Transformer

electrical transformer is a static electrical machine which transforms electrical power from one circuit to
another circuit, without changing the frequency. Transformer can increase or decrease the voltage with
corresponding decrease or increase in current.

Working principle of transformer

The basic principle behind working of a transformer is the phenomenon of mutual induction between two
windings linked by common magnetic flux. The figure at right shows the simplest form of a transformer.
Basically a transformer consists of two inductive coils; primary winding and secondary winding. The coils are
electrically separated but magnetically linked to each other. When, primary winding is connected to a source of
alternating voltage, alternating magnetic flux is produced around the winding. The core provides magnetic path
for the flux, to get linked with the secondary winding. Most of the flux gets linked with the secondary winding
which is called as 'useful flux' or main 'flux', and the flux which does not get linked with secondary winding is
called as 'leakage flux'. As the flux produced is alternating (the direction of it is continuously changing), EMF
gets induced in the secondary winding according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. This emf is
called 'mutually induced emf', and the frequency of mutually induced emf is same as that of supplied emf. If the
secondary winding is closed circuit, then mutually induced current flows through it, and hence the electrical
energy is transferred from one circuit (primary) to another circuit (secondary).

Basic construction of 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 left illustrates the basic construction of a transformer.
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 transformers
Transformers can be classified on different basis, like 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.

(B) On the basis of their purpose

1. Step up transformer: Voltage increases (with subsequent decrease in current) at secondary.

2. Step down transformer: Voltage decreases (with subsequent increase in current) at secondary.

(C) On the basis of type of supply

1. Single phase transformer

2. Three phase transformer
3.
(D) On the basis of their use

1. Power transformer: Used in transmission network, high rating

2. Distribution transformer: Used in distribution network, comparatively lower rating than that of power
transformers.
3. Instrument transformer: Used in relay and protection purpose in different instruments in industries
▪ Current transformer (CT)
▪ Potential transformer (PT)
▪
Open circuit and Short circuit Test on transformer
These two transformer tests are performed to find the parameters of equivalent circuit of transformer and losses
of the transformer. Open circuit test and short circuit test on transformer are very economical and convenient
because they are performed without actually loading of the transformer.

Open circuit or No load test on Transformer

Open circuit test or no load test on a transformer is performed to determine 'no load loss (core loss)' and 'no load
current I0'. The circuit diagram for open circuit test is shown in the figure below.

Usually high voltage (HV) winding is kept open and the low voltage (LV) winding is connected to its normal
supply. A wattmeter (W), ammeter (A) and voltmeter (V) are connected to the LV winding as shown in the
figure. Now, applied voltage is slowly increased from zero to normal rated value of the LV side with the help of
a variac. When the applied voltage reaches to the rated value of the LV winding, readings from all the three
instruments are taken.

The ammeter reading gives the no load current I0. As I0 itself is very small, the voltage drops due to this current
can be neglected.

The input power is indicated by the wattmeter (W). And as the other side of transformer is open circuited, there
is no output power. Hence, this input power only consists of core losses and copper losses. As described above,
no-load current is so small that these copper losses can be neglected. Hence, now the input power is almost
equal to the core losses. Thus, the wattmeter reading gives the core losses of the transformer.

Sometimes, a high resistance voltmeter is connected across the HV winding. Though, a voltmeter is connected,
HV winding can be treated as open circuit as the current through the voltmeter is negligibly small. This helps in
to find voltage transformation ratio (K).

The two components of no load current can be given as,

Iμ = I0sinΦ0 and Iw = I0cosΦ0.

cosΦ0 (no load power factor) = W / (V1I0). ... (W = wattmeter reading)

From this, shunt parameters of equivalent circuit parameters of equivalent circuit of transformer (X0 and R0) can
be calculated as

X0 = V1/Iμ and R0 = V1/Iw.

(These values are referring to LV side of the transformer.)

Hence, it is seen that open circuit test gives core losses of transformer and shunt parameters of the equivalent
circuit.

Short circuit or Impedance test on Transformer

The connection diagram for short circuit test or impedance test on transformer is as shown in the figure
below. The LV side of transformer is short circuited and wattmeter (W), voltmere (V) and ammeter (A) are
connected on the HV side of the transformer. Voltage is applied to the HV side and increased from the zero
until the ammeter reading equals the rated current. All the readings are taken at this rated current.

