SEMINAR REPORT COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN AUTOTRANSFORMER AND

SINGLE PHASE TRANSFORMER

1. INTRODUCTION

Electrical power transformer is a static device which transforms electrical energy from one circuit to
another without any direct electrical connection and with the help of mutual induction between two
windings. It transforms power from one circuit to another without changing its frequency but may be
in different voltage level.

A single-phase transformer is a type of power transformer that utilizes single-phase alternating

current, meaning the transformer relies on a voltage cycle that operates in a unified time phase.

It consists of two coils of electrical wire called inner and outer windings. The primary is usually
known to have the higher amount of voltage. Both coils are wrapped around a common closed
magnetic iron circuit which is referred to as the core. The core is made up of several layers of iron,
laminated together to decrease losses. Being linked at the common core allows power to be
transferred from one coil to the other without an electrical connection. When current passes through
the primary coil, a magnetic field is created which induces a voltage in the secondary coil. Usually,
the primary coil is where the high voltage comes in and then is transformed to create a magnetic
field. The job of the secondary coil is to transform the alternating magnetic field into electric power,
supplying the required voltage output.

1.1 Ideal Transformer

An ideal transformer is a theoretical, linear transformer that is lossless and perfectly coupled. Perfect
coupling implies infinitely high core magnetic permeability and winding inductances and zero
net magnetomotive force.

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Fig 1.1 Ideal transformer and induction law

A varying current in the transformer's primary winding creates a varying magnetic flux in the
transformer core and a varying magnetic field impinging on the secondary winding. This varying
magnetic field at the secondary winding induces a varying EMF or voltage in the secondary winding
due to electromagnetic induction. The primary and secondary windings are wrapped around a core of
infinitely high magnetic permeability. so that all of the magnetic flux passes through both the
primary and secondary windings. With a source connected to the primary winding and
load impedance connected to the secondary winding, the transformer currents flow in the indicated
directions.

According to Faraday's law, since the same magnetic flux passes through both the primary
and secondary windings in an ideal transformer a voltage is induced in each winding proportional to
its number of windings. In the secondary winding the voltage is determined by Faraday's equation 1.
In the primary winding the voltage is determined by equation 2. The primary EMF is sometimes
termed counter EMF. This is in accordance with Lenz's law, which states that induction of EMF
always opposes development of any such change in magnetic field.

Ideal transformer equations

By Faraday's law of induction:

d
VS   NS .....(1)
dt
d
VP   N P ......(2)
dt

Where V is the instantaneous voltage, N is the number of turns in a winding, dΦ/dt is

the derivative of the magnetic flux Φ through one turn of the winding over time (t), and
subscripts P and S indicate primary and secondary.
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Combining the ratio of equations 1 and 2:

VP  N P V  NP
Turnsratio   a P   a...(3)
VS  NS VS  NS

By law of conservation of energy, apparent, real and reactive power are each conserved in the input
and the output

S  I PVP  ISVS ...(4)

Where S is conserved power and I is current.Combining equations 3 and 4 with this endnote yields
the ideal transformer identity

VP IS N P LP
    a................(5)
VS I P NS LS

Where L is inductance. By Ohm's law and ideal transformer identity

VS
ZL  ................................................(6)
IS
VP aVS V
Z L    a 2 S  a 2 Z L ...........(7)
I P IS / a IS

Where z L is the secondary load impedance. z L ' is the apparent load impedance of the primary.

1.2 Transformer EMF equation

If the flux in the core is purely sinusoidal, the relationship for either winding between
its rms voltage Erms of the winding, and the supply frequency f, number of turns N, core cross-
sectional area a in m2 and peak magnetic flux density Bpeak in Wb/m2or T (tesla) is given by the
universal EMF equation

2 fNaBpeak
Erms   4.44 fNaBpeak
2 …… (8)

If the flux does not contain even harmonics the following equation can be used for half-cycle average
voltage Eavg of any waveshape:

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1.3 Basic transformer parameter

1.3.1 Polarity

A dot convention is often used in transformer circuit diagrams, nameplates or terminal markings to
define the relative polarity of transformer windings. Positively increasing instantaneous current
entering the primary winding's ‘dot’ end induces positive polarity voltage exiting the secondary
winding's ‘dot’ end.

