Electromechanical Devices

Transformers
Lecture 5

Transformers
A transformer is a device which uses the phenomenon of mutual
induction to change the values of alternating voltages and currents.
One of the main advantages of a.c. transmission and distribution is the
ease with which an alternating voltage can be increased or decreased
by transformers.
Losses in transformers are generally low and thus efciency is high.
Being static they have a long life and are very stable.
Transformers range in size from the miniature units used in electronic
applications to the large power transformers used in power stations.
The principle of operation is the same for each.

A transformer is represented in Figure (a) as consisting of two electrical

circuits linked by a common ferromagnetic core. One coil is termed
the primary winding which is connected to the supply of electricity,
and the other the secondary winding, which may be connected to a
load.
A circuit diagram symbol for a transformer is shown in Figure (b).

Transformer principle of operation

When the secondary is an open-circuit and an alternating voltage V1 is
applied to the primary winding, a small currentcalled the no-load
current I0 ows, which sets up a magnetic ux in the core. This
alternating ux links with both primary and secondary coils and induces
in them e.m.f.s of E1 and E2 respectively by mutual induction. The
induced e.m.f. E in a coil of N turns is given by
volts
where d/dt is the rate of change of ux. In an ideal transformer, the rate
of change of ux is the same for both primary and secondary and thus
E1/N1 = E2/N2, i.e. the induced e.m.f. per turn is constant.

Assuming no losses, E1 =V1 and E2 =V2

Hence
(1)

Transformer principle of operation

V1/V2

is called the voltage ratio

N1/N2 is called the turns ratio, or the transformation ratio

of the transformer.
If N2 is less than N1 then
V2 is less than V1
and the device is termed a step-down transformer.
If N2 is greater than N1 then
V2 is greater than V1
and the device is termed a step-up transformer.

Transformer principle of operation

When a load is connected across the secondary winding, a
current I2 ows. In an ideal transformer losses are neglected
and a transformer is considered to be 100% efcient
Hence
input power = output power,
or
V1 I1 = V2 I2

i.e., in an ideal transformer, the primary and secondary voltamperes are equal.
Therefore,
(2)
From equations (1) and (2)

Transformer principle of operation

The rating of a transformer

is stated in terms of the volt-amperes that it can
transform without overheating.
Therefore, the transformer rating is either
V1 I1

or

V 2 I2

Example 5.1
A transformer has 500 primary turns and 3000 secondary turns. If the
primary voltage is 240 V, determine the secondary voltage, assuming
an ideal transformer.

Solution
For an ideal transformer, voltage ratio = turns ratio

Or

Example 5.2
An ideal transformer with a turns ratio of 2:7 is fed from a 240 V supply.
Determine its output voltage.

Solution
A turns ratio of 2:7 means that the transformer has 2 turns on the
primary for every 7 turns on the secondary (i.e. a step-up transformer).
Thus
For an ideal transformer,
or

Example 5.3
An ideal transformer has a turns ratio of 8:1 and is supplied at 240 V
when the primary current is 3 A. Calculate the secondary voltage and
current

Solution
A turns ratio of 8:1 means

, i.e. a step-down transformer

or
For an ideal transformer, voltage ratio = turns ratio

Example 5.4
An ideal transformer, connected to a 240 V mains, supplies a 12 V,
150 W lamp. Calculate the transformer turns ratio and the current taken
from the supply.

Solution
V1 = 240 V, V2 = 12 V,

Turns ratio
Therefore
Hence current taken from the supply,

Example 5.5
A 5 kVA single-phase transformer has a turns ratio of 10:1 and is fed
from
a 2.5 kV supply. Neglecting losses, determine
(a) the full-load secondary current,
(b) the minimum load resistance which can be connected across the
secondary winding to give full load kVA,
(c) the primary current at full load kVA.
Solution
(a) and V1 = 2.5 kV = 2500 V
Since
,
secondary voltage
The transformer rating in volt-amperes = V2 I2 (at full load),
i.e.,
Hence full load secondary current

Example 5.5
(b) Minimum value of load resistance,

(c)

,
Therefore