Search

Premium Membership ♕

Limited Time Offer: Save 15% on PRO Plan with discount code: LRN15 and study specialized LV/MV/HV technical articles and studies.

Home / Technical Articles / Understanding Vector Group of Transformer (2)

Continued from first part Understanding Vector Group of Transformer (part 1)


Points to be consider while Selecting of Vector Group

Vector Groups are the IEC method of categorizing the primary and secondary winding configurations of 3-phase transformers. Windings can be connected as delta, star, or interconnected-star (zigzag). Winding polarity is also important, since reversing the connections across a set of windings affects the phase-shift between primary and secondary.

Vector groups identify the winding connections and polarities of the primary and secondary. From a vector group one can determine the phase-shift between primary and secondary.

Transformer vector group depends upon:

    1. Removing harmonics: Dy connection – y winding nullifies 3rd harmonics, preventing it to be reflected on delta side.
    2. Parallel operations: All the transformers should have same vector group & polarity of the winding.
    3. Earth fault Relay: A Dd transformer does not have neutral. to restrict the earth faults in such systems, we may use zig zag wound transformer to create a neutral along with the earth fault relay..
    4. Type of Non Liner Load: systems having different types of harmonics & non linear Types of loads e.g. furnace heaters ,VFDS etc for that we may use Dyn11, Dyn21, Dyn31 configuration, wherein, 30 deg. shifts of voltages nullifies the 3rd harmonics to zero in the supply system.
    5. Type of Transformer Application: Generally for Power export transformer i.e. generator side is connected in delta and load side is connected in star. For Power export import transformers i.e. in Transmission Purpose Transformer star star connection may be preferred by some since this avoids a grounding transformer on generator side and perhaps save on neutral insulation.
      Most of systems are running in this configuration. May be less harmful than operating delta system incorrectly. Yd or Dy connection is standard for all unit connected generators.

There are a number of factors associated with transformer connections and may be useful in designing a system, and the application of the factors therefore determines the best selection of transformers.

For example:

For selecting Star Connection:

A star connection presents a neutral. If the transformer also includes a delta winding, that neutral will be stable and can be grounded to become a reference for the system. A transformer with a star winding that does NOT include a delta does not present a stable neutral.

Star-star transformers are used if there is a requirement to avoid a 30deg phase shift, if there is a desire to construct the three-phase transformer bank from single-phase transformers, or if the transformer is going to be switched on a single-pole basis (ie, one phase at a time), perhaps using manual switches.

Star-star transformers are typically found in distribution applications, or in large sizes interconnecting high-voltage transmission systems. Some star-star transformers are equipped with a third winding connected in delta to stabilize the neutral.


For selecting Delta Connection:

  • A delta connection introduces a 30 electrical degree phase shift.
  • A delta connection ‘traps’ the flow of zero sequence currents.

For selecting Delta-Star Connection:

  • Delta-star transformers are the most common and most generally useful transformers.
  • Delta-delta transformers may be chosen if there is no need for a stable neutral, or if there is a requirement to avoid a 30 electrical degree phase shift. The most common application of a delta-delta transformer is as tan isolation transformer for a power converter.

For selecting Zig zag Connection:

The Zig Zag winding reduces voltage unbalance in systems where the load is not equally distributed between phases, and permits neutral current loading with inherently low zero-sequence impedance. It is therefore often used for earthing transformers.

Provision of a neutral earth point or points, where the neutral is referred to earth either directly or through impedance. Transformers are used to give the neutral point in the majority of systems. The star or interconnected star (Z) winding configurations give a neutral location.

If for various reasons, only delta windings are used at a particular voltage level on a particular system, a neutral point can still be provided by a purpose-made transformer called a ‘neutral earthing.


For selecting Distribution Transformer

The first criterion to consider in choosing a vector group for a distribution transformer for a facility is to know whether we want a delta-star or star-star. Utilities often prefer star-star transformers, but these require 4-wire input feeders and 4-wire output feeders (i.e. incoming and outgoing neutral conductors).

