A Scott-T transformer (also called a Scott connection) is a type of circuit used to derive two-

phase (2-φ) current from a three-phase (3-φ) source or vice-versa. The Scott connection evenly
distributes a balanced load between the phases of the source.

The Scott 3-phase transformer was invented by a Westinghouse engineer, C. F. Scott, in the late
1890's to bypass Edison's more expensive rotary-converter and thereby permit 2-phase generator
plants to drive Tesla's 3-phase motors.[1]

At this time 2 phase motor loads also existed and the Scott connection allowed connecting them
to newer 3 phase supplies with the currents equal on the 3 phases. This was valuable for getting
equal voltage drop and thus feasible regulation of the voltage from the generator (can’t vary the
phases separately in a 3 phase machine). But it should be understood that:

 2 phase motors inherently draw pulsating power and the Scott connection does not
change this, the power will just pulsate equally in the 3 currents of the supply. Likewise
changing a 2 phase supply to drive a 3 phase motor will result in a pulsating output from
the 3 phase motor. Simple instantaneous conservation of energy requires these
conclusions. Mechanical momentum will heavily dampen the pulsations but they will still
show in large loads.
 As the typical 2 phase load was a motor, equality of the current in the 2 phases was
inherently presumed during the Scott development. In modern times people have tried to
revive the Scott connection as a way to power single phase railways from 3 phase Utility
supplies. This will not result in balanced current on the 3 phase side as it is unlikely that 2
different railway sections connected as the 2 phases will at all times conform to the Scott
presumption of being equal. The instantaneous difference in loading on the 2 sections
will be seen as an imbalance in the 3 phase supply, there is no ability to smooth it out [2].
The Scott-T transformer connection may be also be used in a back to back T to T arrangement
for a three-phase to 3 phase connection. This is a cost saving in the smaller kVA transformers
due to the 2 coil T connected to a secondary 2 coil T in-lieu of the traditional three-coil primary
to three-coil secondary transformer. In this arrangement the X0 Neutral tap is part way up on the
secondary teaser transformer (see below). The voltage stability of this T to T arrangement as
compared to the traditional 3 coil primary to three-coil secondary transformer is questioned[who?].

Nikola Tesla's original polyphase power system was based on simple to build two-phase
components. However, as transmission distances increased, the more transmission line efficient
three-phase system became more prominent. Both 2-φ and 3-φ components coexisted for a
number of years and the Scott-T transformer connection allowed them to be interconnected.

Assuming the desired voltage is the same on the two and three phase sides, the Scott-T
transformer connection (shown below) consists of a center-tapped 1:1 ratio main transformer,
T1, and an 86.6% (0.5√3) ratio teaser transformer, T2. The center-tapped side of T1 is connected
between two of the phases on the three-phase side. Its center tap then connects to one end of the
lower turn count side of T2, the other end connects to the remaining phase. The other side of the
transformers then connect directly to the two pairs of a two-phase four-wire system.

[edit] References
1. ^ Harold C. Passer, The Electrical Manufacturers, 1875-1900, Harvard, 1953, p.
315.
2. ^ AIEE Transactions Jan 1957 pg 432-445 is a GE paper which points out that
railway unbalance, even via Scott-T transformers, affects generators, the motors of other
customers and presumably delta connected transformers. Even small unbalances can
cause heating. As electric systems have grown larger over the 20th century however, the
paper suggests that the railways are now a tolerable load provided one has a confirming
system analysis. Scott-T transformers may not even be relevant, line-to-line load
connections may be sufficient. So this leaves a potential solution but the single phase
load should then be viewed as being tolerated not balanced. Allowing it would also raise
the question of what if other customers asked for the same toleration.