TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 1

UNIT 8
TRANSFORMER

OBJECTIVES

General Objective

: To understand the basic principles of a transformer, construction

principle, transformer ratio for voltage, current and core, type of
transformer and uses.

Specific Objectives : At the end of the unit you will be able to :

explain the operating principles of a transformer by referring

to electromagnet inductance concept
describe transformer construction
describe the relationship between primary winding and
secondary winding.
use V1/V2 = N1/N2 = I2/I1 in calculations on the transformer.
explain transformer ratio for voltage, current and winding
coil.
be capable of calculating efficiency.
explain the significance of open-circuit and short-circuit
testing.
describe auto transformer

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 2

INPUT

8.0

Introduction

A transformer is a device which uses the phenomenon of mutual induction to change the
values of alternating voltages and currents. In fact, one of the main advantages of alternating
current transmission and distribution is the ease with which an alternating voltage can be
increased or decreased by transformers.
Losses in transformers are generally low and thus efficiency is high. Being static
they have a long life and are very stable. Transformers range in size from the miniature units
used in electronic applications to the large power transformers used in power stations. The
transformer types are shown in Figure 8.1. The principle of operation is the same for each.

(a) Three-phase core type

(c) Core and windings of three-phase

(b) Single-phase shell type

(d) Helix and disc coils on single-phase

Source : Performance and Design of A.C. Machines by M.G. Say

Figure 8.1 The transformer types

TRANSFORMER

8.1

E2063/ Unit 8/ 3

Principle of Operation

In simple form, a transformer consists of two windings connected by a magnetic core. One
winding is connected to a power supply and the other to a load. A circuit diagram symbol
for a transformer is shown in Fig. 8.2.
Primary winding

AC supply

Flux

Core
Secondary winding

N1

N2

Load

Figure 8.2 A transformer construction

When the secondary is an open-circuit and an alternating voltage V1 is applied to a primary
winding, a small current flows which set up a magnetic flux in the core. This alternating flux
links with both primary and secondary coils and induces in them e.m.f.s of E1 and E2.
The induced e.m.f., E in a coil of N turns is given by
d
E = -N
volts
dt
d
is the rate of change of flux.
where
dt
In the ideal transformer, the rate of change of flux is the same for both primary and

secondary thus 1 = 2 .
1
2
The induced e.m.f. per turn is constant.
Assuming no losses, E1 = V1 and E2 = V2
V
V1
V
N
= 2 or 1 = 1
V2 2
1
2

When the load is connected across the secondary winding, a current I2 flows. In an ideal
transformer losses are neglected and a transformer is considered to be 100% efficient.

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 4

Hence input powers = output power or V1 I1 = V2 I2 , the primary and secondary voltamperes are equal.
V1
I
Thus
= 2
V2
I1
Combining equations gives
V1
N1 I 2
=
=
V2
N 2 I1

Example 8.1
A transformer is to be used to provide a 60 V output from a 240 V A.C supply. Calculate (a)
the turns of ratio required and (b) the number of primary turns, if the secondary is wound
with 500 turns.
Solution to Example 8.1
V2 = 60 V
V1 = 240 V
N2 = 500
a)

V1
N1
240
=
=
V2
N2
60

so turns ratio,

b)

N1
4
= or 4 : 1
N2
1

N1
4
=
500
1
therefore, N1 = 2000

Example 8.2

A 2000/200V, 20kVA transformer has 66 turns in the secondary. Calculate

(i)
primary turns
(ii)
primary and secondary full-load currents
Neglect the losses.

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 5

Solution to Example 8.2

Figure 8.3

Fig. 8.3 represents the conditions of the problem

K=
(i)

V2
200
1
=
=
V1 2000 10

N2
1
=K=
N1
10
N1 = N 2 10 = 66 10 = 660 turns

(ii)

V1I1 = V2 I 2 = 20 103
20 103
I2 =
= 100 A
200

TRANSFORMER

8.2

E2063/ Unit 8/ 6

Types of transformer and uses

There are broadly two types of single-phase double-wound transformer construction the
core type and the shell type as shown in Figure 8.4.

Source: Electrical And Electrical Principles And Technology by John Bird

Figure 8.4 Types of single-phase double-wound transformer construction.

Transformer ratio is the comparison between primary and secondary elements. Figure 8.5
.shows the primary and secondary elements.
Flux produced by primary winding
induces secondary winding via core
Secondary
winding

Primary
winding

Vp

Np

Ns

Vs

Figure 8.5 The primary and secondary elements

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 7

Flux which is produced by primary winding completely inducing to secondary winding.

