DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL

SESSION : 2025-26

PHYSICS
INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
Comparative study of the working of
transformer and its uses in real life.

SUBMITTED TO SUBMITTED BY
[Link] SINGH AKSHAT PURWAR
XII
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my sincere gratitude and

appreciation to everyone who provided me the opportunity
to complete my project on [TRANSFOMER].

I, sincerely thank my principal, Ma'am Neeru Bhaskar, for

providing all the necessary facilities for my project.
Special thanks to my subject teacher, [Mr. ANAND
SINGH], whose guidance, suggestions, and encouragement
were invaluable in the completion of this project.
I am also deeply grateful to my parents and friends for
their cooperation and support in helping me complete my
work within the given time frame
 INDEX

1. Introduction
2. Electrical transformer
3. History of transformer
4. Definition of a Transformer
5. Basic Construction of a
Transformer
6. Principle of Working
7. Types of Transformers
8. Transformer Losses and
Efficiency
9. Applications of
Transformers
10. Advantages of
Transformers
11. Limitations of Transformers
[Link] Precautions
13. Recent Developments in
Transformers
14. Role of Transformers in
Modern Life
15. Simple Working Example
16. Conclusion
 INTRODUCTION

Transformers stand as one of the most

significant inventions in the history of science
and technology, marking a turning point in the
evolution of electrical power systems and
modern artificial intelligence. In the field of
electrical engineering, the transformer is a
static device that fundamentally altered the
transmission, distribution, and application of
electric power. Its origins can be traced back
to pioneering experiments by Michael Faraday
in the early 19th century, whose discovery of
electromagnetic induction in 1831 laid the
groundwork for all subsequent transformer
development. Building upon Faraday’s work,
inventors across Europe devised ever-
improving induction coils and energy
conversion systems, culminating in practical
transformer designs in the late 180
Transformers are not only found in high-voltage power systems
but also in everyday electrical and electronic devices. From
mobile phone chargers and televisions to welding machines and
medical equipment, transformers are used wherever voltage
conversion or electrical isolation is needed. Their silent, static
operation and high efficiency make them reliable and long-
lasting components in modern technology.
In essence, the transformer is one of the most significant
inventions in physics and electrical engineering. It forms the
backbone of the world’s power systems and continues to play a
vital role in modern infrastructure, ensuring that electrical energy
is transmitted, distributed, and used safely and efficiently
everywhere.
The invention and development of transformers revolutionized
the way electricity is used and transmitted. Before transformers
were introduced, transmitting electrical power over long
distances was highly inefficient due to energy loss caused by the
resistance of wires. By increasing the voltage (and thus reducing
current) for transmission, and later reducing it again for safe
domestic or industrial use, transformers made large-scale power
systems possible. Today, the entire electrical power grid depends
on transformers to deliver electricity efficiently from generating
stations to consumers’ homes, offices, and industries.
 ELECTRICAL
TRANSFORMERS
WORKING PRINCIPLE
Electrical transformers operate on the principle of mutual
induction and electromagnetic induction. The process involves
two coils (windings)—a primary and a secondary—wound
around a magnetic core. When an alternating current flows
through the primary coil, it creates a time-varying magnetic
field. This induces a voltage in the secondary coil, transferring
electrical energy from one circuit to another without any direct
electrical connection.

FARDAY’S LAW

Transformers operate based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic

