LAB 06

To make the three Phase Transformer Connections (∆-Y,∆-∆,Y-

∆,Y-Y) and Verify the Line and Phase Voltages and Currents

Pre-Requisite:
Read the following topics of your textbook (Stephen J. Chapman)
Chapter 2, Article: 2.10

Theory:
For reasons of efficiency and economy in the use of copper, the generation, transmission,
and distribution of electric power takes place on a three-phase basis rather than single-
phase. Three- phase transformers are required to step-up or step-down voltages in the
various stages of power transmission. A three-phase transformer can be built in one of two
ways: by suitably connecting a bank of three identical single-phase transformers or by
constructing a three-phase transformer on a common magnetic core.
Any type of three-phase connection can be carried out on both sides of the transformer
bank, such as Y/Y, Y/∆, ∆/Y and ∆/∆.Each transformer carries one third of the three-phase
load under balanced conditions. The major benefit of using a Y-connected winding in a
transformer is that it provides a neutral point. Mainly, ∆-connected windings are used to
suppress third harmonic currents in transformers; a major disadvantage of a ∆-winding in a
transformer is that both ends of individual windings are connected to the lines.
Consequently, both terminals of the winding may experience over voltages that occur in
the system. Therefore, ∆-windings need more expensive insulation as compared to Y-
windings. To maintain the same flux density in the core, the MMF requirements for Y- and
∆-connected transformers must be equal. This requires the volt-per-turn ratio to be held
constant. Therefore, a ∆-connected transformer requires 3 times as many turns for each of
its phases as are needed for a Y-connected transformer.
Following are the four types of Transformer connections,
i. Star-Star
ii. Star-Delta
iii. Delta-Delta
iv. Delta-Star

Star Connection:
This connection forms by joining similar ends of winding either starting or finishing.

Delta Connection:
This connection is formed by joining dissimilar ends .This is also known as MESH.
Equations:
 Star VL = √3 ×VP, IL= IP, P=√3 ×VL ×IL × Cosθ, P= 3× VP ×IP × Cosθ

 Delta VL=VP , IL=√3× IP P = √3× VL ×IL ×Cosθ , P= 3× VP ×IP ×Cosθ

Phase Voltage:
The voltage b/w line and neutral line is called Phase Voltage.

Line Voltage:
The voltage b/w line wire is called line Voltage.

Star-Star Connection: (Y-Y)

This connection is economical for small high voltage transformer (small transformer but
high voltage). This connection works satisfactorily if and only if the load is balanced. If
the load is unbalanced then neutral point makes all three phase voltage unequal.
The Y-Y connection is very rare because it creates serious disturbances in
communication circuits in their immediate vicinity (e.g. telephone interference).
The exciting current and induced third harmonic voltages mainly cause these
problems when the neutral connection of the primary winding to the source neutral
is lost.

Observations Table:

Phase Primary Voltage (Vp) Secondary Voltage (VS)

A

C
Advantages:
i. Allow 3-Phase four wires system to be used.
ii. Its insulation can withstand 1/√3 of line voltage
Star-Delta Connection: (Y-∆)
The wye-delta arrangement of single-phase transformers is often found at the receiving
end of a transmission line. The reason is that it provides a large step-down voltage ratio
from primary line voltage to secondary line voltage.

Observations Table:
Phase Primary Voltage (Vp) Secondary Voltage (VS)
A
B
C

Advantages:
i. The primary side is star connected. Hence fewer numbers of turns are required.
This makes the connection economical for large high voltage step down power
transformers.
ii. The neutral available on the primary can be earthed to avoid distortion.
Delta-Delta Connection: (∆-∆)
When connecting three single transformers for three-phase operation, care must be taken
in order to ensure that the secondary terminals provide a balanced system of voltages. The
primary coils may be arbitrarily connected. The objective is to arrange the secondary coil
connections so that the line voltages will be balanced and no circulating current takes
place in the secondary coils.

Observations Table:

Phase Primary Voltage (Vp) Secondary Voltage (VS)

A
B
C
 Advantages:
i. Due to delta connection, phase voltage is same as line voltage hence winding have
more number of turns. But phase current is (1/√3) times the line current. Hence the
cross- section of the windings is very less. This makes the connection economical
for low voltages transformers.
ii. Due to closed delta, third harmonic voltages are absent. The absence of star or
neutral point proves to be advantageous in some cases.

Delta-Star Connection: (∆-Y)

The delta-wye arrangement of transformers is commonly found at the transmitting end of
transmission lines as well as at the distribution end. At the transmitting end, the delta-wye
connection offers the advantage of an increased step-up ratio beyond that associated with
the individual transformers. At the distribution end the inclusion of a neutral wire allows a
choice of two voltages for the customer's use.

Observations Table:

Phase Primary Voltage (Vp) Secondary Voltage (VS)

A
B
C

Advantages:
i. Used at Three phase four wire System: On secondary side, neutral is
available, due to which it can be used for 3-phase, 4 wire supply system.
ii. No distortion of Secondary Voltage, No distortion due to third harmonic components

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this experiment, students will
i. Understand how to connect three single-phase transformers to form a
three phase transformer according to known standards.
ii. Understand different types of connections of three-phase transformer banks.
iii. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of
connections of three-phase transformers.
Questions:

i. Which connection is used for distribution transformers?

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ii. Draw a single line diagram of power system specifying all the transformers connections in
power system.
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