Mathematics and Computers in Simulation 63 (2003) 407–419

Analytical model of a T-connected three-phase transformer

Guy Olivier a,∗ , Radu Cojocaru b , Anthony Lefèvre c
a
Ecole Polytechnique de Montréal, P.O. Box 6079, Station CV, Montréal, Que., Canada H3C3A7
b
Marcus Transformer Canada, 999 du Collège, Montréal, Que., Canada H4C2S3
c
École Polytechnique de 1’ Université de Nantes, Gavy Oceanis B.P. 152,
44603 Saint-Nazaire, France

Abstract
Three-phase transformers usually consist of three sets of windings connected in Wye , delta or zigzag on three
individual cores or on a single three-phase one. Two single-phase transformers can also be used in a less than
well-known way called the T-connection. Depending on the actual connection, as in conventional three-phase
transformers, secondary voltages are in phase or displaced by ±30◦ . Due to the reduced number of windings,
the T-connected transformer can be economically produced. However, since it is an asymmetrical connection,
the short-circuit impedances of the individual phases are not identical, leading to unbalanced load voltages and
short-circuit currents. An analytical model of the T-connected transformer has been developed to evaluate the
effects of the impedance unbalance. This model based on single-phase short-circuit tests can be used to determine
voltage unbalances, active and reactive transformer losses and short-circuit impedances.
© 2003 IMACS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Index Terms: Equivalent circuits; Impedance; Short-circuit currents; Transformers

Keywords: T-connection; Three-phase transformer; Winding

1. Introduction

The T-connected three-phase transformer was first introduced by E.W. Manning in 1958 [1]. As can
be seen in Fig. 1, it consists of two single-phase transformers with both primary and secondary windings
connected in the same way as the primary of a Scott connected transformer. The first winding, called the
main winding, is connected across two lines and one end of the second winding, the teaser, is connected
to the third line while the other end is connected to the midpoint
√ of the first winding. The main windings
should be rated for the line-to-line voltage and the teasers for 3/2 times the line-to-line voltage or one
and a half the phase voltage. If needed, a neutral point can be realized with a tap at one-third of the teaser
∗
Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: guy.olivier@polymtl.ca (G. Olivier), info@marcustransformer.com (R. Cojocaru).

0378-4754/$30.00 © 2003 IMACS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

doi:10.1016/S0378-4754(03)00085-5
408 G. Olivier et al. / Mathematics and Computers in Simulation 63 (2003) 407–419

Nomenclature
a voltage ratio, secondary voltage/primary voltage
Eab , Ebc , Eca secondary line-to-line voltages
EAB , EBC , ECA primary line-to-line voltages
Ean , Ebn , Ecc secondary phase voltages
Gij ,j winding
Ia , Ib , Ic , In secondary line and neutral currents
IA , IB , IC primary line currents
mij turn ratio, Nj /Ni
Ucoef unbalance coefficient
yo magnetisation admittance
Zij short-circuit impedance of windings i and j referred to winding i
Zl load impedance

winding. Depending how the secondary windings are connected in relation to the primary windings,
three basic configurations exist. The first one, identified as Tt0 , introduces no phase-shift between the pri-
mary and secondary voltages while for the two others, identified as Tt1 and Tt11 , the secondary voltages
are respectively displaced by 30◦ and −30◦ . In fact, the first configuration behaves exactly like con-
ventional delta–zigzag transformer while the last two emulate delta–Wye connections with ±30◦ phase-
shift.
The same equations as for the conventional cases apply to the relations between primary and secondary
voltages and currents.

C Tt0 c

B n a

A b
b
C
Tt1
c

A n a

C Tt11 c

B a
n
A b

Fig. 1. T-connected three-phase transformers.