The ammeter reading gives primary equivalent of full load current (Isc).
The voltage applied for full load current is very small as compared to rated voltage. Hence, core loss due to
small applied voltage can be neglected. Thus, the wattmeter reading can be taken as copper loss in the
transformer.

Therefore, W = Isc2Req....... (where Req is the equivalent resistance of transformer)

Zeq = Vsc/Isc.
Therefore, equivalent reactance of transformer can be calculated from the formula Zeq2 = Req2 + Xeq2.
These, values are referred to the HV side of the transformer.
Hence, it is seen that the short circuit test gives copper losses of transformer and approximate equivalent
resistance and reactance of the transformer.

Why Transformers are rated in kVA?

From the above transformer tests, it can be seen that Cu loss of a transformer depends on current, and
iron loss depends on voltage. Thus, total transformer loss depends on volt-ampere (VA). It does not
depend on the phase angle between voltage and current, i.e. transformer loss is independent of load
power factor. This is the reason that transformers are rated in kVA.

Losses in transformer
In any electrical machine, 'loss' can be defined as the difference between input power and output power.
An electrical transformer is an static device, hence mechanical losses (like windage or friction losses) are absent
in it. A transformer only consists of electrical losses (iron losses and copper losses). Transformer losses are
similar to losses in a DC machine, except that transformers do not have mechanical losses.
Losses in transformer are explained below -

(i) Core losses or Iron losses

Eddy current loss and hysteresis loss depend upon the magnetic properties of the material used for the
construction of core. Hence these losses are also known as core losses or iron losses.

▪ Hysteresis loss in transformer: Hysteresis loss is due to reversal of magnetization in the transformer core.
This loss depends upon the volume and grade of the iron, frequency of magnetic reversals and value of flux
density. It can be given by, Steinmetz formula:
Wh= ηBmax1.6fV (watts)
where, η = Steinmetz hysteresis constant
V = volume of the core in m3
▪ Eddy current loss in transformer: In transformer, AC current is supplied to the primary winding which
sets up alternating magnetizing flux. When this flux links with secondary winding, it produces induced emf
in it. But some part of this flux also gets linked with other conducting parts like steel core or iron body or
the transformer, which will result in induced emf in those parts, causing small circulating current in them.
This current is called as eddy current. Due to these eddy currents, some energy will be dissipated in the form
of heat.
(ii) Copper loss in transformer
Copper loss is due to ohmic resistance of the transformer windings. Copper loss for the primary winding is
I12R1 and for secondary winding is I22R2. Where, I1 and I2 are current in primary and secondary winding
respectively, R1 and R2 are the resistances of primary and secondary winding respectively. It is clear that Cu
loss is proportional to square of the current, and current depends on the load. Hence copper loss in transformer
varies with the load.

Efficiency of Transformer

Just like any other electrical machine, efficiency of a transformer can be defined as the output power divided
by the input power. That is efficiency = output / input .

Transformers are the most highly efficient electrical devices. Most of the transformers have full load efficiency
between 95% to 98.5% . As a transformer being highly efficient, output and input are having nearly same value,
and hence it is impractical to measure the efficiency of transformer by using output / input. A better method to
find efficiency of a transformer is using, efficiency = (input - losses) / input = 1 - (losses / input).

Condition for maximum efficiency

Let,

Copper loss = I12R1

Iron loss = Wi
Hence, efficiency of a transformer will be maximum when copper loss and iron losses are equal.
That is Copper loss = Iron loss.

All day efficiency of transformer

As we have seen above, ordinary or commercial efficiency of a transformer can be given as

But in some types of transformers, their performance can not be judged by this efficiency. For example,
distribution transformers have their primaries energized all the time. But, their secondaries supply little load all
no-load most of the time during day (as residential use of electricity is observed mostly during evening till
midnight).
That is, when secondaries of transformer are not supplying any load (or supplying only little load), then only
core losses of transformer are considerable and copper losses are absent (or very little). Copper losses are
considerable only when transformers are loaded. Thus, for such transformers copper losses are relatively less
important. The performance of such transformers is compared on the basis of energy consumed in one day.

