Electrical Machines-1 (19EE3DCEM1) Module-2- Testing and Analysis of Single phase Transformers

DAYANANDA SAGAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

(An Autonomous Institute affiliated to VTU, Approved by AICTE & ISO 9001:2008 Certified)
(Accredited by National Assessment & Accreditation Council (NAAC) with ’A’ Grade)
SHAVIGE MALLESWARA HILLS, KUMARASWAMY LAYOUT
BENGALURU-560078

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Module-2- Testing and Analysis of Single phase Transformers

Equivalent Resistance of single phase Transformer

In a transformer, primary and secondary windings have some resistance. Let, R1 is the resistance of
the primary winding and R2 is the resistance the Secondary winding which is shown in the figure.
Now, we can easily prove that the resistance of two winding can be transferred to any one of the
two windings of the transformer. Let, I 2 secondary current flows through the secondary winding of
the transformer, at that time the primary current is I1.

So , Copper loss in the secondary winding is I22 R2. This copper loss is supplied by Primary current I1.
And R2’ is the equivalent secondary resistance as refer to primary winding which is shown in the
figure-2.

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fig-2

So, the loss I12R2’ will be same loss of secondary copper loss i.e I22R2

Therefore, I12R2’ = I22R2

∴R2’=I22R2/I12
∴R2’= (I2/I1)2 R2
If, no-load current I0 is neglect, then I2/I1= 1/K (where K = voltage transformation ratio of the
transformer)
Hence, R2’=(1/K)2 R2
∴R2’=R2/K2

Similarly, equivalent primary resistance as referred to Secondary winding is R1’=K2R1.

In fig -2 shows, the secondary resistance is transferred to primary winding and secondary winding
is resistance less. And the total resistance at primary winding is (R1 + R2/K2) which is known as the
equivalent resistance of the transformer as referred to primary and It may be demarked as

R01= R1+ R2’= R1 +R2/K2.

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fig-3

And In fig.-3 shows, the primary resistance is transferred to secondary winding and primary
winding is resistance less. And the total resistance at secondary winding is (R2 + R1K2) which is
known as the equivalent resistance of the transformer as referred to Secondary and It may be
demarked as R02= R2+ R1’= R2 +R1K2.

Therefore, The Equivalent resistance as referred to secondary and primary are,

1. R1’= Equivalent resistance as referred to secondary winding

2. R2’= Equivalent resistance as referred to primary winding
3. R01=Effective resistance of the transformer as referred to primary of the transformer.
4. R02= Effective resistance of the transformer as referred to secondary of the transformer.

E q u i va l en t C i r c u i t d i a g r a m o f s i n g l e p h a s e T r a n s fo r m er

Equivalent circuit diagram of a transformer is basically a diagram which can be resolved

into an equivalent circuit in which the resistance and leakage reactance of the transformer
are imagined to be external to the winding.

The equivalent circuit diagram of transformer is given below:-

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Where,
R1 = Primary Winding Resistance.
R2= Secondary winding Resistance.
I0= No-load current.
Iµ = Magnetizing Component,
Iw = Working Component,
This Iµ & Iw are connected in parallel across the primary circuit. The value of E 1 (Primary
e.m.f ) is obtained by subtracting vectorially I1 Z1 from V1 . The value of X0 = E1 / I0 and R0 =
E1 /Iw. We know that the relation of E1 and E2 is E2 /E1 = N2 /N1 = K, (transformation Ratio)

From the equivalent circuit, we can easily calculate the total impedance of to transfer
voltage, current, and impedance either to the primary or the secondary.

The secondary circuit is shown in fig-1 and its equivalent primary value is shown in fig- 2,

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fig-1

fig-2

The total equivalent circuit of the transformer is obtained by adding in the primary
impedance as shown in – Fig-3

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fig-3

And It can be simplified the terminals shown in fig – 4 & further simplify the equivalent
circuit is shown in fig.- 5 ,

fig-4

At last, the circuit is simplified by omitting I0 altogether as shown in fig- 5 .

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fig-5

Voltage Regulation.
Voltage regulation is a measure of change in the voltage magnitude between the sending
and receiving end of a component. It is commonly used in power engineering to describe
the percentage voltage difference between no load and full load voltages distribution
lines, transmission lines, and transformers.

Explanation of Voltage Regulation of Transformer

Say an electrical power transformer is open circuited, meaning that the load is not
connected to the secondary terminals. In this situation, the secondary terminal voltage
of the transformer will be its secondary induced emf E2.

