Transformers (Single Phase)

Transformer - is an electrical device which transfers electrical energy from

one electric circuit to another without changing the frequency. Transformers
either increases or decreases AC voltage.
Type of Transformer
Core Type Transformer

- In core type transformer, windings are cylindrical former wound, mounted

on the core limbs. 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.

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.

Uses of Transformers
It can rise or lower the level of Voltage or Current (when voltage
increases, current decreases and vice versa because P (power) = V
(Voltage) x I (Ampere), and Power is same) in an AC Circuit.
It can increase or decrease the value of capacitor, an inductor or resistance
in an AC circuit. It can thus act as an impedance transferring device.
It can be used to prevent DC from passing from one circuit to the other.
it can isolate two circuits electrically
Single Phase
A single-phase transformer is a type of power transformer that utilizes singlephase alternating current, meaning the transformer relies on a voltage
cycle that operates in a unified time phase.
Uses of Single Phase

Single-phase transformers are often used to supply power for residential

lighting, receptacle, air-conditioning, and heating needs.
Single phase transformers can be made even more versatile by having both
the primary winding and secondary winding made in two equal parts.
(Series or parallel configurations)
Primary Winding
In a transformer, the winding is directly connected to the input power. One or
more secondary windings provide the output to the load or loads. For
example, a primary winding accepts the input energy an AC line provides,

while a secondary winding provides the energy to the load at a

different voltage.
Secondary Winding
In a transformer, the winding provides the output to the load or loads. There
may be multiple secondary windings, while the winding that is
directly connected to the input power is the primary winding. For example, a
primary winding accepts the input energy an AC line provides, while a
secondary winding provides the energy to the load at a different voltage.
FLC (Full Load Current) is the greatest current that a circuit or piece of
equipment is designed to carry under specified conditions.
FLC is used when you check the size of the breaker and wire for motors.
K Kilo
V Volts
A Ampere
W - (Watts) is a measurement of real power. Real power is the amount of
actual power that can be drawn from a circuit. When the voltage and current
of a circuit coincide, the real power is equal to the apparent power. However,
as waves of current and voltage coincide less, less real power is transferred,
even though the circuit is still carrying current.
Buck-Boost Transformers
Buck-Boost transformers are small, single phase, dry type distribution
transformers designed and shipped as insulating/isolating transformers.
They have a dual voltage primary and a dual voltage secondary.
A buck-boost transformer is classified as an autotransformer. A buck-boost
transformer provides a means of rising (boosting) or lowering (bucking) a
supply line voltage by a small amount (usually no more than 20 percent).
The most common example is boosting from 208 volts to 230 volts, usually
to operate a 230 volt motor such as an air-conditioner compressor, from a
208 volt supply line.
Advantages of Buck-boost transformers
low cost
compact size
Light weight
more efficient
versatile, many applications
5-10 times increase in KVA
Disadvantages of Buck-boost transformers
No circuit isolation

 Cannot create a neutral

KVA and voltages do not match on the nameplate
Input Line Voltage - The voltage that you want to buck (decrease) or boost
(increase). This can be found by measuring the supply line voltage with a
voltmeter.
Load voltage - The voltage at which your equipment is designed to operate.
This is listed on the nameplate of the load equipment.
Diagram for Single Phase

Single-phase connection diagrams for buck or boost transformers connected as

autotransformers to change 240 volts single-phase to 208 volts and vice versa.

Operation on a Single Phase Transformer

1. As soon as the primary winding is connected to the single phase as supply,
an ac current starts flowing through it.
2. The ac primary current produces an alternating flux in the core.
3. Most of this changing flux gets linked with the secondary winding through
the core.
4. The varying flux will induce voltage into the secondary winding according
to the Faradays law of electromagnetic induction.
Vacuum Pressure
Used to control the amount of positive and negative pressure a transformer
tank has on it.
Maintenance
Yearly check the transformer
Check vacuum pressure gauge for pressure reading
Check oil level
Check temperature maximum and minimum
Check for leaks
Check paint condition
Check transformer top and radiators for foreign material
Check radiator condition
Check fans and cooling systems