Three Phase Transformers

Three-Phase Transformers

Transformers are the backbone of the transmission and distribution of electrical energy.
Three-phase power is the most efficient way of transporting electrical power, and for
this reason, three-phase transformers are the most common transformers in industrial
and commercial settings. Since three phase power is the most common way in which
power is produced, transmitted, and used, an understanding of how three phase
transformer connections are made is essential.

In this section we will discuss different types of three phase transformers connections,
and present examples of how values of voltage and current for these connections are
calculated. We will investigate a myriad of transformer designs that differ due to the
range of applications, the construction, the rated power and the required voltage level.

A three-phase transformer is often constructed by winding three single phase

transformers on a single core. In this design, each leg has a respective primary and
secondary winding that are wound around a common core.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 1

Three Phase Transformers

Three-Phase Transformers

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 2

Three Phase Transformer Connections

There are 5 common transformer combinations:

1. Delta to Delta – Used in Industrial Applications

H1 X1

H2 X2
H1 X1

H2 X2
H1 X1

H2 X2

L1 L2 L3 N L1 L2 L3 N

- No phase difference between the Primary and Secondary

- Used mainly in the medium voltage range (up to 750V) where a neutral point is not required for the operation of loads

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 3

Three Phase Transformer Connections

2. Delta to Wye - Used mostly in Commercial and Industrial settings

H1 X1

H2 X2
H1 X1

H2 X2
H1 X1

H2 X2

L1 L2 L3 N L1 L2 L3 N

- 30 degree phase difference between the Primary and Secondary.

- The Delta-to-Wye connection is the most popular connection used to supply low-voltage distribution systems.
- The Wye secondary allows for supply for both single-phase and three-phase loads.
- The Wye is grounded at the neutral point to limit the available voltage to ground during a ground fault on any line
conductor.

Note: In the past, many low-voltage, three-phase loads were supplied by an ungrounded Delta secondary. In those
systems, induced transient over-voltages often caused insulation to break down. Today, new installations are made much
safer through the use of the grounded, wye-connected secondary.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 4

Three Phase Transformer Connections

3. Wye to Delta - Used for High Voltage Transmission

H1 X1

H2 X2
H1 X1

H2 X2
H1 X1

H2 X2

L2 L3 N L1 L2 L3 N

- 30 degree phase difference between the Primary and Secondary

- This angular phase displacement is important if two such transformers are to
be connected in parallel, since both must have identical secondary polarities.
- Commonly used to transform high voltages to medium voltages where a neutral is not required to supply
single-phase loads.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 5

Three Phase Transformer Connections

4. Wye to Wye - Rarely used as it causes harmonics and balancing problems.

H1 X1

H2 X2
H1 X1

H2 X2
H1 X1

H2 X2

L1 L2 L3 N L1 L2 L3 N

- No phase difference between the Primary and Secondary

- The Wye/Wye transformer is used mainly when transforming from one high voltage to another.
- The ability to ground the neutral point reduces the potential stress on the insulation.
- To avoid excessive heating, a Wye/Wye connected 3 phase transformer must have both the input and
output neutrals grounded and a phase-to-neutral load imbalance of less than 10%.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 6

Three Phase Transformer Connections

4. Wye to Wye (example)

• Note that the neutrals of the primary system and the transformer bank are tied together. As such, part of the load
current will flow on the primary neutral should the 3-phase load be unbalanced. That's why it's very important the
neutrals be tied together as shown. If this is not done, the line-to-neutral voltages on the secondary will be very
unstable. In other words, if the load on one phase were heavier than on the other two, the voltage on this phase
would drop excessively, and the voltage on the other two phases would rise.
• Another point of concern is that varying voltages would appear between lines and neutral, both in the transformers
and the secondary system, in addition to the 60-Hz component of voltage. Thus, for a given rms voltage value, the
peak voltage would be higher than for a pure 60-Hz voltage. This would overstress the insulation of the
transformers and connected equipment.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 7

Single Phase Transformers Connected to form a Three Phase Bank

Single Phase Transformers Connected to form a 3 Phase Bank

Normally, when 3-phase is required, a single 3-phase transformer

with three primary and three secondary windings wound on a
common core is all that is required. However, three single-phase
transformers with the same rating can also be connected to form a
three-phase bank.

