AUTO TRANSFORMER

1) What is auto transformer? What is the difference between an auto transformer and a two
winding transformer?

Auto transformer also called as auto-former is an electrical transformer where primary and
secondary shares same common single winding. So basically it’s a one winding transformer

The main difference between conventional two winding transformer and auto-transformer is their
working principle and hence application. In an auto -transformer energy transfer is mainly
through conduction process and only a small part is transferred inductively

Auto-transformer works on the principle of induction and conduction

together.

(Two winding transformer works on principle of electro-magnetic

induction only)

NOTE:

Conduction involves a flow of electric charge due to an electric field. To conduct a current
from one conductor to another, the two conductors should be in contact. In conduction,
current is generated when an electric field passes through the conductor.

In induction, a current can be made to flow in a conductor by keeping it in the vicinity of

another conductor, carrying a constantly varying current. In induction, current is generated
when a magnetic field changes around a conductor.

2) Why is an auto transformer not used as distribution transformers as it

is more efficient than a normal transformer?
ANS) Distribution transformers are normally 11 kV/ 400 Voltage level transformer. Auto-
transformer is typically used when the voltage ratios are close to 1. (Max < 2). They are used for
stepping down voltage from such as 220kv to 132kv. As the ratio on distribution side is too high
from (11000 to 400v) therefore auto transformer is not used on distribution side.

3) Why autotransformer is used when voltage ratio is maximum 2?

ANS) for transformation ratio = 2, the size of the auto transformer would be
approximately 50% of the corresponding size of two winding transformer. For transformation
ratio say 20 however the size would be 95 %. The saving of cost is appreciable when the ratio of
transformer is low, that is lower than 2.
4) What is transformation ratio in auto transformer?
Transformation ratio is the ratio of secondary voltage to the primary voltage and is equal to the
ratio of the number of turns in the secondary winding to the number of turns in the primary
winding

K = N2/N1 = E2/E1

K = N2/N1 = E2/E1

5) Why the short circuited current in an auto transformer is more

compared to a two winding transformer?
ANS) 2 winding transformer has got electrical isolation. That is there is no electrical short
between primary and secondary winding in auto transformer. Let’s take an example:

Consider a 10-kva transformer rated at 2300/230 volts which will have a leakage impedance of
say 4 %. If it is connected as an auto transformer stepping down from say 2530 to 2300 volts
which corresponds to a transformation ratio of 1.1 (2530/2300=1.1) , the impedance drop will be:

4*(0.1/1.1)= 0.364%

Its leakage impedance is 9.1 % of the leakage impedance of 2 winding transformer

Therefore short circuit current in an auto transformer is more compared to a two winding
transformer and in order to protect auto transformer from the hazards of high amount of short
circuit current, a current limiting is inserted.

6) What are the Advantages of auto transformer over distribution

transformer?
ANS) Autotransformer is a transformer where primary and secondary shares same common
single winding. So basically it is a one winding transformer.

The cost and as well as size is reduced. They are cheaper, lighter in weight, lower leakage
reactance, lower losses and lower excitation current.

Autotransformers are clearly much cheaper than conventional double wound transformers of the
same VA rating. When deciding upon using an autotransformer it is usual to compare its cost
with that of an equivalent double wound type.

This is done by comparing the amount of copper saved in the winding. If the ratio “n” is defined
as the ratio of the lower voltage to the higher voltage, then it can be shown that the saving in
copper is: n.100%. For example, the saving in copper for the two autotransformers would be:
7) What are Disadvantages of Auto transformer?
· The main disadvantage of an autotransformer is that it does not have the primary to
secondary winding isolation of a conventional double wound transformer. Then an
autotransformer can not safely be used for stepping down higher voltages to much lower voltages
suitable for smaller loads.

· If the secondary side winding becomes open-circuited, current stops flowing through the
primary winding stopping the transformer action resulting in the full primary voltage being
applied to the secondary terminals.

· If the secondary circuit suffers a short-circuit condition, the resulting primary current
would be much larger than an equivalent double wound transformer due to the increased flux
linkage damaging the autotransformer.

· Since the neutral connection is common to both the primary and secondary windings,
earthing of the secondary winding automatically Earth’s the primary as there is no isolation
between the two windings. Double wound transformers are sometimes used to isolate equipment
from earth.

8) what are the applications of auto transformer?

Autotransformer has many uses and applications including the starting of induction motors, used
to regulate the voltage of transmission lines, in audio applications and impedance matching
between such as a low impedance microphone and a high impedance amplifier input.

Auto transformer is used as variac in laboratory or where continuous variable over broad ranges
are required.
9) Should there be only one tapping from auto transformer?

Autotransformer can also be constructed with more than one single tapping point. Auto-
transformers can be used to provide different voltage points along its winding or increase its
supply voltage with respect to its supply voltage VP as shown.