Whenever a full load is connected to the secondary terminals of the transformer, rated
current I2 flows through the secondary circuit and voltage drop comes into picture. At
this situation, primary winding will also draw equivalent full load current from source.
The voltage drop in the secondary is I2Z2 where Z2 is the secondary impedance of
transformer.

Now if at this loading condition, any one measures the voltage between secondary
terminals, he or she will get voltage V2 across load terminals which is obviously less than
no load secondary voltage E2 and this is because of I2Z2 voltage drop in the transformer.

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Expression of Voltage Regulation of Transformer

The equation for the voltage regulation of transformer, represented in percentage, is

Voltage Regulation of Transformer for Lagging Power Factor

Now we will derive the expression of voltage regulation in detail. Say lagging power
factor of the load is cosθ2, that means angle between secondary current and voltage is
θ 2.

Here, from the above diagram,

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Angle between OC and OD may be very small, so it can be neglected and OD is

considered nearly equal to OC i.e.

Voltage regulation of transformer at lagging power factor,

Voltage Regulation of Transformer for Leading Power Factor

Let’s derive the expression of voltage regulation with leading current, say leading power
factor of the load is cosθ2, that means angle between secondary current and voltage is θ2.

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Here, from the above diagram,

Angle between OC and OD may be very small, so it can be neglected and OD is

considered nearly equal to OC i.e.

Voltage regulation of transformer at leading power factor,

Zero Voltage Regulation of a Transformer

‘Zero voltage regulation’ indicates that there is no difference between its ‘no-load
voltage’ and its ‘full-load voltage’. This means that in the voltage regulation equation
above, voltage regulation is equal to zero. This is not practical – and is only theoretically
possible in the case for an ideal transformer.

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Polarity Test of Transformer

Polarity means the direction of the induced voltages in the primary and the secondary winding of
the transformer. If the two transformers are connected in parallel, then the polarity should be
known for the proper connection of the transformer. There are two types of polarity one is Additive,
and another is Subtractive.

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Additive Polarity: In additive polarity, the same terminals of the primary and the secondary
windings of the transformer are connected

Subtractive Polarity: In subtractive polarity, different terminals of the primary and secondary
side of the transformer is connected.

Explanation with Connection Diagram

Each of the terminals of the primary, as well as the secondary winding of a transformer, is
alternatively positive and negative with respect to each other as shown in the figure below.
Let A1 and A2 be the positive and negative terminal, respectively of the primary side of the
transformer and a1, a2 are the positive and negative terminal of the secondary side of the
transformer.

If A1 is connected to a1 and A2 is connected to a2 that means similar terminals of the transformer are
connected, then the polarity is said to be additive. If A1 is connected to a2 and A2 to a1, that means
the opposite terminals are connected to each other, and thus the voltmeter will read
the subtractive polarity.

Circuit Diagram of Polarity Test of Transformer

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It is essential to know the relative polarities at any instant of the primary and the secondary
terminals for making the correct connections if the transformers are to be connected in parallel or
they are used in a three-phase circuit.

In the primary side, the terminals are marked as A1 and A2 and from the secondary side, the
terminals are named as a1 and a2. The terminal A1 is connected to one end of the secondary
winding, and a voltmeter is connected between A2 and the other end of the secondary winding.

When the voltmeter reads the difference that is (V1 – V2), the transformer is said to be connected
with opposite polarity know as subtractive polarity and when the voltmeter reads (V1 + V2), the
transformer is said to have additive polarity.

Steps to Perform Polarity Test

 Connect the circuit as shown in the above circuit diagram figure and set the autotransformer to
zero position.
 Switch on the single-phase supply
 Record the values of the voltages as shown by the voltmeter V1, V2 and V3.
 If the reading of the V3 shows the addition of the value of V1 and V2 that is V2 = V1+V2 the
transformer is said to be connected in additive polarity.
 If the reading of the V3 is the subtraction of the readings of V1 and V2, then the transformer is said
to be connected in subtractive or negative polarity.

Open Circuit and Short Circuit Test on Transformer

The open circuit and short circuit test are performed for determining the parameter of the
transformer like their efficiency, voltage regulation, circuit constant etc. These tests are performed
without the actual loading and because of this reason the very less power is required for the test.
The open circuit and the short circuit test gives a very accurate result as compared to the full load
test.