All day efficiency of a transformer is always less than ordinary efficiency of it

EMF equation of a transformer and Voltage Transformation Ratio

In a transformer, source of alternating current is applied to the primary winding. Due to this, the current in the
primary winding (called as magnetizing current) produces alternating flux in the core of transformer. This
alternating flux gets linked with the secondary winding, and because of the phenomenon of mutual induction an
emf gets induced in the secondary winding. Magnitude of this induced emf can be found by using the
following EMF equation of the transformer.
EMF equation of the Transformer

Let,
N1 = Number of turns in primary winding
N2 = Number of turns in secondary winding
Φm = Maximum flux in the core (in Wb) = (Bm x A)
f = frequency of the AC supply (in Hz)
As, shown in the fig., the flux rises sinusoidally to its maximum value Φm from 0. It reaches to the maximum
value in one quarter of the cycle i.e in T/4 sec (where, T is time period of the sin wave of the supply = 1/f).
Therefore,
average rate of change of flux = Φm /(T/4) = Φm /(1/4f)
Therefore,
average rate of change of flux = 4f Φm ....... (Wb/s).
Now,
Induced emf per turn = rate of change of flux per turn

Therefore, average emf per turn = 4f Φm ..........(Volts). Now, we know, Form factor = RMS value / average
value
Therefore, RMS value of emf per turn = Form factor X average emf per turn.

As, the flux Φ varies sinusoidally, form factor of a sine wave is 1.11

Therefore, RMS value of emf per turn = 1.11 x 4f Φm = 4.44f Φm.

RMS value of induced emf in whole primary winding (E1) = RMS value of emf per turn X Number of turns in
primary winding

E1 = 4.44f N1 Φm ............................. eq 1

Similarly, RMS induced emf in secondary winding (E2) can be given as

E2 = 4.44f N2 Φm. ............................ eq 2

from the above equations 1 and 2,

This is called the emf equation of transformer, which shows, emf / number of turns is same for both primary
and secondary winding.
For an ideal transformer on no load, E1 = V1 and E2 = V2 .
where, V1 = supply voltage of primary winding
V2 = terminal voltage of secondary winding

Voltage Transformation Ratio (K)

As derived above,

Where, K = constant
This constant K is known as voltage transformation ratio.

▪ If N2 > N1, i.e. K > 1, then the transformer is called step-up transformer.
▪ If N2 < N1, i.e. K < 1, then the transformer is called step-down transformer.
▪
Equivalent circuit of Transformer

n a practical transformer -
(a) Some leakage flux is present at both primary and secondary sides. This leakage gives rise to leakage
reactances at both sides, which are denoted as X1 and X2 respectively.
(b) Both the primary and secondary winding possesses resistance, denoted as R1 and R2 respectively. These
resistances causes voltage drop as, I1R1 and I2R2 and also copper loss I12R1 and I22R2.
(c) Permeability of the core can not be infinite, hence some magnetizing current is needed. Mutual flux also
causes core loss in iron parts of the transformer.

Equivalent circuit of transformer

Resistances and reactances of transformer, which are described above, can be imagined separately from the
windings (as shown in the figure below). Hence, the function of windings, thereafter, will only be the
transforming the voltage.

The no load current I0 is divided into, pure inductance X0 (taking magnetizing components Iμ) and non
induction resistance R0 (taking working component Iw) which are connected into parallel across the primary.
The value of E1 can be obtained by subtracting I1Z1 from V1. The value of R0 and X0 can be calculated as, R0 =
E1 / Iw and X0 = E1 / Iμ.

But, using this equivalent circuit does not simplifies the calculations. To make calculations simpler, it is
preferable to transfer current, voltage and impedance either to primary side or to the secondary side. In that
case, we would have to work with only one winding which is more convenient.

From the voltage transformation ratio, it is clear that,

E1 / E2 = N1 / N2 = K

Now, lets refer the parameters of secondary side to primary.

Z2 can be referred to primary as Z2'
where, Z2' = (N1/N2)2Z2 = K2Z2. ............where K= N1/N2.
that is, R2'+jX2' = K2(R2+jX2)
equating real and imaginary parts,
R2' = K2R2 and X2' = K2X2 .
And V2' = KV2
The following figure shows the equivalent circuit of transformer with secondary parameters referred to
the primary.

