Open Delta Transformer

In three phase systems, the use of transformers with three

windings (or legs) per side is common. These three windings are
often connected in delta or star, resulting in common
transformer configurations such as delta-delta or delta-star. An
open delta transformer is a special arrangement which uses only
two windings.

Transformer Configuration
The illustration shows how an open delta transformer is
connected. On both the primary and secondary there are only
two windings. Even in this configuration, it is still possible to
transform a three phase voltage.

Open delta transformers are not the commonly used. Typically

they would be used for small loads, where cost is important.
Alternatively, they could be used as an emergency measure,
should one winding only of a transformer fail.
Sometimes you may hear an open delta transformer referred to
as a V-connection transformer.

Power Delivered
Sometimes the power delivered by an open delta transformer is
compared to that of an equivalent three winding transformer.
Typically figures like having 57.7% of the capacity of an
equivalent three winding transformer or 87% of two transformers
(same winding size) are quoted. While you can think of the
transformer in this manner, it is more fruitful not to consider
comparisons but to the necessary calculations on the open delta
transformer.

Consider the illustration, showing the

output from both a close delta and open
delta transformer. Note, that in the
delta connection to line current is 3
times the phase current, whereas in the
open delta, they are the same.
The transformer output power (in VA) is
for a balanced transformer system for
the closed delta connection (using
phase current), this give:

Applications of Open-Delta Configurations:

Widely used for small 3-phase loads
Used in application where the current load is less, and may
increase in the future
There is no relative shift in the output, so can be used for
unbalanced loads and where harmonics are involved.
Used if one of the transformer Delta-Delta fails.
Summary
Open delta transformers are three phase devices, with only
two windings on each of the primary and secondary sides.
While cheaper than a conventional three winding transformer,
the open delta will only deliver 57.7% of the power of a
conventional transformer (not two thirds, 66.7% as may be
expected). There is limited adoption of open delta
transformers, although they can be useful in certain situations.