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Definition:
Transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through the
medium of magnetic field and without a change in frequency. The electrical circuit that receives
energy from the supply mains is called primary winding and the other circuit which delivers electric
energy to the load is called secondary winding.
Application:
In electrical power engineering, the transformer makes it possible to convert electrical power
from a generated voltage of about 11kVto higher values of 132, 220, 400, 500 and 765 kV,
thus, permitting transmission of huge amount of power along long distances to appropriate
distribution points at tremendous savings in the cost of transmission lines as well as in power
losses.
At distribution points, transformers are used to reduce these high voltages to a safe level of
400/230 V for use in homes, offices, etc.
In electric communication circuit, transformers are used for variety of purposes e.g. as an
impedance transformation device to allow maximum transfer of power from input to output
device.
In radio, and T.V. circuits, input transformers inter-stage transformers, and output are widely
used to step down the input voltage to a voltage compatible with the other components in the
device.
There are some special transformers called instrument transformer which are used for
measuring electrical quantities i.e. voltage and current.
Working Principle:
A transformer works on the principle of mutual inductance between two (sometimes more)
inductively coupled coils. It consists of two winding in close proximity as shown in Fig. 1. The two
windings are coupled by magnetic induction. There is no conductive connection between the two
windings of the transformer. The primary winding is energised by a sinusoidal voltage and the
secondary feeds the load. The alternating current in the primary sets upon an alternating flux ( ) in the
core. The secondary winding is liked by most of this flux end EMF is induced in both of the windings.
The EMF induced in the secondary winding drives a current through the load connected to the
winding. Thus, energy is transferred from the primary circuit to the secondary circuit through the
medium of magnetic field.
In brief, transformer is a device that:
Dry-type:
(a) Self cooled
Liquid immersed:
(a) Oil cooled
Transformer construction:
The simple element of transformer consists of two coils having mutual inductance and a laminated
core. The core is a stack of thin silicon-steel laminations of about 0.35 mm thick for 50 Hz
transformer. In order to reduce the eddy current losses, these laminations are insulated from one
another by thin layer of varnish. For reducing core losses, nearly all transformers have their magnetic
core made from cold-rolled grain oriented sheet-steel (C.R.G.O). This material when magnetized in
the rolling direction has low core loss and high permeability.
Two basic types of transformers are
(1) Core type
(2) Shell type.
In core type transformers, windings surround a considerable part of the core, whereas, in shell
type transformer, the core surrounds a considerable part of the windings. The basic construction is
shown in Fig. 2 (a) and (b).
I0
V1
Secondary
N2
V1 N1
N1
V2
N2
Primary
(a) Core-type
(b) Shell-type
3
V2