Vector Group of Transformer:

The vector group of transformer is an essential property for successful parallel operation of
transformers. Hence every electrical power transformer must undergo through vector group test of
transformer at factory site for ensuring the customer specified vector group of transformer. The phase
sequence or the order in which the phases reach their maximum positive voltages, must be identical for
two paralleled transformers. Otherwise, during the cycle, each pair of phases will be short circuited.
The several secondary connections are available in respect of various primary three phase connection in
a three phase transformer. So for same primary applied three phase voltage there may be different
three phase secondary voltages with various magnitudes and phases for different internal connection of
the transformer.

Let's have a discussion in detail by example for better understanding.

We know that, the primary and secondary coils on any one limb have induced emfs that are in time-
phase. Let's consider two transformers of same number primary turns and the primary windings are
connected in star. The secondary number of turns per phase in both transformers are also same. But the
first transformer has star connected secondary and other transformer has delta connected secondary. If
same voltages are applied in primary of both transformers, the secondary induced emf in each phase
will be in same time-phase with that of respective primary phase, as because the primary and secondary
coils of same phase are wound on the same limb in the core of transformer. In first transformer, as the
secondary is star connected, the secondary line voltage is √3 times of induced voltage per secondary
phase coil. But in case of second transformer, where secondary is delta connected, the line voltage is
equal to induced voltage per secondary phase coil. If we go through the vector diagram of secondary
line voltages of both transformers, we will easily find that there will be a clear 30o angular difference
between the line voltages of these transformers. Now, if we try to run these transformers in parallel
then there will be circulating current flows between the transformers as because there is a phase angle
difference between their secondary line voltages. This phase difference cannot be compensated. Thus
two sets of connections giving secondary voltages with a phase displacement cannot be intended
for parallel operation of transformers.
The following table gives the connections for which from the view point of phase sequence and angular
divergences, transformer can be operated parallel. According to their vector relation, all three phase
transformers are divided into different vector group of transformer. All electrical power transformers of
a particular vector group can easily be operated in parallel if they fulfill other condition for parallel
operation of transformers.
GROUP Connection Connection
Yy0 Dd0

0
(0o)

Yd1 Dy1

1
( 30o)
 Yy6 Dd6

6
( 180o)

Yd11 Dy11

11
( - 30o)
How to test Vector Group of a Transformer?

Let’s have an YNd11 transformer.

1. Connect neutral point of star connected winding with earth.

2. Join 1U of HV and 2W of LV together.
3. Apply 415 V, three phase supply to HV terminals.
4. Measure voltages between terminals 2U-1N, 2V-1N, 2W-1N, that means voltages between each LV
terminal and HV neutral.
5. Also measure voltages between terminals 2V-1V, 2W-1W and 2V-1W.
For YNd11 transformer, we will find,

2U-1N > 2V-1N > 2W-1N

2V-1W > 2V-1V or 2W-1W .

The vector group test of transformer for other group can also be done in similar way.

Engr. Irfanullah Mazari

NG-CSD, KSA