Index
Transformer
Transformer is the simplest device that is used to transfer electrical energy from
one alternating-current circuit to another circuit or multiple circuits, through the
process of electromagnetic induction. A transformer works on the principle of
electromagnetic induction to step up or step down voltage. Transformer either
increases AC voltage (Step-up transformer) or decreases AC voltage (Step-down
transformer). Transformer which is normally utilized in the transmission and
distribution of alternating current power is fundamentally a voltage control device.
Transformer are used for a wide range of purposes, including increasing the
voltage from electric generators to enable long-distance transmission of electricity
and decreasing the voltage of conventional power circuits to run low-voltage
devices like doorbells and toy electric trains.
Types of Transformer
There are primarily two types of Transformer based on the operating voltage. The
following are some of them:
Step-down Transformer:
The primary voltage is converted to a lower voltage
across the secondary output using a step-down transformer. The number of
windings on the primary side of a step-down transformer is more than on the
secondary side. As a result, the overall secondary-to-pStep-down Transformer:rimary winding ratio will
always be less than one. Step-down transformer are used in electrical systems
that distribute electricity over long distances and operate at extremely high
voltages to ensure minimum loss and economical solutions. Step-down
transformer are used to change high-voltage into low-voltage supply lines.
Step-up Transformer:
The secondary voltage of a step-up transformer is raised
from the low primary voltage. Because the primary winding has fewer turns than
the secondary winding in this sort of transformer, the ratio of the primary to
secondary winding will be greater than one. Step-up transformer are frequently
used in electronics stabilizers, inverters, and other devices that convert low
voltage to a significantly higher voltage. A step-up transformer is also used in the
distribution of electrical power. For applications connected to power distribution,
high voltage is necessary. In the grid, a step-up transformer is used to raise the
voltage level prior to distribution.
Transformer Types based on Core Material
Different types of Transformer are used in the power and electronics
industries, depending on the core materials, which are:
Iron Core Transformer:
Multiple soft iron plates are used as the core of an iron
core transformer. The iron’s strong magnetic properties of the iron core
transformer have extremely high flux linkage. As a result, the iron core transformer
has high efficiency. The soft iron core plates come in a variety of sizes and
shapes. A few typical shapes include E, I, U, and L.
Ferrite Core Transformer:
Due to its high magnetic permeability, a ferrite core
transformer uses one. In the high-frequency application, this kind of transformer
provides incredibly low losses. In high-frequency applications like switch mode
power supplies (SMPS), RF-related applications, etc., ferrite core transformer are
used as a result.
Toroidal Core Transformer:
Iron core or ferrite core are two examples of toroid-
shaped core materials used in transformer. For their excellent electrical
performance, toroids, which have a ring- or donut-shaped core material, are
frequently used. The ring form results in very low leakage inductance and
extremely high inductance and Q factors.
Air Core transformer:
The core material of an air core transformer is not a real
magnetic core. The air is used solely in the air-core transformer flux linkage. The
primary coil of an air-core transformer generates an alternating current, producing
an electromagnetic field all around it.
Transformer Types based on Winding Arrangement
Auto Winding transformer:
The primary and secondary windings have always
been fixed, but with an auto-winding transformer, they can be connected in series,
and the center-tapped node can be moved. The secondary voltage can be altered
by changing the location of the central tap. The auto is used to alert the self or a
single coil and is not the abbreviation for Automatic. This coil creates a ratio using
main and secondary components. The main and secondary ratio is determined by
the location of the center tap node, which changes the output voltage. The
VARIAC, a device that generates variable AC from a steady AC input, is used the
most frequently.
Types of Transformer based on Usage
Transformer come in a wide range of variants, each of which operates in a distinct
field. Thus, based on their proposed use, transformer can be categorized as
follows:
Power Transformer:
The energy is transferred to the substation or the general
electrical supply using a larger power transformer. Between the major distribution
grid and the power generator, this transformer serves as a link. Power
Transformer can be further divided into three groups based on their power rating
and specification-
Small power transformer, Medium power transformer, and
Large power transformer
Measurement Transformer:
Instrument transformer is another name for
measurement transformer. This is yet another measurement tool that is usually
utilized in the power domain. To separate the primary power and convert the
current and voltage in a smaller ratio to its secondary output, a measuring
transformer is used.
Distribution Transformer:
The distribution transformer function as a step-down
transformer, converting high grid voltage to the appropriate voltage for the end
user, typically 110V or 230V. Depending on the conversion capacity or ratings, the
distribution transformer might be less in size or larger.
Pulse Transformer: One of the most popular PCB-mounted transformer that
generates electrical pulses with a consistent amplitude are pulse transformer. It is
utilized in a number of digital circuits where the demand for isolated pulse creation
exists.
Audio Output Transformer:
Another frequent transformer in the electronics industry
is the audio transformer. It is specifically used in applications involving audio where
impedance matching is necessary.
Working Principle of a Transformer
The fundamental principle of how the transformer functions are mutual induction
between the two coils or Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction. Below is a
description of how the transformer operates. The laminated silicon steel core of
the transformer is covered by two distinct windings. According to the diagram
below, the primary winding is the one to which the AC supply is connected, and
the secondary winding is the one to which the load is connected. Only alternating
current can be used because mutual induction between the two windings requires
an alternating flux.