UNITED INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Department of electrical and Electronics Engineering

Energy Conversion Laboratory

Course Code: EEE206 Experiment No. 1

TITLE OF THE EXPERIMENT: Determination of turns ratio and transformer equivalent
circuit parameters of a single-phase transformer.

OBJECTIVES
1. To determine the transformer turns ratio.
2. To perform the no-load/ open circuit and short circuit tests.
3. To calculate the transformer’s equivalent circuit parameters.

INFORMATION
A single-phase transformer will be investigated in this lab. It is a step-down transformer
220V/110V with the rated power of 200 VA and rated frequency of 50 Hz.

BACKGROUND:
1. Ideal Transformer
A transformer is a device used to change voltages and currents of AC electric power. In the
simplest version it consists of two windings wrapped around a magnetic core; windings are not
electrically connected, but they are coupled by the magnetic field, as it shown in Figure 2.1.
When one winding is connected to the AC electric power, the electric current is generated. This
winding is called the primary winding. The primary current produces the magnetic field and the
magnetic flux links the second winding, called the secondary winding. The AC flux through the
secondary winding produces an AC voltage, so that if some impedance is connected to the
terminals, an AC electric current is supplied.

i p (t) i s (t)
* *
+ +
i (t) i (t)
p N N s
p s
Vp (t) Np Ns Vs (t) + * * +
V (t) V (t)
_ _ p
_
s
_

Figure 2.1. Sketch of an ideal transformer. Figure 2.2. Schematic symbols of a

transformer.

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The simplest model of the transformer is called the ideal transformer and it neglects any power
losses and leakage magnetic fluxes. Assuming that the primary winding has N p turns of wire,
and the secondary winding has N s turns, the relationship between the primary voltage and the
secondary voltage is
V p (t ) N p
= =a Equation (2.1)
Vs (t ) N s
Similarly, for the primary and secondary currents
i p (t ) 1
= Equation (2.2)
i s (t ) a
2. Real Transformer
The ideal model of the transformer is sufficient for approximate analysis of the electric circuits
only. For full analysis a more complete model is needed and it should include: core losses,
winding losses, magnetising current and all leakage magnetic fluxes. It can be shown that the
equivalent circuit in Figure 2.3 fully represents all these effects.

Ip Is
R X R X
p p s s
+ +
**
Vp R
c
jX
M
N
p
N Vs
s

_ _
Ideal transformer

Figure 2.3. Real Transformer and the model of a real transformer.

The resistance R p represents the ohmic resistance of the primary winding and R s – of the
secondary winding. The reactance X p and X s model the leakage flux of the primary and
secondary windings, respectively. The resistance R c is responsible for the core losses due to
hysteresis and eddy currents, and X M for the generation of the main flux (magnetising
reactance).
All impedances on the secondary side of the transformer can be recalculated for the primary side.
This is also known as the referring to the primary side and results in the equivalent circuit shown
in Figure 2.4.

Is
Ip
R jX a2 R ja2 X a
p p s s
+ +

Vp R
c
jX
M
aVs

_ _

2
 Figure 2.4. The transformer model referred to the primary voltage level

3. Determining Equivalent Circuit

Experimental determination of all elements in the transformer equivalent circuit involves three
tests:
• measurement of the primary resistance
• open-circuit test
• short circuit test

3.1 Measurement of the Primary Resistance

A DC ohmmeter should be connected across the primary terminals and R p should be recorded.

3.2 Open-Circuit Test

The transformer’s secondary should be open-circuited and primary winding supplied with a full
rated voltage (Figure 2.5). The input voltage (V oc ), primary current (I oc ) and power (P oc ) are
measured.

i p(t)
*
A W
* + * *
+
Vp (t)
V(t) ~ V
_
_

Transformer

Figure 2.5. Connection for transformer open–circuit test.

