University of San Carlos

Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

EE 421NL-EE Machines Lab
7:30-10:30, Monday, 2nd Semester AY2015-16
Polarity Test and Parallel Operation of Transformers
John Riel M. Belarmino
ABSTRACT:
INTRODUCTION:

C2

c2

c4

C5

C1

c1

c3

C3

+
C2

c2

c4

C5

C1

c1

c3

C3

AC
Source

OBJECTIVES:
To determine the polarities of the primary and
secondary winding of the single-phase transformers
connected in parallel using polarity test.
To connect the transformers in parallel operation.

Varia
ble
Load

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

3 Identical Transformers (already connected in
parallel), 2 Identical Single Phase Transformers,
Tester, Connecting Wires, Resistive Load
CIRCUIT DIAGRAM:
+

Figure 2. Two identical Single-phase Transformer in

Parallel Operation

b
12volts

Vin=220volts

d
V

Figure 1. Single-phase Transformer on Polarity Test

METHODOLOGY
Using the small rated transformers already connected
in parallel, the polarity test of parallel operation was
done. The three individual transformers high and low
voltage rating was checked using the ohmmeter to
ensure that these transformers were connected in
parallel correctly and have the same voltage. These
transformers were then connected to the source
shown in figure 1a to check the polarity of the
transformer if its additive or subtractive. The
connecting wires should not be connected to a and b
or c and d to avoid short circuit connection. After
that, the circuit shown in figure 2 was connected for
parallel operation. The two small rated transformers
used were identical with each other. The quantities
V , I, W(true power), Q(reactive power), S(apparent
power), frequency and power factor were measured
by the tester for both transformers connected in
parallel. Then, it was recorded.

DATA AND RESULTS

Short circuit will occur.

Table1. Polarity Test

Additive
Subtractive
a
+
+
b
c
+
d
+
Measured
240V
218V
Voltage
The table above shows that if the measured voltage of
the voltmeter is greater than Vin it is additive,
otherwise, it is subtractive.

CONCLUSION:

Table2.Parallel Operation
Parallel Operation
Quantities
T1
T2
T1 and
Measured
T2
V(volatge)
227V
226V
227V
I(current)
1.33A
1.02A
2.37A
W(true power)
343W
232W
537W
Q(reactive power)
0
0
0
S(apparent power)
301VA
252VA 537VA
f(frequency)
60.2Hz
60.2Hz 60.2Hz
pf(power factor)
1
1
1
The power factor is 1 since the load is a resistive
load, thus the reactive power measured equals zero.
Also the measured voltage for both transformers is
equal to zero which means that it has met one of the
conditions for parallel operation.

The objectives of the experiment have been

accomplished. The polarity test has been understood
successfully. The parallel operation of the small rated
single phase transformers was also studied well. For
its efficient operation, there are conditions that must
be met. The transformers to be connected in parallel
should have the same voltage; otherwise there will be
a huge circulating current to cause for unnecessary
copper loss. Also, they must have the same polarity to
avoid short circuit to happen. The impedance of
transformers should also be inversely proportional to
their KVA ratings. And last to the condition is for
them to have same phase sequence.
REFERENCES:
REFLECTION:
Before this experiment, I thought that the polarity of
the primary and secondary windings were just
because you want it to be that way. But, this
experiment has proven me that I am wrong for I can
determine the polarity using the polarity test. This is
an important learning most especially if I want to
connect transformers in parallel.

ANDWERS to QUESTIONS:

CERTIFICATION:

1. What will happen if the transformers connected in

parallel dont have the same voltage in the
secondary?

I hereby certify that this report was base from the

experiment and has gone through research.

There will be a huge circulating current causing extra

copper loss.
2. What will happen if the transformers connected in
parallel dont have the same polarity?

______________________
John Riel M. Belarmino