Transformer: Difference between revisions

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.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Transformer'''
+== Transformer ==
-A '''[[Transformer]]''' is a passive electrical device that transfers electrical energy from one electrical circuit to another, or multiple circuits. A varying current in any one coil of the transformer produces a varying magnetic flux in the transformer's core, which induces a varying electromotive force across any other coils wound around the same core. Electrical energy can be transferred between the (possibly many) coils without a metallic connection between the two circuits. Faraday's law of induction, discovered in 1831, describes the induced voltage effect in any coil due to changing magnetic flux encircled by the coil.
+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.
-== History ==
+[[File:Philips_N4422_-_power_supply_transformer-2098.jpg|Power supply transformer|thumb|right]]
-The transformer was an important element in the development of the electricity supply industry. The first designs were constructed in the early 1880s by [[Lucien Gaulard]] and [[John Dixon Gibbs]] in London and by [[William Stanley (inventor)|William Stanley]] in the United States. The design was improved upon by companies such as [[Westinghouse Electric Corporation|Westinghouse]], [[General Electric]] and others throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
+== Basic Principles ==
-== Principle of operation ==
+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.
-Transformers operate on the principle of [[Electromagnetic induction|electromagnetic induction]], as formulated by [[Michael Faraday]]. The transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through inductively coupled conductors—the transformer's coils or "windings". Except for [[Air-core transformer|air-core transformers]], the conductors are commonly wound around a single iron-rich core, or around separate but magnetically-coupled cores.
+[[File:Transformer_Iron_Core.svg|Iron core of a transformer|thumb|left]]
-== Types of transformers ==
+=== Core ===
-There are several types of transformers, including [[Power transformer|power transformers]], [[Distribution transformer|distribution transformers]], [[Isolation transformer|isolation transformers]], [[Auto transformer|auto transformers]], and [[Instrument transformer|instrument transformers]].
+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.
-== Applications ==
+== Types of Transformers ==
-Transformers are used in a wide range of applications, including power generation, power transmission, power distribution, and power utilization.
+Transformers can be classified into several types based on their construction, application, and function.
-== See also ==
+=== Power Transformers ===
-* [[Electric power transmission]]
+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.
-* [[Electric power distribution]]
-* [[Electrical substation]]
+=== Distribution Transformers ===
-* [[Electricity generation]]
+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 ===
+[[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]]
+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.
-== References ==
+== Related Pages ==
-<references />
+* [[Electromagnetic induction]]
+* [[Electric power distribution]]
+* [[Voltage regulation]]
+* [[Electrical engineering]]
-[[Category:Electrical engineering]]
+[[Category:Electrical components]]
-[[Category:Power engineering]]
+[[Category:Electromagnetic devices]]
-[[Category:Electromagnetic components]]
-[[Category:19th-century inventions]]
-{{stub}}