transformers use a tank circuit composed of a high-voltage resonant winding and a capacitor to produce a nearly constant average output with a varying input. The ferroresonant approach is attractive due to its lack of active components, relying on the square loop saturation characteristics of the tank circuit to absorb variations in average input voltage. The ferroresonant action is a flux limiter rather than a voltage regulator, but with a fixed supply frequency it can maintain an almost constant average output voltage even as the input voltage varies widely. Ferroresonant transformers output either non-sinusoidal (CVN type transformers) or sinusoidal waveshapes (CVS type transformers).