Since each single-phase transformer has a primary and a

secondary winding, then three single-phase transformers will have
the required three primary and three secondary windings and can
be connected in the field as either Delta-Delta or Delta-Wye to
achieve the required 3 phase transformer bank. (We will discuss an
Open Delta connection later)

So, why would we use three single-phase transformers when a

standard three-phase transformer will do the job?

One reason is that the most common failure in any three-phase

system is a ground fault where one phase fails or shorts to ground.
When a single three-phase transformer is being used, the failure of
one phase means that the entire unit has to be replaced. However,
when a bank of single-phase transformers is used, the failure of
any phase requires only the replacement of that particular
transformer. It is easier and cheaper to replace a single-phase
transformer than a three-phase transformer.

Also, once we introduce the Open-Delta configuration, you will

discover that you can develop a three-phase system using only
two single-phase transformers. In this instance, power can still be
provided to the loads in the interim time required to order the
replacement single-phase transformer.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 8

Three Phase Transformer Connections

5. Open Delta to Open Delta – Used for maintaining each transformer, or for reserve power for future expansion.

H1 X1

H2 X2
H1 X1

H2 X2

L1 L2 L3 N L1 L2 L3 N

- To temporarily supply three-phase power when one transformer in a three-phase bank fails and is being
repaired or replaced.
- To initially supply a three-phase service system that is expected to expand in the future.
- To supply loads where the majority of the load is single-phase and only a small amount of three-phase power is
required.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 9

Open Delta Connection
Utilizing 3 single-phase transformers is normally not done because
it is more expensive than utilizing one three-phase transformer.
However, there is an advantage which is called the open Delta.
One advantage of the Open Delta configuration is that a defective
single-phase transformer in a Delta-Delta 3 phase bank can be
disconnected and removed for repair. Partial service can be
restored using the remaining single-phase transformers in an
Open-Delta until a replacement transformer is obtained. This
makes it a very practical transformer application for temporary
emergency conditions.

The Open Delta transformer connection can be made with only two
transformers instead of three. This connection is often used when
the amount of three phase power needed is not excessive, such as
a small business.

It should be noted that the output power of an Open Delta

connection is only 87% of the rated power of the two
transformers.

For example, assume two transformers, each having

a capacity of 25 kVA, are connected in an open delta connection.
The total output power of this connection is: 43.5 kVA
(50 kVA x 0.87 = 43.5 kVA).

Another figure given for this calculation is 58% (57.7%).

This percentage assumes a closed delta bank containing
3 transformers.
If three 25 kVA transformers were connected to form a closed
delta connection, the total output would be 75 kVA
(3 x 25 = 75 kVA).

If one of these transformers was removed and the

transformer bank operated as an open delta connection,
the output power would be reduced to 58% of its original
capacity of the original 3 transformers.

The output capacity of the open delta bank is: 43.5 kVA
(75 kVA x 0.58 = 43.5 kVA). (Note: 57.7% = 1 / √3)

Source: http://www.elec-toolbox.com/usefulinfo/xfmr-3ph.htm

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 10

Open Delta vs. Closed Delta

Closed Delta

25 KVA 25 KVA 75 KVA Available

25 KVA

Open Delta
25 KVA
0.58 x 75 KVA = 43.5 KVA Available (58% of all 3 Windings)

25 KVA or

0.87 x 50 KVA = 43.5 KVA Available (87% of Remaining 2 Windings)

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 11

Closing a Delta

• When closing a Delta system, connections should be checked for proper polarity before making the final connection and
applying power. Proper phasing can be checked with a voltmeter between the two remaining connections for the Delta.
• If power is applied to the transformer bank before the delta connection is closed, the voltmeter should indicate 0 volts.
• If one phase winding has been reversed, however, the voltmeter will indicate double the Phase voltage.
Caution: If the phase winding of one transformer is reversed and you were to close the Delta, an extremely
high current would flow.
• It is not unusual for a voltmeter to indicate some amount of voltage before the delta is closed, especially if the primary
has been connected as a wye and the secondary as a delta.

