Question:medium

An autotransformer converts 200V to 100V supplying same load. Copper saving is

Show Hint

The saving of copper in an autotransformer is directly proportional to the transformation ratio \(k\) (where \(k < 1\)).
The closer the transformation ratio \(k\) is to unity (1), the higher the copper saving and the more economical the autotransformer becomes.
Updated On: Jul 4, 2026
  • 25%
  • 50%
  • 75%
  • 100%
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Problem:
The question asks for the percentage of copper saved when using an autotransformer instead of a two-winding transformer to convert a voltage of 200 V to 100 V while supplying the same load.
Copper saving in an autotransformer is an important economic benefit compared to a conventional two-winding transformer.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:

Let the transformation ratio of the autotransformer be \(k\), defined as:
\[ k = \frac{V_2}{V_1} \]
where \(V_1\) is the primary (input) voltage and \(V_2\) is the secondary (output) voltage, with \(V_2 < V_1\).
The formula for the weight of copper in an autotransformer (\(W_{auto}\)) in terms of the weight of copper in a two-winding transformer (\(W_{tw}\)) is:
\[ W_{auto} = (1 - k) W_{tw} \]
Therefore, the saving in copper (\(W_{saving}\)) is:
\[ W_{saving} = W_{tw} - W_{auto} = k \cdot W_{tw} \] The percentage of copper saving is:
\[ \text{Percentage Copper Saving} = k \times 100\% \]

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:


• First, determine the primary voltage \(V_1 = 200\text{ V}\) and the secondary voltage \(V_2 = 100\text{ V}\).

• Compute the transformation ratio \(k\):
\[ k = \frac{V_2}{V_1} = \frac{100}{200} = 0.5 \]

• Substitute the value of \(k\) into the percentage copper saving formula:
\[ \text{Percentage Copper Saving} = 0.5 \times 100\% = 50\% \]

• This means that 50% of the copper weight is saved by using an autotransformer instead of a standard two-winding transformer for this specific voltage ratio.

Step 4: Final Answer:

The copper saving is 50%.
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