Therefore, e.m.f induced in all the winding are similar for primary and secondary winding.
Total of e.m.f induced in secondary winding Ns x e.m.f / winding
Np
=
=
Total of e.m.f induced in primary winding
Np x e.m.f / winding
Ns

With expected transformer ratio as K :

K=

N s E s Vs
=
=
N p E p Vp

Where
S
P
Vs
Vp

=
=
=
=

secondary e.m.f induced

primary e.m.f induced
secondary terminal voltage
primary terminal voltage

Notes
If K < 1 i.e. Ns < Np : this transformer is called step-down transformer
If K > 1 i.e. Ns > Np : this transformer is called step-up transformer
If K = 1 i.e. Ns = Np : this transformer is called coupling transformer
Example 8.3

The number of windings for the three transformers are

(a) Np = 100, Ns = 2000
(b) Np = 3000, Ns = 2000
(c) Np = 100, Ns =100
Calculate the value of K for each transformer then determine the type of transformer and
draw the symbol of transformer to differentiate the number of windings

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 8

Solution to Example 8.3

(a)

(b)

(c)

Ns 2000
=
= 20
Np 100
Q K > 1 step-up transformer
K=

Ns 2000
=
= 0.67
Np 3000
Q K < 1 step-down transformer
K=

Ns 100
=
=1
Np 100
Q K = 1 coupling transformer

Np
(100)

Ns
(2000)

Np
(100)

Ns
(100)

Np
(3000)

Ns
(2000)

K=

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 9

Activity 8A

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEFORE YOU CONTINUE TO THE NEXT

INPUT!

8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7

A transformer has 500 primary turns and 3000 secondary turns. If the
primary voltage is 240 V, determine the secondary voltage, assuming an ideal
transformer.
An ideal transformer with a turns ratio of 2 : 7 is fed from 240 V supply.
Determine its output voltage.
An ideal transformer has a turns ratio of 8 : 1 and the primary current is 3 A
when it is supplied at 240 V. Calculate the secondary voltage and current.
An ideal transformer connected to a 240 V mains, supplies a 12 V, 150 W
lamp. Calculate the transformer turns ratio and the current taken from the
supply.
How many turns are required for a 36 V secondary if a 240 V primary has
600 N.
True or false ? If the primary winding of a 1:2 step-up transformer has
3 N/ V, the secondary winding will have 6 N/ V.
True or false ? The secondary flux of a transformer cancels part of the
primary flux.

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 10

Feedback to Activity 8A

8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7

1440 V
840 V
V2 = 30 volts, I2 = 24 A
turns ratio = 20, I1 = 0.625 A
90
False
True

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 11

INPUT

8.3

EMF equation of a transformer

Suppose the maximum value of flux to be m webers and the frequency to be f hertz. From
Fig. 8.6 it is seen that the flux has to change from +m to -m in the half cycle, namely in
1
seconds.
2f
Average rate of change of flux = 2 m

1
2f

=4 f m webers per second

and average e.m.f induced per turn is
= 4 f m volts

Source: Electrical Electronic Technology by Edward Hughes

Figure 8.6 Waveform of flux variation.

But for a sinusoidal wave the r.m.s or effective value is 1.11 times the average value,
RMS value of e.m.f induced per turn = 1.11 4 f m
Hence r.m.s value of e.m.f induced in primary is
E1 = 4.44 N1 f m volts

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 12

And r.m.s value of e.m.f induced in secondary is

E2 = 4.44 N2 f m volts
Example 8.4

A 250 kVA, 1100 V / 400 V, 50 Hz single-phase transformer has 80 turns on a secondary.

Calculate :
the approximate values of the primary and secondary currents.
a)
b)
the approximate number of primary turns.
c)
the maximum values of flux.
Solution to Example 8.4
a)
Full load primary current

= 250 1000 = 22.7 A

1100
and full loaded secondary current
= 250 1000 = 625 A
400
b)

c)

Number of primary turns

= 80 11000 = 2200
400
From expression ,
E2 = 4.44 N2 f m volts
400 = 4.44 80 50 m
m = 22.5 mWb

Example 8.5

An ideal 25 kVA transformer has 500 turns on the primary winding and 40 turns on the
secondary winding. The primary is connected to 3000 V, 50 Hz supply. Calculate
(i) primary and secondary currents on full-load
(ii) secondary e.m.f. and
(iii) the maximum core flux

TRANSFORMER

Solution to Example 8.5

K=

(i)

(ii)

N2
40
4
=
=
N1 500 50
I1 =

Volt - amperes 25103

=
= 8.33 A
V1
3000

I2 =

I1
= 8.33 50 4 = 104.2 A
K

E2
=K
E1
E2 = KE1 = (4 50) 3000 = 240V

(iii)

E1 = 4.44 fN1m

m =

3000
= 27 10 3 wb = 27 mwb
4.44 50 500

E2063/ Unit 8/ 13

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 14

Activity 8B

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEFORE YOU CONTINUE TO THE NEXT

INPUT!