Three-phase transformers used in electric power systems will have a nameplate that indicates
the phase relationships between their terminals. This may be in the form of a phasor diagram, or
using an alpha-numeric code to show the type of internal connection (wye or delta) for each winding.

1.3.2 Effect of frequency

The EMF of a transformer at a given flux increases with frequency. By operating at higher
frequencies, transformers can be physically more compact because a given core is able to transfer
more power without reaching saturation and fewer turns are needed to achieve the same impedance.
However, properties such as core loss andconductor skin effect also increase with frequency. Aircraft
and military equipment employ 400 Hz power supplies which reduce core and winding
weight. Conversely, frequencies used for some railway electrification systems were much lower (e.g.
16.7 Hz and 25 Hz) than normal utility frequencies (50–60 Hz) for historical reasons concerned
mainly with the limitations of early electric traction motors. Consequently, the transformers used to
step-down the high overhead line voltages (e.g. 15 kV) were much larger and heavier for the same
power rating than those required for the higher frequencies.

Operation of a transformer at its designed voltage but at a higher frequency than intended will
lead to reduced magnetizing current. At a lower frequency, the magnetizing current will increase.
Operation of a large transformer at other than its design frequency may require assessment of
voltages, losses, and cooling to establish if safe operation is practical. For example, transformers may
need to be equipped with 'volts per hertz' over-excitation, ANSI function 24, relays to protect the
transformer from overvoltage at higher than rated frequency.

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One example is in traction transformers used for electric multiple unit and high-speed train
service operating across regions with different electrical standards. The converter equipment and
traction transformers have to accommodate different input frequencies and voltage (ranging from as
high as 50 Hz down to 16.7 Hz and rated up to 25 kV) while being suitable for multiple AC
asynchronous motor and DC converters and motors with varying harmonics mitigation filtering
requirements.

At much higher frequencies the transformer core size required drops dramatically: a
physically small and cheap transformer can handle power levels that would require a massive iron
core at mains frequency. The development of switching power semiconductor devices and complex
integrated circuits made switch-mode power supplies viable, to generate a high frequency from a
much lower one (or DC), change the voltage level with a small transformer, and, if necessary, rectify
the changed voltage. Large power transformers are vulnerable to insulation failure due to transient
voltages with high-frequency components, such as caused in switching or by lightning.

1.4 Energy losses

Transformer energy losses are dominated by winding and core losses. Transformers' efficiency tends
to improve with increasing transformer capacity. The efficiency of typical distribution transformers
is between about 98 and 99 percent.

As transformer losses vary with load, it is often useful to tabulate no-load loss, full-load loss,
half-load loss, and so on. Hysteresis and eddy current losses are constant at all load levels and
dominate overwhelmingly without load, while variable winding joule losses dominating increasingly
as load increases. The no-load loss can be significant, so that even an idle transformer constitutes a
drain on the electrical supply. Designing energy efficient transformers for lower loss requires a larger
core, good-quality silicon steel, or even amorphous steel for the core and thicker wire, increasing
initial cost. The choice of construction represents a trade-off between initial cost and operating cost.

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Transformer losses arise from:

1.4.1 Winding joule losses

Current flowing through a winding's conductor causes joule heating. As frequency increases, skin
effect and proximity effect causes the winding's resistance and, hence, losses to increase.

1.4.2Core losses

Hysteresis losses
Each time the magnetic field is reversed, a small amount of energy is lost due to hysteresis within the
core. According to Steinmetz's formula, the heat energy due to hysteresis is given by

Wh   max
1.6
, and hysteresis loss is thus given by Ph  Wh f   f  max
1.6

where, f is the frequency, η is the hysteresis coefficient and βmax is the maximum flux density, the
empirical exponent of which varies from about 1.4 to 1.8 but is often given as 1.6 for iron.

Eddy current losses

Eddy currents are produced in the metal transformer core and cause heating of the core. The eddy
current loss is a complex function of the square of supply frequency and Inverse Square of the
material thickness. Eddy current losses can be reduced by making the core of a stack of plates
electrically insulated from each other, rather than a solid block; all transformers operating at low
frequencies use laminated or similar cores.