Proper Connection should indicate a Voltage of Zero volts between the final connections of the Delta:

Voltmeter reads Zero Volts

Caution: Incorrect Connection will indicate a Voltage of Double the Phase Voltage between the final connections of the Delta:

Voltmeter reads Double the Phase Voltage!

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 12

Closing a Delta

Voltmeter reads Zero Volts

H1 X1

H2 X2
H1 X1

H2 X2
H1 X1

H2
X2
L1 L2 L3 L1 L2 L3

Voltmeter reads Double the Phase Voltage!

H1 X1

H2 X2
H1 X1

H2 X2
H1 X1

H2
X2
L1 L2 L3 L1 L2 L3

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 13

Special 4-wire Delta Connection

Special 4-wire Delta Connection

• Note how a center-tap terminal is used on the secondary of one
transformer to ground the entire system.

• On a 240/120V, 3-phase, 4-wire system, there's a potential of 120V

between this center-tap terminal and each ungrounded terminal on
either side of it.

• A high leg (“red” or “wild” leg) results at Phase B that has a higher
voltage-to-ground than the other two phases. This voltage is found by
multiplying the voltage-to-ground of either of the other two legs by
the square root of 3.

• Thus, the voltage between Phase A and ground is 208V (120V × √3).

4160 Volts, 3 Phase

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 14

Special 4-wire Delta Connection

Special 4-wire Delta Connection

One disadvantage of the three-phase, delta-connected secondary is that it is not grounded and therefore is not suitable for
supplying single-phase lighting or receptacle loads.

The 4-wire Delta Secondary has a grounded center-tap that allows for two different voltages, and allows for single -phase
loads to be fed with 120 volts off of a 240 volt Delta Secondary.

Note that the term Neutral is loosely applied here. The grounded conductor is a neutral only to the single -phase system. To
the three-phase system, it is simply a grounded or identified conductor.

The line with the higher voltage to ground is referred to as the High Leg, and has the following CEC requirements:

• The High Leg must be the A-phase conductor

• Where a panelboard is supplied from a 4-wire, delta-connected system, the grounded conductor… shall be located in a
compartment provided for single-phase connections and the phase conductor having the higher voltage-to-ground shall
be suitably barriered from that compartment.
• This is to prevent the higher voltage from accidentally being applied across the lower voltage load
(i.e. 208V across a 120V load)
• The voltage between the High Leg and Ground is always times the line-to-line voltage.
(in this case… (
• When you size transformers from this kind of bank, you must be aware that the transformer with the center tap
supplies only 2/3 of the current to the single-phase load. The other 1/3 must be carried by the other two transformers.
• When transformers of different KVA ratings are used in this type of bank, the maximum safe bank rating is three times
the KVA rating of the smallest transformer.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 15

Incorrect Connections of Wye Transformer
L1

Incorrect Connections of Wye Transformer L2

L3
What happens if the connections to the X1 and X2
terminals of Transformer B are accidentally reversed
as shown in the diagram beside?

The Wye secondary would then have incorrect line to H1 H 2 H1 H2 H1 H2

line voltages appear.

• The phase angle between the two phase

voltages VAN and VCN is correct @ 120° X1 X2 X1 X2 X1 X2
• The line-to-line voltage measured between L1
and L2 on the secondary is still √3 times the L1
phase voltage
• However, the phase angle between the two L2

phase voltages V AN and VBN (or between phase

voltages VBN and VCN is only 60°) L3

N
Resulting Voltages

• The single-phase loads are unaffected by this B

incorrect connection. X1

• However, the three-phase loads such as motors

are adversely affected.
• The neutral may also become overloaded. X2
X1
X2 X2 X1
A A
X1
X2 X2

X2
X1 X1
C C B

Correct Phase Connections Incorrect Phase Connections

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 16

Trouble Shooting 3-Phase Transformers

Trouble Shooting 3 Phase Transformers

Open Phase on a Wye System:

• When one of the phase windings in a Wye-connected circuit opens, the entire
circuit is effectively reduced to a single-phase circuit.
• Whichever phase is left open, is effectively isolated from the rest of the circuit,
and the phase relationship with the other two phases is lost.