8.8

A 100 kVA, 4000 V/200 V, 50 Hz single phase transformer has 100 secondary turns.
Determine :
(a)
the primary and secondary current
(b)
the number of primary turns
(c)
the maximum value of the flux

8.9

A 4500 V/225 V, 50 Hz single phase transformer is to have an approximate e.m.f per

turns of 15 V and operate with a maximum flux of 1.4 T.
Calculate :
the number of primary and secondary turns
(a)
(b)
the cross sectional area of the core

8.10

A single phase 2200/250V, 50 Hz transformer has a net core area of 36cm2 and a
maximum flux density of 6 wb/m2. Calculate the number of primary and secondary
turns.

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 15

Feedback to the Activity 8B

8.8

(a)
(b)
(c)

I1 = 25 A, I2 = 500 A
N1 = 2000 turns
m = 9.01 mWb

8.9

(a) N1=300, N2= 15

(b) A = 0.0483 m2

8.10

N1 = 459, N2 = 52

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 16

INPUT

8.4

Efficiency and losses of a transformer

The losses which occur in a transformer on load can be divided into two groups:
(a)
Copper losses are variable and result in a heating of the conductors, due to
the fact that they possess resistance. If R1 and R2 are the primary and
secondary winding resistances than the total copper loss is I12R1 + I22R2.
(b)
Core losses due to hysteresis and eddy currents.
(i) Hysteresis loss is the heating of the core as a result of the internal
molecular structure reversals which occur as the magnetic flux alternates.
The loss is proportional to the area of the hysterisis loop and thus low
loss nickel iron alloys are used for the core since their hysteresis loop
have small areas.
(ii) Eddy current loss is the heating of the core due to e.m.f. s being induced
not only in the transformer windings but also in the core. These induced
e.m.f.s set up circulating currents call ed eddy currents. Owing to the
low resistance of the core, eddy currents can be quite considerable and
can cause a large power loss and excessive heating of the core.
Since the maximum value of the flux in a normal transformer does not vary by more than
about 2 per cent between no load and full load, it is usual to assume the core loss constant at
all loads.
Hence, if Pc = total core loss, total losses in transformer are
Pc + I21R1 + I22R2
and
output power
output power
=
Efficiency =
input power
input power + losses
Efficiency =

I 2V2 p.f.
2

I 2V2 p.f. + Pc + I 1 R1 + I 2 R2

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 17

Greater accuracy is possible by expressing the efficiency thus :

Efficiency =

output power input power - losses

=
input power
input power

=1-

losses
input power

Example 8.6

The primary and secondary windings of a 500 kVA transformer have resistances of 0.42
and 0.0019 respectively. The primary and secondary voltages are 11 000 V and 400 V
respectively and the core loss is 2.9 kW, assuming the power factor of the load to be 0.8.
Calculate the efficiency on :
(a) full load
(b) half load
Solution of Example 8.6

(a)

Full load secondary current is

500 1000
= 1250 A
400
500 1000
= 45.5 A
11000
Therefore secondary I2R loss on full load is
(1250)2 0.0019 = 2969 W
and primary I2R loss on full load is
(45.5)2 0.42 = 870 W

Total I2R loss on full load = 3839 W = 3.84 kW

and
Total loss on full load = 3.84 + 2.9 = 6.74 kW
Output power on full load = 500 0.8 = 400 kW

Input power on full load = 400 + 6.74 = 406.74 kW

Full load primary current =

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 18

From equation,

=1-

losses
input power

6.74

= 1
= 0.983 per unit
406.74

= 98.3 per cent

(b) Since the I2R loss varies as the square of the current,

Total I2R loss on half load = 3.84 (0.5)2 = 0.96 kW

and
Total loss on half load = 0.96 + 2.9 = 3.86 kW

3.86

Efficiency on half load = 1

= 0.981 per unit
203.86
= 98.1 per cent.

