A delta-wye auto-transformer connection, also known as delta-star auto-transformer connection, is a type of electrical connection used in power systems to provide voltage transformation and voltage regulation. It involves the combination of two different transformer configurations: the delta (Δ) and the wye (Y), also known as star (⋆) connections.
An auto-transformer is a type of transformer that has a single winding with multiple taps rather than two separate windings found in traditional transformers. In a delta-wye auto-transformer connection, a single continuous winding is used, and it is connected in a specific manner to achieve the desired transformation between the input and output voltages.
Here's how the connection works:
Delta Connection (Δ): In the delta configuration, three windings are connected to form a closed-loop in the shape of a triangle (Δ). Each winding connects two phases of a three-phase system, typically labeled as A-B, B-C, and C-A. The voltage across any two windings in the delta connection is equal to the line-to-line voltage of the system.
Wye Connection (Y or ⋆): In the wye configuration, three windings are connected to a common point, often called the neutral (N), while the other ends of the windings are connected to the respective phases (A, B, and C) of the three-phase system. The line-to-neutral voltage in the wye connection is the same as the line-to-line voltage divided by the square root of 3 (√3).
Now, let's describe the delta-wye auto-transformer connection:
In a delta-wye auto-transformer, the winding is arranged in such a way that part of it is shared between the input and output sides. The winding is tapped at a specific point along its length to form the connection. The tapped point is the point of common connection between the delta and wye configurations.
The primary side (input) of the transformer is connected in a delta configuration to the three-phase power supply. The secondary side (output) is connected in a wye configuration and serves as the load side of the system.
Since a portion of the winding is common to both the primary and secondary sides, the auto-transformer provides voltage transformation between the input and output sides. The magnitude of the output voltage can be adjusted by tapping at different points along the winding, providing a degree of voltage regulation.
The delta-wye auto-transformer connection is commonly used in power systems to step up or step down voltages while being more efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional two-winding transformers. However, one drawback is that there is no electrical isolation between the input and output sides, as there is a direct electrical connection through the shared winding. As a result, it may not be suitable for applications requiring complete isolation between the primary and secondary circuits.