Calculating the impedance of a three-phase transformer involves a few steps. The impedance of a transformer refers to the total opposition that the transformer offers to the flow of current, comprising both resistance and reactance. It is represented as a complex quantity and is typically specified as a percentage of the rated voltage or current.
To calculate the impedance of a three-phase transformer, follow these steps:
Step 1: Gather transformer data
You will need the following data from the transformer's nameplate or specification sheet:
Rated power (in VA or kVA)
Rated voltage on the primary side (in volts)
Rated voltage on the secondary side (in volts)
Rated current on the primary side (in amperes)
Short-circuit impedance voltage (as a percentage or in per-unit value)
Step 2: Convert ratings to per-unit values (optional)
To simplify the calculations, it is common to convert all the transformer ratings to per-unit values. This involves dividing each rating by the corresponding base value, typically the rated power. The per-unit impedance value is usually given on the nameplate.
Step 3: Calculate the impedance in ohms on the transformer's own base
Assuming you have the short-circuit impedance specified as a percentage:
Z_base = (V_base)^2 / S_base
Where:
Z_base = Transformer impedance in ohms on its own base
V_base = Rated voltage on either primary or secondary side (V)
S_base = Rated power in VA or kVA
Step 4: Convert the percentage impedance to ohms
Z_impedance = (Short-circuit impedance percentage / 100) * Z_base
Where:
Z_impedance = Impedance of the transformer in ohms
Short-circuit impedance percentage = Short-circuit impedance specified on the nameplate
If the short-circuit impedance is given in per-unit, you can directly use it to calculate the impedance:
Z_impedance = Short-circuit impedance (in per-unit) * Z_base
Step 5: Conversion to other sides (optional)
If you need to express the impedance on the other side of the transformer (i.e., primary impedance referred to the secondary or vice versa), you can use the turns ratio (n) between the primary and secondary windings:
Z_primary = Z_impedance / (n^2)
Z_secondary = Z_impedance * (n^2)
Remember that the impedance is a complex quantity, so it will have both resistance and reactance components. You can represent it as Z_impedance = R + jX, where R is the resistance in ohms, and X is the reactance in ohms.
Always use caution when working with electrical equipment and transformer calculations. If you are not familiar with these calculations, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a qualified electrical engineer or professional.