Open Phase on a Delta System:

• When one of the phase windings in a Delta-connected circuit opens, the circuit
still operates as a three-phase circuit (at reduced capacity).
• When a phase winding is opened, none of the line inputs is isolated from the
circuit, so three-phase operation continues.
• However, there is no current flow from that phase, so the two single-phase
transformers connected Open-Delta to supply the three-phase load can handle
only 57.7% of the load that can be handled if the third transformer was still
present in the circuit.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 17

3 Phase Transformer Sizing with 3 Phase Loads

3 Phase Transformer Sizing with 3 Phase Loads

1) Determine electrical load

A. Voltage required by load.

B. Amperes or KVA required by load.
C. Frequency in Hz (cycles per second).
D. Verify load is designed to operate on three phase.
All the above information is standard data normally obtained from equipment nameplates or instruction
manuals.

2) Determine supply voltage

A. Voltage of supply (source).

B. Frequency in Hz (cycles per second).
The frequency of the line supply and electrical load must be the same. A 3 phase transformer is selected which
is designed to operate at this frequency having a primary (input) equal to the supply voltage and a secondary
(output) equal to the voltage required by the load.

3) If the load nameplate expresses a rating in KVA, a transformer can be directly

selected from the charts in the catalog.

A. Select a 3 phase transformer with a standard KVA capacity equal to or greater than that needed to operate
the load.
B. Primary taps are available on most models to compensate for line voltage variations.
C. When load ratings are given only in amperes, the following formulas below may be used to determine proper
KVA size for the required transformer.

(1) To determine three phase KVA when volts and amps are known:
Three Phase KVA =Volts x Amps x 1.73 /1000
(2) To determine Amperes when KVA and volts are known: Amps = 3 Phase KVA x 1000 /Volts x 1.73

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 18

Auto Transformers

Auto Transformers

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 19

Single-Phase Auto Transformers

Usually when you think of a transformer, you think of two electrically isolated circuits; the
primary circuit, which provides the source of power for the transformer, and the secondary
circuit, which delivers energy to the load.

So far we have examined transformers such as the one depicted beside. This transformer
has a single primary winding, and two secondary windings. We have seen that we can obtain
various voltage outputs depending on whether we connect the secondary winding in either
series or parallel.

It is important to note that the relationship between the turns ratio and voltage ratio seen with a single pair of mutual
inductors still holds true for multiple pairs of secondary coils. The secondary voltage seen on each of the secondary
windings is still entirely dependent upon the turns ratio between the single primary winding, and each individual secondary
winding.

To obtain different voltages for various loads, we could “tap” a single secondary winding at
multiple points along its length. A “tap” is nothing more than a wire connection made at
some point on a winding instead of at the ends. Remember that the voltage output is based
on the turns ratio, or how much voltage is available for each and every turn of the winding.
Therefore, the voltage available at each tap is dependent upon how many turns there are
between each tap connections.

We could take it a step further by providing a multi-pole switch, and we can

quickly interchange supply voltage to the load.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 20

Single-Phase Auto Transformers

Step Up Autotransformer Step Down Autotransformer

An Autotransformer is a special type of power transformer that does not have isolation between the primary and secondary
circuits. An Autotransformer is a transformer in which the Primary and the Secondary share a part of one single winding.
There is no electrical isolation between the Primary and Secondary circuits. It consists of a single, continuous winding that is
tapped at various points to provide many output voltages from a single source voltage.

