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transformer

Uploaded by

mohdrehan94071
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Working of Transformers

A transformer is an electrical device that transfers electrical energy between two or more
circuits through electromagnetic induction. It is widely used in power systems to either
increase (step-up) or decrease (step-down) voltage levels while maintaining constant
power. The working principle of a transformer is based on Faraday’s Law of
Electromagnetic Induction.

Construction of a Transformer

A transformer consists of the following key components:

1. Core:
a. Made of laminated soft iron to minimize energy losses due to eddy currents.
b. Provides a magnetic path for the flux to link the primary and secondary
windings.
2. Primary Winding:
a. The coil connected to the input power supply.
b. Generates a varying magnetic field when an alternating current flows through
it.
3. Secondary Winding:
a. The coil connected to the output circuit.
b. Induced voltage in this winding provides the output electrical energy.
4. Insulation:
a. Used to electrically insulate the windings from each other and the core.
5. Tank (in oil-filled transformers):
a. Houses the core and windings.
b. Filled with insulating oil for cooling and insulation purposes.

Working Principle of a Transformer

The transformer operates on mutual induction, where a changing magnetic field produced
by the primary winding induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the secondary winding. The
following steps detail its operation:
Working of a Transformer

1. Alternating Current in the Primary Winding:


a. When an alternating voltage is applied to the primary winding, an alternating
current flows through it.
b. This current produces a time-varying magnetic flux in the transformer core.
2. Magnetic Flux in the Core:
a. The alternating magnetic flux generated by the primary winding is confined
within the core due to its high magnetic permeability.
b. The flux links both the primary and secondary windings.
3. Induction in the Secondary Winding:
a. The time-varying flux in the core induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the
secondary winding according to Faraday’s Law: EMF=−NdΦdt\text{EMF} =
-N \frac{d\Phi}{dt} where:
i. NN is the number of turns in the winding,
ii. dΦdt\frac{d\Phi}{dt} is the rate of change of magnetic flux.
4. Voltage Transformation:
a. The voltage induced in the secondary winding depends on the turns ratio of
the transformer: VsVp=NsNp\frac{V_s}{V_p} = \frac{N_s}{N_p} where:
i. VsV_s and VpV_p are the secondary and primary voltages,
respectively,
ii. NsN_s and NpN_p are the number of turns in the secondary and
primary windings.
5. Power Conservation:
a. In an ideal transformer, power input equals power output: VpIp=VsIsV_p I_p
= V_s I_s where:
i. IpI_p and IsI_s are the primary and secondary currents, respectively.
b. This means if voltage is stepped up, the current is stepped down
proportionally, and vice versa.

Types of Transformers

1. Step-Up Transformer:
a. Increases voltage from the primary to the secondary winding.
b. Ns>NpN_s > N_p, so Vs>VpV_s > V_p.
2. Step-Down Transformer:
a. Decreases voltage from the primary to the secondary winding.
b. Ns<NpN_s < N_p, so Vs<VpV_s < V_p.
3. Isolation Transformer:
a. Provides the same voltage in the secondary as in the primary.
b. Ns=NpN_s = N_p.

Efficiency and Energy Losses

While transformers are highly efficient (up to 99%), some energy is lost due to:

1. Copper Losses:
a. Heat generation in the windings due to current flow.
b. Minimized by using conductors with low resistance.
2. Core Losses:
a. Eddy Current Losses:
i. Circulating currents induced in the core due to changing flux.
ii. Minimized by using laminated cores.
b. Hysteresis Losses:
i. Energy lost due to magnetization and demagnetization of the core.
ii. Minimized by using soft magnetic materials like silicon steel.
3. Leakage Flux:
a. Magnetic flux that does not link the primary and secondary windings.
4. Cooling Losses:
a. Energy used in cooling the transformer.

Applications of Transformers

1. Power Transmission:
a. Step-up transformers are used at power generation plants for efficient long-
distance transmission.
b. Step-down transformers reduce voltage for safe distribution to homes and
industries.
2. Electronic Devices:
a. Small transformers are used in adapters, chargers, and power supplies.
3. Industrial Applications:
a. Transformers power heavy machinery and industrial equipment.
4. Electrical Isolation:
a. Isolation transformers are used to protect circuits and provide safety.

Diagram of a Transformer

A detailed labeled diagram typically includes:

• Laminated core
• Primary and secondary windings
• Input and output terminals
• Magnetic flux path

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