induction, a fundamental principle in electrical engineering.
This law asserts that a change in magnetic flux passing through
a coil will induce an electromotive force (emf) within that coil.
To understand this concept better, consider a simple example:
when a magnet moves near a coil, the magnetic field changes,
causing an emf to be generated in the coil. This emf leads to the
flow of current in the circuit connected to the coil.
The voltage transferred in a transformer is closely linked to the
number of turns in each coil, known as the turns ratio. For
instance, if the primary coil has more turns than the secondary
coil, the voltage will be stepped up in the secondary coil.
Conversely, if the secondary coil has more turns, the voltage
will be stepped down. This relationship is crucial in determining
the output voltage of a transformer, making the turns ratio a key
factor in its design and operation.
Furthermore, transformers play a vital role in various
applications, such as in power distribution systems to step up
voltage for long-distance transmission and step down voltage
for consumer use. Understanding Faraday's law and the
importance of turns ratio in transformers is essential for
engineers and technicians working in the field of electrical
systems. By grasping these concepts, they can design efficient
and reliable transformer systems to meet diverse electrical
needs.
 HISTORY OF
TRANSFORMERS
The history of transformers dates back to the late 19th century,
during the era when scientists and engineers were striving to
understand and control electricity. The foundation for
transformer technology was laid by Michael Faraday in 1831
when he discovered the principle of electromagnetic induction.
Faraday demonstrated that a changing magnetic field could
induce an electromotive force (EMF) in a nearby coil — a
concept that became the cornerstone of transformer operation.
Although Faraday’s experiments were primitive, they provided
the essential theoretical basis for future developments.
The first practical devices resembling transformers appeared
around 1884. These early models were developed almost
simultaneously by several inventors, including Lucien Gaulard
and John Dixon Gibbs in England, and Ottó Bláthy, Miksa
Déri, and Károly Zipernowsky in Hungary. The Hungarian
engineers, working for the Ganz Works company, designed the
closed-core transformer, which was far more efficient and
practical than the open-core versions used before. They also
introduced the concept of using transformers in parallel circuits
— an important step toward creating large electrical distribution
systems.
In 1886, the American inventor William Stanley, working for
George Westinghouse, built and demonstrated the first
commercially successful transformer in the United States.
Stanley’s design used laminated iron cores and was capable of
efficiently stepping up and stepping down AC voltages, making
it ideal for use in the emerging AC power systems.
The adoption of alternating current (AC) and transformer
technology during the “War of Currents” between Thomas
Edison (DC) and Nikola Tesla (AC) in the late 1880s marked a
turning point in electrical history. Tesla’s AC system, supported
by Westinghouse and enabled by transformers, proved to be
more efficient for long-distance transmission. Since then,
transformers have evolved into countless types and sizes,
powering industries, cities, and homes across the world.
 DEFINITION OF
TRANSFORMER
A transformer is a static electrical device (i.e., it has no moving
parts) that transfers electrical energy between two or more
circuits through electromagnetic induction. The key point is
that it operates only on AC (alternating current) and not on
DC.
In simple terms:
It takes in electricity at one voltage
It outputs electricity at a different voltage.
The frequency (e.g., 50 Hz in India) remains the same.
 Basic Construction of a
Transformer
A transformer consists mainly of three essential
parts:
(a) Core
The core is usually made of laminated soft iron or
silicon steel to provide a low-resistance path for
magnetic flux. The core’s job is to concentrate and
channel the magnetic field between the primary
and secondary windings.
(b) Primary Winding
This is the coil of wire connected to the input
(supply) voltage. It creates a magnetic field in the
core when AC flows through it.
(c) Secondary Winding
This coil of wire is connected to the load (the device
or circuit that uses the electricity). The voltage
induced here depends on the ratio of turns between
the primary and secondary windings.
 Principle of Working
The transformer works on Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic
Induction and the principle of mutual induction.
When an AC voltage is applied to the primary winding, it
creates a changing magnetic field in the core.
This changing magnetic field induces an AC voltage in the
secondary winding
The voltage induced in the secondary winding depends on the
number of turns of the coil.
Mathematically,

Where:
Vp_ = Primary voltage
Vs = Secondary voltage
Np = Number of turns in primary winding
Ns = Number of turns in secondary winding
Thus
If Ns>Np, the voltage is stepped up.
If Ns<Np, the voltage is stepped down.
 Types of Transformers
Transformers can be classified based on various factors:
(A) Based on Function
1. Step-up Transformer – Increases voltage from primary to
secondary. Used in power stations for transmission.
2. Step-down Transformer – Decreases voltage from primary to
secondary. Used in homes and industries.
(B) Based on Construction
 Core-type Transformer – Windings are placed around laminated
core limbs.
 Shell-type Transformer – Core surrounds the windings, used for
high-load capacity.
(C) Based on Phases
 Single-phase Transformer – For domestic and small commercial
use.
 Three-phase Transformer – For industrial and high-power
transmission systems.
(D) Special Transformers
 Autotransformer – A single winding acts as both primary and
secondary, cheaper but limited.
 Isolation Transformer – Used to isolate two circuits for safety.
 Instrument Transformers – Includes Current Transformers (CTs)
and Potential Transformers (PTs) for measurement and protection.

