Transformers can be defined as electrical devices that use the principle of electromagnetic induction to transfer energy from one electrical circuit to another. Transformers are designed to increase or decrease the alternating current voltage between circuits while maintaining the frequency of the current. It does this without a conductive connection between the two circuits. Basically, a transformer consists of three parts. These are called magnetic core, primary winding or coil, and secondary winding or coil. The magnetic core acts as a support for the windings in the transformer. It also provides the path of magnetic flux. It consists of a laminated soft iron core to reduce losses in the transformer. The primary coil is connected to a live alternating current power source. This produces an alternating magnetic field surrounding the winding. This creates an electromotive force in the secondary coil. If the circuit of the secondary winding is closed, an alternating current flows through it. These windings are usually made of laminated steel sheets. The ratio between the output voltage and the input voltage is the same as the ratio of the number of turns between the two windings. In a step-down transformer, the secondary winding has fewer turns than the primary, while in a step-up transformer it is the opposite.
Working Principle of Transformer
Transformers work according to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction and mutual induction. There are usually two coils in the transformer core. These are called primary and secondary coils. Core laminations are combined into strips. The two coils mutually have a high magnetic field. When an alternating current flows through the primary coil, it creates a changing magnetic flux. According to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, this change in magnetic flux creates an electromotive force in the secondary coil connected to the core with the primary coil. This is called reciprocal induction.
Generally, a transformer ensures that electrical energy is transferred from one circuit to another. In addition, it uses the electromagnetic induction path to transfer electrical power without any change in frequency.
What are the Types of Transformers?
Transformers are used in various fields such as electricity generation network, distribution sector, transmission or electrical energy consumption. There are various transformers classified according to the operating voltage range, the environment used in the core, the winding arrangement and the loading location.
According to Voltage Levels
The most commonly used transformer type in the market are those classified according to voltage. Voltage dependent transformers are divided into step-up and step-down transformers.
Step-up transformers are used between the generator and the electricity grid. The secondary output voltage is getting higher than the input voltage.
Step-down transformers are used to convert a high-voltage primary supply to a low-voltage secondary output.
By Kernel Environment Used
Two different types of cores are used in a transformer. The first of these is called air-core transformers, and the second is called iron-core transformers.
Air core transformers, the flux connection between primary and secondary winding is through air. Coils or coils are prepared by being wound on a non-magnetic strip.
In iron-core transformers, the windings are wound on multiple iron plates stacked together, providing an excellent connection path to create flux.
By Installation Location
There are four different types of transformers depending on the installation location.
Power transformers are mostly used in power generation stations as they are suitable for high voltage application.
Distribution transformers are mostly used in domestic distribution lines. It is a type of transformer designed to carry low voltage. It is very easy to install and can be characterized by low magnetic losses.
Measuring transformers are classified separately. Because it is basically just used to measure voltage, current and power. Protection transformers, on the other hand, are mostly used to protect components. Because some components in the circuits need to be protected from voltage fluctuations.
Protection transformers mostly provide this protection.
