TRANSFORMER

INTRODUCTION & INFORMATION

SOLVED

Q.) State the working principle of transformer.

Ans. A transformer (xmer) consists of two electrically insulated
inductive coils where electrical energy is fed to the primary
winding while electrical energy is drawn out of secondary winding.
Due to an alternating voltage V1 applied to primary coil of
transformer an alternating current I1 flows through it producing
alternating flux in the core. This flux links with the primary winding
and according to Faradays Law of electromagnetic induction, emf
e1 is induced in the primary coil given by
e1 N1

d
dt

(1)

volt

where, N1 = No. of turns in primary coil.

The induced emf in primary coil is nearly equal and opposite
to applied voltage V1. Assuming negligible leakage flux and
mutual induction to be prevalent an emf e2 is produced in the
secondary coil given by
e2 N2

d
dt

(2)

volt

where, N2 is number of twins of secondary coil.

We conclude with the following that (i) e1 is the self induced
emf (ii) e2 is mutually induced emf (iii) a current I2 will flow if
secondary coil is closed through load.

TRANSFORMER

INTRODUCTION & INFORMATION

SOLVED

Q.) Explain in brief about the construction of a transformer.

Ans. The construction of a simple two-winding transformer
consists of each winding being wound on a separate limb or core
of the soft iron form which provides the necessary magnetic
circuit. This magnetic circuit, know more commonly as the
transformer core is designed to provide a path for the magnetic
field to flow around, which is necessary for induction of the
voltage between the two windings.
However, this type of transformer construction were the two
windings are wound on separate limbs is not very efficient since
the primary and secondary windings are well separated from each
other. This results in a low magnetic coupling between the two
windings as well as large amounts of magnetic flux leakage from
the transformer itself. But as well as this O shapes construction,
there are different types of transformer construction and designs
available which are used to overcome these inefficiencies
producing a smaller more compact transformer.
The efficiency of a simple Transformer Construction can be
improved by bringing the two windings within close contact with
each other thereby improving the magnetic coupling. Increasing
and concentrating the magnetic circuit around the coils may
improve the magnetic coupling between the two windings, but it
also has the effect of increasing the magnetic losses of the
transformer core.
As well as providing a low reluctance path for the magnetic field,
the core is designed to prevent circulating electric currents within
the iron core itself. Circulating currents, called eddy currents,
cause heating and energy losses within the core decreasing the
transformers efficiency.
These losses are due mainly to voltages induced in the iron
circuit, which is constantly being subjected to the alternating
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INTRODUCTION & INFORMATION

SOLVED

magnetic fields setup by the external sinusoidal supply voltage.

One way to reduce these unwanted power losses is to construct
the transformer core from thin steel laminations.
In all types of transformer construction, the central iron core is
constructed from of a highly permeable material made from thin
silicon steel laminations assembled together to provide the
required magnetic path with the minimum of losses. The resistivity
of the steel sheet itself is high reducing the eddy current losses by
making the laminations very thin.
These steel transformer laminations vary in thicknesss from
between 0.25mm to 0.5mm and as steel is a conductor, the
laminations are electrically insulated from each other by a very
thin coating of insulating varnish or by the use of an oxide layer
on the surface.

Q.) Write a note on core of transformer.

Ans. The steel used for the manufacturing of core is high grade
silicon steel on soft steel to reduce hysteris loss. Also due to
alternating flux certain currents called eddy currents are produced
which caused eddy current loss. To minimize this the core is
manufactured as a stack of laminations, where successive
laminations are insulated by thin layer of varnish. The above two
lasses i.e. hysterics and eddy current loss are called iron lass.

Q.) Differentiate between core type and shell type transformer.

Ans.
Core-type transformer
1. The windings enclose the

Shell-type transformer
1. The core encloses the
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INTRODUCTION & INFORMATION

whole core.
2. Average length of the core is
more.
3. Magnetic flux has only one
continuous path.
4. It is more suitable for high
voltage transformers.
5. It is easy to repair.

SOLVED

windings.
2. Average length of the core is
less.
3. Magnetic flux is distributed
into two parts.
4. It is more economical for low
voltage transformers.
5. It is difficult to repair.