Three-Phase Transformers

Three-Phase Transformers
Objectives:
Discuss the construction of three-phase
transformers.
Discuss the formation of a three-phase
transformer bank.
Discuss primary and secondary
connections.

Three-Phase Transformers
Objectives:
Discuss different types of three-phase transformer
connections.
Show one-line diagram schematics.
Discuss power quality issues relating to harmonics.
Identify harmonic characteristics.
Discuss solutions to power quality problems
associated with harmonics.

Three-Phase Transformers
Construction
A three-phase transformer is constructed
by winding three single-phase
transformers on a single core.
Three-phase transformers are connected
in either wye or delta configurations.

Three-Phase Transformers

Three-phase transformer construction.

Three-Phase Transformers

Three-phase transformer (Courtesy of Waukesha Electric Systems).

Three-Phase Transformers
Transformer Bank
Two or three single-phase transformers
can be connected together to deliver
three-phase power. This is referred to as a
transformer bank.
This allows greater maintenance and
replacement options.

Three-Phase Transformers
Primary and Secondary Connections
The primary (input) side of a three-phase
transformer can be connected in a wye or
delta configuration.
The secondary (output) side of a threephase transformer can also be connected
in a wye or delta configuration.

Three-Phase Transformers
Primary and Secondary Connections
This allows four basic connection patterns:
Wye-Wye
Delta-Delta
Wye-Delta
Delta-Wye

Three-Phase Transformers

Wye-delta three-phase connection

schematic.

Three-Phase Transformers

Delta-wye three-phase connection schematic.

Three-Phase Transformers

Winding identification.

Three-Phase Transformers

Transformer bank without connections.

Three-Phase Transformers

Transformer bank connected wye-delta.

Three-Phase Transformers
One-line Diagram
One-line diagrams are simplified
schematics used to show the main power
distribution systems for commercial or
industrial settings.

Three-Phase Transformers

Industrial one-line power distribution schematic.

Three-Phase Transformers

Safety test prior to closing the delta connection.

Three-Phase Transformers

Example #1 schematic with all values.

Three-Phase Transformers

Example #2 schematic with all values.

Three-Phase Transformers
Harmonics
Harmonics are voltages or currents that
operate at frequencies that are multiples
of the fundamental power frequency. The
fundamental frequency is usually 50 or
60 Hz.

Three-Phase Transformers

Sine wave distortion caused by harmonics.

Three-Phase Transformers
Pulse Mode Power Supplies
Many power supplies for computers and
office machines use pulse-width
modulation. This can contribute to
harmonic and power quality problems.

Three-Phase Transformers

Pulse-width modulation schematic.

Three-Phase Transformers
Harmonic Reduction
1. Reduce the neutral current in threephase systems by balancing the currents
in the phase legs.
2. Reduce triplen harmonics on the neutral
by adding filters.

Three-Phase Transformers
Harmonic Reduction
3. Avoid shared neutrals and provide a
separate neutral for each phase
conductor.
4. Install larger neutrals, especially on
multiphase circuits using a common
neutral.

Three-Phase Transformers
Harmonic Reduction
5. Derate the load capacity of transformers
and consider buying harmonic-rated
transformers.

Three-Phase Transformers
Review:
1. Three-phase transformers are constructed
by winding three separate transformers on
the same core material.
2. Single-phase transformers can be used
as a three-phase transformer bank by
connecting their primary and secondary
windings as either wyes or deltas.

Three-Phase Transformers
Review:
3. It is common practice to center-tap one of
the transformers in a delta connection to
provide power for single-phase loads.
When this is done, the remaining phase
connection becomes a high leg.

Three-Phase Transformers
Review:
4. The center connection of a wye is often
tapped to provide a neutral conductor for
three-phase loads. This produces a threephase four-wire system. Common
voltages produced by this type of
connection are 208/120 and 80/277.

Three-Phase Transformers
Review:
5. Harmonics are generally caused by loads
that pulse the powerline.
6. Harmonic distortion on a single-phase line
is often caused by computer power
supplies, copy machines, fax machines,
and light dimmers.

Three-Phase Transformers
Review:
7. Harmonic distortion on three-phase power
lines is generally caused by variable
frequency drives and electronic DC
drives.
8. Triplen harmonics generally cause
overheating of the neutral conductor on
three-phase four-wire systems.