Now, as the values of winding resistance and leakage reactance are so small that, V1 and E1 can be assumed to
be equal. Therefore, the exciting current drawn by the parallel combination of R0 and X0 would not affect
significantly, if we move it to the input terminals as shown in the figure below.
Now, let R1 + R2' = R'eq and X1 + X2' = X'eq
Then the equivalent circuit of transformer becomes as shown in the figure below

Approximate equivalent circuit of transformer

If only voltage regulation is to be calculated, then even the whole excitation branch (parallel combination of R0
and X0) can be neglected. Then the equivalent circuit becomes as shown in the figure below

Transformer on No Load Condition

When the transformer is operating at no load, the secondary winding is open-circuited, which means there is no
load on the secondary side of the transformer and, therefore, current in the secondary will be zero. While
primary winding carries a small current I0 called no-load current which is 2 to 10% of the rated current.

This current is responsible for supplying the iron losses (hysteresis and eddy current losses) in the core and a
very small amount of copper losses in the primary winding. The angle of lag depends upon the losses in the
transformer. The power factor is very low and varies from 0.1 to 0.15.
 The no-load current consists of two
components:

• Reactive or magnetizing component Im

(It is in quadrature with the applied voltage V1. It produces flux in the core and does not consume any power).

• Active or power component Iw, also know as a working component

(It is in phase with the applied voltage V1. It supplies the iron losses and a small amount of primary copper
loss).

The following steps are given below to draw the phasor diagram:

1. The function of the magnetizing component is to produce the magnetizing flux, and thus, it will be in phase
with the flux.
2. Induced emf in the primary and the secondary winding lags the flux ϕ by 90 degrees.
3. The primary copper loss is neglected, and secondary current losses are zero as
I2 = 0.
Therefore, the current I0 lags behind the voltage vector V1 by an angle ϕ0 called the no-load power factor angle
and is shown in the phasor diagram above.
4. The applied voltage V1 is drawn equal and opposite to the induced emf E1 because the difference between the
two, at no load, is negligible.
5. Active component Iw is drawn in phase with the applied voltage V1.
6. The phasor sum of magnetizing current Im and the working current Iw gives the no-load current I0.
 7. From the phasor diagram drawn above, the following

conclusions are made

Transformer On Load Condition

When the transformer is on the loaded condition, the secondary of the transformer is connected to load. The
load can be resistive, inductive or capacitive. The current I2 flows through the secondary winding of the
transformer. The magnitude of the secondary current depends on the terminal voltage V2 and the load
impedance. The phase angle between the secondary current and voltage depends on the nature of the load.

Operation of the Transformer on Load Condition

The Operation of the Transformer on Load Condition is explained below:

• When the secondary of the transformer is kept open, it draws the no-load current from the main supply. The no-
load current induces the magnetomotive force N0I0 and this force set up the flux Φ in the core of the
transformer. The circuit of the transformer at no load condition is shown in the figure below:
•
o When the load is connected to the secondary of the transformer, I2 current flows through their secondary
winding. The secondary current induces the magnetomotive force N2I2 on the secondary winding of the
transformer. This force set up the flux φ2 in the transformer core. The flux φ2 opposes the flux φ, according
to Lenz’s law.

▪ As the flux φ2 opposes the flux φ, the resultant flux of the transformer decreases and this flux reduces the
induced EMF E1. Thus, the strength of the V1 is more than E1 and an additional primary current I’1 drawn from
the main supply.
The additional current is used for restoring the original value of the flux in the core of the transformer so that
V1 = E1. The primary current I’1 is in phase opposition with the secondary current I2. Thus, it is called
the primary counter-balancing current.
▪ The additional current I’1 induces the magnetomotive force N1I’1. And this force set up the flux φ’1. The
direction of the flux is the same as that of the φ and it cancels the flux φ2 which induces because of the MMF
N2I2
 Now, N1I1’ = N2I2

Therefore,

• The phase difference between V1 and I1 gives the power factor angle ϕ1 of the primary side of the transformer.
• The power factor of the secondary side depends upon the type of load connected to the transformer.
• If the load is inductive as shown in the above phasor diagram, the power factor will be lagging, and if the load is
capacitive, the power factor will be leading. The total primary current I1 is the vector sum of the currents I0 and
I1’. i.e

Phasor Diagram of Transformer on Inductive Load

The phasor diagram of the actual transformer when it is loaded inductively is shown below:
 Phasor Diagram of the Transformer on Inductive Load

Steps to draw the phasor diagram

• Take flux ϕ, a reference

• Induces emf E1 and E2 lags the flux by 90 degrees.
• The component of the applied voltage to the primary equal and opposite to induced emf in the primary winding.
E1 is represented by V1’.
• Current I0 lags the voltage V1’ by 90 degrees.
• The power factor of the load is lagging. Therefore current I2 is drawn lagging E2 by an angle ϕ2.
• The resistance and the leakage reactance of the windings result in a voltage drop, and hence secondary terminal
voltage V2 is the phase difference of E2 and voltage drop.

