Introduction to Transformer

Characteristics of the Practical Transformer

Introduction

• If we arrange two electrically isolated coils in such a way that the time-varying
flux due to one of them causes an electromotive force (emf) to be induced in the
other, they are said to form a transformer.

• When the core is made of a nonmagnetic material, the transformer is called an

air-core transformer.

• When the core is made of a ferromagnetic material with relatively high

permeability, the transformer is referred to as an iron-core transformer.

a. Almost all the flux created by one coil links the other, and
b. The reluctance of the magnetic path is low
 In its simplest form, a transformer consists of two coils that are electrically
isolated from each other but are wound on the same magnetic core.
 The frequency of the induced emf in the other coil is the same as that of the
current in the first coil.
 The coil to which the source supplies the power is called the primary winding.
 The coil that delivers power to the load is called the secondary winding.
 A step-up transformer is used to connect a relatively high-voltage
transmission line to a relatively low-voltage generator.
 On the other hand, a step-down transformer has a lower voltage on the
secondary side.
 When the applied voltage to the primary is equal to the induced emf in the
secondary, the transformer is said to have a one-to-one ratio.
 Such a transformer is usually called an isolation transformer

Working Principle of a Transformer

• A transformer is a static (or stationary) piece of apparatus by means of which

electric power in one circuit is transformed into electric power of the same
frequency in another circuit.

• In its simplest form, it consists of two

inductive coils which are electrically
separated but magnetically linked
through a path of low reluctance as
shown in Figure 1.1.

dϕ
e=N
dt

In brief, a transformer is a device that

• Transfers electric power from one circuit to another

• It does so without a change of frequency
• It accomplishes this by electromagnetic induction and
• Where the two electric circuits are in mutual inductive influence of each other

Construction of a Transformer
• In order to keep the core loss to a minimum, the core of a transformer is built up
of thin laminations of highly permeable ferromagnetic material such as silicon-
sheet steel.
• The lamination's thickness varies from 0.014 inch to 0.024 inch.
• Basically, two types of construction are in common use for the transformers: shell
type and core type.

• In the construction of a shell-type transformer, the two windings are usually

wound over the same leg of the magnetic core, as shown in the figure.

 In a core-type transformer, shown in the figure, each winding may be evenly split
and wound on both legs of the rectangular core.

• For relatively low power applications with moderate voltage ratings, the windings
may be wound directly on the core of the transformer.
• Both the core loss (hysteresis and eddy-current loss) and the copper loss
(electrical loss) in a transformer generate heat, which, in turn, increases the
operating temperature of the transformer.
• For low-power applications, natural air circulation may be enough to keep the
temperature of the transformer within an accept-able range. If the temperature
increase cannot be controlled by natural air circulation, a transformer may be
cooled by continuously forcing air through its core and windings.
• The simple elements of a transformer consist of two coils having mutual
inductance and a laminated steel core.
• The two coils are insulated from each other and the steel core.
• The thickness of laminations varies from 0.35 mm for a frequency of 50 Hz to 0.5
mm for a frequency of 25 Hz.
• The core laminations (in the form of strips) are joined as shown in the previous
figure.
• Such staggered joints are said to be “imbricated”.
 • In both core and shell-type transformers, the individual laminations are cut in the
form of long strips of L’s, E’s and I’s as shown in the figure.

• The assembly of the complete core for the two types of transformers is shown in
the figure.

Core Type Transformer

• The coils used are form-wound and are of the cylindrical type. The general form
of these coils may be circular or oval or rectangular.

• But for large-size core-type

transformers, round or circular
cylindrical coils are used which are so
wound as to fit over a cruciform core
section as shown in the figure.
• The figure shows the general arrangement of these coils with respect to the core.

• Since the low- voltage (LV)

winding is easiest to insulate, it is
placed nearest to the core as
shown.

• As pointed out, rectangular cores with rectangular

cylindrical coils can be used for small-size core-type
transformer as shown but for large-sized transformers, it
becomes wasteful to use rectangular cylindrical coils
and so circular cylindrical coils are preferred.

• For such purposes, square cores may be used as shown where circles represent
the tubular former carrying the coils.

• Obviously, a considerable amount of useful space is

still wasted. A common improvement on square
core is to employ cruciform core as shown which
demands, at least, two sizes of core strips.

• For very large transformers, further core-stepping is done

as shown where at least three sizes of core plates are
necessary.
 • Three stepped core is the one most commonly used although more steps may be
used for very large transformers as shown.

Shell – Type Transformer

• The spiral-core transformer employs the newest development in core

construction.
• Cold-rolled steel f high silicon content enables the designer to use considerably
higher operating flux densities with lower loss per kg.
• The use of higher flux density reduces the weight per kVA.
• a relatively more rigid core
• lesser weight and size per kVA rating
• lower iron losses at higher operating flux densities, and
• lower cost of manufacture
• Transformers are generally housed in tightly fitted sheet-metal; tanks filled with
special insulating oil.
• In cases where a smooth tank surface does not provide sufficient cooling area, the
sides of the tank are corrugated or provided with radiators mounted on the sides.
• The importance of avoiding moisture in the transformer oil is clear from the fact
that even an addition of 8 parts of water in 1,000,000 reduces the insulating
quality of the oil to a value generally recognized as below standard.
• In the case of large-sized transformers where complete air-tight construction is
impossible, chambers known as breathers are provided to permit the oil inside
the tank to expand and contract as its temperature increases or decreases.
• Another thing to avoid in the oil is sledging which is simply the decomposition of
oil with long and continued use.
• No other feature in the construction of a transformer is given more attention and
care than the insulating materials because the life on the unit almost solely
depends on the quality, durability and handling of these materials.
• All the transformer leads are brought out of their cases through suitable bushings.
• For moderate voltages, porcelain bushings are used to insulate the leads as they
come out through the tank.
• The choice of core or shell-type construction is usually determined by cost,
because similar characteristics can be obtained with both types.
• For very high-voltage transformers or for multiwinding design, shell- type
construction is preferred by many manufacturers.
• Both core and shell forms are used and the selection is decided by many factors
such as voltage rating, kVA rating, weight, insulation stress, heat distribution etc.
• Another means of classifying the transformers is according to the type of cooling
employed.
a. Oil – filled self – cooled
b. Oil-filled water-cooled
c. Air-blast type

• Small and medium size distribution transformers–so called because of their use
on distribution systems as distinguished from line transmission–are of type oil-
filled self-cooled.
• The oil serves to convey the heat from the core and the windings to the case from
where it is radiated out to the surroundings.
• For small size, the tanks are usually smooth surfaced, but for larger sizes, the
cases are frequently corrugated or fluted to get greater heat radiation area
without increasing the cubical capacity of the tank.
• Still larger sizes are provided with radiators or pipes.
• Construction of very large self-cooled transformers is expensive, a more
economical form of construction for such large transformers is provided in the oil-
immersed, water-cooled type.
• The largest transformers such as those used with high-voltage transmission lines,
are constructed in this manner.
• Oil-filled transformers are built for outdoor duty and as these require no housing
other than their own, a great saving is thereby affected.
• These transformers require only periodic inspection.
• For voltages below 25,000 V, transformers can be built for cooling by means of an
air-blast.
• The transformer is not immersed in oil but is housed in a thin sheet-metal box
open at both ends through which air is blown from the bottom to the top by
means of a fan or blower.