Introduction:

A transformer is a passive electrical device that transfers electrical energy from

one electrical circuit to another, or multiple circuits. A varying current in any one
coil of the transformer produces a varying magnetic flux in the transformer's core,
which induces a varying electromotive force across any other coils wound around
the same core. Electrical energy can be transferred between separate coils without
a metallic (conductive) connection between the two circuits. Faraday's law of
induction, discovered in 1831, describes the induced voltage effect in any coil due
to a changing magnetic flux encircled by the coil.

Transformers are most commonly used for increasing low AC voltages at high
current (a step-up transformer) or decreasing high AC voltages at low current (a
step-down transformer) in electric power applications, and for coupling the stages
of signal processing circuits. Transformers can also be used for isolation, where the
voltage in equals the voltage out, with separate coils not electrically bonded to one
another.

Since the invention of the first constant-potential transformer in 1885, transformers

have become essential for the transmission, distribution, and utilization of
alternating current electric power.[2] A wide range of transformer designs is
encountered in electronic and electric power applications. Transformers range in
size from RF transformers less than a cubic centimeter in volume, to units
weighing hundreds of tons used to interconnect the power grid.

Working Principle of Transformer:

The working principle of a transformer is very simple. Mutual induction between
two or more windings (also known as coils) allows for electrical energy to be
transferred between circuits. This principle is explained in further detail below
Transformer Theory:
Say you have one winding (also known as a coil) which is supplied by an
alternating electrical source. The alternating current through the winding produces
a continually changing and alternating flux that surrounds the winding. If another
winding is brought close to this winding, some portion of this alternating flux will
link with the second winding. As this flux is continually changing in its amplitude
and direction, there must be a changing flux linkage in the second winding or coil.

According to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, there will be an EMF

induced in the second winding. If the circuit of this secondary winding is closed,
then a current will flow through it. This is the basic working principle of a
transformer. Let us use electrical symbols to help visualize this. The winding
which receives electrical power from the source is known as the ‘primary
winding’. In the diagram below this is the ‘First Coil’.
The winding which gives the desired output voltage due to mutual induction is
commonly known as the ‘secondary winding’. This is the ‘Second Coil’ in the
diagram above.

A transformer that increases voltage between the primary to secondary windings is

defined as a step-up transformer. Conversely, a transformer that decreases voltage
between the primary to secondary windings is defined as a step-down transformer.

While the diagram of the transformer above is theoretically possible in an ideal

transformer – it is not very practical. This is because in open air only a very tiny
portion of the flux produced from the first coil will link with the second coil. So
the current that flows through the closed circuit connected to the secondary
winding will be extremely small (and difficult to measure).

The rate of change of flux linkage depends upon the amount of linked flux with the
second winding. So ideally almost all of the flux of primary winding should link to
the secondary winding. This is effectively and efficiently done by using a core type
transformer. This provides a low reluctance path common to both of the windings.

The purpose of the transformer core is to provide a low reluctance path, through
which the maximum amount of flux produced by the primary winding is passed
through and linked with the secondary winding.

The current that initially passes through the transformer when it is switched on is
known as the transformer inrush current.
Step up and Step-down Transformer:

What is a Step-Up Transformer?

A step-up transformer converts the low voltage (LV) and high current from the
primary side of the transformer to the high voltage (HV) and low current value on
the secondary side of the transformer. A transformer is static electrical equipment
which transforms electrical energy (from primary side windings) to the magnetic
energy (in transformer magnetic core) and again to the electrical energy (on the
secondary transformer side). A step-up transformer has a wide variety of
applications in electrical systems and transmission lines.

The HV windings contain a huge number of turns compared with the LV windings.
An LV winding wire has a bigger cross-section than HV wire because of the higher
current value on the LV side. Usually, we place the LV windings close to the
transformer core, and over them, we wound the HV windings.

Transformer turns ratio is approximately proportional to the voltage ratio:

  
Step Up Transformer Applications

A small step-up transformer can be used in electronic and electrical devices

where the voltage boosting is required. But nowadays in modern electronic
devices, power electronic circuits are more frequently used because of weight and
dimension. As we told already, giant power step-up transformer is used as a
generating step-up transformer for stepping up the generated power to a higher
voltage level for efficient transmission purposes.

What is a Step-Down Transformer?

A step-down transformer converts the high voltage (HV) and low current from the
primary side of the transformer to the low voltage (LV) and high current value on
the secondary side of the transformer. A transformer is a type of static electrical
equipment that transforms electrical energy (from primary side windings) to
magnetic energy (in transformer magnetic core) and again to the electrical energy
(on the secondary transformer side). A step-down transformer has a wide variety of
applications in electrical systems and transmission lines.

When it comes to the operation voltage, the step-up transformer application can be
roughly divided into two groups: LV (voltages up to 1 kV) and HV application
(voltages above 1 kV). Just as transformers can step down the voltage – going from
a higher primary side voltage to a lower secondary side voltage – they can also step
up the voltage, going from a lower primary side voltage to a higher secondary side
voltage. These are known as a step up transformer.
Step Down Transformer Applications

The step-down transformers have a very important function in a power system.