The winding has at least three electrical connection points called taps. One tap at the end of the winding is
a common connection to both circuits (source and load). The remaining taps correspond to a different source or load voltage.
This is different from a conventional two-winding, isolation transformer, which has the primary and secondary completely
isolated from each other, but magnetically linked by a common core. The autotransformer’s windings are both electrically
and magnetically interconnected. In an autotransformer a portion of the same winding acts as part of both the primary and
secondary winding.

The relationships of voltage, current and number of turns remains the same as an isolation transformer:

VAPRI = VASEC
= =

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 21

Advantages of an Autotransformer

Advantages of an Autotransformer

• It requires both fewer windings and a smaller core, an autotransformer for power applications is typically lighter and
less costly than an isolation transformer of equal power output.
• It costs less to manufacture
• It is smaller than an isolated-winding transformer of the same KVA rating.
• Coil and core losses decrease, making the autotransformer more efficent.
• The autotransformer has a low percent impedance, which allows it to have better voltage regulation (smaller voltage
drops) from no-load to full-load, which allows for a greater efficiency.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 22

Disadvantages of an Autotransformer

Disadvantages of an Autotransformer

With the above advantages, you might think that autotransformers should replace isolated-winding transformers.
However, the autotransformer has important disadvantages which prevent their use in certain applications.

The autotransformer is considered unsafe for use on ordinary distribution circuits.

• This is because the high-voltage primary circuit is connected directly to the low-voltage secondary circuit. A failure of
the insulation or the windings of an autotransformer can result in full input voltage applied to the output.

Open Winding on Autotransformer leads to

Normal Operation High Primary Voltage impressed on the load

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 23

Disadvantages of an Autotransformer

Disadvantages of an Autotransformer cont...

• The much lower percent impedance means that the available fault current from an autotransformer is much higher
than from a comparable isolated-winding transformer. To construct the transformer so that it would be able to
withstand these fault currents without damage would negate some of its advantages. Autotransformers usually rely
on the line impedance ahead of them to limit fault currents.

• There is no electrical isolation between the primary and secondary circuits. This means that any line disturbance
generated on one side will carry through to the other.

• As mentioned on the previous page, in the case of a step-down autotransformer, an open in the common part of the
winding may cause the primary voltage to be impressed across the load. For this reason, autotransformers are not
used to step down voltages where the primary-to-secondary voltage ratio is greater than 3:1.

• Also, when an autotransformer is used to step-down voltages, a high voltage can occur across the open of the
winding. This is because the current flowing through the portion of the winding in series with the load will likely
saturate the core. This will induce a high voltage in the common part of the winding. Under normal circumstances, the
current flowing in the common part of the winding produces a magnetic flux that counters the magnetic flux in the
series part of the winding. When an open occurs in the common section, this counter magnetic flux can no longer be
produced and the core becomes saturated.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 24

 Applications of Auto Transformers

Applications

Autotransformers are frequently used:

 To step up or down the voltage levels for transmission purposes.

 Another application is in industry to provide a small increase or decrease in voltage to adapt machinery to the supply that is
available. For example for a 480 V machine that must operate on a 600 V supply.

 For reduced-voltage starting of squirrel-cage induction motors (we will cover this later in the course)

 In automatic voltage regulators to compensate for line drop as load changes occur. On long rural power distribution lines,
special autotransformers with automatic tap-changing equipment are inserted as voltage regulators, so that customers at
the far end of the line receive the same average voltage as those closer to the source. The variable ratio of the
autotransformer compensates for the voltage drop along the line.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 25

Variac Auto Transformers

Multi-tap Autotransformers

The many taps of this autotransformers allows the same

transformer to deliver a number of different secondary voltages.
An application for an autotransformer of this type is the older
ballasts for lighting circuits. The multiple taps allow for many
secondary voltages induced by a single supply voltage.

Variable Autotransformers (Variac)

Carrying the concept of winding taps further, we end up with a “variable

transformer”, where a sliding contact is moved along the length of an exposed
secondary winding. This now allows us to obtain a winding tap at every turn of
the winding, or any voltage can be obtained up to the full voltage rating of the
maximum number of secondary winding turns.

