Transformer

Definition of Transformer

Electrical Power Transformer is a static device which transforms electrical energy from one circuit to another without any direct electrical connection and with the help of mutual induction between to windings. It transforms power from one circuit to another without changing its frequency but may be in different voltage level.

This is very short and simple definition of transformer , as we will go through this portion of tutorial related to Electrical Power Transformer, we will understand more clearly and deeply "what is Transformer ?" and basic theory of transformer.

Working Principle of transformer

The working principle of transformer is very simple. It depends upon Faraday's laws of Electromagnetic Induction. Actually mutual induction between two or more winding is responsible for transformation action in an electrical transformer.

Faraday's laws of Electromagnetic Induction

According to these Faraday's laws,

"Rate of change of flux linkage with respect to time is directly proportional to the induced EMF in a conductor or coil".

Basic Theory of Transformer

Say you have one winding which is supplied by an alternating electrical source. The alternating current through the winding produces a continually changing flux or alternating flux surrounds the winding. If any other winding is brought nearer to the previous one, obviously some portion of this flux will link with the second. As this flux is continually changing in its amplitude and direction, there must be a change in flux linkage in the second winding or coil. According to Faraday's laws of Electromagnetic Induction, there must be an EMF induced in the second. If the circuit of the latter winding is closed, there must be current flows through it. This is the simplest form of electrical power transformer and this is most basic of working principle of transformer

The winding which takes electrical power from the source, is generally known as Primary Winding of transformer. Here it is first winding. The winding which gives the desired output voltage due to mutual induction in the transformer, is commonly known as Secondary Winding of Transformer. Here it is second winding

The above mentioned form of transformer is theoretically possible but not practically, because in open air very tiny portion of the flux of the first winding will link with second so the current flows through the closed circuit of latter, will be so small that it may be difficult to measure.

The rate of change of flux linkage depends upon the amount of linked flux, with the second winding. So it desired to be linked almost all flux of primary winding, to the secondary winding. This is effectively and efficiently done by placing one low reluctance path common to both the winding. This low reluctance path is core of transformer, through which maximum number of flux produced by the primary is passed through and linked with the secondary winding. This is most basic theory of transformer.

Main constructional parts of transformer

So three main parts of a transformer are,

1. Primary Winding of transformer - which produces magnetic flux when it is connected to electrical source.

2. Magnetic Core of transformer - the magnetic flux produced by the primary winding, will pass through this low reluctance path linked with secondary winding and creates a closed magnetic circuit.

3. Secondary Winding of transformer - the flux, produced by primary winding, passes through the core, will link with the secondary winding. This winding is also wound on the same core and gives the desired output of the transformer.

Definition of Ideal Transformer

An Ideal Transformer is an imaginary transformer which does not have any loss in it, means no core losses, copper losses and any other losses in transformer. Efficiency of this transformer is considered as 100%.

History of Transformer

The History of transformer commenced in the year of 1880. In the year of 1950 400KV electrical power transformer first introduced in high voltage electrical power system in the early 1970s unit rating as large as 1100MVA were produced and 800KV and even higher KV class transformers were manufactured in year of 1980.

Use of Power Transformer

Generation of Electrical Power in low voltage level is very much cost effective. Hence Electrical Power is generated in low voltage level. Theoretically, this low voltage leveled power can be transmitted to the receiving end. But if the voltage level of a power is increased, the current of the power is reduced which causes reduction in ohmic or I2R losses in the system, reduction in cross sectional area of the conductor i.e. reduction in capital cost of the system and it also improves the voltage regulation of the system. Because of these, low leveled power must be stepped up for efficient electrical power transmission. This is done by step up transformer at the sending side of the power system network. As this high voltage power may not be distributed to the consumers directly, this must be stepped down to the desired level at the receiving end with help of step down transformer. These are the use of electrical power transformer in the Electrical Power System.

Two winding transformers are generally used where ratio between High Voltage and Low Voltage is greater than 2. It is cost effective to use Auto transformer where the ratio between High Voltage and Low Voltage is less than 2. Again Three Phase Single Unit Transformer is more cost effective than a bank of three Single Phase Transformer units in a three phase system. But still it is preferable to use later where power dealing is very large since such large size of Three Phase Single Unit Power Transformer may not be easily transported from manufacturer's place to work site.

Types of Transformer

Transformers can be categorized in different ways, depending upon their purpose, use, construction etc. The types of transformer are as follows,

• Step Up Transformer & Step Down Transformer - Generally used for stepping up and down the voltage level of power in transmission and distribution power network.

• Three Phase Transformer & Single Phase Transformer - Former is generally used in three phase power system as it is cost effective than later but when size matters it is preferable to use bank of three Single Phase Transformer as it is easier to transport three single phase unit separately than one single three phase unit.

• Electrical Power Transformer, Distribution Transformer & Instrument Transformer - Transformer generally used in transmission network is normally known as Power Transformer, distribution transformer is used in distribution network and this is lower rating transformer and current transformer & potential transformer, we use for relay and protection purpose in electrical power system and in different instruments in industries are called Instrument Transformer.

• Two Winding Transformer & Auto Transformer - Former is generally used where ratio between High Voltage and Low Voltage is greater than 2. It is cost effective to use later where the ratio between High Voltage and Low Voltage is less than 2.

• Outdoor Transformer & Indoor Transformer - Transformers designed for installing at outdoor is Outdoor Transformer and Transformers designed for installing at indoor is Indoor Transformer.