V2 = E2 – voltage drops
I2 R2 is in phase with I2 and I2X2 is in quadrature with I2.

• The total current flowing in the primary winding is the phasor sum of I1’ and I0.
• Primary applied voltage V1 is the phasor sum of V1’ and the voltage drop in the primary winding.
• Current I1’ is drawn equal and opposite to the current I2

V1 = V1’ + voltage drop

I1R1 is in phase with I1 and I1XI is in quadrature with I1.

• The phasor difference between V1 and I1 gives the power factor angle ϕ1 of the primary side of the transformer.
• The power factor of the secondary side depends upon the type of load connected to the transformer.
• If the load is inductive as shown in the above phasor diagram, the power factor will be lagging, and if the load is
capacitive, the power factor will be leading. Where I1R1 is the resistive drop in the primary windings
I2X2 is the reactive drop in the secondary winding

Similarly

Phasor Diagram of Transformer on Capacitive Load

The Transformer on the Capacitive load (leading power factor load) is shown below in the phasor diagram.

Steps to draw the phasor diagram at capacitive load

• Take flux ϕ a reference

• Induces emf E1 and E2 lags the flux by 90 degrees.
• The component of the applied voltage to the primary equal and opposite to induced emf in the primary winding.
E1 is represented by V1’.
• Current I0 lags the voltage V1’ by 90 degrees.
• The power factor of the load is leading. Therefore current I2 is drawn leading E2
• The resistance and the leakage reactance of the windings result in a voltage drop, and hence secondary terminal
voltage V2 is the phasor difference of E2 and voltage drop.

V2 = E2 – voltage drops
I2 R2 is in phase with I2 and I2X2 is in quadrature with I2.

• Current I1’ is drawn equal and opposite to the current I2

• The total current I1 flowing in the primary winding is the phasor sum of I1’ and I0.
• Primary applied voltage V1 is the phasor sum of V1’ and the voltage drop in the primary winding.

V1 = V1’ + voltage drop

I1R1 is in phase with I1 and I1XI is in quadrature with I1.

• The phasor difference between V1 and I1 gives the power factor angle ϕ1 of the primary side of the transformer.
• The power factor of the secondary side depends upon the type of load connected to the transformer.

This is all about the phasor diagram on various loads.

Phasor Diagram of the Transformer on Capacitive Load

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What is a Transformer, Construction, Working, Types & Application

Table of Contents [Hide]

1 Introduction to Electrical Transformer
2 Construction of a Transformer | Parts of a Transformer
3 Types of Transformers
3.1 Types of Transformers w.r.t Cores
3.2 Types of Transformer w.r.t uses
3.3 Types of Transformer w.r.t Cooling
3.4 Types of Instrument Transformer
4 Operating & Working Principle of a Transformer
5 Limitation of the Transformer
6 Electromagnetism
7 Field Flux
8 Electromagnetic Induction
9 Faraday’s Laws Of Electromagnetic Induction
9.1 Faraday’s First Law
9.2 Faraday’s Second Law
9.3 Lenz’s Law
10 Uses and Application of Transformer
11 Advantages of 3-Phase Transformer over 1-Phase Transformer

Introduction to Electrical Transformer

What is a Transformer?

In Very Simple words.

Transformer is a device which:

1. Transfer Electrical power from one electrical circuit to another Electrical circuit.
2. It’s working without changing the frequency.
3. Work through on electric induction.
4. When, both circuits take effect of mutual induction.
5. Can’t step up or step down the level of DC voltage or DC Current.
6. Can step up or step down the level of AC voltage or AC Current.

