Tapping provided which side of transformer? High or low?
Normally the tappings are provided on high voltage (h.v.) winding due to following reasons,
1) A fine voltage regulation is possible with high voltage winding as it carries large number of turns.
2) The low voltage winding of the transformer carries large current. So if tappings are provided on low voltage side then then there are difficulties encountered in the interruption of high currents which makes its impracticable.
3) For the reasons of requirement of insulation, the low voltage (l.v.) winding is placed near the core while the l.v. winding is placed outside. Hence practically it is easier and simpler to provide tappings on high voltage winding.
4) In case of step down transformers, it is an added advantage to provide tappings on h.v. side. At light loads, the l.v. side side voltage increases. It is required to decrease this voltage by adjusting the tapping on h.v. side to a position where number of turns are large. With large number of turns, the flux and flux density decreases.
This results in reduction of core loss which increases transformer efficiency at light loads.
5) If the tappings are provided on the l.v. side then the exact voltage regulation may not be provided. This can be explained by considering an example of a transformer with rating 3 phase, 11 KV/415 V, delta/star connected which is designed for 15 volts/turn. The l.v. side voltage is 415/√3 = 240 V. The number of turns on l.v. side are 240/15 = 16. Minimum number of turns that can be tapped is one. Hence minimum possible voltage regulation with tappings on l.v. side is 15 V or 6.25 %. It can be seen that if a voltage regulation of 5 % is desired with this then it is not possible with tappings on l.v. side.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all SSC JE courses
Tapping provided which side of transformer? High or low?
Introduction
In a transformer, tapping is provided on the winding to allow for adjustments in the voltage ratio. Tapping can be done on either the high voltage (HV) side or the low voltage (LV) side of the transformer. The decision to tap on the HV or LV side depends on various factors and requirements of the electrical system.
Tapping on the High Voltage (HV) Side
When tapping is done on the HV side of the transformer, it means that the number of turns in the HV winding can be adjusted. This allows for variations in the output voltage of the transformer. Tapping on the HV side is commonly used in power transmission systems. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Voltage Regulation: Tapping on the HV side provides better voltage regulation. It allows for adjustments to compensate for voltage drops in the transmission lines and maintain a stable voltage at the load end.
2. Long Distance Transmission: Tapping on the HV side is advantageous when transmitting power over long distances. By adjusting the turns ratio, the voltage can be stepped up to reduce transmission losses and then stepped down at the receiving end to the desired voltage level.
3. Transformers in Series: HV side tapping is useful when transformers are connected in series. By adjusting the turns ratio, the voltage sharing between the transformers can be controlled, ensuring equal distribution of voltage across the transformers.
Tapping on the Low Voltage (LV) Side
Tapping on the LV side of the transformer means that the number of turns in the LV winding can be adjusted. This allows for variations in the input voltage of the transformer. Tapping on the LV side is commonly used in distribution systems. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Load Voltage Adjustments: Tapping on the LV side allows for adjustments in the output voltage to meet specific load requirements. It is commonly used in distribution transformers to compensate for voltage drops in the distribution network.
2. Local Voltage Control: Tapping on the LV side provides local voltage control. It allows for adjustments to match the voltage requirements of specific loads or areas, ensuring proper voltage levels are maintained.
3. Multiple Feeders: LV side tapping is beneficial when multiple feeders are connected to a single transformer. By adjusting the turns ratio, the voltage can be adjusted to compensate for voltage differences between the feeders, ensuring proper voltage levels are maintained at each feeder.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tapping can be provided on either the HV or LV side of a transformer depending on the specific requirements of the electrical system. Tapping on the HV side is commonly used in power transmission systems to maintain voltage regulation and compensate for transmission losses. On the other hand, tapping on the LV side is commonly used in distribution systems to adjust the output voltage and provide local voltage control. The decision on which side to tap depends on factors such as voltage regulation, transmission distance, load requirements, and the number of feeders connected to the transformer.