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This section will discuss three phase transformers and how to calculate transformer overcurrent protection..
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Delta Conections: A delta system is a good short-distance distribution system. It is used for neighborhood and small commercial loads close to the supplying substation. Only one voltage is available between any two wires in a delta system. The delta system can be illustrated by a simple triangle. A wire from each point of the triangle would represent a three-phase, three-wire delta system. The voltage would be the same between any two wires (see figure 1-3).
Figure 1-3:
Wye Connections: In a wye system the voltage between any two wires will always give the same amount of voltage on a three phase system. However, the voltage between any one of the phase conductors (X1, X2, X3) and the neutral (X0) will be less than the power conductors. For example, if the voltage between the power conductors of any two phases of a three wire system is 208v, then the voltage from any phase conductor to ground will be 120v. This is due to the square root of three phase power. In a wye system, the voltage between any two power conductors will always be 1.732 (which is the square root of 3) times the voltage between the neutral and any one of the power phase
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conductors. The phase-to-ground voltage can be found by dividing the phase-to-phase voltage by 1.732 (see figure 1-4).
Figure 1-4:
Figure 1-5:
Figure 1-6 shows three single phase transformers labeled A, B, and C. The primary leads of each transformer are labeled H1 and H2 and the secondary leads are labeled X1 and X2. The schematic diagram of figure 1-5 will be used to connect the three single phase transformers into a three phase wye-delta connection as shown in figure 1-7.
Figure 1-6:
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Figure 1-7:
The primary winding will be tied into a wye connection first. The schematic in figure 15 shows, that the H2 leads of the three primary windings are connected together, and the H1 lead of each winding is open for connection to the incoming power line. Notice in figure 1-7 that the H2 leads of the primary windings are connected together, and the H1 lead of each winding has been connected to the incoming primary power line. Figure 1-5 shows that the X1 lead of the transformer A is connected to the X2 lead of transformer c. Notice that this same connection has been made in figure 1-7. The X1 lead of transformer B is connected to X2, lead of transformer A, and the X1 lead of transformer B is connected to X2 lead of transformer A, and the X1 lead of transformer C is connected to X2 lead of transformer B. The load is connected to the points of the delta connection.
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transformers. For example, assume two transformers, each having a capacity of 25 kVA, are connected in an open delta connection. The total output power of this connection is 43.5 kVA (50 kVA x 0.87 = 43.5 kVA).
Another figure given for this calculation is 58%. This percentage assumes a closed delta bank containing 3 transformers. If three 25 kVA transformers were connected to form a closed delta connection, the total output would be 75 kVA (3 x 25 = 75 kVA). If one of these transformers were removed and the transformer bank operated as an open delta connection, the output power would be reduced to 58% of its original capacity of 75 kVA. The output capacity of the open delta bank is 43.5 kVA (75 kVA x .58% = 43.5 kVA). The voltage and current values of an open delta connection are computed in the same manner as a standard delta-delta connection when three transformers are employed. The voltage and current rules for a delta connection must be used when determining line and phase values of voltage current.
Closing a Delta:
When closing a delta system, connections should be checked for proper polarity before making the final connection and applying power. If the phase winding of one transformer is reversed, an extremely high current will flow when power is applied. Proper phasing can be checked with a voltmeter at delta opening. If power is applied to the transformer bank before the delta connection is closed, the voltmeter should indicate 0 volts. If one phase winding has been reversed, however, the voltmeter will indicate double the amount of voltage. It should be noted that a voltmeter is a high impedance device. It is not unusual for a voltmeter to indicate some amount of voltage before the delta is closed, especially if the primary has been connected as a wye and the secondary as a delta. When this is the case, the voltmeter will generally indicate close to the normal output voltage if the connection is correct and double the output voltage if the connection is incorrect.
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more than 300% shall be permitted. Example #1: What size fuses is needed on the primary side to protect a 3 phase 480v to 208v 112.5 kVA transformer? * Important when dealing with 3 phase applications always use 1.732 (square root of 3). To solve: P / I x E 112.5 kVA X 1000 = 112500 VA 112500 VA divided by 831 (480 x 1.732) = 135.4 amps Since the transformer is more than 9 amps you have to use 125 %. 135.4 X 1.25 = 169 amps. Answer: 175 amp fuses (the next higher standard, Electrical Code 240-6). Example #2: What size breaker is needed on the primary side to protect a 3 phase 208v to 480v 3kVA transformer? To solve: P / I x E 3kVA X 1000 = 3000 VA 3000 VA divided by 360 (208 x 1.732) = 8.3 amps Since the transformer is 9 amps or less you have to use 167%. 8.3 X 1.67 = 13.8 amps Answer: 15 amp breaker (preferably a 20 amp breaker) Electrical Code Article 450-3(b)(2) states if a transformer 600 v, nominal, or less, having a an overcurrent device on the secondary side rated or set at not more than 125% of the rated secondary current of the transformer shall not be required to have an individual overcurrent device on the primary side if the primary feeder overcurrent device is rated or set at a current value not more than 250% of the rated primary current of the transformer.
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correspond to a standard rating of a fuse or nonadjustable circuit breaker, the next higher standard rating shall be permitted. Where the secondary current is less than 9 amps, an overcurrent device rated or set at not more than 167% of the secondary current shall be permitted. Example: What size breaker is needed on the secondary side to protect a 3 phase 480v/208v 112.5 kVA transformer? To solve : P / I x E 112.5 kVA x 1000 = 112500 VA 112500 divided by 360 (208 x 1.732) = 312.5 amps 312.5 X 1.25 = 390.6 amps Answer: 400 amp breaker
If you have find any discrepancies please feel free to email E.T.E. at http://www.electoolbox.com/email.htm. Back To Useful Info Back to Main Page
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