For distribution transformers within a facility, often delta-star are chosen because these transformers do not require 4-wire input; a 3-wire primary feeder circuit suffices to supply a 4-wire secondary circuit. That is because any zero sequence current required by the secondary to supply earth faults or unbalanced loads is supplied by the delta primary winding, and is not required from the upstream power source. The method of earthing on the secondary is independent of the primary for delta-star transformers.

The second criterion to consider is what phase-shift you want between primary and secondary. For example, Dy11 and Dy5 transformers are both delta-star. If we don’t care about the phase-shift, then either transformer will do the job. Phase-shift is important when we are paralleling sources. We want the phase-shifts of the sources to be identical.

If we are paralleling transformers, then you want them to have the same the same vector group. If you are replacing a transformer, use the same vector group for the new transformer, otherwise the existing VTs and CTs used for protection and metering will not work properly.

There is no technical difference between the one vector groups (i.e. Yd1) or another vector group (i.e. Yd11) in terms of performance. The only factor affecting the choice between one or the other is system phasing, ie whether parts of the network fed from the transformer need to operate in parallel with another source. It also matters if you have an auxiliary transformer connected to generator terminals. Vector matching at the auxiliary bus bar.


Application of Transformer according to Vector Group

1.)  Dyn11, Dyn1, YNd1, YNd11

  • Common for distribution transformers.
  • Normally Dyn11 vector group using at distribution system. Because Generating Transformer are YNd1 for neutralizing the load angle between 11 and 1.
  • We can use Dyn1 at distribution system, when we are using Generator Transformer are YNd11.
  • In some industries 6 pulse electric drives are using due to this 5thharmonics will generate if we use Dyn1 it will be suppress the 5th harmonics.
  • Star point facilitates mixed loading of three phase and single phase consumer connections.
  • The delta winding carry third harmonics and stabilizes star point potential.
  • A delta-Star connection is used for step-up generating stations. If HV winding is star connected there will be saving in cost of insulation.
  • But delta connected HV winding is common in distribution network, for feeding motors and lighting loads from LV side.

2.) Star-Star (Yy0 or Yy6)

  • Mainly used for large system tie-up transformer.
  • Most economical connection in HV power system to interconnect between two delta systems and to provide neutral for grounding both of them.
  • Tertiary winding stabilizes the neutral conditions. In star connected transformers, load can be connected between line and neutral, only if
    (a) the source side transformers is delta connected or
    (b) the source side is star connected with neutral connected back to the source neutral.
  • In this transformers. Insulation cost is highly reduced. Neutral wire can permit mixed loading.
  • Triple harmonics are absent in the lines. These triple harmonic currents cannot flow, unless there is a neutral wire. This connection produces oscillating neutral.
  • Three phase shell type units have large triple harmonic phase voltage. However three phase core type transformers work satisfactorily.
  • A tertiary mesh connected winding may be required to stabilize the oscillating neutral due to third harmonics in three phase banks.

3.)  Delta – Delta (Dd 0 or Dd 6)

  • This is an economical connection for large low voltage transformers.
  • Large unbalance of load can be met without difficulty.
  • Delta permits a circulating path for triple harmonics thus attenuates the same.
  • It is possible to operate with one transformer removed in open delta or” V” connection meeting 58 percent of the balanced load.
  • Three phase units cannot have this facility. Mixed single phase loading is not possible due to the absence of neutral.

4.) Star-Zig-zag or Delta-Zig-zag (Yz or Dz)

  • These connections are employed where delta connections are weak. Interconnection of phases in zigzag winding effects a reduction of third harmonic voltages and at the same time permits unbalanced loading.
  • This connection may be used with either delta connected or star connected winding either for step-up or step-down transformers. In either case, the zigzag winding produces the same angular displacement as a delta winding, and at the same time provides a neutral for earthing purposes.
  • The amount of copper required from a zigzag winding in 15% more than a corresponding star or delta winding. This is extensively used for earthing transformer.
  • Due to zig-zag connection (interconnection between phases), third harmonic voltages are reduced. It also allows unbalanced loading. The zigzag connection is employed for LV winding. For a given total voltage per phase, the zigzag side requires 15% more turns as compared to normal phase connection. In cases where delta connections are weak due to large number of turns and small cross sections, then zigzag star connection is preferred. It is also used in rectifiers.

