WHAT IS A TRANSFORMER? HOW DOES IT WORK?

A transformer is a stationary electrical machine that raises or lowers the voltage of electrical energy, while not causing a change in frequency. There are several types of transformers, and these varieties are divided into different types according to the number of phases, according to the type of core, according to the working environment and according to the way of raising and lowering the voltage. The most basic purpose of using transformers is to transport electrical energy to long distances without losing it. Considering that the electrical energy produced in today's power plants is transported over very long distances, it will not be difficult to predict that there will be large amounts of energy loss without the use of transformers. Transformers again play a role in raising the voltage and bringing the transported electricity back to the appropriate voltage for use. Transformers that raise the voltage are called “step-up transformers”, and those that lower it are called “step-down transformers”.

HOW DOES THE TRANSFORMER WORK?

The principle of operation of transformers is the transmission of electrical energy from one conductor to another by means of magnetic flux. The transformer, in its simplest form, consists of two coils and a core. The voltage applied on one of the coils in the core causes a magnetic current to form on the core. The direction and intensity of this generated magnetic current constantly changes, which ensures the formation of a voltage induction on the output coil. In short, the voltage applied to the first coil generates a magnetic field, and this magnetic field transfers energy to the other coil. If the number of output windings in the transformer is greater than the number of input windings, the output voltage will be higher than the input voltage.

TYPES OF TRANSFORMERS

As we mentioned earlier, transformers are divided into different types according to the number of phases, according to the type of core, according to the working environment and according to the way of raising and lowering the voltage. If we need to count these varieties, we can sort them as follows:

1. Transformers by Core Type:

* Core type: This type of core is used in transformers with extremely strong and high voltage since the windings are easy to insulate.

* Mantel type: This type of core is wound on the middle leg and, unlike the core type core, is used in lower voltage and low power transformers.

• Distributed type: In these cores, which have a plus-shaped appearance, the windings are wound on the middle leg. The fact that the leakage fluxes are very small in this type of core causes the idle operating currents to be low.

2. Transformers According to The Purpose of Use:

• Auto transformer: In auto transformers, the single winding is used as both input and output, thus achieving higher efficiency with a smaller size compared to other transformers.

* Insulation transformer: The purpose of this type of transformer is to insulate two circuits from each other.

• Step-down transformer: In step-down transformers, the output voltage is lower than the input voltage, in short, the voltage of electrical energy is reduced. This type of transformer is one of the most used transformers.

* Step-up transformer: In contrast to step-down transformers, the output voltage of these transformers is higher than the input voltage.

* Measuring transformer: This type of transformer is used for measuring where the current and voltage levels are high.

3. Transformers According to the Working Environment:

There are many different types of transformers that vary depending on the working environment. Although we cannot count each of them here, underwater transformers, underground type transformer or indoor type transformer can be given as examples of transformers according to the working environment.

4. Transformers by the Number of Phases:

* Single-phase transformers: These transformers have a single input winding; the output winding can be one or more.

* Multiphase transformers: Transformers with more than one input winding are called multiphase transformers.