Delta-Star Connection of Transformer – Three-Phase

Transformer Connection
Digital Electronics Electron Electronics & Electrical

In case of the delta-star connection of a 3-phase transformer, the primary winding is

connected in delta while the secondary winding is connected in star (see the figure).

Primary Winding − As the primary winding is connected in delta. Hence, the line
voltage and the phase voltage on the primary side are the same and the line
current is √3 times of the phase current.

Secondary Winding − The secondary winding is connected in star fashion. Thus,

the secondary line voltage is √3 times of the phase voltage and the line current is
equal to the phase current.

The delta-star connected 3-phase transformers are mainly used to step-up the voltage,
i.e., at the beginning of the high voltage transmission system.

In case of the delta-star connection, the secondary phase voltages lead the primary phase
voltages by +30° and this is also the phase relationship between the line voltages.

Advantages of Delta-Star Connection

The following are principle advantages of the delta-star connection of the transformers −

The delta connected primary winding requires less area of cross-section.

 The secondary winding is star connected and the neutral is present. Thus it can be
used for 3-phase, 4-wire system.

There is no distortion in the secondary voltage due to third harmonic component.

This connection can handle unbalanced loads.

The relaying of the ground fault protection is very easy in case of delta-star
connection.

Disadvantages of Delta-Star Connection

The main disadvantage of the delta-star connection is that the secondary voltage and the
primary voltage are not in phase with each other. Therefore, it is not possible to operate
the delta-star connected transformer in parallel with the delta-delta or star-star connected
transformers.

Applications of the Delta-Star Connection

The delta-star connection of the transformers is mainly used in the following applications
−

The delta-star connection is used in step-up transformers, where neutral at the

secondary side is required.

The delta-star connected transformers are mainly used as generator transformer

for connecting the generators to the transmission system.

They are also used in industrial, commercial and high-density residential

distribution systems.