TRANSFORMER
Transformer is an electrical device that uses electromagnetic induction to pass an alternating
current (AC) signal from one electric circuit to another, often changing (or "transforming")
the voltage and electric current. Transformers do not pass direct current (DC), and can be
used to take the DC voltage (the constant voltage) out of a signal while keeping the part that
changes (the AC voltage). In the electrical grid transformers are key to changing the voltages
to reduce how much energy is lost in electrical transmission.
Transformers change the voltage of the electrical signal coming out of the power plant,
usually increasing (also known as "stepping up") the voltage. Transformers also reduce ("step
down") the voltage in substations and as distribution transformers.[2] Transformers are also
used as a part of devices, like current transformers.
How transformers work?
It often seems surprising that a transformer keeps the total power the same when voltage goes
up or down. One must keep in mind that when the voltage goes up, the current goes down:
Transformers use electromagnetic induction to change the voltage and current. This change is
called transformer action, and describes how the transformer changes an AC signal from its
primary to its secondary component (like in the equation above). When an AC signal is
applied to the primary coil, the changing current causes a magnetic field to change (get bigger
or smaller). This changing magnetic field (and associated magnetic flux) will pass through to
the secondary coil inducing a voltage across the secondary coil, thereby effectively coupling
the AC input from the primary to secondary component of the transformer. The voltage
applied to the primary component will also be present in the secondary component.
As mentioned before, transformers do not allow DC input to flow through. This is known as
DC isolation.[2] This is because a change in current cannot be generated by DC; meaning that
there is no changing magnetic field to induce a voltage across the secondary component.
The fundamental principle that allows transformers to change the voltage of alternating
current is the direct relationship between the ratio of loops of wire in the primary winding to
the secondary winding and the ratio of the primary voltage to the output voltage. The ratio
between the number of turns (or loops) in the primary coil to the number of turns in the
secondary coil is known as the turns ratio.
if the number of turns in the primary coil is greater than the number of turns in the secondary
coil (), then the voltage across the secondary coil will be less than in the primary coil. This is
known as a "step-down" transformer, because it lowers, or steps down, the voltage. The table
below shows common types of transformers used on the electrical grid
The one to one transformer will have equal values for everything and is used mainly for the
purpose of providing DC isolation.
A step down transformer will have a higher primary voltage than secondary voltage, but
a lower primary current value than its secondary component.
In the case of the step up transformer, the primary voltage will be lower than the secondary
voltage, meaning a greater primary current than the secondary component.
Applications of Transformers
Transformers are used in a variety of applications, including power generation, transmission
and distribution, lighting, audio systems, and electronic equipment.
Power generation: Transformers are used in power plants to increase the voltage of the
electricity generated by the plant before it is sent to the grid.
Transmission and distribution: Transformers are used in the transmission and distribution of
electricity to increase or decrease the voltage of electricity as it is sent from power plants to
homes and businesses.
Lighting: Transformers are used in lighting systems to decrease the voltage of electricity
before it is sent to light bulbs.
Audio systems: Transformers are used in audio systems to increase or decrease the voltage of
electricity before it is sent to speakers.
Electronic equipment: Transformers are used in a variety of electronic devices, including
computers, TVs, radios, and cell phones.
Transformers are a vital part of the electrical grid and are used in a variety of applications to
ensure that electricity is delivered safely and efficiently.