Example 8.7

In a 50 kVA transformer, the iron loss is 500 W and full-load copper loss is 800W. Find the
efficiency at full-load and half-load at 0.8 p.f. lagging.
Solution of Example 8.7
Full-load, 0.8 p.f
Full-load output
Total Full-load losses
Full-load input

Full-load
Half-load, 0.8 p.f
Output at half-load
Total loss at half-load
Input at half-load

Full-load

= 50 0.8 = 40 kW
= 500 + 800 = 1300 W = 1.3 kW
= 40 + 1.3 = 41.3 kW
40
=
100 = 96.85 %
41.3
= (50 1/2) 0.8 = 20 kW
= 500 + (1 /2)2 800 = 700 W = 0.7 kW
= 20 + 0.7 = 20.7 kW
20
100 = 96.6 %
=
20.7

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 19

8.5 Open-circuit and short-circuit tests on a transformer.

These two tests enable the efficiency and the voltage regulation to be a calculated without
actually loading the transformer and with an accuracy far higher than is possible by direct
measurement of input and output powers and voltages.Also, the power required to carry out
these tests is very small compared with the full-load output of transformer.
Open-circuit test.
(a)
The transformer is connected as in Fig 8.7 to a supply at the rated voltage and frequency,
namely the voltage and the frequency given on the nameplate.The ratio of the voltmeter
readings, V1 / V2, gives the ratio of the number of turns. Ammeter A gives the no-load
current, and its reading is a check on the magnetic quality of the ferromagnetic core and
joints. The primary current on no load is usually less than 5 per cent of the full-load current,
so that the I2R loss on no load is less than 1/400 of the primary I2R loss on full load and is
therefore negligible compared with the core loss. Hence the wattmeter reading can be taken
as the core loss of the transformer.

Source: Electrical Electronic Technology by Edward Hughes

Fig. 8.7 Open-circuit test on a transformer

(b)

Short-circuit test

The secondary is short-circuited through a suitable ammeter A2, as shown in Fig.8.8 and the
low voltage is applied to the primary circuit. This voltage should, if possible, be adjusted to
circulate full-load current in the primary and secondary circuits. Assuming this to be the
case, the I2R loss in the windings is the same as that on full load. On the other hand, the core
loss is negligibly small, since the applied voltage and therefore the flux are only about onetwentieth to one-thirtieth of the rated voltage and flux, and the core loss is approximately
proportional to the square of the flux. Hence the power registered on wattmeter W can be
taken as the I2R loss in the windings.

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 20

Source: Electrical Electronic Technology by Edward Hughes

Fig. 8.8 Short-circuit test on a transformer

8.6

Auto-transformer

An auto-transformer is a transformer having a part of its winding common to the primary

and secondary circuits. In Fig. 8.9 winding AB has a tapping at C, the load being connected
across CB and the supply voltage applied across AB.

Source: Electrical Electronic Technology by Edward Hughes

Fig. 8.9 An auto-transformer.

I1 and I2 = primary and secondary currents respectively

N1 = no. of turns between A and B
N2 = no. of turns between B and C
n = ratio of the smaller voltage to the larger voltage
Neglecting the losses, the leakage reactance and the magnetizing current, we have for
Fig 8.9.
V
I
N
n= 2 = 1 = 2
V1 I 2 N 1
The nearer the ratio of transformation is to unity, the greater is the economy of conductor
material. Also, for the same current density in the windings and the same peak values of the

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 21

flux and of the flux density, the I2R loss in the auto transformer is lower and the efficiency
higher than in the two winding transformer.
Auto transformer are mainly used for interconnecting systems that are operating at roughly
the same voltage and starting cage-type induction motors. Should an auto transformer be
used to supply a low voltage system from a high voltage system, it is essential to earth the
common connection, for example, B in Fig 8.9 otherwise there is a risk of serious shock. In
general, however, an auto transformer should not be used for interconnecting high voltage
and low voltage systems.
8.6.1

Advantages and disadvantages of auto transformers

The advantages of auto transformers over double wound transformers included:

a saving in a cost since less copper is needed.
(a)
(b)
less volume, hence less weight.
(c)
a higher efficiency, resulting from lower I2R losses
(d)
a continuously variable output voltage is achievable if a sliding contact is
used.
(e)
a smaller percentage voltage regulation.
The primary and secondary windings are not electrically separate, hence if an open-circuit
occurs in the secondary winding the full primary voltage appears across the secondary.

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 22

Activity 8C

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING BEFORE YOU CONTINUE TO THE NEXT

INPUT!

8.11

The ideal transformer provides 20 V at 9.5 A to a pure resistance load.

Determine its efficiency.

8.12

The open circuit test measures the _______________ losses of

transformer.

8.13

Why are the core losses negligible during the short-circuit test?

8.14

A transformer has a 120 V primary and 20 V secondary rate at 4A. The

measured winding resistances are 0.3 and 5 for secondary and primary,
respectively. Estimate the copper loss.

