Transformers can change both the voltage and the flow of electricity. The main thing that makes a transformer work is mutual induction between two windings that are connected by a mutual magnetic flux. Insulation is needed to keep the windings of a transformer separate and prevent short circuits. It can be used to separate two circuits electrically or to control the voltage in a rectifier.
What is the concept of transformer?
A static electrical device known as an electrical transformer can transfer electrical power from one circuit to another without changing the frequency. Transformers cannot only modify the voltage but also the current. Alternating current is utilised for transmission. Transformers operate on the fundamental principles of electromagnetic induction and mutual induction to function. Changing the turns ratio of the transformer can increase or decrease the voltage. In response to alterations in voltage, current will alter accordingly.
Transformer Principle:
The fundamental phenomenon that drives a transformer’s work is mutual induction between two windings coupled by a mutual magnetic flux. The primary and secondary windings are inductive coils. The coils are electrically separate but magnetically linked. A source of alternating voltage must be connected to the primary winding to create alternating magnetic flux around it. A core-provided magnetic channel connects the secondary winding to the flux. The majority of the flux is called “functional flux” or “main flux” when it’s coupled to the secondary winding; the rest is called “leakage flux.”
Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction states that alternating flux causes EMF in the secondary winding. This cooperatively induced emf has the same frequency as given emf. Energy is transferred from one circuit (primary side) to another if the secondary winding is closed and conducting mutually induced current (secondary side).
Construction of the transformer:
- Magnetic core,
- Primary winding, and
- Secondary winding
are the three fundamental components of any transformer.
Magnetic core:
The formation of a close magnetic circuit requires the use of a magnetic core because it provides a path with a low resistance along which magnetic flux can flow from the primary winding to the secondary winding. In most circumstances, it is composed of CRGOS (Cold Rolled Grain Oriented Silicon Steel).
Primary Winding:
The Primary Winding which is the main winding and is where the alternating current is expected to flow. The structure of the windings varies to reflect whether the transformer is a step up or step-down transformer, as this determines the direction in which the current flows.
Secondary Winding:
The flux that is produced by the primary winding is linked to the secondary winding, which is known as the secondary winding. In this condition, the winding construction varies in accordance with the fact that the transformer is either a step up or step-down transformer. Depending on which type it is, the transformer can either increase or decrease voltage.
Operation of the transformer:
Transformers use mutual induction between the primary and secondary windings, or coils, to change energy from one circuit to another.
The transformer’s primary coil receives alternating voltage. Alternating current following the coil produces alternating flux around the primary winding. The adjacent secondary coil is linked to the primary by alternating flux. As the flux changes, according to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction produces EMF in the secondary coil. If a transformer’s secondary side circuit is closed, current will flow.