 G. Olivier et al. / Mathematics and Computers in Simulation 63 (2003) 407–419 409

EAB Ia
Eab = and IA =
a a
EBC Ib
For Tt0 : Ebc = and IB = (1)
a a
ECA Ic
Eca = and IC =
a a
◦
EAB ∠ − 30 Ia − Ic
Eab = and IA = √
a a 3
EBC ∠ − 30◦ Ib − Ia
For Tt11 : Ebc = and IB = √ (2)
a a 3
ECA ∠ − 30◦ Ic − Ib
Eca = and IC = √
a a 3
◦
EAB ∠30 Ia − Ib
Eab = and IA = √
a a 3
EBC ∠30◦ Ib − Ic
For Tt1 : Ebc = and IB = √ (3)
a a 3
ECA ∠30◦ Ic − Ia
Eca = and IC = √
a a 3
where a is the voltage ratio: Eab /EAB
Even though, in most of the cases, the use of a T-connected transformer rather than a more common
configuration is completely transparent to the user, this connection is seldom seen in North America and
is completely unknown in Europe. In Canada, at least one company offers a full line of low-voltage,
dry-type, distribution transformers based on the T-connection. The range of their products extends from
15 kVA to more than 500 kVA. Voltages up to 4.6 kV are available. These transformers are routinely used
for commercial, institutional and industrial applications.

2. Equivalent circuit

2.1. Impedance unbalance

In usual three-phase transformers, it is assumed that the short-circuit impedances of the individual
phases are identical. Therefore, their single line model is a simple impedance. However, because its
construction is based on two single-phase transformers, the short-circuit impedance of a T-connected
transformer is more complex. Each individual phase presents a different impedance and, moreover,
these impedances are coupled. This asymmetrical short-circuit impedances are probably the cause of a
well-spread misconception about this connection. Indeed, if the impedance unbalance is too important,
large voltage unbalances will be present at the secondary terminals even when input voltages are balanced
and displaced by 120◦ . The induction motors are extremely sensitive to voltage unbalances. These cause
excessive negative sequence currents and may yield to motor overheat. To minimize this effect, the
designer of T-connected transformers must reduce to the minimum the impedance unbalance or the
impedances must be kept small enough that their effect is not harmful.
410 G. Olivier et al. / Mathematics and Computers in Simulation 63 (2003) 407–419

An analytical model of a T-connected transformer was needed to determine voltage unbalances,

short-circuit currents and transformer active and reactive losses. This model should be based on sim-
ple short-circuit impedances that can be directly measured or calculated from design data. Such a model
was not available and has to be developed.

2.2. Multi-winding transformer equivalent circuit

The T-connected transformer being realized from the interconnection of a three-winding transformer
and a four-winding transformer, a model may be constructed from the equivalent circuit of these two
basic transformers.
Fig. 2 shows a four-winding transformer. Winding 1 is the primary. The loads are connected to windings
2–4; they draw currents I2 to I4 (currents are considered positive if they enter the end of the winding with
a polarity dot).
From this model, the following equations can be derived [2,3].
    
I1 y0 −m21 −m31 −m41 E1
 E2   m21 G22 G G   I2 
 = 23 24   (4)
 E3   m31 G32 G33 G34   I3 
E4 m41 G42 G43 G44 I4
where y0 is the magnetization admittance, mij the turn ratios and Gij are the impedances of the windings.
Gij can be expressed in terms of short-circuit impedances of pairs of windings:
Gii = Z
1i m21
2

Z1i + Z1j − Zij (mi1 mj1 ) (5)
Gij =
m221 2
with Zij being the short-circuit impedance of the pair of windings i and j seen from winding i.
This model can be extended to transformers with any number of windings.

2.3. Equivalent circuit of a T-connected transformer (Tt1 )

The T-connected transformer is constituted by the interconnection of a four winding transformer, the
main, and a three winding transformer, the teaser. Referring to the diagram of the Tt1 , Fig. 3, the following
equations can be written [4].

4 3 2
Fig. 2. Four-winding transformer.
 G. Olivier et al. / Mathematics and Computers in Simulation 63 (2003) 407–419 411

For the teaser, windings 1–3:

    
IC y01 −m21 −m31 ECT
    
 Ect  =  m21 G22 G23   −Ic  (6)
Eta m31 G32 G33 Ia
For the main, windings 4–7:
    
Ib y02 −m54 −m64 −m74 Enb
E  m G57   
 AT   54 G55 G56  IA 
 =   (7)
 ETB   m64 G65 G66 G67   −IB 
Etn m74 G75 G76 G77 − (Ia + Ic )
Sub-matrices G can be determined, as previously explained from short-circuit tests performed on pairs
of windings. As an example:
 
Z12 + Z13 − Z23 m21 m31
G23 =
m221 2
and
 
Z45 + Z47 − Z57 m54 m74
G57 =
m254 2
In order to solve the previous system, relations linking primary and secondary currents are needed. To this
purpose, (2) can be used. However, these are theoretical equations, exact only if the turn ratios are equal
to the theoretical ones. Since, it is not often the case, exact relations have been derived from Ampere’s
law (conservation of the ampere-turns). Neglecting magnetization currents:
IA = N14 Ia + N15 Ib + N16 Ic
IB = N24 Ia + N25 Ib + N26 Ic
IC = N34 Ia + N36 Ic

C 3

1 b 4 7 t
n
2
6 5
B T A
a

Fig. 3. Tt1 transformer model.

