Demystifying Autotransformers: Taming Power for Efficiency

Demonstrative Video


Problem-1

An auto-transformer supplies a load of 3 kW at 115 volts at a unity power factor. If the applied primary voltage is 230 volts, calculate the power transferred to the load

Solution-1

\[\begin{aligned} K & = 115/230 = 1/2 \\ \text{Power transferred inductively} & = P_i\left(1-K\right) \\ & = 3\left(1-1/2\right) = 1.5~\mathrm{kW} \\ \text{Conductively transferred power} & = K\times P_i \\ &= (1/2)\times 3 = 1.5~\mathrm{kW} \end{aligned}\]


Problem-2

The primary and secondary voltages of an auto-transformer are 500 V and 400 V respectively. Show with the aid of diagram, the current distribution in the winding when the secondary current is 100 A and calculate the economy of Cu in this particular case.

Solution-2

\[\begin{aligned} K & = V_2/V_1 = 400/500=0.8\\ I_1 & = KI_2 = 0.8\times 100= 80~\mathrm{A}\\ \text{saving}& = KW_0 = 0.8\times 100 = 80\% \end{aligned}\] image


Problem-3

A 5-kVA, 110/110 V single phase, 50 -Hz transformer has full-load efficiency of 95% and an iron loss of 50 W. The transformer is now connected as an auto-transformer to a 220-V supply. If it delivers a 5-kW load at UPF to a 110-V circuit, calculate the efficiency of the operation and the current drawn by the high-voltage side.

Solution-3

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Problem-4

A 2-winding TF is rated at 2400/240 V, 50 kVA. It is re-connected as a step-up auto-transformer with 2400 V input. Calculate the rating of the auto-TF and the inductively and conductively transferred powers while delivering the rated output at UPF.

Solution-4

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\[\begin{aligned} \text{Output} & = 2640\times 208 =550~ \mathrm{kVA}\\ \text{input current} & = 208 \times 2640/2400 = 229~\mathrm{A} \\ K & = 2640/2400 = 1.1 \end{aligned}\] \[\frac{\text { Rating of Auto-transformer }}{\text { Rating as two-winding transformer }}=\frac{k}{k - 1}=\frac{1.1}{0.1}\]