BEE Module 4 Transformer
BEE Module 4 Transformer
Syllabus up to single phase transformer has been completed in classroom and in continuation of that
we have next topic Auto transformer
An auto transformer is a special type of transformer in which a part of winding is common to both the
primary and secondary. The operating principle and general construction of an auto transformer is the
same as that of two winding transformer. In a two winding transformer, primary and secondary
windings are electrically isolated, but in an auto transformer the two windings are not electrically
isolated. Due to only one winding, auto transformer requires less copper for winding, hence it is
cheaper. It provides variable a.c. voltage and a single winding transformer.
The connections of a step-down and step-up auto transformer are shown in the figure. In either case,
the winding ab having N1 turns is the primary winding and winding bc having N2 turns is the secondary
winding.
𝑁 𝑉
The voltage transformation ratio k of an ideal auto transformer is 𝐾 = 𝑁2 = 𝑉2
1 1
Advantages of Autotransformer
1. An autotransformer required less winding material (copper) than a 2-winding transformer.
2. The efficiency is higher compare to two winding transformer.
3. An autotransformer is smaller in size and cheaper than the two winding transformer of the same
output.
4. Since there is a reduction in conductor material and core material, the copper losses in conductor and
the core are small.
5. The resistance and leakage reactance is less compared to two winding transformer.
6. VA rating is more compared to two winding transformer.
7. A smooth and continuous variation of voltage is possible.
Limitations of Autotransformer
BASIC ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING MODULE-4 TRANSFORMER
Applications of Autotransformer
1. Autotransformer is used as a variac (variable a.c) in laboratory and other situation that require
continuously variable voltage over broad range.
2. It can be used as a regulating transformer.
3. It can be used as a Voltage Booster in distribution System.
4. It can be used as a starter for safely starting of the machines like induction motor, synchronous
motor.
Q. 3. Why does a transformer has iron core? or The core of the transformer is not made of wood, why?
Ans. The core of the transformer is to carry the alternating flux produced by primary and secondary winding at
the transformer. Therefore, it must be made of some suitable magnetic material which provide low reluctance
path for the magnetic flux. Hence, it can never be made of wood.
Q. 8. What are the losses occur in Transformer? Why are iron losses constant at all loads in a transformer?
Ans. There are two types of losses occur in transformer
1. Core or Iron losses
(a) Eddy current loss
(b) Hysteresis loss
2. Copper losses
Iron losses are constant losses because these are practically independent of load. They mainly depend upon the
supply voltage and supply frequency which is almost constant.
Q. 10. What are the advantages of open and short-circuit test on a transformer?
Ans. The efficiency of a transformer is always determined by open circuit and short circuit tests due to the
following reasons: (i) The power required to carry out these tests is very small (ii) These tests give the core
loss and copper losses separately.