Tap Changing

Transformer
Contents
Introduction

Need of tappings

Why tap changer is on HT side???

Operation of tap changer

Types of tap changer

Conclusion



Introduction
A transformer increases or decreases
voltage based on the number of coils of
wire between the high and low voltage
side.
Tap changer is a device used to vary the
voltage.
The tap changer adjusts the voltage by
changing the point of contact on one of the
coils.
Tap changing is done when the incoming
voltage varies due to system load and we
want to maintain low side voltage constant.
Tappings are always done on HT side but
in some conditions it can be done on LT
side.

Need of tap
changer
To supply a desired voltage to the
load.
Due to increase in load the voltage will
sag, a tap changer will be required to
increase the voltage to desired value.
To overcome the voltage drops due to
loads.

Why Tap Changer is
Provided on HT side???
Due to low current on HT side,
less sparking occurs.
Due to large number of turns on
HT side we can vary more voltage.
Insulation requirement is less.
Lower stress on diverter switch.

Operation of tap
changer
The turns ratio is different with different tappings and
hence different voltages are obtained with different
tappings.






The tappings are brought out at a terminal connection
box located on the transformer.
The line lead connection is made to the desired tap.
Types of tap
changer
OFF load tap changer
ON load tap changer
Automatic ON load tap
changer

OFF load tap
changer
Tappings are changed when transformer is
disconnected.








As per requirement tappings are taken out on the
respective winding.
Manually operated selector switch is provided for
change in tappings.
Disadvantages of OFF load tap
changer
During the tap changing operation
whole supply has to be disconnected ,
which is very inconvenient.
Sparking may be occurred due to
manual work.
This type of tap changer is used only
for distribution type of transformer
where load is low.

ON load tap
changer
Advantages
No need to disconnect supply,
operation can be done without
interruption.
Switches need not interrupt load
current as a alternate path is always
provided.
It is most practical method.


Automatic ON load tap
changer
In conventions on Load Transformer Tap
Changer there is production of Arc when
changing the tapping of Transformer.
And in large KVA rating of Transformer it
is hard to quench the Arc.
This major problem can solve in this
thyristor based transformer tap changer.
A single phase on Load Transformer Tap
Changer is a basically A.C. Voltage
Controller. Which uses anti-parallel loop
of Thyristors.

Block diagram of
Automatic
ON load tap changer

C

SCR loop
1
SCR loop
2
SCR loop
3
L
O
A
D

AC
supply
Firing Pulse
F
e
e
d
b
a
c
k

Frequency
Tapping
Advantage
s
Due to the use of thyristors as
switches, the changeover is fast.

Operation and changeover is smooth.

It avoids sparking while changing over.

It reduces size of OLTC.
Conclusion
Tap changer is very important for
better voltage regulation.
Off load tap changer is used for low
rating transformer.
For high rating, other two types are
used.
Referenc
es
Electrical Technology Vol.1 By B.L.
Thareja
Electrical Machinery By A.K. Sawhney
www.nptel.ac.in/Transformer1.pdf
www.yourelectricalhome.com/tapchanger
.php
www.wikipedia.org/tapchanger.php
www.iitm.in/1_15.pdf
www.electricalengineeringportal.com/tran
sformer.htm
www.sigmaelectricals.com/autotech01.ht
m
Thank
You!!!