5.) Zig-zag/ star (ZY1 or Zy11)

  • Zigzag connection is obtained by inter connection of phases.4-wire system is possible on both sides. Unbalanced loading is also possible. Oscillating neutral problem is absent in this connection.
  • This connection requires 15% more turns for the same voltage on the zigzag side and hence costs more. Hence a bank of three single phase transformers cost about 15% more than their 3-phase counterpart. Also, they occupy more space. But the spare capacity cost will be less and single phase units are easier to transport.
  • Unbalanced operation of the transformer with large zero sequence fundamental mmf content also does not affect its performance. Even with Yy type of poly phase connection without neutral connection the oscillating neutral does not occur with these cores. Finally, three phase cores themselves cost less than three single phase units due to compactness.

6.) Yd5

  • Mainly used for machine and main Transformer in large Power Station and Transmission Substation.
  • The Neutral point can be loaded with rated Current.

7.)  Yz-5

  • For Distribution Transformer up to 250MVA for local distribution system.
  • The Neutral point can be loaded with rated Current.

Application of Transformer according  according to Uses

Step up Transformer: – It should be Yd1 or Yd11.
Step down Transformer: – It should be Dy1 or Dy11.
Grounding purpose Transformer: – It should be Yz1 or Dz11.
Distribution Transformer: – We can consider vector group of Dzn0 which reduce the 75% of harmonics in secondary side.
Power Transformer: – Vector group is deepen on application for Example : Generating Transformer : Dyn1 , Furnace Transformer: Ynyn0.


Convert One Group of Transformer to Other Group by Channing External Connection

Group I: Example: Dd0 (no phase displacement between HV & LV)

The conventional method is to connect the red phase on A/a, Yellow phase on B/b, and the Blue phase on C/c.

Other phase displacements are possible with unconventional connections (for instance red on b, yellow on c and blue on a) By doing some unconventional connections externally on one side of the Transformer, an internal connected Dd0 transformer can be changed either to a Dd4(-120°) or Dd8(+120°) connection. The same is true for internal connected Dd4 or Dd8 transformers.


Group II: Example: Dd6 (180° displacement between HV & LV)

By doing some unconventional connections externally on one side of the Transformer, an internal connected Dd6 transformer can be changed either to a Dd2(-60°) or Dd10(+60°) connection.


Group III: Example: Dyn1 (-30° displacement between HV & LV)

By doing some unconventional connections externally on one side of the Transformer, an internal connected Dyn1 transformer can be changed either to a Dyn5(-150°) or Dyn9(+90°) connection.


Group IV: Example: Dyn11 (+30° displacement between HV & LV)

By doing some unconventional connections externally on one side of the Transformer, an internal connected Dyn11 transformer can be changed either to a Dyn7(+150°) or Dyn3(-90°) connection.

Point to be remembered

  • For Group-III & Group-IV: By doing some unconventional connections externally on both sides of the Transformer, an internal connected Group-III or Group-IV transformer can be changed to any of these two groups.
  • Thus by doing external changes on both sides of the Transformer an internal connected Dyn1 transformer can be changed to either a: Dyn3, Dyn5, Dyn7, Dyn9 or Dyn11 transformer, This is just true for star/delta or delta/star connections.
  • For Group-I & Group-II: Changes for delta/delta or star/star transformers between Group-I and Group-III can just be done internally.


Why 30°phase shift occur in star-delta transformer between primary and secondary?

