Transfomer Basics Copyleft

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A transformer circuit to another purely by the parts of the transformer is not re Transformers are often used to conve voltages between circuits. Contents

The transformer is one of the simples design, materials, and principles have

one hundred years, yet transformer d to be improved. Transformers are ess transmission providing an economica over large distances. The simplicity, r conversion of voltages by transforme the selection of alternating current po Currents" in the late 1880's. In electr circuit design have replaced some of transformers, but electronic technolo transformer designs and applications.

Transformers come in a range of size coupling transformer hidden inside a units used to interconnect large porti operating with the same basic princip in their parts.

Transformers alone cannot do the fol

However, transformers are componen all these functions. Basic principles An analogy

The transformer may be considered a for electrical voltage and current. The to the input shaft and the secondary this comparison, current is equivalent shaft torque. In a gearbox, mechanic torque) is constant (neglecting losses power (voltage multiplied by current)

The gear ratio is equivalent to the tra ratio. A step-up transformer acts ana which mechanical power is transferre gear to a large, slowly rotating gear): voltage (torque), by transferring pow secondary coil having more turns. A s analogously to a multiplier gear (in w transferred from a large gear to a sm (torque) for current (speed), by trans coil to a secondary coil having fewer Flux coupling laws

An idealised step-down transformer s core A simple transformer consists of two primary winding voltage will flow in it producing a electromotive force so MMF drives magnetic flux through

MMF produces a varying and induces a back In accordance with primary winding is proportional to the

Similarly, the voltage induced across

With perfect flux coupling, the flux in equal to that in the primary winding,

Hence in an ideal transformer, the ra

secondary voltages is equal to the rat their windings, or alternatively, the v both windings. This leads to the most transformer: to convert electrical ene a different voltage by means of windi turns.

The EMF in the secondary winding, if circuit, will cause current to flow in th produced by current in the secondary primary and so tends to cancel the flu reduced flux reduces the EMF induced increased current flows in the primary in MMF due to the primary current off secondary MMF. In this way, the primary winding is delivered to the se

Neglecting losses, for a given level of transformer, current in the secondary to the ratio of secondary voltage to p suppose a power of 50 watts is suppl transformer with a turns ratio of 25:2

50 W = 2 V 25 A in the primary circ

50 W = 25 V 2 A in the secondary c

In a practical transformer, the higher turns,of smaller conductor cross-sect windings.

Since a DC voltage source would not core, no back EMF would be generate transformer would be unlimited. In pr the winding limits the amount of curr transformer either reaches thermal e The Universal EMF equation

If the flux in the core is sinusoidal, th between its number of turns, voltage cross-sectional area is given by the u

Where is the frequency in hertz, cross-sectional area of the core and

density in tesla. The value 4.44 collec required by the system of units. Invention

Those credited with the invention of t

Practical considerations Classifications

Single phase pole-mounted step-dow

Transformers are adapted to numero may be classified in many ways:

Three phase dry-type transformer wit 200 KVA, 480 V Losses

An ideal transformer would have no l 100% efficient. In practice energy is resistance of the windings (known as effects primarily attributable to the co Transformers are in general highly ef transformers (around 100 MVA and la as high as 99.75%. Small transforme brick" used to power small consumer 85% efficient. The losses arise from:

High frequency operation

The universal transformer emf equati frequency, the core flux density will b This implies that a core can have a sm thus be physically more compact with for this reason that the aircraft manu 400 hertz supplies. They are less con lower at higher frequencies (mostly d losses), but are more concerned with flyback transformers which supply hig operate at the frequency of the horizo higher than 50 or 60 hertz, which allo component. Construction Cores Steel cores

Laminated core transformer showing unit.

Transformers for use at power or aud of many thin laminations of silicon ste magnetic flux, more of it is usefully li secondary windings. Since the steel c currents induced in it by the changing insulated from the adjacent layer to r current heating of the core. A typical shaped and I-shaped pieces, leading

Certain types of transformer may hav path to prevent magnetic saturation. limit the current on a short-circuit, su transformers.