Open Circuit Test

The purpose of the open-circuit test is to determine the no-load current and losses of the
transformer because of which their no-load parameters are determined. This test is performed on
the primary winding of the transformer. The wattmeter, ammeter and the voltage are connected to
their primary winding. The nominal rated voltage is supplied to their primary winding with the help
of the ac source.

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Circuit Diagram of Open Circuit Test on Transformer

The secondary winding of the transformer is kept open, and the voltmeter is connected to their
terminal. This voltmeter measures the secondary induced voltage. As the secondary of the
transformer is open, thus no-load current flows through the primary winding.

The value of no-load current is very small as compared to the full rated current. The copper loss
occurs only on the primary winding of the transformer because the secondary winding is open.
The reading of the wattmeter only represents the core and iron losses. The core loss of the
transformer is the same for all types of loads.

Calculation of open-circuit test

Let,

 W0 – wattmeter reading
 V1 – voltmeter reading
 I0 – ammeter reading

Then the iron loss of the transformer Pi = W0 and

The no-load power factor is

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Working component Iw is

Putting the value of W0 from the equation (1) in equation (2) you will get the value of the working
component as

Magnetizing component is

No-load parameters are given below:

Equivalent exciting resistance is

Equivalent exciting reactance is

The phasor diagram of the transformer at no load or when an open circuit test is performed is
shown below
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Phasor Diagram of Open Circuit Test

The iron losses measured by the open circuit test is used for calculating the efficiency of the
transformer.

Short Circuit Test

The short circuit test is performed for determining the below mention parameter of the
transformer.

 It determines the copper loss occur on the full load. The copper loss is used for finding the efficiency of the
transformer.
 The equivalent resistance, impedance, and leakage reactance are known by the short circuit test.

The short circuit test is performed on the secondary or high voltage winding of the transformer.
The measuring instrument like wattmeter, voltmeter and ammeter are connected to the high
voltage winding of the transformer. Their primary winding is short-circuited by the help of thick
strip or ammeter which is connected to its terminal.

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The low voltage source is connected across the secondary winding because of which the full load
current flows from both the secondary and the primary winding of the transformer. The full load
current is measured by the ammeter connected across their secondary winding.

The circuit diagram of the short circuit test is shown below:

Circuit Diagram of Short Circuit Test on Transformer

The low voltage source is applied across the secondary winding, which is approximately 5 to
10% of the normal rated voltage. The flux is set up in the core of the transformer. The magnitude
of the flux is small as compared to the normal flux.

The iron loss of the transformer depends on the flux. It is less occur in the short circuit test
because of the low value of flux. The reading of the wattmeter only determines the copper loss
occurred, in their windings. The voltmeter measures the voltage applied to their high voltage
winding. The secondary current induces in the transformer because of the applied voltage.

Calculation of Short Circuit Test

Let,

 Wc – Wattmeter reading
 V2sc – voltmeter reading
 I2sc – ammeter reading

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Then the full load copper loss of the transformer is given by

Equivalent resistance referred to the secondary side is

The phasor diagram of the short circuit test of the transformer is shown below

Phasor Diagram of Short Circuit Test

From the phasor diagram

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Equivalent impedance referred to the secondary side is given by

The equivalent reactance referred to the secondary side is given by

The voltage regulation of the transformer can be determined at any load and power factor after
knowing the values of Zes and Res.

In the short circuit test the wattmeter record, the total losses, including core loss but the value of
core loss are very small as compared to copper loss so the core loss can be neglected.

Back-to-Back Test (Sumpner’s Test) on Transformer

Definition: The full load test on a small transformer is very convenient, but on the large
transformer, it is very difficult. The maximum temperature rise in a large transformer is determined
by the full load test. This test is called, back-to-back test, regenerative test or Sumpner’s test.

The suitable load which absorbs the full load power of a large transformer will not easily be
available. Hence a large amount of energy will be wasted. The back-to-back test determines the
maximum temperature rise in a transformer, and hence the load is chosen according to the
capability of the transformer.

Back to Back Test Circuit

The two identical transformer is used for the back to back test. Consider the Tr1 and Tr2 are the
primary windings of the transformer connects parallel to each other. The nominal rated voltage and
frequency is supplied to their primary winding. The voltmeter and ammeter are connected on their
primary side for the measurement of the input voltage and current.

The secondary winding of the transformer is connected in series with the each other but with
opposite polarity. The voltmeter V2 is connected to the terminal of the secondary winding for the
measurement of the voltage.

The series opposition of the secondary winding is determined by connecting there any two terminal;
the voltmeter is connected across their remaining terminals. If it is connected in series

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opposition, the voltmeter gives the zero reading. The open terminal is used for measuring the
parameter of the transformer.