Magnetostriction related transformer hum magnetic flux in a ferromagnetic material, such as

the core, causes it to physically expand and contract slightly with each cycle of the magnetic field, an
effect known as magnetostriction, the frictional energy of which produces an audible noise known
as mains hum or transformer hum. This transformer hum is especially objectionable in transformers
supplied at power frequencies and in high-frequency flyback transformers associated with
television CRTs.

Leakage inductance is by itself largely lossless, since energy supplied to its magnetic fields is
returned to the supply with the next half-cycle. However, any leakage flux that intercepts nearby
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conductive materials such as the transformer's support structure will give rise to eddy currents and be
converted to heat. There are also radiative losses due to the oscillating magnetic field but these are
usually small. Mechanical vibration and audible noise transmission. In addition to magnetostriction,
the alternating magnetic field causes fluctuating forces between the primary and secondary windings.
This energy incites vibration transmission in interconnected metalwork, thus amplifying
audible transformer hum.

1.5 Construction

1.5.1 Cores

Fig 1.2 Cores type

Closed-core transformers are constructed in 'core form' or 'shell form'. When windings surround the
core, the transformer is core form; when windings are surrounded by the core, the transformer is
shell form. Shell form design may be more prevalent than core form design for distribution
transformer applications due to the relative ease in stacking the core around winding coils. Core form
design tends to, as a general rule, be more economical, and therefore more prevalent, than shell form
design for high voltage power transformer applications at the lower end of their voltage and power
rating ranges (less than or equal to, nominally, 230 kV or 75 MVA). At higher voltage and power
ratings, shell form transformers tend to be more prevalent. Shell form design tends to be preferred for
extra-high voltage and higher MVA applications because, though more labor-intensive to
manufacture, shell form transformers are characterized as having inherently better kVA-to-weight
ratio, better short-circuit strength characteristics and higher immunity to transit damage.

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Laminated steel cores

Fig 1.3 Laminated core transformers

Transformers for use at power or audio frequencies typically have cores made of high
permeability silicon steel. The steel has a permeability many times that of free space and the core
thus serves to greatly reduce the magnetizing current and confine the flux to a path which closely
couples the windings. Early transformer developers soon realized that cores constructed from solid
iron resulted in prohibitive eddy current losses, and their designs mitigated this effect with cores
consisting of bundles of insulated iron wires. Later designs constructed the core by stacking layers of
thin steel laminations, a principle that has remained in use. Each lamination is insulated from its
neighbors by a thin non-conducting layer of insulation. The transformer universal EMF
equation implies an acceptably large core cross-sectional area to avoid saturation.

The effect of laminations is to confine eddy currents to highly elliptical paths that enclose
little flux, and so reduce their magnitude. Thinner laminations reduce losses,but are more laborious
and expensive to construct. Thin laminations are generally used on high-frequency transformers,
with some of very thin steel laminations able to operate up to 10 kHz.

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Fig 1.4 Laminating the core greatly reduce eddy current lossess

One common design of laminated core is made from interleaved stacks of E-shaped steel sheets
capped with I-shaped pieces, leading to its name of 'E-I transformer.Such a design tends to exhibit
more losses, but is very economical to manufacture. The cut-core or C-core type is made by winding
a steel strip around a rectangular form and then bonding the layers together. It is then cut in two,
forming two C shapes, and the core assembled by binding the two C halves together with a steel
strap they have the advantage that the flux is always oriented parallel to the metal grains, reducing
reluctance.

A steel core's remanence means that it retains a static magnetic field when power is removed.
When power is then reapplied, the residual field will cause a high inrush current until the effect of
the remaining magnetism is reduced, usually after a few cycles of the applied AC
waveform. Overcurrent protection devices such as fuses must be selected to allow this harmless
inrush to pass. On transformers connected to long, overhead power transmission lines, induced
currents due to geomagnetic disturbances during solar storms can cause saturation of the core and
operation of transformer protection devices.

Distribution transformers can achieve low no-load losses by using cores made with low-loss
high-permeability silicon steel or amorphous (non-crystalline) metal alloy. The higher initial cost of
the core material is offset over the life of the transformer by its lower losses at light load.

