WELCOME

TO
BASIC OF TRANSFORMER
KNOWLEDGE SHARING SESSION
What is a 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 two windings. It transforms power from one circuit to another without
changing its frequency but may be in different voltage level. This is a 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.

Symbol of Transformer:-
Working Principle of Transformer
The working principle of transformer is very simple. It depends upon Faraday's law 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".

Where, flux Φ in Wb = B x A
B = magnetic field strength, A = area of the coil
What is Mutual Induction
When the emf is induced in the same circuit in which the current is changing this effect is
called Self-induction, ( L ). However, when the emf is induced into an adjacent coil
situated within the same magnetic field, the emf is said to be induced magnetically,
inductively or by Mutual induction, symbol ( M ). Then when two or more coils are
magnetically linked together by a common magnetic flux they are said to have the
property of Mutual Inductance

Here the current flowing in coil one, A sets up

a magnetic field around itself with some of
these magnetic field lines passing through coil
two, B giving us mutual inductance.
Basic Theory
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 that 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 law of electromagnetic induction, there
must be an EMF induced in the second. If the circuit of the later winding is closed, there
must be an current flowing through it. This is the simplest form of electrical power
transformer and this is the 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 in our above
example 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 in our
example it is second winding.
Basic Theory
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 that flows through the closed circuit of later, will be so small in amount that it
will be difficult to measure. The rate of change of flux linkage depends upon the amount of
linked flux with the second winding. So, it is desired to be linked to 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 of 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 the most basic theory of
transformer.
Basic Construction
The three main parts of a transformer are,
Primary Winding of Transformer- which produces magnetic flux when it is connected to
electrical source.
Magnetic Core of Transformer- the magnetic flux produced by the primary winding, that
will pass through this low reluctance path linked with secondary winding and create a
closed magnetic circuit.
Secondary Winding of Transformer- the flux, produced by primary winding, passes
through the core, will link with the secondary winding. This winding also wounds on the
same core and gives the desired output of the transformer.
Basically a transformer consists of two
inductive windings and a laminated steel
core. The coils are insulated from each
other as well as from the steel core. A
transformer may also consist of a container
for winding and core assembly (called as
tank), suitable bushings to take our the
terminals, oil conservator to provide oil in
the transformer tank for cooling purposes
etc. The figure at right illustrates the basic
construction of a transformer.
Basic Construction
In all types of transformers, core is constructed by assembling (stacking) laminated
sheets of steel, with minimum air-gap between them (to achieve continuous magnetic
path). The steel used is having high silicon content and sometimes heat treated, to
provide high permeability and low hysteresis loss. Laminated sheets of steel are used to
reduce eddy current loss. The sheets are cut in the shape as E,I and L. To avoid high
reluctance at joints, laminations are stacked by alternating the sides of joint. That is, if
joints of first sheet assembly are at front face, the joints of following assemble are kept
at back face.
Types of Transformer
Transformers are classified on types of construction, types of cooling etc.
(A) On the basis of construction, transformers can be classified into two types as;
(i) Core type transformer and (ii) Shell type transformer, which are described below.
(i) Core Type Transformer
In core type transformer, windings are cylindrical
former wound, mounted on the core limbs as
shown in the figure above. The cylindrical coils
have different layers and each layer is insulated
from each other. Materials like paper, cloth or
mica can be used for insulation. Low voltage
windings are placed nearer to the core, as they
are easier to insulate.

(ii) Shell Type Transformer

The coils are former wound and mounted in
layers stacked with insulation between them. A
shell type transformer may have simple
rectangular form (as shown in above fig), or it
may have a distributed form.
Parts of Transformer
Types of Transformer
(B) On the basis of their purpose
i) Step up transformer: Voltage inc. (with subsequent dec. in current) at secondary.
ii) Step down transformer: Voltage dec. (with subsequent inc. in current) at secondary.
(C) On the basis of type of supply
iii) Single phase transformer
iv) Three phase transformer
(D) On the basis of their use
v) Power transformer: Used in transmission network, high rating
vi) Distribution transformer: Used in distribution network, comparatively lower rating than
that of power transformers.
vii) Instrument transformer: Used in relay and protection purpose in different instruments
in industries
viii)Current transformer (CT)
ix) Potential transformer (PT)
(E) On the basis of cooling employed
x) Oil-filled self cooled type
xi) Oil-filled water cooled type
xii) Air blast type (air cooled)
Where are Transformer used
Transformers are devices mainly used to tansfer power - mainly voltage & current - from
form to another form .
The main idea is that we have primary and secondary windings with different turns ratio ,
then when we apply voltage on the primary Vp it generates current Ip which generates
magnetic field that induced emf in Secondary , which generates Is , Vs .
Vp/Vs=Np/Ns=Is/Ip
The transformers are used in many applications like :
Measurements( as voltage and current tansformers ).
Control circuits ( step down to feed circuit with low voltage as 24 , 12 VAC ).
Power transformers in substations before transmission ( step up ).
Power distribution ( Step down from medium voltage to low voltage ).
Thank you

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