The above figure shows that the terminal B and C are connected to each other, and the voltage is
measured across the terminal A and D.

Determination of Temperature Rise

The temperature rise of the transformer is determined by measuring the temperature of their oil
after every particular interval of time. The transformer is operating back to back for the long time
which increases their oil temperature. By measuring the temperature of their oil the withstand
capacity of the transformer under high temperature is determined.

Determination of Iron Loss

The wattmeter W1 measures the power loss which is equal to the iron loss of the transformer. For
determining the iron loss, the primary circuit of the transformer is kept closed. Because of the
primary closed circuit, no current flows through the secondary windings of the transformer. The
secondary winding behaves like an open circuit. The wattmeter is connected to their secondary
terminal for the measurement of iron loss.

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Determination of Copper Loss

The copper loss of the transformer is determined when the full load current flows through their
primary and secondary windings. The additional regulating transformer is used for exciting the
secondary windings. The full load current flows from the secondary to the primary winding. The
wattmeter W2 measures the full load copper loss of the two transformers.

Parallel Operation of a Transformer

The Transformer is said to be in Parallel Operation when its primary winding is connected to a
common voltage supply, and the secondary winding is connected to a common load.

The connection diagram of the parallel operation of a transformer is shown in the figure below.

The parallel operation of a transformer has some advantages likes it increases the efficiency of the
system, makes the system more flexible and reliable. But it increases the short-circuit current of
the transformers.

Reasons for Parallel Operation

Parallel operation of a transformer is necessary because of the following reasons are given
below:

 It is impractical and uneconomical to have a single large transformer for heavy and large loads.
Hence, it will be a wise decision to connect a number of transformers in parallel.
 In substations, the total load required may be supplied by an appropriate number of the
transformer of standard size. As a result, this reduces the spare capacity of the substation.
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 If the transformers are connected in parallel, so there will be scope in future, for expansion of a
substation to supply a load beyond the capacity of the transformer already installed.
 If there will be any breakdown of a transformer in a system of transformers connected in parallel,
there will be no interruption of power supply, for essential services.
 If any of the transformer from the system is taken out of service for its maintenance and
inspection, the continuity of the supply will not get disturbed.

Necessary Conditions for Parallel Operation

For the satisfactory parallel operation of the transformer, the two main conditions are necessary.
One is that the Polarities of the transformers must be the same. Another condition is that the Turn
Ratio of the transformer should be equal.

1. Same voltage ratio of transformer.

2. Same percentage impedance.
3. Same polarity.
4. Same phase sequence.
The other two desirable conditions are as follows:-

 The voltage at full load across the transformer internal impedance should be equal.
 The ratio of their winding resistances to reactances should be equal for both the transformers.
This condition ensures that both transformers operate at the same power factor, thus sharing
their active power and reactive volt-amperes according to their ratings.

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Variable Frequency Transformer (VFT) – Construction and Working Principle

Variable Frequency Transformer or simply VFT is quite a new technology to connect two
asynchronous Grids. Asynchronous Grids mean two power systems operating at two different
frequencies. The world’s first VFT was installed and commissioned in the year of 2004 at Hydro-
Quebec’s Langlois substation. First thing to note here that though the name suggests it to be
Transformer but construction wise it is like a Slip Ring Induction Motor. The basic concept behind
the VFT is a rotary transformer with three phase windings on both rotor and stator. A motor and
drive system are used to adjust the rotational position of the rotor relative to the stator, thereby
controlling the magnitude and direction of the power flowing through the VFT. VFT is a controlled
bi-directional device allowing flow of power in both directions i.e. from one Grid to another and
vice versa.
Construction of VFT:

The Variable Frequency Transformer consists of a stator which is much like the stator of a hydro
generator. There are laminations of steel stacked inside a stator frame. Windings are configured into
a three phase four pole arrangement. Stator is connected to one power system via a Step-up
Transformer. The rotor is constructed in the same manner as the stator. The rotor also contains
three phase four pole windings. One grid is connected to the stator windings, while the other grid is
connected to the rotor. The net effect is that a circular transformer has been produced, with the
windings separated by an air gap.