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Solid cores

Powdered iron cores are used in circuits such as switch-mode power supplies that operate above
mains frequencies and up to a few tens of kilohertz. These materials combine high magnetic
permeability with high bulk electrical resistivity. For frequencies extending beyond the VHF band,
cores made from non-conductive magnetic ceramic materials called ferrites are common. Some
radio-frequency transformers also have movable cores (sometimes called 'slugs') which allow
adjustment of the coupling coefficient (and bandwidth) of tuned radio-frequency circuits.

Toroidal cores

Fig 1.5 Small toroidal core transformer

Toroidal transformers are built around a ring-shaped core, which, depending on operating frequency,
is made from a long strip of silicon steel or permalloy wound into a coil, powdered iron, or ferrite. A
strip construction ensures that the grain boundaries are optimally aligned, improving the
transformer's efficiency by reducing the core's reluctance. The closed ring shape eliminates air gaps
inherent in the construction of an E-I core. The cross-section of the ring is usually square or
rectangular, but more expensive cores with circular cross-sections are also available. The primary
and secondary coils are often wound concentrically to cover the entire surface of the core. This
minimizes the length of wire needed and provides screening to minimize the core's magnetic field
from generating electromagnetic interference.
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Toroidal transformers are more efficient than the cheaper laminated E-I types for a similar
power level. Other advantages compared to E-I types, include smaller size (about half), lower weight
(about half), less mechanical hum (making them superior in audio amplifiers), lower exterior
magnetic field (about one tenth), low off-load losses (making them more efficient in standby
circuits), single-bolt mounting, and greater choice of shapes. The main disadvantages are higher cost
and limited power capacity (see Classification parameters below). Because of the lack of a residual
gap in the magnetic path, toroidal transformers also tend to exhibit higher inrush current, compared
to laminated E-I types.

Ferrite toroidal cores are used at higher frequencies, typically between a few tens of kilohertz
to hundreds of megahertz, to reduce losses, physical size, and weight of inductive components. A
drawback of toroidal transformer construction is the higher labor cost of winding. This is because it
is necessary to pass the entire length of a coil winding through the core aperture each time a single
turn is added to the coil. As a consequence, toroidal transformers rated more than a few kVA are
uncommon. Relatively few toroids are offered with power ratings above 10 kVA, and practically
none above 25 kVA. Small distribution transformers may achieve some of the benefits of a toroidal
core by splitting it and forcing it open, then inserting a bobbin containing primary and secondary
windings.

Air cores

A physical core is not an absolute requisite and a functioning transformer can be produced simply by
placing the windings near each other, an arrangement termed an "air-core" transformer. The air
which comprises the magnetic circuit is essentially lossless, and so an air-core transformer eliminates
loss due to hysteresis in the core material. The magnetizing inductance is drastically reduced by the
lack of a magnetic core, resulting in large magnetizing currents and losses if used at low frequencies.
A large number of turns can be used to increase magnetizing inductance, but doing so increases
winding resistance and leakage inductance. Air-core transformers are unsuitable for use in power
distribution.They have however very high frequency capability, and are frequently employed in
radio-frequency applications for which a satisfactory coupling coefficient is maintained by carefully
overlapping the primary and secondary windings. Air cores are also used for resonant
transformers such as Tesla coils, where they can achieve reasonably low loss despite the low
magnetizing inductance.

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1.5.2 Windings

Fig 1.6 Windings are usually arranged concentrically to minimize flux leakage

High-frequency transformers operating in the tens to hundreds of kilohertz often have windings
made of braided Litz wire to minimize the skin-effect and proximity effect losses. Large power
transformers use multiple-stranded conductors as well, since even at low power frequencies non-
uniform distribution of current would otherwise exist in high-current windings. Each strand is
individually insulated, and the strands are arranged so that at certain points in the winding, or
throughout the whole winding, each portion occupies different relative positions in the complete
conductor. The transposition equalizes the current flowing in each strand of the conductor, and
reduces eddy current losses in the winding itself. The stranded conductor is also more flexible than a
solid conductor of similar size, aiding manufacture.

The windings of signal transformers minimize leakage inductance and stray capacitance to
improve high-frequency response. Coils are split into sections, and those sections interleaved
between the sections of the other winding.