Transformer Losses and

Efficiency
Though transformers are highly efficient (often 95–99%), they
are not perfect. Losses occur mainly as:
Core Losses (Iron Losses) – Due to hysteresis and eddy
currents in the iron core. Reduced by using laminated cores.
Copper Losses – Caused by the resistance of the windings.
Reduced by using thicker wires of high conductivity.
Leakage Flux – Not all magnetic flux links with both
windings.
Efficiency is given by:
 Applications of
Transformers
(a) Power Transmission and Distribution
Transformers are the backbone of the power grid. Electricity
generated at power plants (11–25 kV) is stepped up to very high
voltages (132 kV–765 kV) for long-distance transmission. At the
receiving end, it is stepped down to safer levels (11 kV for
industries and 230 V for homes).
(b) Electronic Devices
Many electronic gadgets—like chargers, radios, and televisions
—use small transformers to provide the required voltage levels.
(c) Industrial Uses
Transformers supply large machinery and equipment with the
correct voltage. Welding transformers, furnace transformers, and
isolation transformers are common examples.
(d) Measurement and Protection
Instrument transformers (CTs and PTs) help measure high
voltages and currents safely and provide input to protective
relays.
(e) Renewable Energy Systems
Wind turbines and solar farms use transformers to connect to the
grid at the correct voltage levels.

Advantages of
Transformers
1. Enable efficient long-distance power transmission.
2. Have no moving parts—low maintenance.
3. High efficiency compared to most electrical devices.
4. Can handle a wide range of power levels, from milliwatts to
hundreds of megawatts.
5. Allow electrical isolation between circuits for safety.
 Limitations of
Transformers
1. Operate only with AC, not DC
2. Heavy and bulky, especially for high power.
3. Produce humming noise due to magnetostriction.
4. Efficiency drops under very low load.
5. Initial cost of large transformers is high.

Safety Precautions
Proper grounding and insulation should be ensured.
Avoid overloading, as it causes overheating.
Regular oil testing and maintenance for large transformers.
Use protective devices such as fuses and circuit breakers.
Handle with care—high voltages can be dangerous.
 Recent Developments in
Transformers
With advancements in technology, transformers are becoming
more efficient and environmentally friendly. Some new
developments include
Dry-type Transformers – Use air instead of oil for cooling,
safer for indoor use.
Amorphous Metal Cores – Reduce core losses
significantly.
Smart Transformers – Integrated with IoT and sensors to
monitor performance remotely.
Solid-State Transformers (SST) – Use power electronics
to perform voltage conversion with additional features like
voltage regulation and reactive power compensation.

Role of Transformers in
Modern Life
Without transformers, our electrical systems would be inefficient
and unsafe. Imagine trying to transmit low-voltage electricity
over hundreds of kilometers—the losses would be enormous.
Transformers allow us to transmit electricity economically, then
convert it to usable levels. They are also critical in the renewable
energy revolution, where power from diverse sources must be
integrated into the grid.

Simple Working Example

Let’s say you have a step-down transformer with:
Primary voltage = 230 V
Primary turns = 460
Secondary turns = 46

Then,

This shows how a transformer can safely supply low voltage for
appliances.
 Conclusion
Transformers are indispensable devices in the modern world.
They make it possible to transmit electricity efficiently over long
distances and supply homes, offices, and industries at safe
voltages. With the increasing demand for electricity and the shift
toward renewable energy, transformers will continue to evolve.
They are not just static machines but critical links in the energy
chain that power our everyday life. Understanding their working,
types, and importance helps us appreciate how much we rely on
them daily.
 BIBIOLGRAPHY
NCERT Physics Textbooks ([Link]
leph1=0-8)

Electrical Technology by B. L.
(Theraja[Link]
k_of_Electrical_Technology_B._L._Thereja_All_Volumes.pd
f)

Online resources: IEEE, NPTEL Lecture

BYJU’S
([Link]

Lab Manual