By exposing part of the winding coils and making the secondary connection
through a sliding brush, an almost continuously variable turns ratio can be
obtained, allowing for very smooth control of voltage.

Applicable only for relatively low voltage designs, this device is known as a
variable AC transformer, or commonly by the trade name of Variac.
Variacs are wound of a torroidal (donut-shaped) core

Moving-slide contacts are too impractical to be used in large industrial power transformer
designs, but multi-pole switches and winding taps are common for voltage adjustment.
Adjustments may need to be made periodically in power systems to accommodate changes
in loads over months or years in time.

Caution must be exercised when changing these taps. Tap switches are not engineered to
handle full-load current, so you must de-energize the transformer prior to changing to a
new tap position.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 26

Auto Transformer Summary

An autotransformer is an electrical transformer with only one winding.

This single coil has one or more extra taps or electrical connections in various positions along the winding. Each tap
corresponds to a different voltage so that effectively a portion of the same inductor acts as part of both the primary and
secondary winding. Depending on the application, that portion of the winding used solely in the higher-voltage (lower
current) portion may be wound with wire of a smaller gauge, though the entire winding is directly connected.

A failure of the insulation or the windings of an autotransformer can result in full input voltage and current to be applied to
the output. This is an important safety consideration when deciding to use an autotransfomer in a given application.
However, autotransformers are frequently used in power applications to interconnect systems operating at different voltage
classes, for example 138 kV to 66 kV for transmission. Another application is in industry to adapt machinery built for 480 V
supplies to operate on the local 600 V supply. They are also often used for providing conversions between the two common
domestic mains voltage bands in the world (100-130 and 200-250).

In some rural applications, power companies distribute deliberately-incorrect voltage, for example, starting at a slightly-
overvoltage 254V (instead of 240) and 127V (instead of 120) in order to compensate for losses over long distribution lines.
An autotransformer can be used to provide a slight boost (or step-up) to correct an undervoltage condition or buck (step-
down) to correct an overvoltage condition. Some autotransformers are equipped with many taps and automatic switchgear to
allow them to act as automatic voltage regulators, to maintain a steady voltage at the customers' service during a wide
range of load conditions.

Because it requires both fewer windings and a smaller core, an autotransformer for power applications is typically lighter and
less costly than a two-winding transformer, up to a voltage ratio of about 3:1 - beyond that range a two-winding transformer
is usually more economical.

In three phase power transmission applications, autotransformers have the limitations of not suppressing harmonic currents
and as acting as another source of ground fault currents. A large three-phase autotransformer may have a "buried" delta
winding, not connected to the outside of the tank, to absorb some harmonic currents.

A special form of autotransformer called a "zig zag" is used to provide grounding (earthing) on three-phase systems that
otherwise have no connection to ground (earth). A zig-zag transformer provides a path for current that is common to all
three phases (so-called "zero sequence" current).

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 27

Wye-Connected, Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Wye-Connected, Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Applications

• A common step-up use for Wye-connected Autotransformers is to correct for transmission line drop by
boosting the line voltage slightly.
• Wye-connected Autotransformers are also used for reduced-voltage starting of large induction motors.

Advantages

• The Wye connection is the simplest and most efficient three-phase autotransformer connection.
• It does not create any phase displacement between the primary and the secondary circuits.

Disadvantages

• The Wye connection is not very useful for supplying single-phase loads as it causes a serious voltage
imbalance. If single-phase loads are to supplied as well as three-phase loads, then a Zig-Zag connection is
commonly used. (this will be discussed later in the course)
• If the transformer bank is not properly tied to the system ground, third harmonic voltages between the line
and neutral may cause insulation problems in the windings of the transformer. In some installations this
third harmonic voltage problem is overcome by using a special winding, called a tertiary winding, in the
autotransformer bank. This third winding allows a third harmonic magnetizing current to flow, which
eliminates the third harmonic voltage in the wye-connected windings.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 28

Wye-Connected, Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Step-Up Wye-Connected Autotransformer Step-Down Wye-Connected Autotransformer

