INTRODUCTION

In electrical engineering, a transformer is an electrical

device that transfers electrical energy between two or more
circuits through electromagnetic induction. It is used to change
the voltage level of an alternating current (AC) supply, either
increasing (step-up transformer) or decreasing (step-down
transformer) the voltage while maintaining the same frequency.
Transformers are widely used in power transmission and
distribution systems to efficiently transport electrical energy
over long distances.

The principle of a transformer is based on Faraday's law of

electromagnetic induction. It states that a changing magnetic flux through a coil induces an
electromotive force (EMF) in that coil. In a transformer, an alternating current (AC) flows through the
primary coil, generating a changing magnetic flux. This changing flux passes through the secondary
coil and induces a voltage in it. The ratio of the voltages between the primary and secondary coils
depends on the ratio of the number of turns in each coil, which is called the turns ratio.
𝑵𝒑 𝑽𝒑
Turns ratio:- 𝑵𝒔 = 𝑽𝒔

Where

Vp= Primary voltage

Vs = Secondary voltage

Np = number of turns in the primary

Ns= number of turns in the secondary

William Stanley designed the first commercial transformer for Westinghouse in 1886

Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction

Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction states that the electromotive force (EMF) induced in a
circuit is directly proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux through the circuit. The coil
windings are electrically isolated and magnetically connected around a common circuit called a
core. If we apply to vary the current in one coil, it creates a magnetic field and automatically
induces the varying voltage in the secondary coil Mathematically, it is expressed as:

EMF = -dΦ / dt
 WORKING PRINCIPLE OF A REAL TRANSFORMER
The principle of a real transformer is based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and the
concept of mutual induction between two windings, where alternating current (AC) in the primary
winding induces a voltage in the secondary winding. In a real transformer, practical limitations and
energy losses affect the efficiency of this process.

• AC Supply to Primary Winding

When an alternating current (AC) is applied to the primary winding, it produces an
alternating magnetic flux in the core, which links both the primary and secondary windings
• Magnetic Flux and Mutual Induction
The magnetic core helps in channeling the magnetic flux generated in the primary winding.
through the secondary winding. The alternating flux induces a voltage in the secondary
winding according to Faraday's law

• Voltage Transformation
The ratio of the voltage in the primary ( Vp ) to the voltage in the secondary ( Vs) depends on
the ratio of the number of turns in the primary winding ( Np ) to the secondary winding ( Ns ):

𝑽𝒑 𝑵𝒑
=
𝑽𝒔 𝑵𝒔

This allows the transformer to either step up or step down the voltage depending on the turns ratio.
TYPES OF TRANSFORMER
There are two types of transformer:
1. Step-up transformer
2. Step-down transformer

Step-up transformer

A step-up transformer is an electrical device that increases the voltage from the primary winding to
the secondary winding while decreasing the current. It is used when a higher voltage is needed,
typically in power transmission to reduce energy loss over long distances. In a step-up transformer,
the number of turns in the secondary coil is greater than the number of turns in the primary coil.

Step-down transformer

A step-down transformer is an electrical device that reduces the voltage level from the primary
winding to a lower voltage level at the secondary winding while maintaining the power (minus minor
losses). The number of turns in the primary winding is greater than that in the secondary winding,
which leads to a decrease in voltage. It is commonly used to convert high-voltage electricity from
power lines to a safer, lower voltage for use in homes and industries.
 CONSTRUCTION OF TRANSFORMER
A transformer is an electrical device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another,
typically with increased or decreased voltage. Here’s a simple description of its construction

1. Core
The core of the transformer is typically made of laminated sheets of silicon steel to reduce
eddy current losses. It provides a magnetic path that links the primary and secondary
windings.
2. Winding

Primary Winding: This is connected to the input power supply and produces the magnetic
flux in the core.

Secondary Winding: This is where the output voltage is induced, based on the principle of
electromagnetic induction.

The ratio of the number of turns in the primary winding to the number of turns in the
secondary winding determines the voltage ratio of the transformer.

3. Insulation
Insulation is used to prevent short circuits between turns of the winding and to provide
electrical safety. Both windings and core are insulated with materials like varnish or
insulating paper.

EFFICIENCY(η)
The efficiency of a real transformer is defined as the ratio of the output power to the input
power, typically expressed as a percentage. Efficiency accounts for the fact that not all the
power supplied to the transformer is transferred to the load due to certain inherent losses.

𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟
Efficiency(η) = × 100
𝑖𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟
 ENERGY LOSSES IN A TRANSFORMER

Major sources of energy loss in a transformer are:-

• Copper loss is the energy loss in the form of heat in the copper Coils of a transformer. This
is due to the joules heating of Conducting wires.
• Iron loss is the energy loss in the form of heat in iron core of The transformer. This is due to
the formation of eddy current and can be minimized using laminated cores.
• Leakage of magnetic flux occurs in spite of best insulations. Therefore the rate of change
of magnetic flux linked with Secondary is less than the rate of flux linked with primary. It Can
be reduced by winding the coil one over the other.
• Hysteresis loss is the loss due to the repeated magnetization And demagnetization of the
iron core when AC is fed to it. This Can be minimized by using magnetic material with low
Hysteresis loss.
• Magnetostriction i.e., humming noise of transformer which Reduces efficiency

USES OF TRANSFORMER
Transformers are integral to many aspects of daily life, even if we don’t always notice them. Here
are some common uses of transformers in everyday application.

• Power supply for homes

• Charger adapters
• Stabilizers
• Television and radios
• Refrigerators
• Power generation
 EXPERIMENT NO :- 1
The Voltage Transformation of a Transformer

AIM
To demonstrate and verify the voltage transformation principle of a transformer by observing the
relationship between the number of turns in the primary and secondary coils.

APPARATUS
Iron core (or transformer core), Insulated copper wire, AC power supply (low voltage, e.g., 6V or
12V), Voltmeter, Connecting wires, Ammeter, Load resistor.

THEORY
A transformer works on the principle of electromagnetic induction and is used to change the
voltage of AC electricity. The relationship between the primary and secondary voltages is directly
proportional to the number of turns in their coils.
𝑉𝑠 𝑁𝑠
= 𝑁𝑝
𝑉𝑝

Where

Vp = Voltage in the primary coil

Vs= Voltage in the secondary coil

Np= Number of turns in the primary coil

Ns= Number of turns in the secondary coil

Depending on the number of turns, the transformer can step up (increase) or step down
(decrease) in voltage.

PROCEDURE
1. Connect the primary coil to the AC power supply.
2. Connect the voltmeter across the primary coil to measure the input voltage (Vp).
3. Connect the secondary coil to a load resistor.
4. Connect another voltmeter across the secondary coil to measure the output voltage (Vs).
5. Switch on the power supply and note the readings of both voltmeters.
6. Vary the input voltage using the AC supply and observe changes in Vs.
7. Record the number of turns in both primary (Np) and secondary (Ns) coils.
8. Compare the measured voltage ratio with the turn ratio.

OBSERVATIONS
Record the values of Vp, Vs, Np, and Ns for different input voltages.

CALCULATIONS
Calculate the ratio of the voltages (Vp/Vs) and the turns ratio(Np/Ns). Verify if they match within
experimental error

PRECAUTIONS
• Ensure proper insulation of wires to avoid electrical hazards.
• Do not exceed the rated voltage of the transformer.
• Connect the voltmeters correctly to avoid incorrect readings.