Working principle of transformer and applications

Working principle and function of transformer

A Transformer is a static(stationary) electrical device by which electrical power is transformed from one circuit to another circuit. It can increase or decrease the voltage in a circuit.

Transformers can be used either to increase the voltage known as stepping up voltage, or it can decrease the voltage known as stepping down the voltage.

To overcome losses, the electricity through the generator passes through a step-up transformer, which increases the voltage. Throughout the distribution system, the voltages are changed using a step-down transformer to decreases the voltages to a suitable application at industries and homes.

  The working principle of the transformer is mutual induction. In transformers, there is no electrical connection between coils. A transformer steps up and steps down voltages. If the number of the primary coil is more than secondary then the transformer will step up voltage otherwise step down voltage if the number of secondary coils is more than the primary coil. Both coils in the transformer are connected magnetically rather than electrically. 

The transformer is based on the principle of mutual induction between two circuits connected by magnetic flux. When current is supplied by supplied Source to the primary coil, magnetic flux is produced, and emf is induced in the secondary coil.

Core type and shell-type both are the types of the transformer.

The transformer consists of two inductive coils which are separated electrically but, linked magnetically through a low reluctance path. Both coils have high mutual inductance.

One coil is connected to a source of alternating voltage, alternating flux is produced in the laminated steel core. The first coil, in which electric energy is fed from the supply is called the primary winding and the other from which energy is drawn out is called secondary winding. The transformer is a device that transfers electric power from one circuit to another, without a change of frequency.  It accomplishes this by electromagnetic induction where the two electric circuits are in the influence of mutual inductance to each other. 

Transformer

A transformer is consists of two coils having mutual inductance and a laminated steel core. These coils are insulated from each other and the steel core.

The number of coils determines whether the voltage is step-up or step-down.

 A transformer is formed from two coils of wire around a magnetic core.

A Transformer work based on Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction and mutual induction.

In transformer electrical power remains constant but, voltage and current vary.

If the current increases, voltage decreases, and vice versa. When an alternating current passes through the primary coil it creates a varying magnetic flux. When the varying magnetic flux is linked with the coil, an E.M.F is induced in the neighboring coil.  A transformer is made up of a rectangular iron core. 

The transformer only works on AC and can't be operated on DC. It operates only on alternating current and voltage.

Applications

The transformer is used as follow:

• To Regulate alternating current,
• To start and stop  the flow of electricity 
• Battery charging 
• Steel manufacturing
• Transmission and distribution lines

• Transformers are used to set apart two circuits electrically and it is used to increase or decrease alternating voltage without changing power in appliances

• It is also used in power generation and distribution of power and, in high-power industrial loads such as motor drives and other appliances. 

• The transformer is also used at the power stations and grid stations through which voltages are supplied to industrial and residential areas.