Power-frequency transformers may have taps at intermediate points on the winding, usually
on the higher voltage winding side, for voltage adjustment. Taps may be manually reconnected, or a
manual or automatic switch may be provided for changing taps. Automatic on-load tap changers are
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used in electric power transmission or distribution, on equipment such as arc furnace transformers, or
for automatic voltage regulators for sensitive loads. Audio-frequency transformers, used for the
distribution of audio to public address loudspeakers, have taps to allow adjustment of impedance to
each speaker. A center-tapped transformer is often used in the output stage of an audio
power amplifier in a push-pull circuit. Modulation transformers in AM transmitters are very similar.

Dry-type transformer winding insulation systems can be either of standard open-wound 'dip-
and-bake' construction or of higher quality designs that include vacuum pressure
impregnation (VPI), vacuum pressure encapsulation (VPE), and cast coil encapsulation processes. In
the VPI process, a combination of heat, vacuum and pressure is used to thoroughly seal, bind, and
eliminate entrained air voids in the winding polyester resin insulation coat layer, thus increasing
resistance to corona. VPE windings are similar to VPI windings but provide more protection against
environmental effects, such as from water, dirt or corrosive ambient, by multiple dips including
typically in terms of final epoxy coat

The conducting material used for the windings depends upon the application, but in all cases the
individual turns must beelectrically insulated from each other to ensure that the current travels
throughout every turn. For small power and signal transformers, in which currents are low and the
potential difference between adjacent turns is small, the coils are often wound from enamelled
magnet wire, such as Formvar wire. Larger power transformers operating at high voltages may be
wound with copper rectangular strip conductors insulated by oil-impregnated paper and blocks
of pressboard

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1.5 Applications

Fig 1.7 Transformer in Manitoba Canada

Since the high voltages carried in the wires are significantly greater than what is needed in-home,
transformers are also used extensively in electronic products to decrease (or step-down) the supply
voltage to a level suitable for the low voltage circuits they contain. The transformer also electrically
isolates the end user from contact with the supply voltage. Transformers are used to increase (or
step-up) voltage before transmitting electrical energy over long distances through wires. Wires
have resistance which loses energy through joule heating at a rate corresponding to square of the
current. By transforming power to a higher voltage transformers enable economical transmission of
power and distribution. Consequently, transformers have shaped the electricity supply industry,
permitting generation to be located remotely from points of demand All but a tiny fraction of the
world's electrical power has passed through a series of transformers by the time it reaches the
consumer.

Signal and audio transformers are used to couple stages of amplifiers and to match devices such
as microphones and record players to the input of amplifiers. Audio transformers
allowed telephone circuits to carry on a two-way conversation over a single pair of wires.
A balunttransformer converts a signal that is referenced to ground to a signal that has balanced
voltages to ground, such as between external cables and internal circuits. Transformers made to
medical grade standards isolate the users from the direct current. These are found commonly used in
conjunction with hospital beds, dentist chairs, and other medical lab equipment.

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2. AUTOTRANSFORMER

An Auto-transformer (sometimes called auto-step down transformer) is an electrical transformer with

only one winding. The "auto" (Greek for "self") prefix refers to the single coil acting alone and not to
any kind of automatic mechanism. In an autotransformer, portions of the same winding act as both
the primary and secondary sides of the transformer. In contrast, an ordinary transformer has
separate primary and secondary windings which are not electrically connected.

The winding has at least three taps where electrical connections are made. Since part of the
winding does "double duty", autotransformers have the advantages of often being smaller, lighter,
and cheaper than typical dual-winding transformers, but the disadvantage of not providing electrical
isolation between primary and secondary circuits. Other advantages of autotransformers include
lower leakage reactance, lower losses, lower excitation current, and increased VA rating for a given
size and mass.

Autotransformers are often used to step up or step down voltages in the 110-115-120 V range
and voltages in the 220-230-240 V range - for example, providing 110 V or 120 V (with taps) from
230 V input, allowing equipment designed for 100 or 120 V to be used with a 230 V supply. This
allows US electrical equipment to be fed from the higher voltages used in Europe and elsewhere.
Autotransformers can also be used to supply 230 V appliances from a 100 to 120 V supply within the
US. In all cases the supply and the autotransformer must be correctly rated to supply the required
power.

