Parallel Operation of Transformers - Electrical Notes & Articles
Parallel Operation of Transformers - Electrical Notes & Articles
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Introduction:
For supplying a load in excess of the rating of an existing transformer, two or more transformers
may be connected in parallel with the existing transformer. The transformers are connected in
parallel when load on one of the transformers is more than its capacity. The reliability is increased
with parallel operation than to have single larger unit. The cost associated with maintaining the
spares is less when two transformers are connected in parallel.
It is usually economical to install another transformer in parallel instead of replacing the existing
transformer by a single larger unit. The cost of a spare unit in the case of two parallel
transformers (of equal rating) is also lower than that of a single large transformer. In addition, it is
preferable to have a parallel transformer for the reason of reliability. With this at least half the
load can be supplied with one transformer out of service.
Same voltage Ratio & Turns Ratio (both primary and secondary Voltage Rating is same).
Same Percentage Impedance and X/R ratio.
Identical Position of Tap changer.
Same KVA ratings.
Same Phase angle shift (vector group are same).
Same Frequency rating.
Same Polarity.
Same Phase sequence.
Some of these conditions are convenient and some are mandatory.
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The convenient are: Same voltage Ratio & Turns Ratio, Same Percentage Impedance, Same KVA
Rating, Same Position of Tap changer.
The mandatory conditions are: Same Phase Angle Shift, Same Polarity, Same Phase Sequence and
Same Frequency.
When the convenient conditions are not met paralleled operation is possible but not optimal.
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a good practice to try to match the X/R ratios of the three series impedances to keep the
three-phase output voltages balanced.
When single-phase transformers with the same KVA ratings are connected in a Y- Bank,
impedance mismatches can cause a signicant load unbalance among the transformers
Lets examine following dierent type of case among Impedance, Ratio and KVA.
If single-phase transformers are connected in a Y-Y bank with an isolated neutral, then the
magnetizing impedance should also be equal on an ohmic basis. Otherwise, the transformer
having the largest magnetizing impedance will have a highest percentage of exciting voltage,
increasing the core losses of that transformer and possibly driving its core into saturation.
Case 1: Equal Impedance, Ratios and Same kVA:
The standard method of connecting transformers in parallel is to have the same turn ratios,
percent impedances, and kVA ratings.
Connecting transformers in parallel with the same parameters results in equal load sharing and
no circulating currents in the transformer windings.
Example: Connecting two 2000 kVA, 5.75% impedance transformers in parallel, each with the
same turn ratios to a 4000 kVA load.
Loading on the transformers-1 =KVA1=[( KVA1 / %Z) / ((KVA1 / %Z1)+ (KVA2 / %Z2))]X KVAl
kVA1 = 348 / (348 + 348) x 4000 kVA = 2000 kVA.
Loading on the transformers-2 =KVA1=[( KVA2 / %Z) / ((KVA1 / %Z1)+ (KVA2 / %Z2))]X KVAl
kVA2 = 348 / (348 + 348) x 4000 kVA = 2000 kVA
Hence KVA1=KVA2=2000KVA
Case 2: Equal Impedances, Ratios and Dierent kVA:
This Parameter is not in common practice for new installations, sometimes two transformers with
dierent kVAs and the same percent impedances are connected to one common bus. In this
situation, the current division causes each transformer to carry its rated load. There will be no
circulating currents because the voltages (turn ratios) are the same.
Example: Connecting 3000 kVA and 1000 kVA transformers in parallel, each with 5.75%
impedance, each with the same turn ratios, connected to a common 4000 kVA load.
Loading on Transformer-1=kVA1 = 522 / (522 + 174) x 4000 = 3000 kVA
Loading on Transformer-1=kVA2 = 174 / (522 + 174) x 4000 = 1000 kVA
From above calculation it is seen that dierent kVA ratings on transformers connected to one
common load, that current division causes each transformer to only be loaded to its kVA rating.
The key here is that the percent impedance are the same.
Case 3: Unequal Impedance but Same Ratios & kVA:
Mostly used this Parameter to enhance plant power capacity by connecting existing transformers
in parallel that have the same kVA rating, but with dierent percent impedances.
This is common when budget constraints limit the purchase of a new transformer with the same
parameters.
We need to understand is that the current divides in inverse proportions to the impedances, and
larger current ows through the smaller impedance. Thus, the lower percent impedance
transformer can be overloaded when subjected to heavy loading while the other higher percent
impedance transformer will be lightly loaded.
Example: Two 2000 kVA transformers in parallel, one with 5.75% impedance and the other with
4% impedance, each with the same turn ratios, connected to a common 3500 kVA load.
