DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

ENGINEERING LABORATORY (EN19003)

Experiment No. 4 (EE2): OPEN CIRCUIT AND SHORT CIRCUIT TEST OF

SINGLE PHASE TRANSFORMER
OBJECTIVE:
To determine the efficiency and regulation of a single-phase transformer by conducting:
A. Open Circuit test
B. Short Circuit test

(A) OPEN CIRCUIT TEST:

Fig. 1: Circuit diagram for Open Circuit test of a transformer (Laboratory set-up)

Fig. 2: Circuit diagram for Open Circuit test of a transformer (Simulation model)

PROCEDURE:

Physical Lab Virtual Lab

Note the transformer nameplate ratings (kVA, Note the transformer parameters
primary and secondary voltage, etc.)
Connect the circuit as shown in Fig. 1 choosing Observe the circuit as shown in Fig. 2 and identify the
suitable instruments. differences between Fig.1 and Fig.2. Choose suitable
parameters.
Adjust the auto transformer to the position of Auto transformer is not used in the simulation model,
zero-output voltage and switch on the supply. transformer is directly supplied from the ac voltage
source.
Increase the supply voltage, in steps, up to rated Increase the source voltage, in steps, up to rated voltage
voltage of the LV side and tabulate the readings of the low voltage (LV) side, and tabulate the LV side
viz. the no load current (Primary Current I1), current (I1), LV side input power (Po), LV side voltage
input power, P1 and the primary & secondary (V1) and HV side voltage (V2) in Table 1
voltages, V1 and V2, corresponding to each corresponding to each value of the applied voltage.
value of the applied voltage Observe the instantaneous voltage and current
waveforms in the scope.

Table 1: Observation table for Open Circuit test

SL No. H.V side voltage L.V side voltage L.V side current L.V side power
(V2) (V1) (I1) (Po)

(B) SHORT CIRCUIT TEST:

Fig. 3: Circuit diagram for Short Circuit test of a transformer (Laboratory set-up)

Fig. 4: Circuit diagram for Short Circuit test of a transformer (Simulation model)
PROCEDURE:

Physical Lab Virtual Lab

Note the transformer ratings Note the transformer parameters
Connect the circuit as shown in Fig. 3 choosing Observe the circuit as shown in Fig. 4 and
suitable instruments. identify the differences between Fig. 3 and
Fig. 4. Choose suitable parameters.
Adjust the auto transformer to the position of Auto transformer is not used in the simulation
zero-output voltage and switch on the supply. model, transformer is directly supplied from
the ac voltage source.
Adjust the output voltage of the auto Adjust the source voltage of the transformer
transformer to get secondary short circuit to get short circuit current of 25%, 50%, 75%
current of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of the and 100% of the rated current of the L.V side
rated current of the LV side. Note down in the and tabulate High voltage side voltage (V1),
values of the input voltage, V1, primary High voltage side Power (P1) and the L.V &
current (HV side) I1, input power, P1 and the H.V side currents (I2 and I1) in Table 2.
secondary current, I2 (LV side). Observe the instantaneous voltage and
current waveforms in the scope.

Table 2: Observation table for Short Circuit test

SL No. H.V side current L.V side current H.V side voltage H.V side power
(I1) (I2) (V1) (P1)

RESULTS:

From the observations of the open circuit test:

1) Plot no load current (referred to L.V side) and power input vs applied voltage on a graph
paper.
2) Calculate the parallel branch parameters of the equivalent circuit of the transformer referred
to L.V side.

From the observations of the short circuit test:

1) Calculate the equivalent circuit series parameters of the transformer with respect to H.V.
side.

Finally determine the following:

1) Complete equivalent circuits of the transformer referred to both H.V. & L.V. side.
2) Efficiency of the Transformer at 25%, 50%, 75%, & 100% of the full load current at unity
power factor.
3) Full load regulation at power factor of (a) 1.0, (b) 0.8 lagging, and (c) 0.8 leading.
4) A graph showing efficiency at unity power factor against load current at rated voltage.
5) The maximum efficiency and the load (at unity power factor) at which the maximum
efficiency has occurred from the graph.
DISCUSSION:

1) Why is OC test carried out by energising LV side?

2) Why is SC test carried by energising HV side?
3) When is the efficiency maximum for a transformer?
4) Why does no-load losses arise in a transformer?

REFERENCES:

▪ HUGHES: Electrical Technology.

▪ NAGARTH & KOTHARI: Electrical Machines.
▪ M.G.Say: AC Machine.
▪ A.S. Langsdorf: Theory of Alternating Current Machinery.