2.1 Operation

Fig 2.1 Single phase tapped transformer with output voltage range of 40%-15% output
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An autotransformer has a single winding with two end terminals, and one or more terminals at
intermediate tap points, or it is a transformer in which the primary and secondary coils have part of,
or all of their turns in common. The primary voltage is applied across two of the terminals, and the
secondary voltage taken from two terminals, almost always having one terminal in common with the
primary voltage. The primary and secondary circuits therefore have a number of windings turns in
common.[3] Since the volts-per-turn is the same in both windings, each develops a voltage in
proportion to its number of turns. In an autotransformer part of the current flows directly from the
input to the output, and only part is transferred inductively, allowing a smaller, lighter, cheaper core
to be used as well as requiring only a single winding. However the voltage and current ratio of
autotransformers can be formulated the same as other two-winding transformers:

V1 N1
 a … (9)
V2 N 2

(0<V2<V1)

The ampere-turns provided by the upper half:

1
FU  ( N1  N 2 ) I1  (1  ) N1I1 ……. (10)
a

For ampere-turn balance, FU=FL:

1 N
(1  ) N1 I1  1 ( I 2  I1 ) ……. (11)
a a

Therefore:

I1 1
 …… (12)
I2 a

One end of the winding is usually connected in common to both the voltage source and the electrical
load. The other end of the source and load are connected to taps along the winding. Different taps on
the winding correspond to different voltages, measured from the common end. In a step-down
transformer the source is usually connected across the entire winding while the load is connected by
a tap across only a portion of the winding. In a step-up transformer, conversely, the load is attached
across the full winding while the source is connected to a tap across a portion of the winding.

As in a two-winding transformer, the ratio of secondary to primary voltages is equal to the

ratio of the number of turns of the winding they connect to. For example, connecting the load
between the middle and bottom of the autotransformer will reduce the voltage by 50%. Depending

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on the application, that portion of the winding used solely in the higher-voltage (lower current)
portion may be wound with wire of a smaller gauge, though the entire winding is directly connected.

If one of the center-taps is used for the ground, then the autotransformer can be used as a balun to
convert a balanced line (connected to the two end taps) to an unbalanced line (the side with the
ground).

2.2 Limitations
An autotransformer does not provide electrical isolation between its windings as an ordinary
transformer does; if the neutral side of the input is not at ground voltage, the neutral side of the
output will not be either. A failure of the isolation of the windings of an autotransformer can result in
full input voltage applied to the output. Also, a break in the part of the winding that is used as both
primary and secondary will result in the transformer acting as an inductor in series with the load
(which under light load conditions may result in near full input voltage being applied to the output).
These are important safety considerations when deciding to use an autotransformer in a given
application.

Because it requires both fewer windings and a smaller core, an autotransformer for power
applications is typically lighter and less costly than a two-winding transformer, up to a voltage ratio
of about 3:1; beyond that range, a two-winding transformer is usually more economical.

In three phase power transmission applications, autotransformers have the limitations of not
suppressing harmonic currents and as acting as another source of ground fault currents. A large
three-phase autotransformer may have a "buried" delta winding, not connected to the outside of the
tank, to absorb some harmonic currents.

In practice, losses mean that both standard transformers and autotransformers are not
perfectly reversible; one designed for stepping down a voltage will deliver slightly less voltage than
required if it is used to step up. The difference is usually slight enough to allow reversal where the
actual voltage level is not critical. Like multiple-winding transformers, autotransformers use time-
varying magnetic fields to transfer power. They require alternating currents to operate properly and
will not function on direct current.

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2.3 Applications

2.3.1 Power transmission and distribution

Autotransformers are frequently used in power applications to interconnect systems operating at

different voltage classes, for example 132 kV to 66 kV for transmission. Another application in
industry is to adapt machinery built (for example) for 480 V supplies to operate on a 600 V supply.
They are also often used for providing conversions between the two common domestic mains voltage
bands in the world (100 V—130 V and 200 V—250 V). The links between the UK 400 kV and
275 kV 'Super Grid' networks are normally three phase autotransformers with taps at the common
neutral end.

On long rural power distribution lines, special autotransformers with automatic tap-changing
equipment are inserted as voltage regulators, so that customers at the far end of the line receive the
same average voltage as those closer to the source. The variable ratio of the autotransformer
compensates for the voltage drop along the line.

A special form of autotransformer called a zigzag is used to provide grounding on three-phase

systems that otherwise have no connection to ground. A zig-zag transformer provides a path for
current that is common to all three phases (so-called zero sequence current).