412 G. Olivier et al. / Mathematics and Computers in Simulation 63 (2003) 407–419

with
m74 + m31 m64 −1
N14 = ; N15 = = −N25
m54 + m64 m54 + m64
m74 − m21 m64 −m74 + m31 m54
N16 = ; N24 =
m54 + m64 m54 + m64 (8)
1 −m74 − m21 m54
N25 = = −N15 ; N26 =
m54 + m64 m54 + m64
N34 = −m31 ; N36 = m21
At this point, using (6) and (7), it becomes possible to obtain a set of equations linking the secondary
phase voltages to the primary line-to-line voltages and to load currents.
First, the equation for Ebn can be obtained by adding the second to the third lines of (7) and, then,
replacing the IA and IB by the expressions given in (8).
EAB = EAT + ETB
Then,
Ebn = N51 EAB + Z54 Ia + Z55 Ib + Z56 Ic
1
N51 =
m54 + m64
Z54 = (G55 + G65 )N14 N25 − (G56 + G66 )N24 N25 − (G57 + G67 )N25 (9)
Z55 = −(G55 + G65 + G56 + G66 )N25
2

Z56 = (G55 + G65 )N16 N25 − (G56 + G66 )N26 N25 − (G57 + G67 )N25
The relation for Ean is obtained by combining the last line of (6) and (7):
Ean = Eat − Ent = −Eta + Etn
Ean = −m31 ECT + G32 Ic − G33 Ia + Etn (10)
Ean = −m31 (ECA − ETA ) + G32 Ic − G33 Ia + Etn
Combining (7) and (9), all the terms can, then, be expressed as a function of the secondary currents:
Ean = N41 EAB + N43 ECA + Z44 Ia + Z45 Ib + Z46 Ic
with
N41 = −N24
N43 = −m31
Z44 = −m31 (G55 N14 − G56 N24 − G57 − m54 Z54 ) + G75 N14 − G76 N24 − G33 − G77 − m74 Z54
Z45 = −m31 (−N25 (G55 + G56 ) − m54 Z55 ) − N25 (G75 + G76 ) − m74 Z55
Z46 = −m31 (G55 N16 − G56 N26 − G57 − m54 Z56 ) + G75 N16 − G76 N26 + G32 − G77 − m74 Z56
(11)
 G. Olivier et al. / Mathematics and Computers in Simulation 63 (2003) 407–419 413

Finally,

Ecn = Ect + Etn

and

Ecn = N61 EAB + N63 ECA + Z64 Ia + Z65 Ib + Z66 Ic

with
N61 = −N26
N63 = −m21
Z64 = m21 (G55 N14 − G56 N24 − G57 − m54 Z54 ) + G75 N14 − G76 N24 + G23 − G77 − m74 Z54
Z65 = m21 (−N25 (G55 + G56 ) − m54 Z55 ) − N25 (G75 + G76 ) − m74 Z55
Z66 = m21 (G55 N16 − G56 N26 − G57 − m54 Z56 ) + G75 N16 − G76 N26 − G22 − G77 − m74 Z56
(12)

The overall transfer function of the T-connected transformer (Tt1 ) can now be expressed in the desired
manner, i.e. the input currents as a function of the output currents and the secondary voltages as a function
of the primary line-to-line voltages and the transformer impedances:
     
IA 0 0 0 N14 N15 N16 EAB
 IB   0 N24 N25 N26   
   0 0   EBC 
 IC   0 0 0 N34 N35 N36   ECA 
 
   
 Ean  =  N41 0 N43 Z44 Z45 Z46  =  Ia  (13)
     
 Ebn   N51 0 0 Z54 Z55 Z56   Ib 
Ecn N61 0 N63 Z64 Z65 Z66 Ic

In (13), N coefficients are turn-ratios while Z coefficients represent transformer impedances. Eq. (13)
enables calculation of secondary voltages with balanced or unbalanced loads, voltage regulation and
voltage unbalance coefficient (Ucoef ).

