Facts About Auto Transformers

By Author: Cyrus Joseph
Total Articles: 58
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These auto-transformers, like the Load Tap-Changing Tranformers, are different kind of transformer (from the typical kind) that uses electricity rather than other forms of energy. They are often smaller in size as compared with the other kinds of transformers. Auto-Transformers has a single coil or winding that acts both on the primary and secondary sides. The said winding has taps that regulate the flow of electricity coming from the source towards any form of electrical apparatus connected to it. This process is also called ‘step-up’ and ‘step-down’ process that allows any equipment with a different voltage to be connected to the power source (e.g. a TV set of 110V connected to a 220V source). This type of transformer is lighter and less expensive than the regular one and can function on its own or be a part of a multiple system.

Principles in Tap Changing

A tap changer is a mechanism inside (or sometimes separate) the transformer, has several turns and functions as a voltage regulator by switching the flow of energy from one turn to another. It plays an essential part in regulating the ...
... distribution of energy especially within the industrial facilities and other big corporations that require the use of great quantity of electrical supply at a different voltage level.

In order to avoid power interruption during the switching, the ‘resistor principle’ was developed. This method was developed to serve as a bridge and transfer the energy load from one to another.

Benefits of Tap Changing

1. Less system loss

A regular transformer carries a load of energy at all times. Some of these energies were not used for a purpose but merely circulates within the system. The use of an autotransformer will result in having all existing energy be maximized energy by switching the energy to another area that needed it. Furthermore, due to its regulating function, it has the ability to control the influx and avoid any possibility of unwanted energy circulating within the system.

2. Load management improves the circulation of power

Directing the flow of energy to varying degrees to the several service areas is an advantage for the energy consumers. There will be a lesser (if none at all) incidence of system overload causing a short circuit in the system. Furthermore, the possibility of experiencing an incidence of power interruption may be avoided or lessened with the application of ‘resistor principle.’

3. Reduction of environmental hazards.

Maintenance of this equipment during the switching process does not require the use a bio-hazard material making it environment friendly.

4. Statistics reveal that one of the main causes of fire is ‘faulty electrical wiring.’

Regulating power will help avoid such occurrences. It also helps reduce pollution of the environment because its maintenance does not require the use of biohazard materials.

5. Electricity bill is lesser

Most countries pay a higher rate on electricity consumption due to the deregulation law applied to the electric industry. The use of these energy regulators, like the Load Tap-Changing Transformers, results to lesser energy consumption resulting to a lower electricity bill.

For more information on Auto-Transformers, you can