A steel core's magnetic hysteresis me magnetic field when power is remove reapplied, the residual field will cause effect of the remanent magnetism is cycles of the applied alternating curre devices such as fuses must be selecte to pass. On transformers connected t transmission lines, induced currents d disturbances during solar storms can and false operation of transformer pr

Distribution transformers can achieve cores made with amorphous (non-cry glasses" - the high cost of the core m losses incurred at light load, over the Solid cores

In circuits that operate above mains f kilohertz, such as switch-mode power are used. These materials combine a with a high bulk material resistivity. A typically radio frequencies, other type conductive magnetic materials, such

called circuits have adjustable cores which a circuit. Air cores

High-frequency transformers may als the loss due to hysteresis in the core maintain high coupling efficiency (low the primary and secondary windings. Toroidal cores

Toroidal transformers are built around made from a long strip of silicon stee or from ferrite, depending on frequen ensures that all the grain boundaries direction, making the transformer mo core's reluctance. The ring shape elim the construction of an EI core. The cr usually square or rectangular, but mo cross-sections are also available. The are wound concentrically to cover the minimises the length of wire needed, prevent the core's magnetic field from interference.

Ferrite cores are used at frequencies reduce losses, particularly in switch-m

Toroidal transformers are more efficie cheaper laminated EI types. Other ad types, include smaller size (about hal less mechanical hum (making them s lower exterior magnetic field (about o (making them more efficient in stand mounting, and more choice of shapes a given power output, either a wide, with the same electrical properties ca space available. The main disadvanta

A drawback of toroidal transformer co windings. As a consequence, toroidal above ratings of a few kVA. Small dis achieve some of the benefits of a toro forcing it open, then inserting a bobb secondary windings.

When fitting a toroidal transformer, it an unintentional short-circuit through the steel mounting bolt in the middle metalwork at both ends, which could current flowing in the bolt.

Windings

In most practical transformers, the pr conductors are coils of conducting wir contributes to the magnetic field, cre density than would a single conducto

The winding material depends on the signal transformers are wound with in enameled. Larger power transformers copper or aluminum rectangular cond very heavy currents. High frequency tens to hundreds of kilohertz will hav minimize the skin effect losses in the transformers use multiply-stranded c low power frequencies non-uniform d otherwise exist in large windings. Eac others, and the strands are arranged in the winding or throughout the wind different relative positions in the com "transposition" equalises the current conductor, and reduces eddy current stranded conductor is also more flexib similar size. ( see reference (1) below

Windings on both primary and second may have external connections (calle on the winding to allow adjustment o connected to automatic on-load tap c regulation of distribution circuits. Aud for distribution of audio to public add allow adjustment of power supplied to tapped transformer is often used in th power amplifier in a push-pull circuit. used as components of amplifiers, os linearization of amplifier circuits. Insulation

The conductor material must have ins travels around the core, and not thro

In power transformers, the voltage d primary and secondary windings can inserted between layers of windings t transformer may also be immersed in further insulation. To ensure that the transformer oil does not deteriorate, completely sealed against moisture in cooling medium to remove heat from the insulation system. Shielding

Although an ideal transformer is pure

proximity of the primary and seconda mutual capacitance between the wind intended for high electrical isolation b circuits, an electrostatic shield can be minimize this effect.

Transformers may also be enclosed b electrostatic shields, or both to preve affecting the operation of the transfor transformer from affecting the operat CRTs in proximity to the transformer) Coolant

All transformers must have some circ the waste heat produced by losses. S kilowatts in size usually are adequate Larger "dry" type transformers may h transformers are enclosed in pressuri nitrogen or sulfur hexafluoride gas.

The windings of high-power or high-v immersed in transformer oil - a highly stable at high temperatures. Large tr must use a non-flammable liquid. For (PCB) was used as it was not a fire ha transformers and it is highly stable. D its environmental accumulation, it is equipment. Today, nontoxic, stable s hydrocarbons may be used, where th liquid offsets additional building cost less-flammable fluids such as canola resistant fluids have some drawbacks toxicity compared with mineral oil.

