What is an electrical transformer and how does it work

A transformer is an electrical machine that, based on the principles of electromagnetic

induction, transfers energy from one electrical circuit to another, without changing the
frequency. The transfer is carried out with the change of voltage and current. A transformer
increases or decreases the alternating current when necessary.

These machines help improve the safety and efficiency of power systems during their
distribution and regulation over long distances.

What is inside an electrical transformer:

The three most important components of a transformer are the magnetic core, the main
winding and the secondary.

The main winding is the part that is connected to an electrical source, from where the
magnetic flux is initially produced. These coils are isolated from each other, and the main flux
is induced in the main winding, from where the magnetic core passes, linking to the secondary
through a low reluctance path.

The core relays the flux to the secondary winding to create a magnetic circuit that closes the
flux; thus, a low reluctance path is created within the core to maximize flux linkage. The
secondary winding helps to complete the movement of the flux that starts in the primary, and
using the core reaches the secondary. The latter can achieve a boost when both windings are
wound on the same core, allowing magnetic fields to create movement. In all types of
transformers, the magnetic core is assembled by stacking sheets of steel leaving a minimum air
gap required to ensure continuity of the magnetic path.

How a transformer works:

An electrical transformer employs Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction to function: "the

rate of change of the flux bond with respect to time is directly proportional to the
electromagnetic field induced in a coil or conductor."

The physical basis of a transformer lies in the mutual induction between two circuits that are
linked by a common magnetic link. This is usually equipped with two windings: primary and
secondary. These share a laminated magnetic core, and the mutual induction that takes place
between these circuits helps transfer energy from one point to another.

Depending on the number of flux links between the primary and secondary winding, there will
be different rates of change in the flux link. To ensure maximum (greater flux passing through
and linking to the secondary winding from the primary), a low reluctance path is created
between the windings. This allows for better performance efficiency, and forms the core of the
transformer.

The application of alternating voltage in the primary winding creates an alternating flux in the
core. This links both windings to induce the electromagnetic field on both sides. The
electromagnetic field in the secondary winding causes a current, known as load current, if a
load is connected to the secondary section.

This is how an electrical transformer delivers AC power from one circuit to another, by
converting electrical power from one value to another, changing the voltage level, but not the
frequency.
Main characteristics of a transformer:

All transformers share several characteristics regardless of their type:

• The input and output power frequency is the same.

• All are governed by the laws of electromagnetic induction.

• The primary and secondary coils do not have an electrical connection (except for the
automatic transformers). The energy transfer is carried out by the magnetic flux.

• Moving parts are not required to transfer power, so there is no friction or winding losses as
in other electrical devices.

What is a single phase transformer.

A single-phase transformer runs on single-phase power and has two parts: the magnetic and
the electrical. The magnetic part of the transformer consists of a magnetic iron core, while the
electrical part consists of a copper transformer. Read our article on electrical transformers for
more details on building a transformer.

Parts of a single phase transformer

Conclusion:

A single phase transformer can be connected in series or parallel arrangements. A good

example is the distribution transformer. It is usually wound with secondary or low voltage
windings that can be connected in parallel or in series. The obtainability of the primary
voltages, including the load fundamentals, decides how a transformer is wired.

Essentially, transformers are considered AC devices with no fixed polarity, as opposed to a DC

source. They do, however, have comparative polarity markings that must be observed when
joining them in various arrangements.

Normally, the cables of the transformer 1 are constructed from the steel casing of the
transformer directly from the insulating bushings. All types of transformers have H and X
terminals. H terminals usually have high voltage, while X terminals have low voltage.