Tap changing in Transformers

It is a normal fact that increase in load lead to decrease in the supply voltage. Hence the voltage
supplied by the transformer to the load must be maintained within the prescribed limits. This can be
done by changing the transformer turns ratio.
The taps are leads or connections provided at various points on the winding. The turns ratio differ from
one tap to another and hence different voltages can be obtained at each tap.
Need for system voltage control
System voltage control is essential for:
1. Adjusting the terminal voltage of consumer within the prescribed limits
. Adjustment of voltage based on change in load.
!. In order to control the real and reactive power.
". #or varying the secondary voltage based on the re$uirement.
Types of taps
Taps may be principal% positive or negative. &rincipal tap is one at which rated secondary voltage can
be obtained for the rated primary voltage. As the name states positive and negative taps are those at
which secondary voltage is more or less than the principle tap.
Taps are provided at the HV windings of the transformer because of the following reasons.
Taps are provided at the H' windings of the transformer because of the following reasons.
1. The number of turns in the High voltage winging is large and hence a fine voltage variation can be
obtained.
. The current on the low voltage winding of large transformers are high. Therefore interruption of high
currents is a difficult tas(.
!. )' winding is placed nearer to the core and H' winding is placed outside. Therefore providing taps
on the H' winding is comparatively easier than that of the )' winding.
Location of Taps
The taps can be provided at the phase ends% at the neutral point% or in the middle of the winding. The
number of bushing insulators can be reduced by providing taps at the phase ends. *hen the taps are
provided at the neutral point the insulation between various parts will be reduced. This arrangement is
economical particularly important for the large transformer
Tap changing methods
Tap changing causes change in lea(age reactance% core loss% copper loss and perhaps some problems
in the parallel operation of dissimilar transformer. There are two methods of tap changing.
1. +ff load tap changing
. +n load tap changing
1. Off load (No load or off circuit tap changing
As the name indicates% in this method tap changing is done after disconnecting the load from the
transformer. +ff load tap changing is normally provided in low power% low voltage transformers. It is the
cheapest method of tap changing. The tap changing is done manually though hand wheel provided in
the cover. In some transformers arrangements to change the taps by simply operating the mechanical
switches are also provided.
The winding is tapped at various points. Since the taps are provided at various points in the winding
single tap must be connected at a time otherwise it will lead to short circuit. Hence the selector switch is
operated after disconnecting the load.
To prevent unauthori,ed operation of an off load tap changer% mechanical loc( is provided. To prevent
inadvertent operation% electromechanical latching devices are provided to operate the circuit brea(ers
and de-energi,e the transformer as soon as the tap changer handle is moved.
!. On load tap changing
+n load tap changers are used to change the turns ratio without disconnecting the load from it. Tap
changing can be done even when the transformer is delivering load. +n load tap changers considerable
increases the efficiency of the system. .owadays almost all the large power transformers are provided
with on load tap changers.
The reason for providing +n load tap changer in power transformers are
1. /uring the operation of on load tap changers the main circuit remains unaffected.
. /angerous spar(ing is prevented.
The taps on the windings are brought to a separate oil filled compartment in which the on load tap
changer switch is housed. The tap changer is a form of mechanical selector switch which is operated by
a motor by local or remote control. A handle fitted for manual operation in case of emergency.
The selector switch is a form of ma(e before brea( switch and during the transition of the tap changers
from one tap to another% momentary connection must be made between the adjacent taps. This results
in short circuit between the adjacent taps. The short circuit current must be limited by including resistor
or reactor. Hence all forms of on load tap changer are provided with an impedance to limit short circuit
current during tap changing operation. The impedance may be resistance or a center tapped reactance.
In modern designs it is invariably carried out by a pair of resistors.
On load tap changing
Consider a high speed resistor type on load tap changers provided at neutral end of each phase as
shown. The load is now supplied from the tap 1. The selector switches 1 and 2 are in contact with
the taps 1 and 2. Now to switch over to the tap 2, the selector switch follows the following steps:
1. 0ontacts a and b are closed. The load current flows from tap 1 through contact b.
. The e1ternal mechanism moves the diverter switch S! from b% now load is supplied from contact a
through resistor 2
1
.
!. *hen diverter switch moves further it closes the contact d and both 21 and 2 are connected across
taps 1 and and the load current flows through these resistances to its mid point.
". *hen S
!
moves further to the left% contact a is opened and the load current flows from tap through
resistor 2

and d.
3. #inally the contact reaches the contact c and resistor 2

is short circuited. The load current flows

from tap

through contact c.
Now to change the tap from 2 to 3, the selector switch S
1
is first moved to tap 3 and the aove steps
are reverse. !n order to limit the power loss it is necessary that the transformers are "ept in the
circuit for as minimum time as possile.
4ore compact tap changers with high reliability and performance are being made by employing vacuum
switches in the diverter switch.