2
\$\begingroup\$

I currently have a 45 kVA, 600 to 480 V, delta to wye step-down transformer designed into my system.

I've done the calculation of 45 kVA / 480 V · √3 to roughly get 54.13 A.

Would this current value be how much the transformer can supply per line? Would L1, L2, and L3 all be capable of supplying this much?

Then my second question is: if I add a 3-phase, 10 HP motor and a 3-phase, 5 HP motor to the busbar connected to this transformer, how would the amount of current the transformer can supply change?

\$\endgroup\$

1 Answer 1

1
\$\begingroup\$

One question at a time...

I've done the calculation of 45KVA / 480V * sqrt(3) to roughly get 54.13Amps. Would this amperage value be how much the transformer can supply per Line ?

You have calculated the value correctly and this is the rated current value. This means that the transformer can deliver this amount of current without overheating.

Would L1, L2, & L3 all be capable of supplying this much?

Yes, each of the phases can supply that amount of current.

Then my second question is, If I add a 3 phase 10 HP and 3 phase 5 HP motor to the busbar connecting to this transformer. How would the amount of amperage the transformer can supply change?

That depends.

If the motors are connected to the 600V bar, the same one that the transformer is connected to, as you comment. In this case, the transformer will be able to continue supplying the same amount of current, the rated current in principle, without interference from the motors. However, if your 'source' is not powerful enough, you may have problems with voltage drops and, perhaps, with the motors starting in the case of direct starting (this will depend on the impedance of the source, that is, the equipment that feeds the 600V bar).

If the motors are connected to the 480 V bus they will certainly draw the current from the transformer. As you mentioned, about 15.54 A, which corresponds to 28.7% of the transformer's capacity. Nothing prevents you from drawing more than the rated current, but in this case the transformer will probably overheat. Now, special attention must be given to starting the motors, if you are using direct starting, because the series impedance of the transformer will cause additional pressure drop.

\$\endgroup\$
3
  • \$\begingroup\$ Luiz, the busbar is connected to the 480V side of the transformer. This is what the motors would be connecting to , 480V 3 Phase \$\endgroup\$ Aug 29, 2022 at 16:04
  • \$\begingroup\$ I guess my next question would be , lets say we convert 10 HP to watts, so 10 * 746 = 7460Watt. If we divide 7460W by 480V we get 15.54 Amp. Would this 15.54 Amp get subtracted from each of the Phase ( L1, L2, L3 ) leaving us with 38.59 Amp per phase left ? \$\endgroup\$ Aug 29, 2022 at 16:54
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Jackdiamond, yes. You are right. In fact, you can draw more than the rated current from the transformer, but this will cause the transformer to overheat. I'll update the answer. \$\endgroup\$ Aug 29, 2022 at 18:59

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.