Transformers

A big advantage of A.C. transmission is the ability to easily change voltage by

means of a transformer. As there are no moving parts maintenance is very low
and efficiency very high ( typically 98%).
A transformer consists of two insulated coils wound separately over a closed
magnetic field, usually iron, of low reluctance. An alternating supply E1 acts
across a coil called the primary, a voltage is induced in the secondary coil E2.

Details of a small transformer-the core is built up of stamped

laminated sheets of silicon iron about 0.35 mm thick insulated from one
another by a thin layer of paper or varnish. The purpose of laminating the core
is to reduce the loss due to eddy currents induced by the alternating magnetic
flux. The vertical portions of the yoke are called the 'limbs' and the horizontal
portions are called the 'yokes'

Shell type
Auto transformer
 Auto transformers are used in;
a. Starting motors
b. In power factor corrections with capacitance's.
c. Incorporated in portable appliances such as radios.

Transformer losses
Iron losses- As the magnetic field sweeps across the conducting material a
voltage is induced which sets up a current within it. When this current, the
EDDY CURRENT, flows the resistance within the material causes heat to be
produced. The material does not have to be magnetic for the eddy currents to
be set up but must be a conductor.
If the material is magnetic the magnetic field around the coil
magnetizes that material and rearranges its molecules. Each time the magnetic
field reverse the molecules are rearranged. As the result of molecular friction
called HYSTERESIS LOSS this rearrangement produces heat
1. Eddy currents- losses reduced by laminating material
2. Hysteresis loss-reduced by using soft iron or annealed steel.
 Copper losses-These are the I2R losses in the copper wires of the
primary and secondary coils. Increase in temperature of these coils will
increase their resistance.
Iron losses are constant, but copper losses are proportional to the
square of the current.
Vs/Vp approx equals Ns/Np approx equals Ip/Is
Efficiency = Output power/ I nput power
= Output power/ Output power - Iron losses + Copper losses
= Vs Is Cosf/ Vs Is Cosf + Iron losses + Ip2Rp + Is2Rs
Maximum efficiency occurs when iron losses and copper losses are
equal. The losses in a transformer for a given frequency are largely determined
by the value of the working flux density in the windings. With a small
transformer it is possible to work with fairly high densities in both the iron and
the copper without exceeding the maximum temperature so air cooling is
satisfactory. However in larger transformers either the flux density or the
current density must be reduced or somemethod of cooling used. This is
normally achieved by immersing the transformer in insulating oil in a chamber
with cooling fins or tubes.

Instrument transformers
It is usual in A.C. installations to fit the ammeter to the secondary circuit of a
current transformer. This avoids heavy current connections to the meter and
allows an ammeter switch to be fitted to read the current in each phase. The
same current transformer can be used for the wattmeter and the reverse
power relay. Voltage transformers are also normally provided for use with
voltmeters, wattmeters, synchroscopes and reverse power relays.
Safety-The secondary circuit of a current transformer must never
be opened or left open under load. The large voltage induced (due to high flux
density produced in the core with no 'back' ampere turns from the secondary
coil) will cause the transformer to overheat. The secondary circuit must be
such that short circuit conditions will not cause damage.
In the event of breakdown of insulation between primary and
secondary windings it is a requirement that one end of the secondary winding
of the current transformer and the voltage transformer and the metal cases of
the instruments shall be earthed.
 The principle of the current transformer is that the primary winding
carries the full load current and as such is made of large diameter low
resistance wire. The secondary winding steps up the small volt drop that occurs
over the length of the primary wire.