This test is sufficient to calculate the core resistance and magnetizing reactance, using Equations
(2.4) to (2.10). The conductance of the core-loss resistor is given by:
1
GC = Equation (2.3)
RC
1
BM = Equation (2.4)
XM
Since these two elements are in parallel, their admittances add and the total excitation admittance
is
1 1
YE = GC − jBM = −j Equation (2.5)
RC XM
The magnitude of the excitation admittance can be determined by the Equation (2.8)
I
YE = OC Equation (2.6)
VOC
The angle of the admittance can be found from knowledge of a circuit power factor.
The open circuit power factor (PF) is given by:
POC
PF = cos ϕ = Equation (2.7)
VOC I OC

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and the power factor angle φ is given by Equation (2.10)
POC
ϕ = cos −1 Equation (2.8)
VOC I OC
The power factor is always lagging for a real transformer, so the angle of the current always lags
the angle of the voltage by φ degrees. Therefore, the admittance YE is
I I 1 1
YE = OC ∠ − ϕ = OC ∠ − cos −1 PF = + Equation (2.9)
VOC VOC RC jX M
3.3 Short-Circuit Test
The transformer’s secondary terminals are short-circuited and the primary voltage is supplied
with the voltage, much reduced comparing with the rated value (Figure 2.6). In practical
situation, this voltage is adjusted so that the primary current is approximately rated, and the
primary voltage (V sc ), primary current (I sc ) and power (P sc ) are measured.

* i p(t) i s(t)
A W
* + * *
+
V (t)
V(t) ~ V p
_
_

Transformer

Figure 2.6. Connection for transformer short–circuit test.

The following Equations (2.11) to (2.15) can be used to calculate elements in the primary and
secondary branches.
The magnitude of the series impedances referred to the primary side of the transformer is
V SC
Z SC = Equation (2.10)
I SC
The short circuit power factor (PF) is given by:
PSC
PF = cos ϕ = Equation (2.11)
VSC I SC

and the power factor angle φ is given by Equation (2.14)

P
ϕ = cos −1 SC Equation (2.12)
VSC I SC
Therefore,
V SC ∠0 ° V SC
Z SC = °
= ∠ϕ ° Equation (2.13)
I SC ∠ − ϕ I SC
The series impedance ZSC is equal to
Z SC = R + jX Equation (2.14)
eq eq

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EQUIPMENTS REQUIRED
1. Single-phase transformer(220V/ 110V)
2. Variable AC source (Variac)
3. Two Digital multimeters
4. Analog/ Digital AC wattmeters

1. Variable AC source

The lab’s variable AC source shown in Figure 2.7 is a variac to provide with the required AC
output.

Figure 2.7. Variable AC source

2. AC Wattmeter

Electric power is measured by means of a wattmeter. This instrument is of the electrodynamic

type. It consists of a pair of fixed coils, known as current coils, and a movable coil known as the
potential coil. A simplified electrodynamics wattmeter circuit is shown in Figure 2.8.

A * A

V
V *
~ R

Figure 2.8. A simplified electrodynamic wattmeter circuit.

The current coil (stationary coil) of the wattmeter is connected in series with the circuit (load),
and the potential coil (movable coil) is connected in parallel with the load. When line current
flows through the current coil of a wattmeter, a field is set up around the coil. The strength of
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this field is proportional to the line current and in phase with it. The actuating force of a
wattmeter comes from the field of its current coil and the field of its potential coil. The force
acting on the movable coil at any instant (tending to turn it) is proportional to the instantaneous
values of line current and voltage. That’s why it is very important to perform a proper connection
of the beginnings and the ends of each coil. The beginnings of both the current and voltage coils
of the lab wattmeter have marked with + signs as it is shown in Figure 2.9.

Figure 2.9. a. Lab Analog Wattmeter Figure 2.9. b. Lab Digital Wattmeter

Connection of Analog Wattmeter Connection of Digital Wattmeter

PRE-LABORATORY PREPARATION
Read the information section of the lab manual and lab instruments description. Be ready to
answer questions related to the transformer’s theory and practical measurements.

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Experimental Procedure:

1. Rated Quantities
From the transformer nameplate, note the rated values of S 1 , V 1 , and V 2 . Calculate the
rated maximum currents for the ammeters on the primary and secondary sides-do not exceed
these values.

2. Resistance Measurements
Using an ohmmeter, measure the resistance of the transformer primary (R 1 ) and
secondary (R 2 ) windings.