30 deg phase shift between line voltage and phase voltage
30 deg phase shift between line voltage and phase voltage

The phase shift is a natural consequence of the delta connection. The currents entering or leaving the star winding of the transformer are in phase with the currents in the star windings. Therefore, the currents in the delta windings are also in phase with the currents in the star windings and obviously, the three currents are 120 electrical degrees apart.

But the currents entering or leaving the transformer on the delta side are formed at the point where two of the windings comprising the delta come together – each of those currents is the phasor sum of the currents in the adjacent windings.

When you add together two currents that are 120 electrical degrees apart, the sum is inevitably shifted by 30 degrees.

The Main reason for this phenomenon is that the phase voltage lags line current by 30degrees.consider a delta/star transformer. The phase voltages in three phases of both primary and secondary. you will find that in primary the phase voltage and line voltages are same, let it be VRY (take one phase). But, the corresponding secondary will have the phase voltage only in its phase winding as it is star connected. the line voltage of star connected secondary and delta connected primary won’t have any phase differences between them. so this can be summarized that “the phase shift is associated with the wave forms of the three phase windings.

This is the HV Side or the Switchyard side of the Generator Transformer is connected in Delta and the LV Side or the generator side of the GT is connected in Star, with the Star side neutral brought out.

The LV side voltage will “lag” the HV side voltage by 30 degrees. Thus, in a generating station we create a 30 degrees lagging voltage for transmission, with respect to the generator voltage.

As we have created a 30 degrees lagging connection in the generating station, it is advisable to create a 30 degrees leading connection in distribution so that the user voltage is “in phase” with the generated voltage. And, as the transmission side is Delta and the user might need three phase, four-wire in the LV side for his single phase loads, the distribution transformer is chosen as Dyn11.

There is magnetic coupling between HT and LT. When the load side (LT) suffers some dip the LT current try to go out of phase with HT current, so 30 degree phase shift in Dyn-11 keeps the two currents in phase when there is dip.

So the vector group at the generating station is important while selecting distribution Transformer.


Vector Group in Generating-Transmission-Distribution System

Generating TC is Yd1 transmitted power at 400KV, for 400KV to 220KV Yy is used and by using Yd between e.g. 220 and 66 kV, then Dy from 66 to 11 kV so that their phase shifts can be cancelled out. And for LV (400/230V) supplies at 50 Hz are usually 3 phase, earthed neutral, so a “Dyn” LV winding is needed. Here GT side -30lag (Yd1) can be nullify +30 by using distribution Transformer of Dy11.

A reason for using Yd between e.g. 220 and 66 kV, then Dy from 66 to 11 kV is that their phase shifts can cancel out and It is then also possible to parallel a 220/11 kV YY transformer, at 11 kV, with the 66/11 kV (a YY transformer often has a third, delta, winding to reduce harmonics).

If one went Dy11 – Dy11 from 220 to 11 kV, there would be a 60 degree shift, which is not possible in one transformer. The “standard” transformer groups in distribution avoid that kind of limitation, as a result of thought and experience leading to lowest cost over many years.


Generator TC is Yd1, can we use Distribution TC Dy5 instead of Dy11?

With regards to theory, there are no special advantages of Dyn11 over Dyn5.

In Isolation Application: -In isolated applications there is no advantage or disadvantage by using Dy5 or Dy11. If however we wish to interconnect the secondary sides of different Dny transformers, we must have compatible transformers, and that can be achieved if you have a Dyn11 among a group of Dyn5’s and vice versa.

In Parallel Connection: – Practically, the relative places of the phases remain same in Dyn11 compared to Dyn5.

If we use Yd1 Transformer on Generating Side and Distribution side Dy11 transformer than -30 lag of generating side (Yd1) is nullify by +30 Lead at Receiving side Dy11) so no phase difference respect to generating Side and if we are on the HV side of the Transformer, and if we denote the phases as R- Y-B from left to right, the same phases on the LV side will be R- Y -B, but from left to Right.

This will make the Transmission lines have same color (for identification) whether it is input to or output from the Transformer.