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 29

Open Delta-Connected, Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Open Delta, Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Open Delta, Three Phase Open Delta, Three Phase

Step-Up Autotransformer Step-Down Autotransformer

Open Delta, Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Applications

• The Open Delta Autotransformer is commonly used for reduced-voltage starters for three-phase induction motors
• The Wye and Open Delta are the two most common types of autotransformer connections for three-phase circuits
• The Open Delta autotransformer requires one less transformer than a Closed Delta connection
• This connection does not cause the phase displacement caused by the Delta-to-Delta connection.
• It is more compact than the Wye-to-Wye autotransformer used for larger motor starters.
• When stepping through the voltage steps, as the motor accelerates, it requires only the changing of two tap
connections.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 30

Zig-Zag Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Zig-Zag, Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Using switching-type power supplies in modern equipment such as computers, variable frequency drives causes the
problem of the introduction of third harmonic (180 Hz) currents into the supply circuits.

The Zig-Zag transformer connection:

• Provides a path for these harmonic currents to flow close to their origin.
• Filters out the harmonic currents from the supply circuit.
• This prevents the overloading of both neutrals and transformers

Under normal conditions, the only currents that flow through the windings of the zig-zag transformer are the extremely
small excitation currents. These currents produce counter-emf's equal to the applied voltage of the windings.

Unbalanced Load

If the circuit contains an unbalanced wye-connected load, the neutral current is divided equally among the three legs of
the zig-zag. Because these three currents are in phase with each other, the magnetomotive forces created by the coils at
the top of each leg oppose the magnetomotive forces created by the coils at the bottom of the same leg. As a result, no
further counter-emf is produced to oppose these in-phase currents.

The third harmonic voltages are still induced in each winding of the zig-zag connected autotransformer bank. However, no
third-harmonic voltages are present between the line and neutral as in the wye connection. The two third-harmonic
voltages induced on each leg of the zig-zag oppose each other.

Unlike the wye connection, the zig-zag connection can supply single-phase loads while still maintaining stable phase
voltages. However, the zig-zag transformer requires a higher KVA rating than using a standard wye connection.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 31

Zig-Zag Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Phasor representation of a single Zig-Zag Winding arrangement on the core of a

Autotransformer Connection single Zig-Zag Autotransformer Connection

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 32

 Zig-Zag Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Zig-Zag, Three-Phase Auto Transformer

The zigzag connection of tranformer is also called the interconnected star connection. This connection has some of the
features of the Y and the ∆ connections, combining the advantages of both.

The zigzag transformer contains six coils on three cores. The first coil on each core is connected contrariwise to the second
coil on the next core. The second coils are then all tied together to form the neutral and the phases are connected to the
primary coils.

Each phase, therefore, couples with each other phase and the voltages cancel out. As such, there would be negligible
current through the neutral pole and it can be connected to ground

One coil is the outer coil and the other is the inner coil. Each coil has the same number of windings turns (Turns ratio=1:1)
but they are wound in opposite directions.

The transformer coils are connected as follows:

• The outer coil of phase a1-a is connected to the inner coil

of phase c2-N
• The outer coil of phase b1-b is connected to the inner coil
of phase a2-N
• The outer coil of phase c1-c is connected to the inner coil
of phase b2-N
• The inner coils are connected together to form the neutral
and our tied to ground
• The outer coils are connected to phases a1,b1,c1 of the
existing delta system.

Pasted from <http://electrical-engineering-portal.com/zigzag-transformer-connection-overview>

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 33

Zig-Zag Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Zig-Zag, Three-Phase Auto Transformer

If three currents, equal in magnitude and phase, are applied to the three terminals, the ampere-turns of the a2-N winding
cancel the ampere-turns of the b1-b winding, the ampere-turns of the b2-N winding cancel the ampere turns of the c1-
c winding, and the ampere-turns of the c2-N winding cancel the ampere turns of the a1-a winding. Therefore, the
transformer allows the three in-phase currents to easily flow to neutral.

