Understanding Vector Group of Transformer (Part 1)

Introduction

Three phase transformer consists of three sets of primary windings, one for each phase, and three sets of secondary windings wound on the same iron core. Separate single-phase transformers can be used and externally interconnected to yield the same results as a 3-phase unit.

The primary windings are connected in one of several ways. The two most common configurations are the delta, in which the polarity end of one winding is connected to the non-polarity end of the next, and the star, in which all three non-polarities (or polarity) ends are connected together. The secondary windings are connected similarly. This means that a 3-phase transformer can have its primary and secondary windings connected the same (delta-delta or star-star), or differently (delta-star or star-delta).

But when the primary and secondary windings are connected differently, the secondary voltage waveforms will differ from the corresponding primary voltage waveforms by 30 electrical degrees. This is called a 30 degree phase shift. When two transformers are connected in parallel, their phase shifts must be identical; if not, a short circuit will occur when the transformers are energized.”

Basic Idea of Winding

An ac voltage applied to a coil will induce a voltage in a second coil where the two are linked by a magnetic path. The phase relationship of the two voltages depends upon which ways round the coils are connected. The voltages will either be in-phase or displaced by 180 degree.

When 3 coils are used in a 3 phase transformer winding a number of options exist. The coil voltages can be in phase or displaced as above with the coils connected in star or delta and, in the case of a star winding, have the star point (neutral) brought out to an external terminal or not.

Six Ways to wire Star Winding:

Six Ways to wire Delta Winding:

Polarity

An AC voltage applied to a coil will induce a voltage in a second coil where the two are linked by a magnetic path.  The phase relationship of the two voltages depends upon which way round the coils are connected.  The voltages will either be in-phase or displaced by 180 deg.

When 3 coils are used in a 3 phase transformer winding a number of options exist. The coil voltages can be in phase or displaced as above with the coils connected in star or delta and, in the case of a star winding, have the star point (neutral) brought out to an external terminal or not.

When Pair of Coil of Transformer have same direction than voltage induced in both coil are in same direction from one end to other end. When two coil have opposite winding direction than Voltage induced in both coil are in opposite direction.

Winding connection designations

• First Symbol: for High Voltage: Always capital letters.
•  D=Delta, S=Star, Z=Interconnected star, N=Neutral
• Second Symbol: for Low voltage: Always Small letters.
•  d=Delta, s=Star, z=Interconnected star, n=Neutral.
• Third Symbol: Phase displacement expressed as the clock hour number (1,6,11)

Example – Dyn11

Transformer has a delta connected primary winding (D) a star connected secondary (y) with the star point brought out (n) and a phase shift of 30 deg leading (11).

The point of confusion is occurring in notation in a step-up transformer. As the IEC60076-1 standard has stated, the notation is HV-LV in sequence. For example, a step-up transformer with a delta-connected primary, and star-connected secondary, is not written as ‘dY11’, but ‘Yd11’. The 11 indicates the LV winding leads the HV by 30 degrees.

Transformers built to ANSI standards usually do not have the vector group shown on their nameplate and instead a vector diagram is given to show the relationship between the primary and other windings.

Vector Group of Transformer

The three phase transformer windings can be connected several ways. Based on the windings’ connection, the vector group of the transformer is determined.

The Determination of vector group of transformers is very important before connecting two or more transformers in parallel. If two transformers of different vector groups are connected in parallel then phase difference exist between the secondary of the transformers and large circulating current flows between the two transformers which is very detrimental.

Phase Displacement between HV and LV Windings

The vector for the high voltage winding is taken as the reference vector. Displacement of the vectors of other windings from the reference vector, with anticlockwise rotation, is represented by the use of clock hour figure.

IS: 2026 (Part 1V)-1977 gives 26 sets of connections star-star, star-delta, and star zigzag, delta-delta, delta star, delta-zigzag, zigzag star, zigzag-delta. Displacement of the low voltage winding vector varies from zero to -330° in steps of -30°, depending on the method of connections.

Example

• Digit 0 =0° that the LV phasor is in phase with the HV phasor
  Digit 1 =30° lagging (LV lags HV with 30°) because rotation is anti-clockwise.
• Digit 11 = 330° lagging or 30° leading (LV leads HV with 30°)
• Digit 5 = 150° lagging (LV lags HV with 150°)
• Digit 6 = 180° lagging (LV lags HV with 180°)

When transformers are operated in parallel it is important that any phase shift is the same through each. Paralleling typically occurs when transformers are located at one site and connected to a common bus bar (banked) or located at different sites with the secondary terminals connected via distribution or transmission circuits consisting of cables and overhead lines.

The phase-bushings on a three phase transformer are marked either  ABC, UVW or 123 (HV-side capital, LV-side small letters). Two winding, three phase transformers can be divided into four main categories

Clock Notation 0 (Phase Shift 0)

Clock Notation 1 (Phase Shift -30)

Clock Notation 2 (Phase Shift -60)

Clock Notation 4 (Phase Displacement -120)

Clock Notation 5 (Phase Displacement -150)

Clock Notation 6 (Phase Shift +180)

Clock Notation 7 (Phase Shift +150)

Clock Notation 11 (Phase Shift +30)

To be continued…