In order to make connection to the rotor and still allow the rotor to turn freely, a slip ring
arrangement is necessary. The VFT contains a device known as the collector. The collector consists
of three phases of brushes and large copper slip rings. The number and size of the elements of the
collector are such that the full rating of the machine current can be transferred continuously
through the full range of speeds in either direction, including zero speed. Also on the shaft of the
VFT a DC drive motor is connected. This motor is used to align the rotor with respect to the stator
and maintain the rotation necessary to bridge the difference in the frequency of the two grids.
Through the slip ring arrangement, rotor of VFT is connected to another power system through a
Step-up Transformer.

Working Principle of Variable Frequency Transformer:

As discussed earlier in the post Stator of VFT is connected to one Grid through Step-up
Transformer and Rotor is connected to another Grid through Step-up Transformer. Now we will see
how Power Transfer take place in such doubly fed machine i.e. VFT. For any AC system the equation
of power flow

P = V1V2Sinδ / X

Where V1 and V2 are voltages and δ is the angle between them.

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Here in case of VFT, the voltage V1 is voltage of one Grid (say connected to Stator) and V2is voltage
of another Grid (say connected to Rotor). As it is expected that both the Grid are operating at same
voltage level and turn ratio of Step-up Transformer are also same, that means V1 = V2 = V (say). Thus
the power flow equation for VFT will reduce to

P = V2Sinδ / X

Thus δ is here variable quantity which we can change. Here comes the role of Drive Motor. The drive
motor connected to the shaft of rotor just changes the angle δ by rotating the rotor. The angle
introduced in the rotor with respect to the stator, by the torque motor, is proportional to the amount
of torque (T) applied to the shaft. Therefore we can say that, power flow through a Variable
Frequency Transformer i.e. VFT is directly proportional to torque applied by the drive motor.

Like an ordinary transformer, the VFT has also magnetizing currents. Therefore we can classify the
VFT as an induction machine. From a system level perspective, this means that the VFT consumes
reactive power. In order to remain neutral to the grid from a reactive power point of view, shunt
capacitors are supplied with a VFT to satisfy the machines own requirements. These are switched
in and out by the VFT controls as needed. Additional shunt capacitors can be added to supply
reactive power for either or both grids, if the application dictates that this is helpful to the systems.

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The variable-frequency transformer behaves as a continuously adjustable phase-shifting

transformer. It allows control of the power flow between two networks. Unlike power electronics
solutions such as back-to-back HVDC, the variable frequency transformer does not demand
harmonic filters and reactive power compensation. Limitations of the concept are the current-
carrying capacity of the slip rings for the rotor winding.

Tap Changing Transformer

A tap changer is a mechanism in transformers which allows for variable turn ratios to be selected
in discrete steps. Transformers with this mechanism obtain this variable turn ratio by connecting
to a number of access points known as taps along either the primary or secondary winding. These
systems usually possess 33 taps (one at center "Rated" tap and sixteen to increase and decrease the
turn ratio) and allow for ±10% variation (each step providing 0.625% variation) from the nominal
transformer rating which, in turn, allows for stepped voltage regulation of the output.
Tap changers exist in two primary types, no load tap changers (NLTC) which must be de-energized
before the turn ratio is adjusted and on load tap changers (OLTC) which may adjust their turn ratio
during operation. The tap selection on any tap changer may be made via an automatic system, as is
often the case for OLTC, or a manual tap changer, which is more common for NLTC. Additionally, tap
changers are often placed on the high voltage (low current) transformer winding for easy access
and to minimize the current load during operation.

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Typical Transformer Tap changer.

On Load Tap Changers.
Also called On Circuit Tap Changer
For many power transformer applications, a supply interruption during a tap change is
unacceptable, and the transformer is often fitted with a more expensive and complex on load tap
changing (OLTC, sometimes Load Tap Changer, LTC) mechanism. On load tap changers may be
generally classified as either mechanical, electronically assisted, or fully electronic. Tap changers
typically use numerous tap selector switches which may not be switched under load, broken into
even and odd banks, and switch between the banks with a heavy-duty diverter switch which can
switch between them under load. The result operates like a dual-clutch transmission, with the tap
selector switches taking the place of the gearbox and the diverter switch taking the place of the
clutch.

No Load Tap Changers

Also called 'Off-Circuit Tap Changer, Off-Load Tap Changer, or De-Energized Tap Changer (DETC).
No load tap changers are often utilized in situations in which a transformer's turn ratio does not
require frequent changing and it is permissible to de-energize the transformer system. This type of
transformer is frequently employed in low power, low voltage transformers in which the tap point
often may take the form of a transformer connection terminal, requiring the input line to be
disconnected by hand and connected to the new terminal. Alternatively, in some systems, the
process of tap changing may be assisted by means of a rotary or slider switch.
No load tap changers are also employed in high voltage transformers in which the system includes
a no load tap changer on the primary winding to accommodate system variations within a narrow
band around the nominal rating. In such systems, the tap changer will often be set just once, at the
time of installation, although it may be changed later during a scheduled outage to accommodate a
long-term change in the system voltage profile.

