Transformers

An Example Of Transformer Tap-Changer Correct

Adjustment

Tap-Changer Adjustment
A 13800V/4160 V transformer has five taps on the primary winding giving -5%,
-2 1/2 %, nominal, +2 1/2 % and +5 % turns.
An Example of Transformer Tap-changer Correct Adjustment

If, on-load, the secondary voltage reduces to 4050 V then, which tap, should be
used to maintain 4160 V on-load (assuming the supply voltage remains
constant)?

The following answer results:

To keep the secondary voltage at (or as close as possible to) 4160 V,

either primary supply voltage or the HV winding tap position must be
altered.

Examining the relationship:

V1/V2 = N1/N2 or V1·N2 = V2·N1 indicates that, to keep the equation in balance
with primary voltage and secondary winding turns fixed, either V2 or N1 must be
adjusted. Since the objective is to raise V2 back to nominal, then N1 must be
reduced.

To raise V2 from 4050 to 4160V requires an

increase in secondary volts of: 4160/4050 = 1.027
or 102.7 %. N1 must be reduced to 1/1.027 = 0.974
Figure 1 – Basic tap-changer

Therefore N1 must be reduced by (1 – 0.974) = 0.026 or 2.6 %. Reducing

N1 by 2.6 % will accomplish the increase in secondary voltage output.

The nearest tap to select is -2 1/2% (see Figure 1).

How tap-changer works (VIDEO)

 TAP CHANGER

Reference: Science and Reactor Fundamentals – Electrical  / CNSC Technical

Training Group

About Author
Edvard Csanyi

Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized for

design of LV/MV switchgears and LV high power busbar trunking (<6300A) in
power substations, commercial buildings and industry fascilities. Professional in
AutoCAD programming. Present on Google+