Three Phase Transformer:

Introduction and Vector Groups

By : Dr. Atul R. Phadke
Associate Professor in Electrical Engineering
Government College of Engineering, Karad (Maharashtra)
THREE PHASE TRANSFORMERS:
For generation, transformation, transmission, A a
distribution and utilization of electric energy it
is economical to use three-phase system than
the single-phase system.
For three phase transformation, three single- B b
phase transformers can be connected
together to supply a three-phase load.
However, a single unit of three-phase
transformer can also be created with three C c
primary and three secondary windings wound
on the limbs of a common core.

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THREE PHASE TRANSFORMERS:
Let us consider three single-phase ic
transformers placed at 1200 apart.
c
When a balanced three-phase supply is a
b
applied across three primary windings, ia
currents 𝑖𝑎 , 𝑖𝑏 and 𝑖𝑐 will flow these windings.
These currents will produce flux ∅𝑎 , ∅𝑏 and
∅𝑐 respectively in the three limbs. ib

These fluxes will be 1200 apart.

The other three limbs of the core are merged a
together which forms one merged leg.
Fluxes ∅𝑎 , ∅𝑏 and ∅𝑐 will pass through the
merged leg.
However, no flux will flow through the merged
leg because ∅𝑎 + ∅𝑏 + ∅𝑐 = 0
Hence the merged leg can be ignored. c b
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THREE PHASE TRANSFORMERS:
As the merged leg has no purpose, this ic
structure is made simple by pushing the
c
section b in between sections a and section c. a
b
This modification makes the core of a three- ia
phase transformer which is called as core
type construction.
The primary and secondary windings of each ib
phase are placed on the three legs.

Core type construction

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THREE PHASE TRANSFORMERS:
Therefore, for three phase transformation, two arrangements are possible –
▪ A bank of three separate single-phase transformers with windings connected in star or delta
▪ A single three-phase transformer with primary and secondary windings wound on a common
core.
A a

B b

C c

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THREE PHASE TRANSFORMERS:
A a
Advantages of a bank of three separate single-phase transformers:
▪ If a single transformer becomes defective, it can be removed
from the service. The other two units can continue to work
as open delta or V-V at reduced capacity. Hence, continuity B b
of service can be maintained.
▪ Only one spare unit is required for standby. So the spare
capacity required is less.
▪ Transportation of multiple single-phase units is much easier C c
as compared to one large three-phase unit.

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THREE PHASE TRANSFORMERS:
Advantages three-phase transformer:
▪ The cost of one three-phase transformer is less than the
cost of three single-phase transformers required to supply
the same kVA or MVA output.
▪ The weight of three-phase transformer is less and it
occupies less space than three single-phase transformer.
▪ The bus-bar structure, switchgear and other connections for
a three-phase transformer installation are simpler than those
for three single-phase transformers.
▪ It is slightly more efficient.

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TERMINAL MARKINGS IN SINGLE-PHASE TRANSFORMERS:
Winding terminals of a transformer are designated by letters. LV side
High voltage winding is designated by capital letters and low 𝑎1 𝑎2
voltage windings by corresponding small letters.
The designation of winding terminals for single phase transformer: 𝐴1 𝐴2
HV side
A - high voltage winding
a - low voltage winding 𝑉ത𝐴1𝐴2
𝑉ത𝑎1𝑎2
Terminal polarities are indicated by suffixes 1 and 2.
Terminals with suffix 1 indicate similar polarity ends and terminals
with suffix 2 are of similar polarity.
Assuming the transformer to be ideal, 𝑉ത𝐴1𝐴2 (voltage of terminal 𝐴1
with respect to terminal 𝐴2 ) is in phase with 𝑉ത𝑎1𝑎2 (voltage of
terminal 𝑎1 with respect to terminal 𝑎2 )

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TERMINAL MARKINGS IN THREE PHASE TRANSFORMERS:
Designation of winding terminals for three phase transformer: LV side
A, B, C - high voltage winding 𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑏1 𝑏2 𝑐1 𝑐2

a, b, c - low voltage winding

𝐴1 𝐴2 𝐵1 𝐵2 𝐶1 𝐶2
3A, 3B, 3C – third winding if any
Terminal polarities are indicated by suffixes 1 and 2. HV side

Terminals with suffix 1 indicate similar polarity ends and 𝑉ത𝐴1𝐴2

terminals with suffix 2 are of similar polarity. 𝑉ത𝑎1𝑎2
Assuming the transformer to be ideal, 𝑉ത𝐴1𝐴2 (voltage of
terminal 𝐴1 with respect to terminal 𝐴2 ) is in phase with 𝑉ത𝑎1 𝑎2
(voltage of terminal 𝑎1 with respect to terminal 𝑎2 )
In line with international standards and as per revised IS the
terminals are marked with letters U, V and W.

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THREE PHASE TRANSFORMER WINDING CONNECTIONS:
The HV and LV winding terminals of a three-phase transformer are connected
either in star or in delta.
Therefore, the following four connections can be used:
1) Star-Star 𝑌 − 𝑌
2) Delta-Delta ∆ − ∆
3) Star-Delta 𝑌 − ∆
4) Delta-Star ∆ − 𝑌
The phase difference between the voltages of HV and LV sides will depend upon
the manner in which the windings are connected.
In Star-Star 𝑌 − 𝑌 or Delta-Delta ∆ − ∆ connection, the phase difference is 00
or 1800 depending upon the way in which the windings are connected.
In Star-Delta 𝑌 − ∆ or Delta-Star ∆ − 𝑌 connection, the phase difference is
+ 300 or −300 .

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THREE PHASE TRANSFORMER VECTOR GROUPS:
The phase difference between HV and LV windings for 12 12
different types of connections can be represented by 11 1 11 1
10 2 10 2
comparing it with the clock position.
9 3 9 3
The phasor of line voltage on HV side is considered as the
minute hand and is set at 12 o’ clock. 8 4 8 4
7 5 7 5
6 6
The phasor of line voltage on LV side is considered as the
hour hand. HV LV
12 12
When the hour hand of the clock is at the 12 o’ clock 11 1 11 1
position, the phase shift is 00. 10 2 10 2
9 3 9 3
When the hand is at the 6 o’ clock position, the phase shift is
1800. 8 4 8 4
7 5 7 5
When the hour hand is at the 1 o’ clock position, the phase 6 6
shift is −300 .
When the hour hand is at the 11 o’ clock position, the phase
shift is +300 .
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THREE PHASE TRANSFORMER VECTOR GROUPS:
There are four main vector groups as 12 12
under: 11 1 11 1
10 2 10 2
Group Phase Connection
9 3 9 3
displacement
1 00 𝑌𝑦0, 𝐷𝑑0 8 4 8 4
7 5 7 5
2 1800 𝑌𝑦6, 𝐷𝑑6 6 6
3 +300 𝑌𝑑1, 𝐷𝑦1 𝑌𝑦0, 𝐷𝑑0 𝑌𝑦6, 𝐷𝑑6
4 −300 𝑌𝑑11, 𝐷𝑦11
12 12
For satisfactory parallel operation of 11 1 11 1
three-phase transformers, they should 10 2 10 2
belong to the same vector group. 9 3 9 3

For example, a Star-Star connected three- 8 4 8 4

phase transformer can be paralleled with 7 5 7 5
6 6
another transformer whose windings are
either Star-Star connected or Delta-Delta 𝑌𝑑1, 𝐷𝑦1 𝑌𝑑11, 𝐷𝑦11
connected.
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