1500 kVA Transformer by Siemens | Electrical Technology

Without transformers the electrical energy generated at generating stations won’t probably be sufficient enough to power up a city. Just imagine
that there are no [Link] many power plants do you think have to be set up in order to power up a city? It’s not easy to set up a power
plant. It is expensive.

Numerous power plant have to be set up in order to have sufficient power. Transformers help by amplifying the Transformer output (stepping up
or down the level of voltage or current).

When the number of turns of the secondary coil is greater than that of primary coil, such a transformer is known as step up transformer.

Likewise when the number of turns of coil of primary coil is greater than that of secondary transformer, such a transformer is known as step down
transformer.

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Construction of a Transformer | Parts of a Transformer

Parts of a Transformer

1 Oil filter valve 17 Oil drain valve

2 Conservator 18 Jacking boss

3 Buchholz relay 19 Stopper

4 Oil filter valve 20 Foundation bolt

5 Pressure-relief vent 21 Grounding terminal

6 High-voltage bushing 22 Skid base

7 Low-voltage bushing 23 Coil

8 Suspension lug 24 Coil pressure plate

9 B C T Terminal 25 Core
Terminal box for protective
10 Tank 26
devices

11 De-energized tap changer 27 Rating plate

12 Tap changer handle 28 Dial thermometer

13 Fastener for core and coil 29 Radiator
Lifting hook for core and
14 30 Manhole
coil

15 End frame 31 Lifting hook

16 Coil pressure bolt 32 Dial type oil level gauge

Types of Transformers
There are two basic Types of Transformers

1. Single Phase Transformer

2. Three Phase Transformer

Below are the more types of transformer derived via different functions and operation etc.

Types of Transformers w.r.t Cores

Core Type Transformer
Shell Type Transformer
Berry Type Transformer

Types of Transformer w.r.t uses

Large Power Transformer
Distribution Transformer
Small Power Transformer
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Sign Lighting Transformer

Control & Signalling Transformer
Gaseous Discharge Lamp Transformer
Bell Ringing Transformer
Instrument Transformer
Constant Current Transformer
Series Transformer for Street Lighting

Types of Transformer w.r.t Cooling

Self Air Cooled or Dry Type Transformer
Air Blast-Cooled Dry Type
Oil Immersed, Self Cooled (OISC) or ONAN (Oil natural, Air natural)
Oil Immersed, Combination of Self Cooled and Air blast (ONAN)
Oil Immersed, Water Cooled (OW)
Oil Immersed, Forced Oil Cooled
Oil Immersed, Combination of Self Cooled and Water Cooled (ONAN+OW)
Oil Forced, Air forced Cooled (OFAC)
Forced Oil, Water Cooled (FOWC)
Forced Oil, Self Cooled (OFAN)

Types of Instrument Transformer

Current Transformer
Potential Transformer
Constant Current Transformer
Rotating Core Transformer or Induction regulator
Auto Transformer

Operating & Working Principle of a Transformer

Transformer is a static device (and doesn’t contain on rotating parts, hence no friction losses), which convert electrical power from one circuit to
another without changing its frequency. it Step up (or Step down) the level of AC Voltage and Current.

Transformer works on the principle of mutual induction of two coils or Faraday Law’s Of Electromagnetic induction. When current in the primary
coil is changed the flux linked to the secondary coil also changes. Consequently an EMF is induced in the secondary coil due to Faraday law’s of
electromagnetic induction.

The transformer is based on two principles: first, that an electric current can produce a magnetic field (electromagnetism), and, second that a
changing magnetic field within a coil of wire induces a voltage across the ends of the coil (electromagnetic induction). Changing the current in the
primary coil changes the magnetic flux that is developed. The changing magnetic flux induces a voltage in the secondary coil.

A simple transformer has a soft iron or silicon steel core and windings placed on it(iron core). Both the core and the windings are insulated from
each other. The winding connected to the main supply is called the primary and the winding connected to the load circuit is called the secondary.

Winding (coil) connected to higher voltage is known as high voltage winding while the winding connected to low voltage is known as low voltage
winding. In case of a step up transformer, the primary coil (winding) is the low voltage winding, the number of turns of the windings of the
secondary is more than that of the primary. Vice versa for step down transformer.

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Good to Know:

Transformer Always rated in kVA instead of kW.

As explained earlier, EMF is induced only by variation of the magnitude of the flux.

