3.

4 TRANSFORMER
3.4.1 TRANSFORMER
- used to change the potential difference of an alternating current source (a.c)

Vp = primary voltage/input voltage

Vs = secondary voltage/output voltage
Np = number of turns on primary coil
Ns= number of turns on secondary coil
3.4.2 operating principle of a transformer
-input circuit must be connected to a.c
- direct current(d.c) uniform in magnitude and has a fixed direction. Therefore,
the induce e.m.f is not produced in the secondary coil which depends on change
in magnetic flux
- A.c always has changing direction and magnitude. Therefore, the direction and
magnitude of the induced magnetic field in the primary coil also changes,
inducing e.m.f in the secondary coil.
- relation input voltage and output voltage

Vs Ns
=
Vp Np
3.4.3 types of transformer
A. step-up transformer

Increase the potential difference

Ns > Np
Is < Ip
Vs > Vp

B. Step-down transformer

Reduce potential difference

Ns < Np
Is > Ip
Vs < Vp

3.4.4 realtionship between input power and output power

Ideal transformer
o Efficiency 100 % no heat loss
o Input power = output power
Pi = Po
IpVp = IsVs

3.4.5 Efficiency

3.4.6 Factors that effect the efficiency of a transformer

Factors
Heating effect of a current in coil
Power lost as heat P = I2R

Heating effect of induced eddy current

Eddy currents are generated within
the iron core
Magnetization of the iron core
Energy used in the magnetization and
demagnetization of the iron core
every time the current changes its
direction is known as hysteresis. This
energy is lost as heat which
subsequently heats up the iron core
Flux leakage
Some of the induced magnetic flux
from the primary coil is not
transferred to the secondary coil.

Methods to increase efficiency

o Use thicker copper wires of low
resistance
o Use coolant to decrease the
temperature of the transformer
o Use laminated iron core where
each layer is insulated with
enamel paint to prevent flow of
eddy currents
o Use soft iron core that is easily
magnetized and demagnetized.

Secondary coils are interwined

tightly with the primary coils

*eddy current = circulating electrical currents that are induced in electrically

conductive elements when exposed to changing magnetic field, creating an
opposing force to magnetic flux.