GMR Institute of Technology, Rajam

28-Oct-20

Lecture-1 & 2
Auto-Transformer
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By

Dr. Ramana Pilla

Professor
Dept. of EEE, GMRIT-Rajam

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 Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lecture, the student will be able to
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❖ Define auto-transformer

❖ List the types of auto-transformers

❖ Outline the transformation ratio of an auto-transformer

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❖ Outline the copper saving in an auto-transformer

❖ Outline the kVA rating of an auto-transformer

❖ Explain the conversion of two-winding transformer into an

auto-transformer

❖ List the advantages and disadvantages of auto-transformers

❖ List the applications of auto-transformers

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 Introduction

❖ A transformer, in which a part of the winding is common to

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both primary and secondary circuits is called an auto-

transformer.

❖ So, in an auto-transformer both the primary and secondary

are electrically connected unlike the two winding
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transformers.

❖ But its theory and operation are similar to the two-winding

transformer.

❖ Because of one winding, it uses less copper and hence is

cheaper.

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 Types of Auto-transformers

❖ An auto-transformer may step-down or step-up the voltage.

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❖ Auto-transformers are divided into (i) step-down auto-

transformer, and (ii) step-up auto-transformer

(i) Step-down auto-transformer: In this case, the complete

winding acts as primary while the tapped section of this
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winding works as secondary as shown in figure 1(a).

❖ The current in section CB is vector difference of I2 and I1.

(ii) Step-up auto-transformer: In this case, the whole winding

works as a secondary and its tapped portion performs the
function of primary as shown in figure 1(b).

❖ The current in section CB is vector difference of I1 and I2.

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GMR Institute of Technology 28-Oct-20

Fig. (1): Auto-transformer

 Transformation ratio of an auto-transformer
❖ Neglecting the losses, leakage reactance and magnetizing
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current, the transformation ratio of an auto transformer can be

obtained as
V2 I N
K= = 1 = 2
V1 I 2 N1
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Fig. (2): Step-down auto-transformer

 ❖ Figure 2(a) shows an ideal step-down auto-transformer on
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load. Here winding A-B having N1 turns is the primary while

winding B-C having N2 turns is the secondary.
❖ The input current is I1 while the output or load current is I2.
❖ Note that portion A-C of the winding has (N1-N2) turns and
voltage across this portion of the winding is (V1-V2). The
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current through the common portion of the winding is (I2-I1).

❖ Figure 2(b) shows the equivalent circuit of the auto-
transformer. From this equivalent circuit, we have,
V2 N2
=
V1 − V2 N1 − N 2
V2 ( N1 − N 2 ) = N 2 (V1 − V2 )
 V2 N1 = N 2V1
V2 N 2
 = =K − − − (1)
V1 N1
 ❖ Also
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I1 (V1 − V2 ) = ( I 2 − I1 )V2
 −V2 I1 + V1 I1 = V2 I 2 − V2 I1
 V1I1 = V2 I 2
V I
 2 = 1 − − − (2)
V1 I 2
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❖ From equations (1) & (2), we get

V2 I N
= 1 = 2 =K
V1 I 2 N1

❖ Also, V2 I2 = V1 I1

i.e., Input apparent power = Output apparent power

 Power transfer in an auto-transformer
❖ The primary and secondary windings of an auto-transformer are
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connected magnetically as well as electrically, so the power from

the primary is transferred to the secondary inductively
(transformer action) as well as conductively (i.e., directly as
windings are electrically connected).
❖ Output apparent power= V2I2
❖ Apparent power transferred inductively = V2(I2-I1) = V2(I2-K I2)
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= V2I2(1-K) = V1I1(1-K)
❖ Therefore, Power transferred inductively = input×(1-K)
❖ Power transferred conductively=input- input×(1-K) = K × input
❖ Example: Suppose the input power to an ideal autotransformer
is 1000 W and its voltage transformation ratio K= 1/4. Then,
 Copper saving in an auto-transformer
❖ For the same output and voltage transformation ratio
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K(=N2/N1), an auto-transformer requires less copper than an

ordinary two winding transformer.
❖ Figure 3(a) shows an ordinary two winding transformer
whereas figure 3(b) shows an auto-transformer having the
same output and voltage transformation ratio (K).
❖ The length of copper required in a winding is proportional to
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the number of turns and the area of cross-section of the

winding wire is proportional to the current rating. Therefore,
the volume and hence weight of copper required in a winding is
proportional to current× turns i.e.,

❖ Two winding transformer:

 ❖ Auto-transformer:
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Fig. (3): 2-winding and auto-transformers

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❖ Weight of Cu in Auto-transformer= (1-K) ×Weight of Cu in 2-

winding transformer.

