Auto transformers are widely used electrical transformers to cater to the change of the voltage of electrical supply in an area or a locality. It is a single-based winding transformer that has a tap that allows for the adjustment of the voltage of outputs. They are used extensively in industrial usage and power distribution mechanisms all around. That’s why in today’s article we are going to discuss about advantages and disadvantages of Auto Transformer.
Advantages of Auto Transformer
1. Cost-effective and economical
Auto transformers are widely used due to their cost-efficient and economical offering. When compared to other isolation transformers, auto transformers use less material and have a simpler engineering design allowing them to manufacture and run it at a fraction of the cost of the other types of transformers. That savings on the cost can help the electrical board lessen the operational expenses and offer additional services.
2. Space Saving
Since auto transformers are smaller in size when compared to other types of transformers, it makes a great option to have where you need to install transformers in small size areas and tight areas. This makes it perfect for efficient installation and management and will save the electrical board money in terms of rental and other costs for installing them. Add to it the option to use one single transformer for multiple variety of works, it becomes a necessary innovation to have during tight crunch spaces.
3. Higher efficiency
Auto transformer provide higher efficiency in terms of energy transfer and allow for less overhead and loss of energy during electrical transformation. This is vital to keep the up time to the maximum possible extent and provide a seamless electric supply continuously. Areas like industrial zones and major hospital and amenities services need such uninterrupted supply. The easier mechanism and design of the auto transformer allow for easier and more efficient performance during electrical transfer to areas.
4. Versatile
Despite being simply an auto transformer, it has a wide variety of uses and offers more versatile options than other transformers. Auto transformers allow for activities like voltage regulation, matching various impedances, and activities of isolating the electrical transfer. This makes auto transformers a major preference for electrical companies and power supply boards as they can carry on multiple activities with just one single transformer rather than investing in multiple transformers or ancillary equipment.
5. Easy to Maintain
Owing to its simplistic design and convenient working mechanism, the run time for auto transformers is quite high. At the same time, the maintenance for the same is quite less needed as they offer a higher percentile of functioning when compared to other types of transformers. This allows for seamless and smooth running of the machine and offers quick and easy smaller maintenance if needed without disrupting the power supply for longer intervals.
Disadvantages of Auto Transformer
1. Larger short circuit current load
Since auto transformers are designed in a way to provide less loss of energy during electricity transfers, they operate in a larger short circuit than normal transformers. This can be at times disadvantage as it will affect the application during the smaller short circuit runs. This also means that there’s more current during fault and that at times can lead to catastrophic disasters.
2. Lack of isolation between primary and secondary electrical windings
Auto transformers do not have an isolation between the primary and the secondary windings or in simpler terms, do not have isolation between the input and the output. This means that any disturbance and fault in the primary and secondary winding will result in a propagated issue and may cause a safety risk. This can further also affect the functioning and operating of the equipment connected to the transformer line. This is why auto transformers aren’t used in areas where isolation is a must.
3. Largely useful for moderate and smaller voltage changes
Auto transformers are widely used across major areas and applications. But there are a few areas of application where auto transformers aren’t as suitable as it seems. Auto transformers are mainly suited for areas where the voltage changes are smaller or moderate in range as the transformer can handle that with ease. However, in areas where a larger voltage flow is required, isolation is much needed and as such, auto transformers are not the answer. Handling such a larger load and voltage change can cause faults in the mechanism and the operation of the transformer.
Final Words
Auto transformers are widely used and an efficient option for modern-day electrical transformers due to their ease of use, simple design, and the option of automatically handling the energy transfer voltage changes without the need for an isolation barrier. That has made it an effective choice for major usages these days like voltage regulation and conversion. But there are also a few caveats that they tend to lack when put against the other types of transformers. We hope this article allowed you to have a proper perspective on its functioning and both sides of the coin, i.e. pros and cons.