When the primary winding is connected to ac mains supply, a current flows through it. Since the winding links with the core, current flowing
through the winding will produce an alternating flux in the core. EMF is induced in the secondary coil since the alternating flux links the two
windings. The frequency of the induced EMF is the same as that of the flux or the supplied voltage.

Click image to enlarge | Working of a Transformer

By so doing (variation of flux) energy is transferred from the primary coil to the secondary coil by means of electromagnetic induction without the
change in the frequency of the voltage supplied to the transformer. During the process, a self induced EMF is produced in the primary coil which
opposes the applied voltage. The self induced EMF is known as back EMF.

Limitation of the Transformer

To understand the main points, we have to discuss some basic terms related to transformer operation. So lets back to basic for a while.

A transformer is an AC machine that steps up or steps down an alternating voltage or current. A transformer being an AC machine however
cannot step up or down a DC voltage or DC current. It sounds a bit weird though. You might be thinking “so are there not DC transformers?”

To answer the two questions whether there are or there are not DC transformers and know “why transformer cannot step up or step down a DC
voltage” it’s necessary we know how electric current and magnetic field interact with each other in transformer operation.

Electromagnetism
The interaction between magnetic field and electric current is termed electromagnetism. Current carrying conductors produces magnetic field
when current passes through it. Movement of electrons in a conductor will result to electric current (drifted electrons) which occurs as a result of
the EMF set up across the conductor.

The EMF set up across the conductor can be in form of that stored in chemical energy or magnetic field. Current carrying conductor placed in a
magnetic fields will experience mechanical force while a conductor placed in a magnetic field will have its electrons drifted which will results to
electric current.

Field Flux
Two magnets of unlike poles will attract each other while magnets of like poles will repel each other (so it is with electric charges). Every magnet
is surrounded by a force field and is represented by imaginary lines emanating from the north pole of a magnet going into the south pole of the
same magnet.

Read the important terms related to Field Flux and Magnetic Filed with formulas Here

“The lines linking the north and south pole of a magnet which represents force field which links coils in a transformer is termed as
magnetic flux”.

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Electromagnetic Induction
Electromagnetic induction is a phenomenon that explains how EMF and current is or can be induced in a coil when a coil and a magnetic field
interact. This phenomenon”electromagnetic induction”is explained by Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction. The direction of induced EMF
in a coil is explained by Lenz’s law and Fleming’s right hand rule.

Faraday’s Laws Of Electromagnetic Induction

After Ampere and others investigated the magnetic effect of current, Michael Faraday tried the opposite. In the course of his work he discovered
that when there was change in a magnetic field in which a coil was placed, EMF was induced in the coil.

This happened only whenever he moved either the coil or the magnet he used in the experiment. EMF was induced in the coil only when there
was change in the field flux (if the coil is fixed, moving the magnet towards or away from the coil causes EMF to be induced). Thus Faraday’s
laws of electromagnetic induction states as follows;

Faraday’s First Law

Faraday’s first law of electromagnetic induction states that “EMF is induced in a coil when there is a change in the flux linking the coil”.

Faraday’s Second Law

Faraday’s second law of electromagnetic induction states that “the magnitude of induced EMF in a coil is directly proportional to the rate of
change of flux linking the coil”.

e = N dϕ/dt

Where

e = Induced EMF

N = the number of turns

dϕ = Change in flux

dt = Change in time

Lenz’s Law
Lenz’s law entails how the direction of an induced EMF in a coil can be determined. “It thus states that the direction of induced EMF is such that it
opposes the change causing it.

In other words, When an E.M.F is induced in a circuit, the current setup always opposes the motion, or change in current, which produces it. OR

An induced EMF will cause a current to flow in a close circuit in such a direction what its magnetic effect will oppose the change that produced it.

According to this law (which introduced by Lens in 1835), the direction of current can be found. when the current through a coil changes magnetic
field, the voltage is created as a result of changing magnetic field, the direction of the induced voltage is such that it always opposes the change
in current.

in very simple words, lenz’s law stating that the induced effect is always such as to oppose the cause that produced it.

Fleming’s Right Hand Rule

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Transformers - Construction

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 Transformers - Construction
Transformer Construction

Main elements of a transformer

1. Two Windings – Primary and Secondary

2. Laminated Core

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 Transformers - Construction
Transformer Construction - Core

Constructed from laminations of Silicon steel assembled together to

provide continuous magnetic path

Silicon Steel – minimize hysteresis loss.

