Definition
A transformer is a device which transfers the power from one circuit to another circuit.In other words a transformer steps up and steps down the AC voltage.History OF Transformer
The principle of electro-magnetic induction was presented by Micheal Faraday in 1831.In 1836 Nicholas Callan discovered that if the number of coils should be increased in secondary circuit winding then the voltage will be produced in a large amount.Then the American Engineer made an induction coil and in 1885. He made an instrument which is called a transformer these days.A Short Introduction
A transformer is device which is used for electrical purposes in distribution and transmission of electric power,Grid stations,Power houses,and for general purposes.The transformer is the most important and major part in electricity and electric systems.It plays a very useful role in distribution and transmission of power. By using this, the distribution and transmission made very easy because it steps up and steps down the amount of voltage easily in AC transmission and distribution.The power transformer works only on mutual induction and it works only in Alternating voltage and current and it not works on DC Systems because in DC systems mutual induction doesn't exists and the transformer works only in Mutual induction. In ac systems mutual induction exists because the alternating current changes its value and direction several times in a second. That's why the mutual flux created around the core of the transformer and the flux make a connection between both primary and secondary windings and then the electric current starts running in the whole circuit of transformer and the transformer starts working properly. The following are the types of transformer:Step Up Transformer
A transformer which increases the amount of voltage and decreases the amount of current with respect to voltage is called step up transformer. In this type of transformer the number of turns of primary winding is less than the secondary winding but the cross sectional area of primary winding is greater and the cross sectional area of secondary winding is smaller than the primary.Step Down Transformer
A transformer which decreases the amount of voltage and increases the amount of current with respect to voltage is called step down transformer.In this type of transformer the number of turns of primary winding is greater than the secondary winding but the cross sectional area of primary winding is lower and the cross sectional area of secondary winding is greater than than the primary.Construction OF Single Phase Transformer
Core
The purpose of a transformer core is provide a best way to pass the flux on it. The core is made with silicon steel material and the amount of silicon used in it is 3 to 4 percent in high quality steel. The purpose to mix silicon in the core of a transformer is to make high resistivity and permeability and to lower the thermal conductivity and magnetic saturation.The core of a transformer should be made laminated. There are many types of core which are as follows:Core Type
Shell Type
Winding
The purpose of winding in transformer is to pass the current. The coil of transformer is made of copper and also for aluminium but aluminium winding has many losses in it that is why aluminium winding is not used in transformer.Losses
There are many losses happens in transformer. The common losses are described under:Iron Losses
These losses are created due to it's core and these losses happened in it's core of a transformer. Sometimes the current changes it's way and starts flowing in the core of its transformer. That is why the iron losses are occured.Copper Losses
These type of losses are created in the conductor or a coil used in transformer because every coil has it's own resistance.Applications
A single phase transformer is used as a voltage regulator in televisions, as a step down transformer in dc variable supplies, as a step up transformer in inverters etc.Image Source 1
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