Israel A. Funa November 20, 2017 EE-4B

Israel A.
Funa November
20, 2017
EE-4B
Parallel operation of Transformers
In the previous lesson we discussed about the operation, applications,

and principles of transformers. Now we will discuss a more complicated
operation of transformers which is parallel operation of transformers.
Operation of transformers in parallel is more economical than building
bigger transformers, when higher rating of voltages and current is needed to
be transformed. There are also several advantages when of parallel
operation over building bigger transformers, these are; maximizing
electrical power system efficiency, maximizing electrical power system
availability, maximizing electrical power system reliability, and maximizing
electrical power system flexibility. Why it maximizes the electrical power
system efficiency? In operation of transformers, we can see that maximum
efficiency occurs when in full load or near full load, (copper and iron loss
must be equal). So when a certain load is needed we can choose a
transformer which will operate in full load to maximize the efficiency. And
when another certain load is added or introduced to the system, we can add
another transformer. if that load is operated with a bigger transformer, the
efficiency will not be as good as paralleling transformers. Why it maximizes
electrical power system availability? In a situation, where one transformer
needs maintenance, we can switch a spare of transformer without
interrupting the transformer. If a single bigger transformer needs a
maintenance, electrical power system will be interrupted because no
transformer will operate while switching a spare. Why it maximizes
electrical power system reliability? If one transformer breaks or tripped,
other transformers will share the load hence the supply will not be
interrupted. Why it maximizes power system flexibility? In the future,
expansion will not be a problem. When there is an increase in load, we can
parallel another transformer to prevent other transformers from
overloading.
We discussed the advantages of paralleling transformers and now we
will discuss conditions for parallel operation of transformers. The
conditions are;
1. The voltage ratings of both primaries and secondaries must be

identical. This obviously implies that the transformation ratios are
the same.
2. The transformers must be properly connected with regard to
polarity.
3. The equivalent impedances should be inversely proportional to the
respective kilovolt-ampere ratings.
4. The ratio of the equivalent resistance to the equivalent reactance of
all transformers should be the same
5. Primary windings of the transformer should be suitable for the
supply system voltage and frequency.
If the voltage ratings of both primaries and secondaries must be

identical is not met, it is possible to have parallel operation but there will be
circulating current even in no load operations. And if there are circulating
currents in secondary there are also circulating currents in primary
windings. Also when it is loaded, they will produce unequal loading that will
lead to one transformer to overload.
If the ratio of the equivalent resistance to the equivalent reactance of
all transformers are not the same, parallel operation will still be possible.
But with different power factor they will not share the same load in
proportion to their kva ratings.
If the transformers are connected without the regards to the polarity
It will result in dead short circuit. But we can connect transformers in two
ways with regards to the polarity, we can connect it with same polarities
and also we can connect it with reverse polarities. It depends on what is
your purpose. Also if the primary windings of the transformer are not
suitable for the supply system voltage and frequency, it will neither work
nor operate. If it operates, it will shorten the lifespan of the transformer and
also this is very dangerous because it will be a fire hazard.
In parallel operation of transformers, we have no load operation and load
operation (equal ratios of transformation and unequal ratios of transformation).
In no load operation, the load is open or have infinity resistance, but primary
winding is still energized and the secondaries will remain connected in parallel. In
no load operation the secondaries will have no current when the ratio of
transformation of the two transformers are ezactly equal, but when the ratio of
the transformer 1 is different from transformer 2, there will be circulating current
in secondary Ic, and the current circulating is computed with the formula
In load operation when two transformers have equal turns ratio they will
share the current of the load. But these sharing is not equally shared if the
equivalent impedances are not equal. The relation of current and equivalent
impedances are inversely proportional to each other.
In cases with load operation when two transformers have different or

unequal ratio of transformation are connected in parallel, the total load current
will divide in accordance to the formula given below. Note that the total load does
not divide inversely as the transformer impedances when the transformer ratios
are not the same. For distribution step-down transformers, the one having the
lower ratio always tend to assume a larger share of the total load.
The equations above are not strictly correct because the Impedances are in
scalar quantity, which contradicts the fact that impedances should be in phasor
form. But the analysis of having complex form impedances is a much higher
analysis that needs deeper understanding and more time to be explained.
Paralleling transformers is a great way to reduce power loss and also to
reduce the construction cost of transformers that will lead to saving money. As we
said earlier this an efficient, increase availability, flexible and reliable But these
advantages comes with complicated analysis, we must meet the required
parameters otherwise it will be inefficient and unreliable.
References:
Siskind, C. (1959). Electrical Machines. 2 n d Edition. Manila, Philippines:

Meriam & Webster Bookstore, Inc.
Electrical4u (n.d.) Parallel operation of transformer. Retrieved November 26,
2017. https://www.electrical4u.com/parallel-operation-of-transformers/
Theraja B. L. et al (2005) A textbook of electrical techniology volume II AC
and DC machines:

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Israel A.

Parallel operation of Transformers

In the previous lesson we discussed about the operation, applications,

1. The voltage ratings of both primaries and secondaries must be

If the voltage ratings of both primaries and secondaries must be

In cases with load operation when two transformers have different or

Siskind, C. (1959). Electrical Machines. 2 n d Edition. Manila, Philippines:

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