Loading on Transformer-1=kVA1 = 348 / (348 + 500) x 3500 = 1436 kVA
Loading on Transformer-2=kVA2 = 500 / (348 + 500) x 3500 = 2064 kVA
It can be seen that because transformer percent impedances do not match, they cannot be loaded
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to their combined kVA rating. Load division between the transformers is not equal. At below
combined rated kVA loading, the 4% impedance transformer is overloaded by 3.2%, while the
5.75% impedance transformer is loaded by 72%.
Case 4: Unequal Impedance & KVA Same Ratios:
This particular of transformers used rarely in industrial and commercial facilities connected to
one common bus with dierent kVA and unequal percent impedances. However, there may be
that one situation where two single-ended substations may be tied together via bussing or cables
to provide beBer voltage support when starting large Load.
If the percent impedance and kVA ratings are dierent, care should be taken when loading these
transformers.
Example: Two transformers in parallel with one 3000 kVA (kVA1) with 5.75% impedance, and the
other a 1000 kVA (kVA2) with 4% impedance, each with the same turn ratios, connected to a
common 3500 kVA load.
Loading on Transformer-1=kVA1 = 522 / (522 + 250) x 3500 = 2366 kVA
Loading on Transformer-2=kVA2 = 250 / (522 + 250) x 3500 = 1134 kVA
Because the percent impedance is less in the 1000 kVA transformer, it is overloaded with a less
than combined rated load.
Case 5: Equal Impedance & KVA Unequal Ratios:
Small dierences in voltage cause a large amount of current to circulate. It is important to point
out that paralleled transformers should always be on the same tap connection.
Circulating current is completely independent of the load and load division. If transformers are
fully loaded there will be a considerable amount of overheating due to circulating currents.
The Point which should be Remember that circulating currents do not ow on the line, they
cannot be measured if monitoring equipment is upstream or downstream of the common
connection points.
Example: Two 2000 kVA transformers connected in parallel, each with 5.75% impedance, same
X/R ratio (8), transformer 1 with tap adjusted 2.5% from nominal and transformer 2 tapped at
nominal. What is the percent circulating current (%IC)
%Z1 = 5.75, So %R = %Z1 / [(X/R)2 + 1)] = 5.75 / ((8)2 + 1)=0.713
%R1 = %R2 = 0.713
%X1 = %R x (X/R)=%X1= %X2= 0.713 x 8 = 5.7
Let %e = dierence in voltage ratio expressed in percentage of normal and k = kVA1/ kVA2
Circulating current %IC = %eX100 / (%R1+k%R2)2 + (%Z1+k%Z2)2.
%IC = 2.5X100 / (0.713 + (2000/2000)X0.713)2 + (5.7 + (2000/2000)X5.7)2
%IC = 250 / 11.7 = 21.7
The circulating current is 21.7% of the full load current.
Case 6: Unequal Impedance, KVA & Dierent Ratios:
This type of parameter would be unlikely in practice.
If both the ratios and the impedance are dierent, the circulating current (because of the unequal
ratio) should be combined with each transformers share of the load current to obtain the actual
total current in each unit.
For unity power factor, 10% circulating current (due to unequal turn ratios) results in only half
percent to the total current. At lower power factors, the circulating current will change
dramatically.
Example: Two transformers connected in parallel, 2000 kVA1 with 5.75% impedance, X/R ratio of
8, 1000 kVA2 with 4% impedance, X/R ratio of 5, 2000 kVA1 with tap adjusted 2.5% from nominal
and 1000 kVA2 tapped at nominal.
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3. Same polarity:
Polarity of transformer means the instantaneous direction of induced emf in secondary. If the
instantaneous directions of induced secondary emf in two transformers are opposite to each other
when same input power is fed to the both of the transformers, the transformers are said to be in
opposite polarity.
The transformers should be properly connected with regard to their polarity. If they areconnected
with incorrect polarities then the two emfs, induced in the secondary windings which are in
parallel, will act together in the local secondary circuit and produce a short circuit.
Polarity of all transformers run in parallel should be same otherwise huge circulating current
ows in the transformer but no load will be fed from these transformers.
If the instantaneous directions of induced secondary emf in two transformers are same whensame
input power is fed to the both of the transformers, the transformers are said to be in same
polarity.
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belonging to the same group can be paralleled. For example, two transformers with Yd1 and Dy1
connections can be paralleled.
The transformers of groups 1 and 2 can only be paralleled with transformers of their own group.
However, the transformers of groups 3 and 4 can be paralleled by reversing the phase sequence of
one of them. For example, a transformer with Yd1 1 connection (group 4) can be paralleled with
that having Dy1 connection (group 3) by reversing the phase sequence of both primary and
secondary terminals of the Dy1 transformer.