The oil cools the transformer, and pro insulation between internal live parts. temperatures so that a small short or or fire. The oil-filled tank may have ra circulates by natural convection. Very transformers (with capacities of millio fans, oil pumps and even oil to water transformers undergo prolonged dryin phase heat transfer, electrical self-he vacuum, or combinations of these, to completely free of water vapor before This helps prevent electrical breakdow

Oil-filled power transformers may be safety devices sensing gas buildup in effect of an electric arc inside the win transformer.

Experimental power transformers in t with superconducting windings which

but not the core steel loss. These are helium. Terminals

Very small transformers will have wir the ends of the coils, and brought out circuit connections. Larger transforme terminals, bus bars or high-voltage in polymers or porcelain. A large bushin since it must both provide electrical in the transformer tank. Enclosure

Small transformers often have no enc a shield enclosure, as described abov to prevent contact with live parts, an (oil or pressurized gas). Transformer designs Autotransformers

An autotransformer has only a single some point along the winding. AC or a portion of the winding, and a highe across another portion of the same w exceeding about 3:1, an autotransfor smaller and more efficient than a two similar rating.

By exposing part of the winding coils connection through a sliding brush, a continuously variable turns ratio can small increments of voltage. Polyphase transformers

Wye and delta winding connections

For three-phase power, three separat

can be used, or all three phases can b polyphase transformer. The three prim together and the three secondary win The most common connections are Ygroup indicates the configuration of t angle difference between them. If a w (grounded), the earth connection poin a Y winding. There are many possible involve more or fewer than six windin Resonant transformers

A resonant transformer is one that op frequency of one or more of its coils. secondary, acts as an inductor, and is capacitor. If the primary coil is driven alternating current, such as a square of current helps to build up an oscilla to resonance, a very high voltage can until it is limited by some process suc These devices are therefore used to g voltages. The current available from t larger than that from electrostatic ma Graaff generator and Wimshurst mac operating temperature than standard

A voltage regulating transformer uses part of the core to go into saturation current. This effect stabilizes the outp transformer, which can be used for e variations of the supply voltage. Satu simple rugged method to stabilize an to the hysteresis losses accompanyin efficiency is low. Instrument transformers Current transformers

Current transformers used as part of phase 400 ampere electricity supply

A current transformer secondary which is accurately propor its primary.

Current transformers are commonly u facilitate the measurement of large cu to measure more directly.

Care must be taken that the seconda not disconnected from its load while c as in this circumstance a very high vo across the secondary.

Current transformers are often constr turn either as an insulated cable pass else as a bar to which circuit conduct Voltage transformers

Voltage transformers (also known as used in the electricity supply industry voltage being supplied. They are desi to the voltage being measured. Pulse transformers

A pulse transformer transmitting rectangular electrical pu rise and fall times and a constant am signal often for matching logic drivers to tra power flash controllers. Larger power distribution industry to interfac to the high-voltage gates of power se IGBTs, thyristors and MOSFETs. Spec transformers are also used to genera particle accelerators, or other pulsed

To minimise distortion of the pulse sh to have low values of leakage inducta capacitance, and a high open-circuit i transformers, a low coupling capacita secondary) is important to protect th from high-powered transients created reason, high insulation resistance and required. A good transient response i rectangular pulse shape at the second edges would create switching losses i

The product of the peak pulse voltage (or more accurately, the voltage-time characterise pulse transformers. Gen product, the larger and more expensi RF transformers

For radio frequency use, transformers

configurations of transmission line, so cable, wound around ferrite cores. Th extremely wide bandwidth, however o (such as 1:9, 1:4 or 1:2) can be achi ferrite increases the inductance dram factor frequency end of the band. This style used as an impedance matching balu balanced to 75 ohm unbalanced in FM

Audio transformers

Traditionally, in the valve amplifier, t transformer was to convert the low a (that had been imposed on top of the from the plate electrode of the final o current/low-voltage level for conversi

In early transistor amplifiers, such tra Uses of transformers

External links

References

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