23.7 Transformers
2 min read•june 18, 2024
are the unsung heroes of our electrical world. They quietly change voltage levels, making it possible to send power over long distances and use it safely in our homes. Without them, our modern electrical grid wouldn't exist.
These devices work their magic through . By manipulating the number of coil turns, transformers can step voltage up or down as needed. This simple yet powerful principle keeps our lights on and our devices humming.
Transformers
Components of transformers
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- Transformers efficiently transfer electrical energy between two circuits through electromagnetic induction enabling voltage level changes
- receives (AC) from power source
- delivers transformed voltage to load
- provides path for and enhances coupling between coils
- The core's affects the 's efficiency
- Changing magnetic field created by AC in primary coil induces (EMF) in secondary coil
- Induced EMF causes current to flow in secondary circuit transferring energy from primary to secondary
Transformer equation calculations
- relates voltage, current, and number of turns in primary and secondary coils:
-
- : Primary voltage
- : Secondary voltage
- : Number of turns in primary coil
- : Number of turns in secondary coil
- : Primary current
- : Secondary current
-
- Calculate unknown quantities using transformer equation and solve for variable
- Example: Primary voltage 120 V, secondary voltage 24 V, primary coil 500 turns, calculate secondary coil turns:
- turns
- Example: Primary voltage 120 V, secondary voltage 24 V, primary coil 500 turns, calculate secondary coil turns:
Step-up vs step-down transformers
- Step-up transformers have more turns in secondary coil than primary ()
- Increases voltage from primary to secondary coil ()
- Used in power plants to increase voltage for long-distance transmission reducing power losses
- Step-down transformers have fewer turns in secondary coil than primary ()
- Decreases voltage from primary to secondary coil ()
- Used in power distribution systems to reduce voltage to safe levels for end-users
- Power distribution system applications:
- High-voltage transmission uses step-up transformers to increase voltage minimizing power losses over long distances
- Substation transformers step-down voltage to levels suitable for local distribution
- Distribution transformers further step-down voltage to appropriate levels for residential and commercial use (120 V or 240 V)
Transformer Efficiency and Power Transmission
- Transformers play a crucial role in by enabling voltage changes
- is improved by transmitting power at high voltages and low currents
- ensures consistent output voltage despite load variations
- optimizes power transfer between source and load
- in the core can reduce efficiency and are minimized through core design
Key Terms to Review (22)
Alternating Current: Alternating current (AC) is an electric current that periodically reverses direction, in contrast to direct current (DC) which flows consistently in one direction. AC is the standard form of electricity supplied to homes and businesses, powering a wide range of electrical devices and equipment.
Eddy Currents: Eddy currents are electric currents that are induced within a conductive material when it is exposed to a changing magnetic field. These circulating currents create their own magnetic fields that oppose the original changing magnetic field, leading to various effects that are important in various applications.
Electrical Efficiency: Electrical efficiency is a measure of the effectiveness of an electrical device or system in converting electrical energy into useful output. It represents the ratio of the useful output to the total input, and is a critical factor in the design and operation of electrical systems and devices.
Electromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic induction is the process by which a changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) in a conductor, causing an electric current to flow. This phenomenon is the fundamental principle behind the operation of many electrical devices and systems, including transformers, generators, and motors.
Electromotive force: Electromotive force (emf) is the energy provided by a source per unit charge to move electrons through a circuit. It is measured in volts (V) and drives the current around the circuit.
Electromotive Force: Electromotive force (EMF) is the voltage or potential difference generated in an electrical circuit, typically by a source of electrical energy such as a battery or generator. It represents the driving force that causes electric charge to flow through a circuit, enabling the conversion of other forms of energy into electrical energy.
Impedance Matching: Impedance matching is the practice of designing the input or output of an electrical device, such as an amplifier, filter, or transmission line, to maximize the power transfer or minimize signal reflection from the device. It is a crucial concept in electrical engineering, particularly in the context of transformers.
Iron Core: An iron core is a crucial component in the design of transformers and inductors. It is a solid or laminated iron structure that serves to concentrate and guide the magnetic flux generated by the coils, improving the efficiency and performance of these electromagnetic devices.
Magnetic flux: Magnetic flux is the measure of the quantity of magnetism, taking into account the strength and extent of a magnetic field. It is calculated as the product of the magnetic field and the area through which it passes, perpendicular to the field.
Magnetic Flux: Magnetic flux is a measure of the total amount of magnetic field passing through a given surface or area. It represents the strength and distribution of a magnetic field and is a fundamental concept in the study of electromagnetism and its applications.
Magnetic Permeability: Magnetic permeability is a measure of the ability of a material to support the formation of a magnetic field within itself. It is a fundamental property that describes the degree of magnetization of a material in response to an applied magnetic field.
Power Transmission: Power transmission refers to the process of transferring energy from a power source to a load or destination. It involves the efficient and controlled distribution of electrical, mechanical, or other forms of energy to where it is needed for various applications.
Primary Coil: The primary coil is a fundamental component of a transformer, consisting of a winding of wire that carries the input alternating current (AC) from the power source. It is the part of the transformer that generates a changing magnetic field, which is then used to induce a voltage in the secondary coil.
Secondary Coil: The secondary coil is a crucial component of a transformer, responsible for converting the input voltage from the primary coil into a different output voltage. It is the secondary winding of the transformer that receives the induced voltage from the primary coil and provides the desired voltage transformation.
Step-down transformer: A step-down transformer is a device that decreases the voltage from the primary coil to the secondary coil while increasing the current. It is commonly used to convert high voltage electricity from power lines to a lower, safer voltage for use in homes and businesses.
Step-Down Transformer: A step-down transformer is a type of electrical transformer that reduces the voltage of an alternating current (AC) electrical supply. It takes a higher input voltage and steps it down to a lower output voltage, allowing for the efficient transmission and use of electrical power.
Step-up transformer: A step-up transformer increases the voltage from the primary coil to the secondary coil while decreasing the current proportionally. This is achieved using a higher number of turns in the secondary coil compared to the primary coil.
Step-Up Transformer: A step-up transformer is a type of electrical transformer that is used to increase the voltage of an alternating current (AC) electrical signal. It consists of a primary winding with a lower number of turns and a secondary winding with a higher number of turns, allowing the voltage to be stepped up from the input to the output.
Transformer: A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one alternating current (AC) circuit to another through the process of electromagnetic induction, without the need for direct electrical connection. It is a crucial component in the transmission and distribution of electrical power, as well as in various electronic devices.
Transformer equation: The transformer equation relates the primary and secondary voltages of a transformer to the number of turns in their respective coils. It is given by $\frac{V_s}{V_p} = \frac{N_s}{N_p}$, where $V$ represents voltage and $N$ represents the number of turns.
Transformers: Transformers are devices used to increase or decrease the voltage of alternating current (AC) in electrical circuits. They operate on the principle of electromagnetic induction to transfer electrical energy between two or more coils.
Voltage Regulation: Voltage regulation is the ability of an electrical system, such as a power supply or transformer, to maintain a relatively constant output voltage despite changes in the load or input voltage. It is a crucial aspect of electrical circuits and power distribution to ensure the reliable and efficient operation of connected devices and components.