Equivalent circuit of a single phase transformer

A single phase transformer is an electrical device that has at least two coils wound around a
common magnetic core. These two coils are thus said to be magnetically coupled. The purpose of a
transformer is to convert electrical energy from one voltage level to another, as well as to provide an
electrical isolation between two parts of a circuit. When a time-varying voltage is applied across one
winding (termed the primary), it produces a time-varying current in the winding, which is turn produces a
time-varying flux in the common magnetic core. Due to the changing magnetic flux, a voltage is induced in
the secondary winding whose magnitude depends on the ratio of the turns of the coupled windings, α.
When a load is connected across the secondary winding, current flows due to the induced voltage.
In an ideal transformer, the ratio of the primary voltage to the secondary voltage is equal to the
turns ratio, α. Similarly, the ratio of the secondary current to the primary current is equal to the turns ratio,
α.
V1 I 2 N1
= = =α
V2 I 1 N 2

Similarly, in an ideal transformer the net incoming power is equal to the net outgoing power.
V1 I1 = V2 I 2
The situation is quite different in a ‘practical’ transformer. The purpose of this experiment is to study the
behavior of a practical transformer as reflected by its internal parameters.
An equivalent circuit is required to study the behavior of a practical transformer. In a practical
transformer there is always some flux that does not link either winding. This leakage flux is represented by
a series leakage inductance associated with each winding, x1, x2. In addition, each winding has some
resistance, represented by a series resistance in each winding, r1, r2. Since the magnetic core of the
transformer has finite permeability, the resultant finite reluctance is represented by a magnetizing
inductance, Xm. The magnetic core is energized even if there is no load connected on the secondary side,
hence, the magnetizing inductance is represented in parallel to the secondary load. Finally, the core of a
practical transformer consists of thin laminations of highly permeable soft magnetic material, which
exhibits some amount of eddy currents and hysteresis. The power loss due to the eddy currents and
hysteresis is represented by a parallel resistance, Rc. Thus, even when there is no load connected on the
secondary side (open circuit), the primary side has to supply the magnetic core loss and reactive power loss
in the magnetizing inductance. The approximate equivalent circuit of a practical transformer (with turns
ratio, α) is shown in Fig. 1. All the impedance values have been referred to the primary side, and hence the
secondary winding series resistance, r2, and inductance, x2, have a multiplying factor α2. Similarly, the
secondary side voltage when referred to the primary side has a multiplying factor, α.
 Fig. 1 Approximate equivalent circuit of a practical transformer referred to primary side
Open circuit test on a single phase transformer
The open circuit test is performed on a single phase transformer to estimate the core loss (Rc) and
the magnetizing reactance, Xm. In this test, one side of the transformer is left in open circuit condition,
while the rated voltage is applied to the other side. Since this test requires application of rated voltage, it is
convenient to keep the high-voltage side in open circuit condition as shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 Circuit diagram for open circuit test on a single phase transformer
M,C shorted
L
Ammeter

Power supply

V
Single phase transformer
being tested

Wattmeter

Autotransformer
Voltmeter
 A Wattmeter connected on the primary side calculates the real power consumed by the
transformer. A voltmeter and ammeter connected on the primary side measure the primary voltage and
current. Make the connections as shown in Fig. 2. The initial setting of the variac (auto transformer) must
be kept at zero. Now increase the voltage applied to the primary winding by turning the variac knob.
Continue increasing voltage, until the voltmeter reads the rated voltage on the high-voltage side. The
internal parameters are then calculated from these measurements as follows.
2
V1
Rc =
W1

1
Xm =
2
 I1  − 1
 V Rc
 1
Precautions
When rated voltage is applied to the primary side (low voltage side) the secondary high-voltage side will
develop full rated voltage. For safety reasons, the high-voltage side must be kept isolated from the persons
performing the experiment.

Short circuit test on a single phase transformer

The short circuit test is performed on a single phase transformer to estimate the series resistance
and reactance of the two windings present. In this test, the secondary side of the transformer is short
circuited, and the rated current is allowed to flow into the transformer from the primary side. Since the
rated current is smaller on the high-voltage side, it is more convenient to apply the short circuit on the low
voltage side. Refer to Fig. 3 for the appropriate connections.

Fig. 3. Circuit diagram for short circuit test on a single-phase transformer

Connect the circuit as shown in Fig. 3. Make sure that the variac setting is zero before connecting
it into the circuit. With the low-voltage side short circuited, slowly increase the variac voltage until the
ammeter reads the rated current on the low-voltage side. Note that the voltmeter reading at this point reads
much lower than the rated voltage of the high-voltage side. Due to such a low voltage, all core losses and
magnetizing reactance may be neglected in this experiment. Now note the readings of the voltmeter,
ammeter and the wattmeter. The series resistance and reactance of both the windings are calculated as
follows:
 W1
Req = r1 + α 2 r2 = 2
I1
2

X eq = x1 + α 2 x2 = V1  − (Req )
2

 I1 
Precautions
Before connecting the variac to the low-voltage winding, make sure its setting is zero. Otherwise a high
voltage setting on the variac will result in excessive short circuit current to flow in the windings and result
in permanent damage to the transformer and threat to the safety of the persons performing the experiment.