A variable frequency transformer including: a first parallel circuit including at least two of the rotary transformers arranged in parallel and having an isolating circuit breaker connected to a rotor winding of each of the rotary transformers, and a separate synchronizing circuit breaker connected to a stator winding in each of the rotary transformers in the first parallel circuit; a first main transformer having a first winding connectable to a first power grid and a secondary winding connectable to the isolating circuit breaker in the first parallel circuit; a second main transformer having a first winding connectable to a second power grid and a secondary winding connectable to each of the synchronizing circuit breakers in the first parallel circuit, and a control system operatively connected to each of the synchronizing circuit breakers, the isolating circuit breakers and the drive motors for each of the rotary transformers.