❖ Thus, if K=0.1, the saving of copper is only 10% but if K=0.9,

saving of copper is 90%. Therefore, the value of K of auto-
transformer is nearer to 1, the saving of the copper is more.
 kVA rating of an auto-transformer

❖ Let us compare the kVA rating of the two winding transformer

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when connected as an auto-transformer.

❖ For an auto-transformer, the transformation ratio, neglecting
the losses is
V2 I1 N 2
= = =K
V1 I 2 N1
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❖ The kVA rating of an auto-transformer, (kVA)auto=V1 I1=V2 I2

❖ If the same transformer as shown in fig.3(b) is used as a two-
winding transformer such that winding AC acts as the primary
and winding BC as the secondary, then its kVA rating can be
obtained as
(kVA)2-wdg=(V1- V2) I1=V2 (I2- I1)
GMR Institute of Technology 28-Oct-20
 Advantages and disadvantages of auto-
transformers
❖ Advantages:
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• It requires less conducting material (i.e. copper) than the

two-winding transformer.
• Its efficiency is higher compared to the two-winding
transformer as losses are less.
• The size and hence cost are less compared to the two-
winding transformer.
• It has better voltage regulation than the two-winding
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transformer of the same rating.

• A smooth and continuous variation of voltage is possible.

❖ Disadvantages:
• The two windings are not electrically separated, so in case of
failure of insulation between the two, either a severe shock
may be felt on the low voltage side.
• The use of auto-transformer is more economical only when
transformation ratio K is nearer to unity.
 Applications of auto-transformers

❖ Generally used for starting of Induction motors.

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❖ These are used to compensate for voltage drops in

transmission and distribution lines. When used for this
purpose, they known as booster transformers.
❖ These are used for continuously variable supply.
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❖ These are used in control equipment for 1-phase and 3-phase

electrical locomotives.
❖ These are used as interconnecting transformers in
132 kV/330 kV system.
 Solved Problem-1: An auto-transformer supplies a load of 3 kW at
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115V at a unity power factor. If the applied primary voltage is 230V,

calculate (i)transformation ratio, (ii) secondary current, (iii) primary
current, (iv)no. of turns in the secondary if total number of turns is
500, (v)power transformed, and (vi) power conducted directly from the
supply mains to the load
Solution: Given that
V1=230V, V2=115V
output=3kW
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(i)Transformation ratio, K= V2/V1=115/230=0.5

 Solved Problem-2: A 2200/220V, 20kVA, two winding transformer is
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connected as an auto-transformer to transform 2200V to 2420V. Find

the (a)transformation ratio of an auto-transformer, (b)kVA rating of an
auto-transformer, (c)currents in various parts of winding, and (d)
efficiency at full load, 0.8 p.f. if the core losses are 150W and full-load
copper losses are 275W. Compare it with the two-winding transformer.
Solution: Given that
Voltage rating of two winding transformer=2200/220V
kVA rating=20
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As K>1, it is used as step-up transformer

(b) The part AB acts as secondary, while part BC acts as primary. The
current through part AC=I2=90.9A, as it is fully loaded. The voltage
across AC=V2-V1=2420-2200=220V, secondary winding of a 2-winding
transformer.
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It can be seen that auto-transformer gives more efficiency on full load

as compared to 2-winding transformer, with same excitation voltage
and winding currents.
 Solved Problem-3: A 400/100V, 10kVA, two winding transformer is
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connected as an auto-transformer to supply a 400V circuit from 500V

source. When tested as a 2-winding transformer at rated load of 0.8 p.f.
lagging, its efficiency is 96%. Determine its kVA rating and efficiency as
an auto-transformer
Solution: Given that
Voltage rating of two winding transformer=400/100V
kVA rating=10
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Solved Problem-4: A 2300/230V, 20kVA, two winding transformer is

connected as an auto-transformer, with constant source voltage of
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2300V. At full load of unity power factor, calculate (a) the power output,
(b) power transferred and conducted, and (c) if the efficiency of the two-
winding transformer, at 0.8 p.f. is 95%, find the auto- transformer
efficiency at the same p.f.
Solution: Given that
Voltage rating of two winding transformer=2300/230V
kVA rating=20
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Solved Problem-5: A 11000/2200V, 100kVA, 1-phase two winding

transformer is connected as an auto-transformer by connecting the two
windings in series. Give the possible values of voltage ratios and kVA
outputs.
Solution: Given that
Voltage rating of two winding transformer=11000/2200V
kVA rating=100
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