Laminations – minimize eddy current loss

Laminations are insulated from each other by a light coat of varnish or by

an oxide layer on the surface.

Thickness of laminations varies for 0.35 mm to 0.5 mm for a frequency of

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 Transformers - Construction
Classification

Classification according to core construction and the manner in which

primary and secondary are placed around it.

1. Core type transformer

2. Shell type transformer

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 Transformers - Construction
Core Type Transformer - Construction

Half of primary winding and secondary winding are placed around each
limb.

This ensures tight coupling between two windings. Consequently leakage

flux is considerably reduced.

Insulation is present between core and inner winding and between

windings. To reduce insulation, low voltage winding is usually placed
nearer the core.
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 Transformers - Construction
Core Type Transformer - Construction

Laminations are cut in the form of L shaped strips.

Alternate layers are stacked differently and continuous joints are

eliminated to minimize reluctance of magnetic path.

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 Transformers - Construction
Shell Type Transformer - Construction

Both primary winding and secondary winding are placed around central
limb.

Central limb carries whole flux, whereas the side limbs carry half the flux.
Therefore size of central limb is double that of outer limbs.
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 Transformers - Construction
Shell Type Transformer - Construction

Laminations are cut in the form of E and I shaped strips.

Alternate layers are stacked differently and continuous joints are

eliminated to minimize reluctance of magnetic path.

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 Transformers - Construction
Stepped Core Construction

Coils will be in the form of circular cylinders.

A considerable amount of useful space is wasted in square core

construction, which can be avoided by stepped core construction.

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 Transformers - Construction
Cooling of Transformers

Heat is produced in transformer by

- iron losses in core

- copper losses in windings

To prevent temperature rise, this heat is removed by cooling.

Transformer Size Type of Cooling Description

Small Natural Air Cooling Heat produced is carried away by

surrounding air.
Medium Oil Cooling Placed in tanks filled with oil
Heat produced is carried away by
oil to surface of the tank.
Oil provides better insulation to
windings.
Large Oil Cooling Oil moves through radiators where
heat is released to surrounding air
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 Transformers - Construction
Why transformer rated in KVA ?

Rating in kW = kVA rating x load pf

Load pf depends on load. KW rating is different for different loads. So

transformer rating is given in kVA.

Temperature rise resulting from losses is a determining factor in the rating

of machine.

Pc – depends on current

Pi – depends on Bm which depends on voltage

Total losses depend on volt ampere product only not on phase angle
between V & I. So transformer is rated in kVA.

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 Transformers - Construction
Power Transformer and Distribution Transformer

Power Transformer

Used in generating stations.

Usually arranged in parallel, so that they can be put into operation during
load hours and disconnected during light load hours.

They are designed to have maximum efficiency at full load

Distribution Transformer

Used for stepping down voltage and kept near consumer premises.

They are continuously in the circuit whether they are carrying any load or
not.

They are designed to have maximum all day efficiency

kWh output in 24 hours
all day efficiency 
kWh input in 24 hours RG,RSET
 Transformers - Construction
Three Phase Transformers

Generation of electric power is three phase in nature. Transmission is

carried out at high voltages. Before transmission, it is required to step up
voltage. At distribution substation voltage must be stepped down.

Hence three phase transformers are required to step up and step down
voltages in various stages of a power system.

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 Transformers - Construction
Principle of Operation – Faradays Law

Three cores are 1200 apart.

Primary windings are connected to three phase supply and carry currents
IR, IY and IB producing fluxes φR, φY and φB in individual cores.

Centre leg carries sum of three fluxes = 0

If centre leg is removed it doesn’t make any difference in working

condition of transformer. RG,RSET
 Transformers - Construction
Construction

Core Type Shell Type

Consists of three legs and two Three phases are more

yokes. independent because each phase

Each limb carries primary and has an individual magnetic circuit

secondary windings
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Three Phase Transformer - Connections

Primary and secondary of three phase transformers can be independently

connected either in star or delta. Thus there are four possible
connections,

1. Delta – Delta Connection

2. Delta – Star Connection

3. Star – Star Connection

4. Star – Delta Connection

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