Transformer

A Transformer is used to convert low voltage (or

high current) to high voltage (or low current) and
vice versa. It is based on the principal of
electromagnetic induction.
 Transformer Parts And Construction
The three main parts of a transformer:
• Primary Winding of Transformer
• Magnetic Core of Transformer
• Secondary Winding of Transformer
• Primary Winding of Transformer
Which produces magnetic flux when it is connected to
electrical source.
• Magnetic Core of Transformer
The magnetic flux produced by the primary winding, that
will pass through this low reluctance path linked with
secondary winding and create a closed magnetic circuit.
• Secondary Winding of Transformer
The flux, produced by primary winding, passes through
the core, will link with the secondary winding. This
winding also wounds on the same core and gives the
desired output of the transformer.
 Types of Transformers
Based on Voltage Levels
Commonly used transformer type, depending upon voltage
they are classified as:
• Step-up Transformer: They are used between the power
generator and the power grid. The secondary output
voltage is higher than the input voltage.
• Step down Transformer: These transformers are used
to convert high voltage primary supply to low voltage
secondary output.-
A step-down transformer has a large number of turns on
its primary (input) coil which is connected to the high
voltage mains supply, and a small number of turns on its
secondary (output) coil to give a low output voltage.
Working Principle of a Transformer

The transformer works on the principle of Faraday’s law of

electromagnetic induction and mutual induction.
• The main principle of operation of a
transformer is mutual inductance between
two circuits which is linked by a common
magnetic flux.
• A basic transformer consists of two coils that
are electrically separate and inductive, but are
magnetically linked through a path of
reluctance.
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.
Faraday’s Second Law

Faraday’s second law of electromagnetic induction

states that “the magnitude of induced EMF in a coil is
directly proportional to the rate of change of flux linking
the coil”.
e = N dϕ/dt
Where
e = Induced EMF
N = the number of turns
dϕ = Change in flux
dt = Change in time
 Transformers-Types by Design
1. 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.
2.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 or  it may have a distributed form.
 Applications of a transformer
Transformers are used in most electronic circuits. A transformer
has only 3 applications;
• To step up voltage and current.
• To Step down voltage and current
• To prevent DC – transformers can pass only Alternating
Currents so they totally prevent DC from passing to the next
circuit.