They lower the voltage level and adapt it to energy consumers. It is performed in
several steps described below:

 A long distance energy transmission system should have a voltage level as

high as possible. With high voltage and low current, the transmission power
loss will be significantly decreased. A power grid is designed that has
to be connected with the transmission system with the different voltage
levels. Step-down transformers are used in the interconnection of
transmission systems with different voltage levels. They decrease voltage
level from high to lower value (e.g. 765/220 kV, 410/220 kV, 220/ 110 kV).
These transformers are huge and have very high nominal power (even 1000
MVA). In this case, when the transformer turns ratio is not high the
autotransformers are usually installed.

 The next voltage level transformation step is adapting the transmission

voltage to the distribution level. The characteristic voltage ratios, in this
case, are 220/20 kV, 110/20 kV (also the LV secondary voltages 35 kV and
10 kV can be found). The nominal power of those transformers is up to 60
MVA (usually 20 MVA). The on-load tap changer is almost always installed
in these transformers. Voltage regulation is the main function of tap changer.
In the USA the tap changer is based on the LV side, and in the rest of the
world mostly on the HV transformer side.

 The final voltage transformation step is adapting the voltage to the home
voltage level These transformers are known as small
distribution transformers with nominal power up to 5 MVA (mostly below 1
MVA) and with nominal voltage values 35, 20, 10 kV on HV side and
400/200 V on LV side. It is noticeable that those transformers have a

high turns ratio. They usually have de-energized tap changer with 5 tap
position (+/- 2 tap position) and do not have on-load tap changer.
Construction of transformers:

 Basically a transformer consists of two

inductive Windings and a laminated steel
core.
 The coils a reinsulated from each other as
well as from the steel core.
 A transformer may also consist of a
container for Winding and core called as
Tank, suitable bushings & Terminals.
 Oil conservator to provide oil in the
transformer tank for cooling purposes.
 The figure at right illustrates the basic
construction of a transformer.
 In all types of transformers, core is
constructed by assembling laminated Sheets of steel, with minimum air-gap
between them to achieve continuous
Magnetic path.
 The steel used is having high silicon content and sometimes heat treated, to
Provide high permeability and low hysteresis loss.
 Laminated sheets of steel are used to reduce eddy current loss.
 The sheets are cut in the shape as E, I and L .To avoid high reluctance at Joints,
laminations are stacked by alternating the sides of joint.

Classification of transformers:
Transformers can be classified on different basis, like types of construction, types
of cooling etc.

(A) On the basis of construction, transformers can be classified into two types
as;

(i) Core type transformer and (ii) Shell type transformer, which are described
below.
(i) Core type transformer
In core type transformer, windings are cylindrical former wound, mounted on  the
core limbs as shown in the figure above. The cylindrical coils have different layers
and each layer is insulated from each other. Materials like paper, cloth or mica can
be used for insulation. Low voltage windings are placed nearer to the core, as they
are easier to insulate.
(ii) Shell type transformer
The coils are former wound and mounted in layers stacked with insulation between
them. A shell type transformer may have simple rectangular form (as shown in
above fig), or  it may have a distributed form.

(B) On the basis of their purpose

1. Step up transformer: Voltage increases (with subsequent decrease in current)

at secondary.
2. Step down transformer: Voltage decreases (with subsequent increase in
current) at secondary.

(C) On the basis of type of supply

1. Single phase transformer

2. Three phase transformer
(D) On the basis of their use

1. Power transformer: Used in transmission network, high rating

2. Distribution transformer: Used in distribution network, comparatively lower
rating than that of power transformers.
3. Instrument transformer: Used in relay and protection purpose in different
instruments in industries
o  Current transformer (CT)
o Potential transformer (PT)

(E) On the basis of cooling employed

1. Oil-filled self-cooled type

2. Oil-filled water-cooled type
3. Air blast type (air cooled)

Types of transformers:
1- Oil Transformer
2- Dry Transformer

What is Oil Transformer?

Transformer oil (also known as insulating oil) is a

special type of oil which has excellent electrical
insulating properties and is stable at high
temperatures. Transformer oil is used in oil-filled
electrical power transformers to insulate, stop
arcing and corona discharge, and to dissipate the
heat of the transformer (i.e. act as a coolant).

Transformer oil is also used to preserve the transformer’s core and windings – as
these are fully immersed inside the oil. Another important property of the
insulating oil is its ability to prevent oxidation of the cellulose-made paper
insulation. The transformer oil acts as a barrier between the atmospheric oxygen
and the cellulose – avoiding direct contact and hence minimizing oxidation. The
level of transformer oil is typically measured using a MOG (Magnetic Oil level
Guage).

Transformer Oil Properties

Some specific properties of insulating oil should be considered to determine the

serviceability of the oil.

The properties (or parameters) of transformer oil are:

1. Electrical properties: Dielectric strength, specific resistance, dielectric

dissipation factor.
2. Chemical properties: Water content, acidity, sludge content.
3. Physical properties: Interfacial tension, viscosity, flash point, pour point.

What is Dry Transformer?

It is used for the range 30 KVA with primary

operating voltages up to 41.5 KV and
secondary operating voltages up to 36
KV .These units are designed for operation in
difficult conditions, environmental
contamination, fire hazard or extreme
climates.

They provide high level security and are

found in hospital and other public areas, on
oil platforms, in ships, underground railways
and mines.

They are extremely tough and resilient and are resistant to the effect of vibration.
They should be considered for earthquake prone areas.
The main difference between the oil and dry Transformer