Delta-Zig-zag star Connection of 3 phase Transformer

 The zigzag connection is also called the interconnected star connection. This connection has
some of the features of the Y and the ∆ connections, combining the advantages of both.
 The zigzag transformer contains six coils on three cores. The first coil on each core is
connected contrariwise to the second coil on the next core. The second coils are then all tied
together to form the neutral and the phases are connected to the primary coils. Each phase,
therefore, couples with each other phase and the voltages cancel out. As such, there would
be negligible current through the neutral pole and it can be connected to ground

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 One coil is the outer coil and the other is the inner coil. Each coil has the same number of
windings turns (Turns ratio=1:1) but they are wound in opposite directions. The coils are
connected as follows:
 The outer coil of phase a1-a is connected to the inner coil of phase c2-N.
 The outer coil of phase b1-b is connected to the inner coil of phase a2-N.
 The outer coil of phase c1-c is connected to the inner coil of phase b2-N.
 The inner coils are connected together to form the neutral and our tied to ground
 The outer coils are connected to phase’s a1, b1, c1 of the existing delta system.
 The neutral formed by the zigzag connection is very stable. Therefore, this type of
transformer, or in some cases an auto transformer, lends itself very well for establishing a
neutral for an ungrounded 3 phase system.
 Many times this type of transformer or auto transformer will carry a fairly large rating, yet
physically be relatively small. This particularly applies in connection with grounding
applications. The reason for this small size in relation to the nameplate KVA rating is due to
the fact that many types of grounding auto transformers are rated for 2 seconds. This is based
on the time to operate an over current protection device such as a breaker. Zigzag
transformers used to be employed to enable size reductions in drive motor systems due to
the stable wave form they present. Other means are now more common, such as 6 phase star.

Advantages of Delta/Zig-Zag Transformer:

 The ∆ -zigzag connection provides the same advantages as the ∆-Y connection.
 Less Costly for grounding Purpose: It is typically the least costly than Y-D and Scott
Transformer.
 Third harmonic suppression: The zigzag connection in power systems to trap triple
harmonic (3rd, 9th, 15th, etc.) currents. Here, we install zigzag units near loads that produce
large triple harmonic currents. The windings trap the harmonic currents and prevent them
from traveling upstream, where they can produce undesirable effects.
 Ground current isolation: If we need a neutral for grounding or for supplying single-phase
line to neutral loads when working with a 3-wire, ungrounded power system, a zigzag
connection may be the better solution. Due to its composition, a zigzag transformer is more
27 Department of EEE, DSCE Bangaluru-78
Electrical Machines-1 (19EE3DCEM1) Module-2- Testing and Analysis of Single phase Transformers

effective for grounding purposes because it has less internal winding impedance going to the
ground than when using a Star type transformer.
 No Phase Displacement: There is no phase angle displacement between the primary and
the secondary circuits with this connection; therefore, the ∆-zigzag connection can be used
in the same manner as Y-Y and ∆- ∆ transformers without introducing any phase shifts in the
circuits.

Application:
 An Earthing Reference: Occasionally engineers use a combination of Y-D and zigzag windings
to achieve a vector phase shift. For example, an electrical network may have a transmission
network of 220 kV/66 kV star/star transformers, with 66 kV/11 kV delta/star for the high
voltage distribution network. If a transformation is required directly between the 220 kV/11 kV
network the most obvious option is to use 220 kV/11 kV star/delta. The problem is that the 11
kV delta no longer has an earth reference point. Installing a zigzag transformer near the
secondary side of the 220 kV/11 kV transformer provides the required earth reference point.
 As a Grounding Transformer: The ability to provide a path for in-phase currents enables us to
use the zigzag connection as a grounding bank, which is one of the main applications for this
connection.
 We rarely use zigzag configurations for typical industrial or commercial use, because they are
more expensive to construct than conventional Star connected transformers. But zigzag
connections are useful in special applications where conventional transformer connections
aren’t effective.
 D or Y / Zig-zag are used in unbalanced low voltage system – mostly with single phase appliances

28 Department of EEE, DSCE Bangaluru-78