2.3.2 Audio system

In audio applications, tapped autotransformers are used to adapt speakers to constant-voltage audio
distribution systems, and for impedance matching such as between a low-impedance microphone and
a high-impedance amplifier input.

2.3.3 Railways

In railway applications, it is common to power the trains at 25 kV AC. To increase the distance
between electricity Grid feeder points, they can be arranged to supply a split-phase 25-0-25 kV feed
with the third wire (opposite phase) out of reach of the train's overhead collector pantograph. The 0
V point of the supply is connected to the rail while one 25 kV point is connected to the overhead

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contact wire. At frequent (about 10 km) intervals, an autotransformer links the contact wire to rail
and to the second (antiphase) supply conductor. This system increases usable transmission distance,
reduces induced interference into external equipment and reduces cost. A variant is occasionally seen
where the supply conductor is at a different voltage to the contact wire with the autotransformer ratio
modified to suit.

2.4 Variable autotransformers

Fig 2.2 a variable transformer

By exposing part of the winding coils and making the secondary connection through a sliding brush,
a continuously variable turns ratio can be obtained, allowing for very smooth control of output
voltage. The output voltage is not limited to the discrete voltages represented by actual number of
turns. The voltage can be smoothly varied between turns as the brush has a relatively high resistance
(compared with a metal contact) and the actual output voltage is a function of the relative area of
brush in contact with adjacent windings. The relatively high resistance of the brush also prevents it
from acting as a short circuited turn when it contacts two adjacent turns. Typically the primary
connection connects to only a part of the winding allowing the output voltage to be varied smoothly
from zero to above the input voltage and thus allowing the device to be used for testing electrical
equipment at the limits of its specified voltage range.

The output voltage adjustment can be manual or automatic. The manual type is applicable only for
relatively low voltage and is known as a variable AC transformer (often referred to by the trademark

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name Variac). These are often used in repair shops for testing devices under different voltages or to
simulate abnormal line voltages.

The type with automatic voltage adjustment can be used as automatic voltage regulator, to maintain a
steady voltage at the customers' service during a wide range of line and load conditions. Another
application is a lighting dimmer that doesn't produce the EMI typical of most thyristor dimmers.

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3. COMPARISON BETWEEN
AUTOTRANSFORMER AND SINGLE PHASE
TRANSFORMER

Basis For Autotransformer Single Phase

Differences Transformer

Definition A transformer, having only It is a static machine which

one winding a part of which transfers electrical energy from
acts as a primary and the other one end to another without
as a secondary. changingfrequency.

Number of Auto-transformer has only one It has two separate winding, i.e.,
Windings winding wound on a laminated primary and secondary winding.
core

Symbol

Insulation The primary and secondary The primary and secondary

winding are not electrically winding are electrically insulated
insulated. from each other.

Induction Self Induction Mutual Induction

Size Small Large

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Power Transfer Partly by transformation and Through transformation

partly by direct electrical
connection.

Voltage Regulation Better Good

Winding Material Less requires More requires

Circuit The primary and secondary The primary and secondary

winding circuits are connected winding circuitsare connected
magnetically. both electrically and
magnetically.

Connection Depends upon the tapping Connect directly to the load.

Starting current Decreases Decreases by 1/3 times.

Excitation current Small Large

Economical More Less

Cost Less costly More costly

Efficient More Less

Leakage flux and Low High

resistance

Impedance Less High

Cost Cheap Very costly

Losses Low High

Output voltage Variable Constant.

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Applications Use as a starter in an induction Use in power system for step up

motor, as a voltage regulator, and step down the voltage.
in railways, in a laboratory.

3.1 SOME OTHER PARAMETERS

Sharing of winding

In Autotransformer primary and secondary share same winding.

In single phase transformer primary and secondary have separate windings.

Windings/Phase

Autotransformer consists of single winding per phase .

Single phase transformer consists of pair of winding per Phase

Methods of varying output voltage

In Autotransformer the output voltage for a given constant input voltage can be varied from zero to
the maximum level by simply varying the number of secondary turns.

In Single phase transformer output voltage can be varied only by varying the input voltage or by tap
changing.

Methods of Energy transfer

In Autotransformer energy transfer occurs by both conduction and induction.

