Question 01

What is a transformer?
A transformer can be defined as a static device which helps in the transformation of
electric power in one circuit to electric power of the same frequency in another circuit. The
voltage can be raised or lowered in a circuit, but with a proportional increase or decrease
in the current ratings.

Transformer – Working Principle

The main principle of operation of a transformer is mutual inductance between two circuits
which is linked by a common magnetic flux. A basic transformer consists of two coils that
are electrically separate and inductive, but are magnetically linked through a path of
reluctance. The working principle of the transformer can be understood from the figure
below.

2
Transformer Working

As shown above the electrical transformer has primary and secondary windings. The
core laminations are joined in the form of strips in between the strips you can see that
there are some narrow gaps right through the cross-section of the core. These staggered
joints are said to be ‘imbricated’. Both the coils have high mutual inductance. A mutual
 electro-motive force is induced in the transformer from the alternating flux that is set up
in the laminated core, due to the coil that is connected to a source of alternating voltage.
Most of the alternating flux developed by this coil is linked with the other coil and thus
produces the mutual induced electro-motive force. The so produced electro-motive force
can be explained with the help of Faraday’s laws of Electromagnetic Induction as

e=M*dI/dt

If the second coil circuit is closed, a current flows in it and thus electrical energy is
transferred magnetically from the first to the second coil.

The alternating current supply is given to the first coil and hence it can be called as the
primary winding. The energy is drawn out from the second coil and thus can be called as
the secondary winding.

In short, a transformer carries the operations shown below:

1. Transfer of electric power from one circuit to another.

2. Transfer of electric power without any change in frequency.
3. Transfer with the principle of electromagnetic induction.
4. The two electrical circuits are linked by mutual induction

Transformer Construction
For the simple construction of a transformer, you must need two coils having mutual
inductance and a laminated steel core. The two coils are insulated from each other and
from the steel core. The device will also need some suitable container for the assembled
core and windings, a medium with which the core and its windings from its container can
be insulated.

In order to insulate and to bring out the terminals of the winding from the tank, apt
bushings that are made from either porcelain or capacitor type must be used.

In all transformers that are used commercially, the core is made out of transformer sheet
steel laminations assembled to provide a continuous magnetic path with minimum of air-
gap included. The steel should have high permeability and low hysteresis loss. For this
to happen, the steel should be made of high silicon content and must also be heat treated.
By effectively laminating the core, the eddy-current losses can be reduced. The
lamination can be done with the help of a light coat of core plate varnish or lay an oxide
layer on the surface. For a frequency of 50 Hertz, the thickness of the lamination varies
from 0.35mm to 0.5mm for a frequency of 25 Hertz.

Types of Transformers
There are several transformer types used in the electrical power system for
different purposes, like in power generation, distribution and transmission and
utilization of electrical power. The transformers are classified based on voltage
levels, Core medium used, winding arrangements, use and installation place,
etc. Here we discuss different types of transformers are the step up and step
down Transformer, Distribution Transformer, Potential Transformer, Power
Transformer, 1-ϕ and 3-ϕ transformer, Auto transformer, etc.

Transformers Based on Voltage Levels

These are the most commonly used transformer types for all the applications.
Depends upon the voltage ratios from primary to secondary windings, the
transformers are classified as step-up and step-down transformers.

Step-Up Transformer
As the name states that, the secondary voltage is stepped up with a ratio
compared to primary voltage. This can be achieved by increasing the number
of windings in the secondary than the primary windings as shown in the figure.
In power plant, this transformer is used as connecting transformer of the
generator to the grid.

Step-up Transformer

Step-Down Transformer
It used to step down the voltage level from lower to higher level at secondary
side as shown below so that it is called as a step-down transformer. The winding
turns more on the primary side than the secondary side.

Step-Down Transformer
In distribution networks, the step-down transformer is commonly used to
convert the high grid voltage to low voltage that can be used for home
appliances.

Transformer Based on the Core Medium Used

Based on the medium placed between the primary and secondary winding the
transformers are classified as Air core and Iron core

Air Core Transformer

Both the primary and secondary windings are wound on a non-magnetic strip
where the flux linkage between primary and secondary windings is through the
air.

Compared to iron core the mutual inductance is less in air core, i.e. the
reluctance offered to the generated flux is high in the air medium. But the
hysteresis and eddy current losses are completely eliminated in air-core type
transformer.
Air Core Transformer

Iron Core Transformer

Both the primary and secondary windings are wound on multiple iron plate
bunch which provide a perfect linkage path to the generated flux. It offers less
reluctance to the linkage flux due to the conductive and magnetic property of
the iron. These are widely used transformers in which the efficiency is high
compared to the air core type transformer.
Iron Core Transformer
Transformers Based on Winding Arrangement
AutoTransformer
Standard transformers have primary and secondary windings placed in two
different directions, but in autotransformer windings, the primary and the
secondary windings are connected to each other in series both physically and
magnetically as shown in the figure below.

Auto Transformer
On a single common coil which forms both primary and secondary winding in
which voltage is varied according to the position of secondary tapping on the
body of the coil windings.

Transformers Based on Usage

According to the necessity, these are classified as the power transformer,
distribution transformer measuring transformer, and protection transformer.

Power Transformer
The power transformers are big in size. They are suitable for high voltage (greater
than 33KV) power transfer applications. It used in power generation stations
and Transmission substation. It has high insulation level.

Power Transformer
Distribution Transformer
In order to distribute the power generated from the power generation plant to
remote locations, these transformers are used. Basically, it is used for the
distribution of electrical energy at low voltage is less than 33KV in industrial
purpose and 440v-220v in domestic purpose.

 It works at low efficiency at 50-70%

 Small size
 Easy installation
 Low magnetic losses
 It is not always fully loaded
Distribution Transformer
Measurement Transformer
Used to measure the electrical quantity like voltage, current, power, etc. These
are classified as potential transformers, current transformers etc.

Current Transformer