We can only parallel Dy1 and Dy11 by crossing two incoming phases and the same two outgoing
phases on one of the transformers, so if we have a DY11 transformer we can cross B&C phases on
the primary and secondary to change the +30 degree phase shift into a -30 degree shift which will
parallel with the Dy1, assuming all the other points above are satised.
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Transformer
ParallelConnection
Types
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Equal
Loading
Unequal
Loading
Overloading
Current
Circulating
Current
Recomm.
connection
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Yes
No
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
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No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
Transformer-1
Transformer-2
or Yy
Yy
Yy or
y or Y
Y or y
Single-phase transformers can be connected to form 3-phase transformer banks for 3-phase Power
systems.
Four common methods of connecting three transformers for 3-phase circuits are -, Y-Y, Y-,
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and -Y connections.
An advantage of - connection is that if one of the transformers fails or is removed from the
circuit, the remaining two can operate in the open- or V connection. This way, the bank still
delivers 3-phase currents and voltages in their correct phase relationship. However, the capacity
of the bank is reduced to 57.7 % (1 3) of its original value.
In the Y-Y connection, only 57.7% of the line voltage is applied to each winding but full line
current ows in each winding. The Y-Y connection is rarely used.
The -Y connection is used for stepping up voltages since the voltage is increased by the
transformer ratio multiplied by 3.
Transformer-1
Transformer-2
Yy
Yy
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2)
3)
4)
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It is not a common practice in this industry, since Main-tie-Main is very common in this industry.
Conclusions:
Loading considerations for paralleling transformers are simple unless kVA, percent impedances,
or ratios are dierent. When paralleled transformer turn ratios and percent impedances are the
same, equal load division will exist on each transformer. When paralleled transformer kVA
ratings are the same, but the percent impedances are dierent, then unequal load division will
occur.
The same is true for unequal percent impedances and unequal kVA. Circulating currents only
exist if the turn ratios do not match on each transformer. The magnitude of the circulating
currents will also depend on the X/R ratios of the transformers. Delta-delta to delta-wye
transformer paralleling should not be aBempted.
References
Say, M.G. The performance and design of alternating current machines.
Application Guide, Loading of Transformer, Nashville, TN, USA.
Toro, V.D. Principles of electrical engineering.
Stevenson, W.D. Elements of power system analysis.
MIT Press, Magnetic circuits and transformers, John Wiley and Sons.
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sakawat says:
July 18, 2012 at 5:20 am
Thanks
Reply
subhajitspeaking says:
July 23, 2012 at 9:22 am
Thanx
Reply
Ekta says:
July 25, 2012 at 9:22 am
any case/calculation transformer on LT side with how much short circuit current.
Like example: 2nos. 2000Kva: 11/.433Kv transformer.
Reply
Jignesh.Parmar says:
July 25, 2012 at 2:22 pm
For Calculation of Short circuit Current Refer Electrical Tool Sheet Of this Blog
Reply
Rajeev Kalaivanan says:
July 27, 2012 at 5:54 pm
My heartly thanks to u. Its very usefull for beginners
Reply
sunil c jadhav says:
August 25, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Great Jignesh, No wors to say, I wouldlike to meet you
Reply
Mouthen says:
September 30, 2012 at 3:46 pm
excellent . many thanks
Reply
Amir says:
November 9, 2012 at 5:35 am
Great information, I have a question here. Is there any way to operate the two parallel transformer
with unequal loading (considering that all the conditions for parallel operations are met)?
Reply
tegemea says:
November 12, 2012 at 2:44 pm
I succeded to run three transformers in parrallel. Two of them are 10MVA connected Red Yellow
Blue(ABC) and the third one 20MVA with its ABC interchanged during connection as CBA(Blue
Yellow Red). I was very wondering after energizing as they run together as normal.
Could their be any future damage for interchanging phases for the 20MVA phases?
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Reply
[email protected] says:
November 28, 2012 at 8:10 am
THANKS FOR YOUR INFORMATION, THIS WILL BE SURELY BE HELPFUL AND USEFULL
FOR BOTH FRESH ENGINEERS ALSO FOR PRACTICING ENGINEERS ON SITE AS A A
READY RECOKENER, GUIDE BOOK.
