Government College University, Lahore

Department of Electrical Engineering

Advance Electrical Machines (LAB)

Semester-08

Open Ended Lab

Submitted to:

Engr. Ali Hassan

Submitted by:

Altaf Khan ([Link]-20)

 Design a Three-Phase Variable Transformer By using Three Single Phase
Transformers
Objectives:
Understanding the Operating Principle and analyzing the construction and Design.
Exploring the Application and Usages.
Ensure the Safety Measurements.
Components:
• 3 single phase Variable auto-transformer (333VA Each)
• Tap changer
• Voltmeter
• Fuses (5A)
•

Measurements:
• Input voltage (380-450)
• Output voltage (0-430)
• Power at load (1KVA)
• Current on Output (4A)
• Theory:
A three-phase variable voltage regulator, commonly known as a Variac, is an autotransformer that
allows for the continuous adjustment of output voltage. In this report, we design a three-phase
Variac using three single-phase transformers with a rating of 1 KVA total, capable of outputting 0
to 430V AC and protected by a 5 Ampere fuse. This report includes the configuration, working
principle, formulas used for calculations, and details of the windings.

Working Principle:
The three-phase Variac operates by varying the turn’s ratio of the autotransformers, thereby
adjusting the output voltage. Each phase of the three-phase power is connected to one of the
autotransformers. By simultaneously adjusting the autotransformers, the output voltage across all
three phases can be varied uniformly.
Single Phase Variable Auto-Transformer:
Then a variable autotransformer contains a variable tap in the form of a carbon brush that slides
up and down the primary winding which controls the secondary winding length and hence the
secondary output voltage is fully variable from the primary supply voltage value to zero volts. A
single primary winding wrapped around a laminated magnetic core is used as in the auto
transformer but instead of being fixed at some predetermined tapping point, the secondary voltage
is tapped through a carbon brush.

The efficiency of a transformer at a particular load and power factor is defined as output divided
by the input, measured in the same units (either watts or kilowatts).

𝛈��=�𝐨�𝐮�𝐭�𝐩�𝐮�𝐭�/𝐢�𝐧�𝐩�𝐮�𝐭�
As we know that transformer is a highly efficient piece of equipment, having small losses hence
it has maximum efficiency with respect to all electrical machines. In a transformer the losses
comprise of copper and iron losses only. The copper losses depend upon the load current and vary
as square of the current (I).The iron losses mainly depend upon the voltage as frequency of power
system is constant.
Efficiency can be measured in two ways:
• By measuring input power and output power
• By determining the losses and then calculating the efficiency η = output /
input η = output / (output + losses)
η = output / (output + Cu. Losses + Iron losses) η
= (Input – losses) / input

𝛈��=�𝟏��−�𝐥�𝐨�𝐬�𝐬�𝐞�𝐬�/𝐢�𝐧�𝐩�𝐮�𝐭�

Configuration of Three-Phase Variac:

1. Star (Wye) Configuration: The secondary windings of the transformers are connected to form a
star (Y), providing a neutral point.
2. Delta Configuration: The secondary windings of the transformers are connected in a triangle
(Δ), with no neutral point.
Three Phase Variable Transformer:
In a three-phase Variac, three single-phase autotransformers are connected in a Y or delta
configuration. The common point in the Y configuration or the phase-to-phase connection in the
delta configuration ensures that the voltage is regulated equally across all three phases.
Formulas:
The fundamental relationship for an autotransformer is given by:

𝑽�𝒐�𝒖�𝒕��=�𝑽�𝒊�𝒏��×�𝑵�tap/Ntotal
• Vout= Output Voltage
• Vin= Input Voltage
• Ntap= Number of turns up to the tap point
• N total= Total number of turns Procedure:
• Arrange the three single-phase transformers side by side.
• Connect the primary windings of each transformer to input three phase AC power supply.
• For star configuration, connect the secondary windings with one end of each secondary
winding joined together to form the neutral point.
• For delta configuration, connect the secondary windings in a triangle with each winding
connected end-to-end.
• Install a 5A fuse in series with each secondary winding of auto-transformer for the load
side of the variac to protect the transformers from overcurrent.
• Connect the load bank across the line-to-line terminals of the secondary windings.
Connect multimeters to measure the primary and secondary voltages and currents.
Current Calculation:
We know that,

• Pout=1KVA
• Vmax=430V
𝐼�𝑝�ℎ𝑎�𝑠�𝑒��=�𝑃�𝑜�𝑢�𝑡�/𝑉�𝑚�𝑎�𝑥�
1𝐾�𝑉�𝐴�
𝐼�𝑝�
𝐼�𝑝�ℎ𝑎�𝑠�𝑒��=�2.33𝐴�
𝐼�𝑙�𝑖�𝑛�𝑒�� �×�𝐼�𝑝�ℎ𝑎�𝑠�𝑒�

𝐼�𝑙�𝑖�𝑛�𝑒��=�4𝐴�

Significance:
A three-phase variac, also known as a three-phase variable autotransformer, holds significant value
in various applications due to its ability to control voltage in a three-phase electrical system. Here
are some key points highlighting its significance:
1. Voltage Regulation and Control:
• Smooth Voltage Adjustment: A three-phase variac allows for the smooth and
continuous adjustment of output voltage. This is crucial in applications requiring
precise voltage control, such as testing electrical equipment or simulating different
voltage conditions.
• Balanced Voltage Control: It ensures balanced voltage control across all three phases,
maintaining the integrity and stability of the electrical system.
 2. Industrial and Laboratory Applications:
• Testing and Development: Widely used in industrial settings and laboratories, a
threephase variac provides a reliable means to test motors, transformers, and other
electrical equipment under varying voltage conditions without the need for multiple
fixed voltage sources.
• Simulation of Real-World Conditions: Engineers and technicians can simulate
realworld operating conditions, including over- and under-voltage scenarios, which
helps in the design, development, and testing of electrical devices.
3. Energy Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness:
• Reduced Power Loss: Compared to other voltage control devices, a variac typically
has lower power losses, making it a more energy-efficient option.
• Cost Savings: By providing a single adjustable voltage source that can replace multiple
fixed voltage sources, a three-phase variac can lead to cost savings in equipment and
operational expenses.
4. Versatility:
• Wide Range of Applications: Beyond industrial testing and development, three-phase
variacs are used in applications like motor speed control, lighting control, and in power
supplies for various types of equipment.
• Customizable Voltage Output: They offer customizable voltage output, which can be
tailored to the specific needs of different applications, making them highly versatile
tools in electrical engineering.
5. Durability and Reliability:
• Robust Construction: Typically constructed to handle high power loads and withstand
harsh industrial environments, three-phase variacs are known for their durability and
long operational life.
• Stable Performance: They provide stable and reliable performance, ensuring
consistent voltage output, which is crucial for sensitive and critical applications.

Conclusion:
In this OEL, we have successfully designed and tested a three-phase variable voltage transformer
using single-phase transformers in both star and delta configurations. You have gained practical
experience in setting up a three-phase transformer, performing voltage and current measurements,
and understanding the impact of load variations on the system. We verify different losses present
in autotransformer.