3. Turns Ratio
The turns ratio of a transformer is equal to the ratio of primary and secondary voltages at no-load
N V
a = P = P0 Equation (2.15)
N S VS 0

where: V P0 – primary voltage

V S0 – secondary voltage

In order to determine the turns ratio, connect the circuit as shown in Figure 2.10. The
transformer is supplied with a variable voltage and both primary and secondary voltages are
measured and recorded.

220 V
V V
AC P0 S0

VARIAC TRANSFORMER

Figure 2.10.(a) Transformer ratio measurements

Starting from V P0 =100V turn the variac knob and slowly increase the input voltage.
Measurements and calculations of the turns ratio should be done for V P0 = 100, 120, 140, 160,
180, 200 and 220 V. Complete all the data in Table 2.1.

V P0 V S0 I P0 Is 0 Turns Ratio Turns Ratio

(V) (V) (A) (A) By voltage By current
100
120
140
160
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 180
200
220
Table 2.1. Transformer turns ratio measurements and calculations
The turns ratio of a transformer is also equal to the ratio of secondary and primary currents with
load
N P Iso
= a = Equation (2.16)
N S Ipo
where: Iso –secondary current
Ipo – primary current

IPO P1 S1 ISO
A A
Single phase
transformer
Variable ac
V1 V V2 V Load
supply 220V

P7 S7
Fig.2.10b

1. Connect two ammeters in the primary & secondary circuit as shown in the figure 2.10.(b).
2. Adjust the rheostat such that maximum ammeter reading is possible without exceeding the
current rating of the ammeters and the rheostat.
3. Find the turn ratio using the formula
I SO ( S1 − S7 )
a=
I PO ( P1 − P7 )
4. Find turn ratio for changing the tap position of the secondary.

4. Open Circuit Test

4.1. Connect the apparatus as shown in Figure 2.11. Apply the rated input voltage to the primary
winding and measure input voltage, current, power, and output voltage.

Do not turn the power on before your circuit has been checked by your Teacher!
When the layout has been completed, have your Teacher to check your circuit connections
and get his/her comments.

*
A Woc
oc
*
120 V
V V
AC oc
8 2
 Figure 2.11. Transformer open circuit test measurements

4.2. Starting from V oc =100V turn the variac knob and slowly increase the input voltage.
Complete all the data in Table 2.2.
4.3. Determine the parameters of the magnetising branch using Equations (2.5) to (2.11).

Voc Ioc P oc YE cos ϕ RC XM

(V) (A) (W) 1/Ω Ω Ω

100
120
140
160
180
200
220
Table 2.2. Transformer open circuit test measurements and calculations.

5. Short-Circuit Test
5.1. Short-circuit the secondary winding through an ammeter as shown in Figure 2.12.
Do not turn the power on before your circuit has been checked by your Teacher!
When the layout has been completed, have your Teacher to check your circuit connections
and get his/her comments.
5.2. Slowly and gradually increase the applied voltage and carefully watch the primary and
secondary currents. Measurements and calculations ratio should be done for short circuit current
values specified in Table 2.3.
5.3. Calculate the short circuit impedance as measured from the primary using Equations (2.11)
to (2.15). Show your calculations in your lab report.

Complete all the measurements and calculations in Table 2.3.

*
. A Wsc
sc
*
120 V
V A
AC sc 2

9
.

VARIAC TRANSFORMER
 Figure 2.12. Transformer short circuit test measurements
Isc Vsc P SC Z SC cos ϕ Req Xeq

(A) (V) (W) Ω Ω Ω

0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9

Table 2.3. Transformer short circuit test measurements and calculations.

REPORT
Record in a report showing circuit diagrams and results for all experiments.
Calculate average turns ratio.
Calculate parameters of the equivalent circuit.

QUESTIONS
1. Measurement of Turns ratio:
a) Which method of determining turn ratio is more accurate and why?
b) Define the terms ideal transformer, turn ratio, nominal ratio transformation
ratio, step up & step down transformer.
c) Why transformers are rated in KVA instead of kW?

2. Open Circuit/ Short Circuit Test

a) What are the approximations of open circuit and short circuit tests?
b) Why open circuit test is performed in the high-tension side whereas short circuit test
is performed in the low-tension side?

Note: Your Lab report is due one week later. Please submit it to your Teacher in the beginning
of your next lab session.

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