W hat is an Autotransformer? An autotransformer (or auto transformer ) is a type of electrical transformer with only one winding. The “auto” prefix refers to the single coil acting alone (Greek for “self”) – not to any automatic mechanism. An auto transformer is similar to a two winding transformer but varies in the way the primary and secondary winding of the transformer are interrelated. Autotransformer Theory In an auto transformer, one single winding is used as primary winding as well as secondary winding. But in two windings transformer two different windings are used for primary and secondary purpose. A circuit diagram of auto transformer is shown below. The winding AB of total turns N 1 is considered as primary winding. This winding is tapped from point ′C′ and the portion BC is considered as secondary. Let’s assume the number of turns in between points ′B′ and ′C′ is N 2 . If V 1 voltage is applied across the winding i.e. in between ′A′ and ′C′. Hence, the voltage acro
D epending on the construction of its magnetic core, we can categorize transformers into two types: Shell Type Transformer Core Type Transformer Core of Shell Type Transformer We use ‘E’s and ‘L’s shape laminations to make the core of the shell-type transformer . Limb of Shell Type Transformer The core of a single phase shell type transformer is constructed with of three limbs (legs). This design increases the mechanical strength of the core. It also improves the protection of windings from external mechanical shocks. The HV and LV windings are wound around the central limb. The central limb carries the entire flux (φ), whereas the side limbs carry half of the flux (φ/2). Hence, to accommodate the flux the cross-section of the central limb is twice than that of the side limbs. The magnetic flux flows through two closed magnetic paths which decrease the core losses and hence increase the efficiency of transformer . So, shell type transformer gives more output compared to similar c