2.4. Passive loads

Transformer equations were solved with current sources as loads. The more general case of passive
loads can be taken care of by rearranging (13) which can be divided in four sub-matrices:

Iprim 0 mi Eprim
=
Esec me ZT Isec

with
   
N14 N15 N16 N41 0 N43
mi =  N24 N25 N26  ; me =  N51 0 0 
N34 N35 N36 N61 0 N63
414 G. Olivier et al. / Mathematics and Computers in Simulation 63 (2003) 407–419

and:
 
Z44 Z45 Z46
 
ZT =  Z54 Z55 Z56  (14)
Z64 Z65 Z66
If the loads consists of three impedances ZLan , ZLbn and ZLcn connected across the secondary and the
neutral terminals:
 
ZLan 0 0
 
Esec = ZL Isec ; with ZL =  0 ZLbn 0  (15)
0 0 ZLcn
and from (14) and (15):
Esec = me Eprim + ZT Isec = ZL Isec
therefore:
Isec = me Eprim (ZL − ZT )−1 (16)

2.5. Short-circuit currents

Finally, short-circuit currents, Isc , can be calculated by simply eliminating ZL from the last equation:
Isc = −me Eprim (ZT )−1 (17)

3. Application

In order to assess its validity, the model was applied to several commercial transformers with capacity
ranging from 30 to 112.5 kVA. Similar results were obtained with all units. Typical results obtained for
a 112.5 kVA, 60 Hz, 600/120–208 V transformer are given. All calculations were done for a temperature

Table 1
Measured Parameters of a T-connected 112.5 kVA commercial transformer
Turn-ratio Winding resistance (m) Short-circuit impedance (m)
m21 : 0.203 R1 : 40.6 Z12 : 89.7 + j 159
m31 : 0.203 R2 : 2.04 Z13 : 119 + j 191
m54 : 2.500 R3 : 3.23 Z23 : 5.35 + j 17.1
m64 : 2.500 R4 : 2.70 Z45 : 7.61 + j 13.5
m74 : 0.500 R5 : 29.0 Z46 : 5.66 + j 7.87
R6 : 17.7 Z47 : 9.91 + j 7.98
R7 :1.87 Z56 : 50.1 + j 146
Z57 : 73.1 + j 48.4
Z67 : 62.7 + j 111
G. Olivier et al. / Mathematics and Computers in Simulation 63 (2003) 407–419 415

Fig. 4. Voltage regulation.

416 G. Olivier et al. / Mathematics and Computers in Simulation 63 (2003) 407–419

winding of 20 ◦ C. Table 1 gives, the turn ratios, the short-circuit impedances and the winding resistances
of the transformer at 20 ◦ C. Appendix A gives the numerical values of matrices G and N.
The previously developed model was applied to the 112.5 kVA transformer in order to determine its
regulation and the secondary voltage unbalances. Fig. 4 shows, for each phase and for five different load
values, the secondary voltage amplitude and phase for loads varying from purely inductive to purely
capacitive. As usual, voltage regulation depends on the load power factor and on its amplitude.
The no-load voltages are respectively: 121.12, 119.84 and 121.12 V and the no-load phase error is
inferior to 0.35◦ . This no-load unbalance is due to the fact that the turn-ratios are not exactly equal to the
ideal ones. It has to be remembered that fractions of turn are impossible. In the worst case, at full load,
the voltage decreases to 117 V yielding a voltage regulation of 3.4% and the phase error is less than 2.2◦ .
Fig. 5 shows the variation of the secondary voltages with the load amplitude and power factor. These
curves give the deviation of the individual phase voltage from the mean value of the three phases.
Finally, Fig. 6, gives the unbalance coefficient defined as:
Ei
Ucoef (%) = × 100 (18)
Ed

Fig. 5. Voltage unbalance expressed as a percentage of the mean secondary voltage.