If three currents, equal in magnitude but 120° out of phase with each other, are applied to the three terminals, the
ampere-turns in the windings cannot cancel and the transformer restricts the current flow to the negligible level of
magnetizing current. Therefore, the zigzag winding provides an easy path for in-phase currents but does not allow the flow
of currents that are 120°out of phase with each other.

Under normal system operation the outer and inner coil winding’s magnetic flux will cancel each other and only negligible
current will flow in the in the neutral of the zigzag transformer.

During a phase to ground fault the zig-zag transformer’s coils magnetic flux are no longer equal in the faulted line. This
allows zero sequence.

If one phase, or more, faults to earth, the voltage applied to each phase of the transformer is no longer in balance; fluxes
in the windings no longer oppose. (Using symmetrical components, this is I a0 = Ib0 = Ic0.) Zero sequence (earth
fault) current exists between the transformers’ neutral to the faulting phase. Hence, the purpose of a zigzag transformer is
to provide a return path for earth faults on delta connected systems. With negligible current in the neutral under normal
conditions, engineers typically elect to under size the transformer; a short time rating is applied. Ensure the impedance is
not too low for the desired fault limiting. Impedance can be added after the secondary’s are summed (the 3I o path)

The neutral formed by the zigzag connection is very stable. Therefore, this type of transformer, or in some cases an auto
transformer, lends itself very well for establishing a neutral for an ungrounded 3 phase system.

Many times this type of transformer or auto transformer will carry a fairly large rating, yet physically be relatively small.
This particularly applies in connection with grounding applications. The reason for this small size in relation to the
nameplate KVA rating is due to the fact that many types of grounding auto transformers are rated for 2 seconds. This is
based on the time to operate an over current protection device such as a breaker. Zigzag transformers used to be
employed to enable size reductions in drive motor systems due to the stable wave form they present. Other means are
now more common, such as 6 phase star.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 34

Zig-Zag Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Zig-Zag, Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Advantages of Zig-Zag Transformer

The ∆ -zigzag connection provides the same advantages as the ∆-Y connection.

Less Costly for grounding Purpose

It is typically the least costly than Y-D and Scott Transformer.

Third harmonic suppression

The zigzag connection in power systems to trap triple harmonic (3rd, 9th, 15th, etc.) currents. Here, We install zigzag
units near loads that produce large triple harmonic currents. The windings trap the harmonic currents and prevent them
from traveling upstream, where they can produce undesirable effects.

Ground current isolation

If we need a neutral for grounding or for supplying single-phase line to neutral loads when working with a 3-wire,
ungrounded power system, a zigzag connection may be the better solution. Due to its composition, a zigzag transformer is
more effective for grounding purposes because it has less internal winding impedance going to the ground than when
using a Star type transformer.

No Phase Displacement

There is no phase angle displacement between the primary and the secondary circuits with this connection; therefore, the
∆-zigzag connection can be used in the same manner as Y-Y and ∆- ∆ transformers without introducing any phase shifts in
the circuits.

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 35

Zig-Zag Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Zig-Zag, Three-Phase Auto Transformer

Application

An Earthing Reference
Occasionally electrical engineers use a combination of YD and zigzag windings to achieve a vector phase shift. For
example, an electrical network may have a transmission network of220 kV/66 kV star/star transformers, with 66
kV/11 kV delta/star for the high voltage distribution network.

If a transformation is required directly between the 220 kV/11 kV network the most obvious option is to use 220 kV/11 kV
star/delta. The problem is that the 11 kV delta no longer has an earth reference point.

Installing a zigzag transformer near the secondary side of the 220 kV/11 kV transformer provides the required earth
reference point.

As a Grounding Transformer
The ability to provide a path for in-phase currents enables us to use the zigzag connection as a grounding bank, which is
one of the main applications for this connection.

We rarely use zigzag configurations for typical industrial or commercial use, because they are more expensive to construct
than conventional Star connected transformers. But zigzag connections are useful in special applications where
conventional transformer connections aren’t effective.

D or Y / ZigZag are used in unbalanced low voltage system – mostly with single phase appliances

3 Phase Transformer Fundamentals Page 36