Reply
Vasuki says:
December 9, 2012 at 11:12 am
Dear Jignesh, I have a question regarding parallel opeartion of two feeders.
we have two incomers coming from the electricity boards,but are from dierent sources. we have
bus coupler between the two incomers. when we checked the two voltages for synchronism, we
found phase sequence , phasing, frequency are same. only minor dierence in voltage , less than
0.5%. can we make parallel operation in case of emergency through bus coupler. Plerase let me
know. my e mail ID is [email protected]
Reply
Nice maGer says:
December 11, 2012 at 3:16 pm
Good
Reply
kulasekhar says:
December 16, 2012 at 4:27 pm
nice article more useful
Reply
KISHAN GAMI says:
December 18, 2012 at 7:20 am
i salute usirfor your enormous work.its more than a book or encyclopedia ..really nice
work
sir please give me information about steps to keep in mind while choosing a correct power
transformer..about all the ratings how to decide in detail..as fast as possible.
Reply
Bhuwesh kumar says:
December 27, 2012 at 8:20 am
thank u sir..it was treat to read.plz add material for motor to
Reply
ajit pimple says:
January 17, 2013 at 10:58 am
hi , Mr Jagdish
thanks for very usfull information, We are ahmedabad based transformer manufacturing co., can
you send you contact detail on my mail ID. we have to devlope some excel base designing tools.
Thanks again
Reply
ashish rathod says:
January 21, 2013 at 4:53 pm
dear sir, i am in diploma electrical engineering , my hobby is learns about every electrical
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equipment, so u can help to nd which is the best learning web site for electrical students..
thank u.
Reply
nebri says:
January 22, 2013 at 1:31 pm
i have not enough word to explain my thanks
Reply
Anant says:
February 8, 2013 at 6:53 am
Thanks.It help me a lot for explaining to the student.
Reply
naveen b says:
February 8, 2013 at 9:48 am
hi sir,
Please guide for Earthing calculations according to IS standards.
Reply
Jignesh.Parmar says:
February 8, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Review post of this blog for earthing pit calculation.
Reply
vishal Gor says:
February 15, 2013 at 1:53 pm
Thanks
Reply
wjfgi says:
February 19, 2013 at 9:36 am
cant understand
Reply
HARI says:
February 20, 2013 at 11:23 am
lot of thanks to jignesh sir to provide these use full maBer
Reply
sunil says:
May 18, 2013 at 4:37 am
Excellent description ..
Reply
Raullah Khan says:
May 19, 2013 at 10:36 am
Thats great job,,,
Reply
ahmed says:
May 28, 2013 at 9:45 am
Excellent. Thanks
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Reply
manoj kumar says:
July 19, 2013 at 2:19 am
Thanks sir,
Reply
periyasamy says:
July 19, 2013 at 4:55 pm
Dear Sir,
Thank you very much. this very use full to me for 2 transformer parellel operations. i having lot of
electrical doughts can you help me.
Reply
periyasamy says:
July 19, 2013 at 5:02 pm
sir,
we have single 11kv source from eb than two transformer from 2 ocb this HT side after 2 saperate
feeder 2 acb in between 1 bus coupler now both transformer is loaded dierent load. now my
question is ill close bus coupler what will hapen any short circuit or both transformer will shared
the load without any damage. please guide me sir
Reply
aj says:
August 6, 2013 at 4:20 pm
were is circuit diagram.
Reply
Narendra n Chandratre says:
August 24, 2013 at 6:22 am
Dear sir,
Presently we are using 1250 KVA 22Kv/433 v transformer having impedance of 5.75%. Now due
to increase in demand we are planning to add another transformer of 1600 Kva capacity. will you
please guide me to make safe operation for continious use?
What care we must take care while ordering the new transformer. I will like to understand how to
check % impedance ,Recactance resistance X/R of the transformer requested to guide by
consedering our case of transformer capacity.
It will be more suitable to us to calculate even breaker capacity so as to be safe in faulty condition.
existing transformer is equiped with OLTC ( +5% to -15%)
Requested to guide
Thanks
Narendra
Reply
Ekta says:
September 27, 2013 at 6:33 am
Please suggest 2000KVA 11/.415KV 4nos. transformer can be paralleled with tentative calculation.
Percentage impedance varies 6.07 to 6.2. all trafos are delta/star.
Reply
PRASHANT SONI says:
September 30, 2013 at 4:56 pm
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Dear Sir,
Thank you from the boBom of my heart to ur valuable information and ur sincere & noble work..
Reply
Denish says:
December 23, 2013 at 5:34 am
I have a 7.5 MVA trafo with following specication:
DYn1, 22 kV / 6.6 kV.
Problem : Mismatch of Phase seq. at panel end as connectivity is thro. busduct. At 6.6 kV level of
trafo. phase sequence is B-Y-R but i want it to change with R-Y-B. Can i interchange primary (22
kV) cable phase seq. by R-Y-B to B-Y-R to get desire Phase seq. at secondory (6.6 kV). what will
happen to vector group. pl. advise.
Reply
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