 G. Olivier et al. / Mathematics and Computers in Simulation 63 (2003) 407–419 417

Fig. 6. Unbalance coefficient (Ucoef ) of the secondary voltages defined as the ratio Ei /Ed .

where Ei and Ed are respectively the inverse and direct sequence component of the secondary voltages.
Again the offset at no-load is due to less than perfect turn ratios.
In order to verify the model, the resistive losses obtained from the model has been computed and
compared to the losses calculated in the dc resistance of the seven windings. The model predicts losses of
1992 W while the losses calculated from dc resistance of the windings reach 1960 W. The difference can
be attributed to ac losses in the conductors. Furthermore, the model shows that the reactive losses reach
2538 var. Therefore, the total losses for a 150 ◦ C temperature rise are 4060 VA. Therefore, equivalent
impedance of the transformer is 2.87% at 20 ◦ C and 3.61% with an average winding temperature rise of
150 ◦ C.
The model also enables the calculation of the short-circuit currents or the test voltages to be applied for
the short-circuit test. For a three-phase to neutral short, the secondary currents are, respectively, for the
three phases: 10.8, 16.2 and 9.9 kA In term of short-circuit impedance, these values represent an average
impedance of 2.55% at 20 ◦ C. On the other hand, the model also enables the determination of the test
voltages required for a short-circuit test. In the present case, the line-to-line voltages needed are: 11.0,
18.6 and 15.5 V.
The results presented here for the 112.5 kVA transformer are typical of those obtained for the other
transformers. The overall results obtained with all the transformers indicate that the unbalance is not a
problem and that these transformers can satisfactory replace more conventional units in a very broad band
of applications.

4. Conclusion

A new analytical model of T-connected transformers have been presented. This model, is based on
simple short-circuit tests done on individual pairs of windings, enables the calculation of, transformer
418 G. Olivier et al. / Mathematics and Computers in Simulation 63 (2003) 407–419

losses and impedance, secondary voltage unbalance and short-circuit currents. Results show that the
T-connected transformer can satisfactory replace conventional units in most of the applications.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported in part by the National Research Council Canada and, in part, by Marcus
Transformer Canada.

Appendix A

   
IC 0 −0.203 −0.203 ECT
   
 Ect   0.203 3.69 + 6.53i 1.62 − 1.38i   −Ic  and
Eta 0.203 1.62 − 1.38i 4.90 + 7.84i Ia
     
Ib 0 −2.500 −2.500 −0.500 Enb
 E   2.500 47.6 + 84.6i 16.4 − 6.14i 3.64 + 8.60i   IA 
 AT     
 = × 
 ETB   2.500 16.4 − 6.14i 35.4 + 49.2i 3.46 − 1.22i   −IB 
Etn 2.500 3.64 + 8.60i 3.46 − 1.22i 2.48 + 2.00i −(Ia + Ic )

   
IA 0 0 0 0.201 −0.200 −0.0014
 I   −0.201 
 B   0 0 0 0.0014 0.200 
   
 IC   0 0 0 −0.203 0 0.203 
   
 E  =  −0.0014 −0.203 −7.84 − 9.80i 1.14 + 1.67i −0.079 − 1.61i 
 an   0 
   
 Ebn   −0.200 0 0 1.14 + 1.67i −4.63 − 4.86i 0.648 + 0.236i 
Ecn 0.201 0 0.203 −0.079 − 1.61i 0.648 + 0.236i −6.21 − 11.0i
 
EAB
E 
 BC 
 
 ECA 
= 
I 
 a 
 
 Ib 
Ic
In these equations, all impedance values are given in m.

References

[1] E.W. Manning, The T-Connected Three-Phase Transformer, AIEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems, Part III,
vol. 77, pp. 1021–1023, 1958.
 G. Olivier et al. / Mathematics and Computers in Simulation 63 (2003) 407–419 419

[2] R.D. Chenoweh, A.K. Ayeub, Equivalent circuits for multi winding transformers: a general procedure, in: Proceedings of
the IEEE PES Winter Meeting (Paper C 73 078-3), New York, 28 January–2 February 1973, 7 pp.
[3] G. Olivier, E.J. Gudefin, Modeling of multiple-winding transformers, in: Proceedings of the 14th IMACS World Congress
on Computational and Applied Mathematics, Atlanta, 11–15 July 1994, pp. 858–863.
[4] N.S. Germain, Analyse de la connexion en T, Master dissertation, Department of Electrical Engineering, École Polytechnique
de Montréal, Montréal, 1993.