If we use Yd1 Transformer on Generating Side and Distribution side Dy5 transformer than -30 lag of generating side (Yd1) is more lag by  -150 Lag at Receiving side (Dy5) so Total phase difference respect to generating Side is 180 deg (-30+-150=-180) and if we are on the HV side of the Transformer, and if we denote the phases as R- Y-B from left to right, the same phases on the LV side will be R- Y -B, but from Right to Left.

This will make the Transmission lines have No same color (for identification) whether it is input to or output from the Transformer. The difference in output between the Dyn11 and Dny5 and is therefore 180 degrees.

Premium Membership

Get access to premium HV/MV/LV technical articles, electrical engineering guides, research studies and much more! It helps you to shape up your technical skills in your everyday life as an electrical engineer.
More Information
author-pic

Jignesh Parmar

Jignesh Parmar has completed M.Tech (Power System Control), B.E (Electrical). He is member of Institution of Engineers (MIE), India. He has more than 20 years experience in transmission & distribution-energy theft detection and maintenance electrical projects.

17 Comments


  1. Muhammad Hasnain
    Nov 13, 2020

    It is very informative and helpful elaboration of using vector groups which best suit our requirement. Can I have further detail about merit/demerits of vector groups. Any book or internet link?


  2. Joginder
    Jun 27, 2019

    What the vector grouping Y yn0-yn0(d) denotes?


  3. Mohamed Elhamshary
    Jun 20, 2019

    what will be the effect if we have the following:

    power transformer Ynyn0 220/66 KV conncted to GIS swapping (I mean the transformer ABC and GIS BCA)


  4. Gamal
    Nov 04, 2018

    Confusing explanation…


  5. R. Adajao
    Oct 18, 2018

    What will be the effect on power system during fault occurence in different voltage level if the voltage is not “in phase”?

    Thank you…


  6. Jamshid
    Nov 09, 2017

    Why some times vector groups are denoted as Ya0, where the connection is YnYn0 ,What the a represents here?


  7. transformer test
    Jan 08, 2015

    OMICRON has a tool to guess the vector group of a transformer if it is unknown


    • Jamshid
      Nov 09, 2017

      Vanguard instruments also manufacture testing machine named Transformer turns ratio tester it can detect the vector group of testing transformer eg. model ATRT03


  8. ku
    Sep 16, 2014

    how identify the transformer vector group without nameplate details


    • Jamshid
      Nov 09, 2017

      Either by testing machine or by manually measuring voltage (specific test for specific connection) u can check by visually weather delta or star


  9. Arnel C.
    Jul 31, 2014

    for three winding transformer, how is the vector group identified


  10. Hussain
    Jun 30, 2014

    Dear Sir.
    What is the best suitable software that can be used by engineers and Installation wiring designers in Australia.
    Thanks.


  11. Jake
    May 20, 2014

    why it is advisable to have the user voltage is “in phase” with the generated voltage. thank you.


  12. u kodandaramireddy
    Apr 03, 2014

    Your providing v.group information helpful for all Design Engineers.Thank you very much sir.


  13. Gaurav Sheta
    Jan 19, 2013

    why step up transformer vectro group Yd11?


  14. mmkumar20
    Aug 15, 2012

    Enjoyed Reading the Article……good one.


  15. weeerasak
    Jun 18, 2012

    It’s great article for me. Thanks you very much.

Leave a Reply to Gaurav Sheta

Tell us what you're thinking. We care about your opinion! Please keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. So, please do not use a spammy keyword or a domain as your name, or it will be deleted. Let's have a professional and meaningful conversation instead. Thanks for dropping by!

three  ×    =  nine

Learn How to Design Power Systems

Learn to design LV/MV/HV power systems through professional video courses. Lifetime access. Enjoy learning!

Subscribe to Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our Weekly Digest newsletter and receive free updates on new technical articles, video courses and guides (PDF).
EEP Academy Courses - A hand crafted cutting-edge electrical engineering knowledge