Transformers Interview Questions on “Three Phase Bank of Single Phase Transformers”.
1. For very high voltage transformers which connection is cheaper on primary side?
a) Star
b) Delta
c) Open delta
d) Can be star/ delta/ open delta
Answer: a
Clarification: In star connection with earthed neutral, the maximum voltage of the phase winding to ground is 1/√3 or 58% of the line voltage, while in delta connection this is equal to the line voltage in case of earthing of one of the lines during a fault. Thus, star on HV side is cheaper.
2. In which of the circuit given positive and negative sequence currents will flow in primary?
a) Star/delta
b) Star/star
c) Open delta/delta
d) Delta/delta
Answer: d
Clarification: The only positive and negative sequence currents flow in the lines on the delta side. This could also be achieved by star-connected primary provided the primary and secondary star points are grounded. But this is not recommended on account of flow of ground current for unbalanced secondary loads.
3. When star/star connection is used?
a) Small HV
b) Small LV
c) High HV
d) High LV
Answer: a
Clarification: This case is economical for small HV transformers as it minimizes the turns/phase and winding insulation. A neutral connection is possible. However, the Y /Y connection is rarely used because of difficulties associated with the exciting current.
4. When delta/delta connection is used?
a) Small HV
b) Small LV
c) High HV
d) High LV
Answer: d
Clarification: This suits large LV transformers as it needs more turns/phase of smaller section. A large load unbalance can be tolerated. The absence of a star point may be a disadvantage. This connection can operate at 58% normal rating as open-delta when one of the transformers of the bank is removed for repairs or maintenance.
5. For using as a step-up transformer which connection is used?
a) Star/star
b) Delta/delta
c) Delta/star
d) Star/delta
Answer: c
Clarification: This is the most commonly used connection for power systems. At transmission levels star connection is on the HV side, i.e. D/Y for step-up and Y/D for step-down. The neutral thus available is used for grounding on the HV side.
6. At distribution level transformer with which connection is used?
a) Star/star
b) Delta/delta
c) Delta/star
d) Star/delta
Answer: c
Clarification: At the distribution level the D/Y transformer is used with star on the LV side which allows mixed 3-phase and 1-phase loads, while delta allows the flow of circulating current to compensate for neutral current on the star side.
7. Third-harmonic currents have phase difference of _____________
a) 00
b) 900
c) 1800
d) 270
Answer: a
Clarification: The phase difference in third-harmonic currents and voltages on a 3-phase system is 3 * 120° = 360° or 0° which means that these are cophasal. Therefore, third-harmonic currents and voltages cannot be present on the lines of a 3-phase system as these do not add up to zero.
8. Core flux in the transformer is _______________
a) sinusoidal
b) flat-topped
c) square wave
d) triangular
