Booster Transformer

Booster transformer is one which is often used towards the end of a power line to raise the voltage to the desired value. It is used for controlling the voltage of a feeder at a point far away from the main transformer.

The secondary of the booster transformer is connected in series with the line, and its primary is supplied from the secondary of the regulating transformer. The output winding of the regulating transformer is so connected to the primary of the booster transformer that the voltage injected in the line V_B is in phase with the supply V_S.

By changing taps on the regulating transformer, the magnitude of V_B can be changed and thus feeder voltage V_F can be regulated. The rating of regulating transformer is only the fraction of that the main transformer. It is given by the expression.

The advantage of the above system is that the regulating equipment is independent of the main transformer so that a failure in the former will not throw the latter out of service.

Booster transformer is used in railways for eliminating the flow of stray current. The stray current disturbs the communication system and also damage the electronic devices of the trains passing through them.