Transformer

Symbol of A Transformer
The figure on the left shows the transformer while the figure in the right is the symbol
of a transformer. The 2 lines in between the coil denote the core.
What is a transformer?
A transformer is a device that is used to raise or lower down the potential difference
of an alternating current.
Function:
The function of a transformer is to increase or decrease the potential difference of an
alternating current supply.
Structure and Technical Terms
A transformer consist of 3 parts, namely
1. The primary circuit
2. The core
3. The secondary Circuit
The primary circuit is the circuit that connected to the input energy source. The
current, potential difference and coil (winding in the primary circuit are called the
primary current (!p, primary potential difference ("p and primary coil respectively.
Core:
The core is the ferromagnetic metal wound by the primary and secondary coil. The
function of the core is to transfer the changing magnetic flu# from the primary coil to
the secondary coil.
Secondary Circuit:
The secondary circuit is the circuit that connected to the output of the transformer.
The current, potential difference and coil (winding in the secondary circuit are called
the secondary current (!s, secondary potential difference ("s and secondary coil
respectively.
Working Principle of A Transformer
1. A transformer consists of a primary coil and a secondary coil wound on a soft
iron core.
2. $hen an alternating current flows in the primary coil, a changing magnetic
flu# is generated around the primary coil.
3. The changing magnetic flu# is transferred to the secondary coil through the
iron core.
%. The changing magnetic flu# is cut by the secondary coil, hence induces an
e.m.f. in the secondary coil.
&. The magnitude of the output voltage can be controlled by the ratio of the
number of primary coil and secondary coil.
Types of Transformer
There are 2 types of transformer, namely
1. the step up transformer
2. the step down transformer
Step-up Transformer
1. A step'up transformer is one where the e.m.f. in the secondary coil is greater
than the e.m.f. in the primary coil. !t is used to increases the potential
difference.
2. The number of windings in the secondary winding is greater than the number
of windings in the primary coil.
3. The current in the primary coil is greater than the current in the secondary coil.
Step-don transformer
1. Conversely, a step'down transformer is one where the e.m.f. in the secondary
coil is less than the e.m.f. in the primary coil. !t is used to reduce the potential
difference.
2. The number of windings in the primary winding is greater than the number of
windings in the secondary coil.
3. The current in the primary coil is lesser than the current in the secondary coil.
!elationship "eteen #umber of Turns $n Coils With %oltage $n an $deal
Transformer
"p ( input (primary potential difference
"s ( output (secondary potential difference
)p ( )umber of turns on the primary coil
)s ( )umber of turns on the secondary coil
!elationship "eteen &utput Poer and $nput Poer of an $deal Transformer
"p ( input (primary potential difference
"s ( output (secondary potential difference
!p ( Current flows in primary coil
!s ( Current flows in secondary coil
Efficiency of a Transformer
IsVs ' IpVp
"p ( input (primary potential difference
"s ( output (secondary potential difference
!p ( Current flows in primary coil
!s ( Current flows in secondary coil
Factors That Affect the Efficiency of a Transformer (Power Loss)
() The heating effect of current in a coil)
All coils will have resistance. *eat is produced when current flows through them.
*ethods to impro+e the efficiency
' +se thic, copper wires of low resistance.
' +se coolant to decrease the temperature of the transformer.
,) -ddy current in the core
The changing magnetic field will also induces current in the iron core. This induced
current is called eddy current. -ddy current cause heat to be produced in the iron
cores.
*ethods to impro+e the efficiency
+se a laminated iron core whereby each layer is insulated with enamel paint to
prevent the flow of eddy currents. The high resistance between layers of the iron core
decrease the prevalence of eddy currents and heat.
.) *agneti/ation of the $ron Core)
The energy used in the magneti.ation and de'magneti.ation of the iron core each time
current changes its direction is ,nown as hysterisis. This energy is lost as heat which
subse/uently heats up the iron core.
*ethods to impro+e the efficiency
+se a soft iron core that is easily magneti.ed and de'magneti.ed.
0) Flu1 leakage)
0ome of the induced magnetic flu# from the primary coil is not transmitted to the
secondary coil, therefore the e.m.f in the secondary coil is decreased. The secondary
coil(windings are intertwined tightly with the primary coils. The iron core should
form a closed loop.
*ethods to impro+e the efficiency
The secondary coil (windings is intertwined tightly with the primary coils. The iron
core should form a closed loop.