Transformers

Introduction
A transformer is a magnetically operated
machine that can change values of voltage,
current, and impedance without a change in
frequency.
Transformers are the most efficient
machines known. Their efficiencies
commonly range from 90% to 99% at full
load.

The function of a transformer, as the name implies,

is to transform alternating current energy from one
voltage into another voltage. The transformer has
no rotating parts, hence it is often called a static
transformer.
When energy is transformed into a higher voltage,
the transformer is often called a step-up
transformer but when the case is otherwise it is
called step-down transformer.

Most power transformer operate at constant

voltage i.e., if the power varies , the current varies
while the voltage remains fairly constant.

Applications

A transformers performs many important

functions in prominent areas of electrical
engineering.

In electrical power engineering, the transformer

makes it possible to convert electric power from a
generated voltage of 11kV(as determined by
generator design limitations) to higher values of
132kV, 220kV, 400kV, 500kV, and 765kV thus
permitting transmission of huge amounts of power
along long distances to appropriate distribution
points at tremendous savings in the cost of
transmission lines as well as in power losses.

At distribution points, transformers are used to

reduce these high voltages to at a safe level of
400/230V for use in homes, offices etc.

In electric communication, circuits transformers

are used for a variety of purposes,

In radio and television circuits .

Also used in telephone circuits, instrumentation
circuits and control circuits.

A transformer operates on the principle of

mutual inductance, between two (and
sometimes more) inductively coupled coils.
A transformer is a device that :
a) Transfers electric power from one circuit
to another
b) It does so without change of frequency
c) It accomplishes this by electromagnetic
induction. (or mutual induction)

Types
of
Transformers

Type
Power Transformer

Auto-transformer

Transformer for feeding

installations with static
converters.

Uses
Transmission and
distribution of electric power.

Converting voltages within

relatively limits to connect power
systems of different voltages, to
start A.C. motors, etc
Converting A.C .into
D.C.(rectifying) and converting
D.C. to A.C. (inverting)

Type

Uses

Testing Transformers Conducting tests at high

and ultra-high voltages.

Power transformers
for special purposes
Radio Transformers

Furnace, welding etc

Radio engineering etc

Construction

Basic types of construction for transformer cores are:

A. Core type the primary winding is on one leg of
the transformer and the secondary winding is on
the other leg.
- The copper virtually surrounds iron core.
-

B. Shell type - the iron surrounds the copper

windings.

Cooling Methods
Two types of transformer according to
methods of cooling:
1. Dry type

2. Oil immersed type

Dry type transformers. Small transformers up to 25

kVA size are dry type and have the following
cooling arrangements:
a. Air natural
b. Air blast

Oil immersed transformers. Most transformers are

of this type. The oil provides better insulation than
air as it is a better conductor of heat than air.
Mineral oil is used for this purpose.

Transformer Test
1. Open-circuit or no-load test conducted
the determine the no-load loss or core
loss.
2. Short circuit or impedance test
conducted to find full-load copper loss.

Transformer Losses
1. Iron losses or core losses
2. Copper Losses

Iron or core losses

a. Hysteresis loss since the flux in a transformer core is alternating,
power is required for the continuous reversals of the elementary
magnets of which the iron is composed.
Hysteresis Loss = Kh f Bmax 1.6
f = frequency, Hz

Bmax = maximum flux density in core,

Kh = constant

b. Eddy current loss . This is due to the flow

of eddy currents in the core. Thin
laminations, insulated from each other,
reduce the eddy current loss to small
proportion.

Eddy current loss = Kef2Bmax2

Copper Losses
These losses are due to the ohmic
resistance of the transformer windings.
Total Copper Loss = I12R1 + I22R2

Efficiency =
=

OUTPUT
INPUT

OUTPUT
OUTPUT+LOSSES

ALL-DAY EFFICIENCY
- the ratio of energy(kWh) delivered in a
24 hour period divided by the energy(kWh)
input in the same length of time.

all-day =

Output in kWh
Input in kWh

(for 24 hours)

Transformer Formulas

The primary winding of a transformer is the

power input winding.

The secondary winding is the load winding, or

output winding. It is the side of the transformer that
is connected to the driven load.

Induced EMF Equation

E = 4.44Nfm
E = rms voltage induced (volt)
N = number of winding turns
f = frequency in flux (Hertz)
m = peak value of the flux (weber)

Equivalent Circuit of Ideal Transformer

E1= 4.44N1f1m1

E2 = 4.44N2f2m2

E1
E2

N1
N2

Z1
Z2

I1
I2
N1 2 2
a
N2

N2
N1

1
a

Examples
1. The maximum flux density in the core of a
3000/240-V, 50Hz single-phase
transformer is 1.25 Tesla. If the voltage
induced per turn is 8 volts, determine the
cross sectional of the core in cm2.

2. Calculate the total magnetic flux in a 60cycle transformer in which the induced emf
per turn of the winding is equal to 2V.

3. In a 400V, 50 c/s transformer, the total

iron loss is 2500W. When the supply is 220V
at 25 c/s, the corresponding loss is 850 W.
Calculate the eddy current loss at normal
frequency and power delivered.

4. 50 kVA, single-transformer has a full load

copper loss of 600 watts and an iron loss of
500 watts. Calculate the efficiency at 25% of
full load at a power factor of 0.85 lagging.

5. Determine the all day efficiency of a

50kVA distribution transformer having a full
load efficiency of 94% and the full load
copper loss is just equal to the constant iron
loss. The loading is as per the following
schedule at unity power factor; no load for
10 hrs, 25% of full load for 6 hrs, half load
for 5 hrs, and full load for 3 hrs.