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 23

Feedback to Activity 8C

8.10
8.11
8.12
8.13

0.96
core
Because the primary voltage is very low.
7W

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 24

SELF-ASSESSMENT 8

You are approaching success. Try all the questions in this self-assessment section and
check your answers with those given in the Feedback on Self-Assessment 8 given on the
next page. If you face any problems, discuss it with your lecturer. Good luck.
Question 8-1

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)

(j)

What is a transformer ?
Draw the circuit diagram symbol for a transformer.
How is a transformer rated.
Name two types of transformer construction.
A transformer has 600 primary turns connected to a 1.5 kV supply. Determine the
number of secondary turns for a 240 V output voltage, assuming no losses.
An ideal transformer with a turns ratio of 2 : 9 is fed from 220 V supply. Determine
its output voltage.
A step-down transformer having a turns ratio of 20 : 1 has a primary voltage of 4 kV
and a load of 10kW. Neglecting losses, calculate the value of the secondary current.
An ideal transformer has a turns ratio of 12 : 1 and is supplied at 192 V. Calculate the
secondary voltage.
A transformer primary winding connected across a 415 V supply has 750 turns.
Determine how many turns must be wound on the secondary side if an output of 1.66
kV is required.
An ideal transformer has a turns ratio of 12 : 1 and is supplied at 180V when the
primary current is 4A. Calculate the secondary voltage and current.

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 25

Question 8-2

(a)

A 50kVA, 6600/250V transformer has 52 secondary turns. Find

(i)
the number of primary turns
(ii)
full-load primary and secondary currents.
(Neglect losses)

(b)

The net cross-sectional area of the core of 400/3000V, 50Hz transformer is 600cm2.
If the maximum flux density in the core is 1.3 wb/m2, find the number of primary
and secondary turns.

(c)

A 60 kVA, 1600 V/100 V, 50 Hz, single phase transformer has 50 secondary

windings. Calculate :
(i)
the primary and secondary current
(ii)
the number of primary turns
(iii) the maximum value of the flux

(d)

A single phase, 50 Hz transformer has 40 primary turns and 520 secondary turns. The
cross sectional area of the core is 270 cm2. When the primary winding is connected to
a 300 V supply, determine :
(i)
the maximum value of flux density in the core
the voltage induced in the secondary winding
(ii)

(e)

A 3.3 kV/110 V, 50 Hz, single phase transformer is to have an approximate e.m.f per
turn of 22 V and operate with a maximum flux of 1.25 T. Calculate
(i)
the number of primary and secondary turns
(ii)
the cross sectional area of the core

Question 8-3

(a)

A 200 kVA rated transformer has a full loaded copper loss of 1.5 kW and an iron
loss of 1 kW. Detemine the transformer efficiency at full load and 0.85 power factor.

(b)

A 400 kVA transformer has a primary winding resistance of 0.5 and a secondary
winding resistance of 0.001. The iron loss is 2.5 kW and the primary and
secondary voltage are 5 kV and 320 V respectively. If the power factor of the load is
0.85, determine the efficiency of the transformer :
on a full load
i.
on half load
ii.

TRANSFORMER

(c)

E2063/ Unit 8/ 26

A single phase transformer has a voltage ratio of 6 : 1 and the h.v winding is supplied
at 540 V. The secondary winding provides at full load current of 30 at a power factor
of 0.8 lagging. Neglecting losses, find :
i.
a rating of the transformer
ii.
the power supplied to load
iii.
the primary current.

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 27

FEEDBACK TO SELF-ASSESSMENT 8

Answer of Question 8-1

(a)

A transformer is a device which uses the phenomenon of mutual induction to change

the values of alternating voltages and currents.
In fact, one of the main advantages of AC transmission and distribution is the ease
with which an alternating voltage can be increased or decreased by transformers.

(b)
Np

Ns

(d)

N s E s Vs
=
=
N p E p Vp
i. core type ii. shell type

(e)

96

(f)

990 V

(g)

50 A

(h)

16 V

(i)

3000 turns

(j)

15 V, 48 A

(c)

K=

TRANSFORMER

E2063/ Unit 8/ 28

Answer of Question 8-2

(a)

(i) 1373 (ii) 7.58 A; 200 A

(b)

24; 198

(c)

(i)

37.5 A, 600 A (ii)

(d)

(i)

1.25 T (ii)

3.90 kV

(e)

(i)

150, 5 (ii)

792.8 cm2

800

(iii) 9.0 mWb

Answer of Question 8-3

(a)
(b)
(c)

0.9855 or 98.55 %
i.
97.91 %
i.
2,7 kVA

ii.
ii.

97.87 %
2.16 kW

iii.

5A