In Two Transformer energy transfer is only through induction.

Source & load connection

Load connected to the autotransformer is electrically connected with source. Load connected to

Transformer is electrically isolated from the source.

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Insulation of windings

In Autotransformer the primary and secondary windings are not electrically insulated.

In single phase transformer primary and secondary winding are electrically insulated from each other.

Working principle

Autotransformer works on self induction rule.

In single phase transformer works on mutual Induction

Weight & Size

Autotransformers arelighter in weight and smaller in physical size as it requires fewer windings and
a smaller core.

In single phase transformers has Large weight and big in physical size as it requires many windings
and a big core.

Power Transfer

In Autotransformer power transfer takes place partly by transformation and partly by direct electrical
connection.

In single phase transformer power transfer takes place by transformation

Voltage Regulation

In Autotransformer Voltage Regulation is better.

In single phase transformer Voltage Regulation is good.

Primary & secondary connection

In Autotransformer The primary and secondary winding are connected both electrically and
magnetically

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In single phase transformerThe primary and secondary winding circuits are connected magnetically.

Load Connection

In Autotransformer load connection depends upon the tapping.

In single phase transformertappings are connected directly to the load

Output voltage

In Autotransformer it is variable.

In single phase transformer it is constant.

Cost

Autotransformers are cheap.

Single phase transformers are costly

Applications

Autotransformers are used as a starter for an induction motor, as a voltage regulator, in railways, in a
laboratory.

Single phase transformers are used in power system for step up and step down the voltage.

Industrial use

Autotransformer are not commonly used in industries because of it's hazard to the load as it directly
connects load when failure comes & they have low current ratings and high voltage rating.

Single phase transformer don’t have such problem

Common Input & output terminal

In Autotransformer there will be one terminal that is common between the input and output.

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In single phase transformerthere is no common terminal between input and output.

Voltage ratio & power level

Autotransformers are used only for a small ratio or small power levels.

Single phase transformers are used only for a large ratio or large power levels.

Inrush current

Autotransformer has lesser inrush current due to self induction.

Single phase transformer has large inrush current due to mutual induction.

Voltage & current ratings

Autotransformers have low current ratings and high voltage rating.

Single phase transformers have high current rating, less voltage rating but same power

Frame size

It should be known that the provision of tapping on an auto transformer increases considerably the
frame size of the transformer.

There is no such problem in single phase transformer

Variable current or voltage

Auto Transformer is a variable voltage and variable current Transformer.

Single phase transformer supply fixed voltage and current

Phase angle

In Auto Transformer connections on primary and secondary sides needs to be same. This introduces
complications due to changing primary and secondary phase angle particularly in the case of
delta/delta connection.
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In single phase transformers there is no such problem

Electromagnetic balance

In Auto Transformer it is more difficult to maintain the electromagnetic balance of the windings
when voltage adjustment tapping are provided.

In single phase transformers it is not difficult to maintain the electromagnetic balance of the winding
when voltage adjustment tapping are provided.

Isolation between primary & secondary

In autotransformer there is no isolation between primary and secondary

In single phase transformers there is isolation between primary and secondary

Winding insulation failure

In autotransformer a failure of the winding insulation will result in full input voltage applied to the
output.

In single phase transformers there are no such problems

Electrocution

This problem may exist in auto transformer.

This problem doesn't exist as single phase transformer consists of a primary and a secondary coil
winding that are electrically separated. This limits the risk of electrocution when the active parts and
the earth are touched simultaneously.

Design consideration

In autotransformer because of electrical conductivity of the primary and secondary windings the
lower voltage circuit is liable to be impressed upon by higher voltage. To avoid breakdown in the
lower voltage circuit, it becomes necessary to design the low voltage circuit to withstand higher
voltage.

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There is no such consideration in single phase transformer.

Efficiency

An auto transformer has higher efficiency than single phase transformer. This is because of less
ohmic loss and core loss due to reduction of transformer material.

Single phase transformers are less efficient compared to auto transformer.

Large transformation ratio application

Auto transformer cannot be used in such application.

Single phase transformer can be used in such application.

Short circuit current

Auto transformer has low impedance, this results into a high short circuit current under fault
conditions.

Single phase transformer has high impedance, this results into a low short circuit current under fault
conditions.

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