Transformer: Difference between revisions
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== Transformer == | == Transformer == | ||
A '''transformer''' is | A '''transformer''' is a passive electrical device that transfers electrical energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction. Transformers are used to increase or decrease the alternating voltages in electric power applications. | ||
[[File:Philips_N4422_-_power_supply_transformer-2098.jpg|Power supply transformer|thumb|right]] | |||
== Basic Principles == | |||
Transformers operate on the principle of [[Faraday's law of induction]], which states that a change in the magnetic field within a closed loop induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the wire. A transformer consists of two or more wire coils called windings, which are wound around a common core. When an alternating current (AC) flows through the primary winding, it creates a varying magnetic field in the core, which induces a voltage in the secondary winding. | |||
[[File:Transformer_Iron_Core.svg|Iron core of a transformer|thumb|left]] | |||
== | === Core === | ||
The core of a transformer is typically made of laminated [[silicon steel]] to reduce [[eddy current]] losses. The core provides a low reluctance path for the magnetic flux, which is essential for efficient operation. | |||
== Types of Transformers == | == Types of Transformers == | ||
Transformers can be classified into several types based on their construction, application, and function. | |||
=== Power Transformers === | === Power Transformers === | ||
Power transformers are used in transmission networks to step up or step down voltage levels. They are designed to operate at high efficiency and are typically used in | |||
Power transformers are used in transmission networks to step up (increase) or step down (decrease) the voltage levels. They are designed to operate at high efficiency and are typically used in power generation and distribution systems. | |||
=== Distribution Transformers === | === Distribution Transformers === | ||
Distribution transformers are used to provide the final voltage transformation in the electric power distribution system, stepping down the voltage used in the distribution lines to the level used by the customer. | Distribution transformers are used to provide the final voltage transformation in the electric power distribution system, stepping down the voltage used in the distribution lines to the level used by the customer. | ||
=== Instrument Transformers === | === Instrument Transformers === | ||
[[File:Instrument_Transformer_LV_terminals.jpg|Instrument transformer terminals|thumb|right]] | |||
Instrument transformers are used to measure high voltages and currents in power systems. They include current transformers (CTs) and voltage transformers (VTs), which provide a scaled-down replica of the current or voltage for measurement and protection purposes. | |||
== Operation Under Load == | |||
[[File:Transformer_under_load_(alternative_version).svg|Transformer under load|thumb|left]] | |||
When a transformer is under load, the secondary winding delivers power to the load, and the primary winding draws power from the source. The efficiency of a transformer is determined by the ratio of the output power to the input power. | |||
== | == Equivalent Circuit == | ||
[[File:Transformer_equivalent_circuit.svg|Equivalent circuit of a transformer|thumb|right]] | |||
File:Transformer_equivalent_circuit.svg|Equivalent circuit of a transformer | |||
The equivalent circuit of a transformer is a simplified representation that models the electrical characteristics of the transformer, including the winding resistances, leakage reactances, and core losses. | |||
== Magnetic Flux == | |||
[[File:Transformer_Flux.svg|Magnetic flux in a transformer|thumb|left]] | |||
The magnetic flux in a transformer is confined to the core and is responsible for the induction of voltage in the windings. The flux linkage between the primary and secondary windings is crucial for the transformer's operation. | |||
== | == Over-Excitation == | ||
[[File:Power_Transformer_Over-Excitation.gif|Over-excitation in a power transformer|thumb|right]] | |||
Over-excitation occurs when the voltage applied to the transformer exceeds its rated voltage, causing excessive magnetic flux in the core. This can lead to overheating and damage to the transformer. | |||
== 3D Model == | |||
[[File:Transformer3d_col3.svg|3D model of a transformer|thumb|left]] | |||
A 3D model of a transformer provides a visual representation of its components, including the core, windings, and terminals. | |||
== Related Pages == | == Related Pages == | ||
* [[Electromagnetic induction]] | * [[Electromagnetic induction]] | ||
* [[Electric power | * [[Electric power distribution]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Voltage regulation]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Electrical engineering]] | ||
[[Category:Electrical components]] | [[Category:Electrical components]] | ||
[[Category:Electromagnetic devices]] | [[Category:Electromagnetic devices]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:32, 23 March 2025
Transformer[edit]
A transformer is a passive electrical device that transfers electrical energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction. Transformers are used to increase or decrease the alternating voltages in electric power applications.

Basic Principles[edit]
Transformers operate on the principle of Faraday's law of induction, which states that a change in the magnetic field within a closed loop induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the wire. A transformer consists of two or more wire coils called windings, which are wound around a common core. When an alternating current (AC) flows through the primary winding, it creates a varying magnetic field in the core, which induces a voltage in the secondary winding.

Core[edit]
The core of a transformer is typically made of laminated silicon steel to reduce eddy current losses. The core provides a low reluctance path for the magnetic flux, which is essential for efficient operation.
Types of Transformers[edit]
Transformers can be classified into several types based on their construction, application, and function.
Power Transformers[edit]
Power transformers are used in transmission networks to step up (increase) or step down (decrease) the voltage levels. They are designed to operate at high efficiency and are typically used in power generation and distribution systems.
Distribution Transformers[edit]
Distribution transformers are used to provide the final voltage transformation in the electric power distribution system, stepping down the voltage used in the distribution lines to the level used by the customer.
Instrument Transformers[edit]

Instrument transformers are used to measure high voltages and currents in power systems. They include current transformers (CTs) and voltage transformers (VTs), which provide a scaled-down replica of the current or voltage for measurement and protection purposes.
Operation Under Load[edit]

When a transformer is under load, the secondary winding delivers power to the load, and the primary winding draws power from the source. The efficiency of a transformer is determined by the ratio of the output power to the input power.
Equivalent Circuit[edit]

The equivalent circuit of a transformer is a simplified representation that models the electrical characteristics of the transformer, including the winding resistances, leakage reactances, and core losses.
Magnetic Flux[edit]

The magnetic flux in a transformer is confined to the core and is responsible for the induction of voltage in the windings. The flux linkage between the primary and secondary windings is crucial for the transformer's operation.
Over-Excitation[edit]

Over-excitation occurs when the voltage applied to the transformer exceeds its rated voltage, causing excessive magnetic flux in the core. This can lead to overheating and damage to the transformer.
3D Model[edit]

A 3D model of a transformer provides a visual representation of its components, including the core, windings, and terminals.