Electrical Power transformer, definitions and its

types

A transformer, a static machine used in converting power from one circuit to another without any
need to change in frequency. This defines the work of a transformer. It is a static device where
there is no rotation or moving part. Transformer works on ac supply. The basic principle of a
transformer is mutual induction.

History of Transformer

If you are interested in knowing about the history of transformer we have to rewind back to 1880s.
In 1830 property of induction, the working principle of transformer was found. Later the
transformer design was enhanced leading to more performance and smaller size. Progressively
the huge capacity of transformers with several KVA range, MVA was introduced. During 1950,
400KV electric power transformer was found in high voltage electrical power system. At the start
of 1970s, a 1100 MVA unit rating was generated followed by 800KV and even higher KV class
transformers were built during the year of 1980.
Applications of Power Transformer

Electrical energy generation at lower voltage level is very much affordable. Actually the receiving
end receives the transmitted low voltage power. But if this is transmitted then it will lead to
greater line current that will lead to more losses. And if you increase the voltage power, there is a
reduction in the power of the current which causes reduction in ohmic or I2R losses in the system,
decrease in capital cost due to reduction of the cross sectional area of the conductor and it also
enhances the voltage regulation the system.

Therefore low-level power must be stepped up for effective electric power transmission. Step up
transformer completed this work at the receiving end of the electrical power system. And now
the Step down transformer comes into the picture because the high power voltage cannot be
directly distributed to the customers. This shows the importance of transformer in electrical power
transmission.
The reason behind the usage of the two winding transformers are usually where the ratio of high
voltage and low voltage is greater than 2. In such cases one can use an auto transformer where
the ratio between the higher and the lower voltage is less than 2.

Comparatively, a single unit three phase transformer is affordable when compared to a bank
of three single phase transformers. The only draw back is a single three phase transformer is
difficult to maintain because even if one of the phases breaks down then you need to discard the
entire device.

Types of Transformer
Transformers can be classified in different ways, based upon upon their objective, use,
construction

etc. The types of transformer are as follows,

1) Step Up Transformer and Step Down Transformer This is actually used for stepping up and
down the voltage levels of power in transmission and distribution power system network.

2) Three Phase Transformer and Single Phase Transformer Three phase is mostly used in
three phase power system as it is affordable than later. But when size comes into the picture, it is
more suitable to use a bank of three single phase transformer as it is convenient to transport than
one single phase transformer unit.

3) Electrical Power Transformer, Distribution Transformer and Instrument Transformer

For stepping up or down the voltage levels in the transmission network, power transformers are
used. It works mainly during high or peak loads and has the highest possible performance at or
near full load. Distribution transformer steps down the voltage for distribution to domestic or
commercial customers. It has good voltage reputation and works all the day with the highest
possible performance at 50% of full load. Instrument transformers include C.T and P.T are
mainly for reducing high voltages and current to lesser values which can be read by conventional
instruments.
4)Two Winding Transformer and Auto Transformer

When the ratio between high voltage and low voltage is greater than 2 then you can use two
winding transformer. Auto transformer is used when the ratio is lesser than 2 and it is easily
affordable.

5) Outdoor Transformer and Indoor Transformer Transformers used for setting up at the
outdoors is called Outdoor Transformer and the one used for indoor purpose is called indoor
transformer.

6) Oil Cooled and Dry Type Transformer Oil is used as a medium for cooling in the oil cooled
transformer and air is the medium used for cooling in the dry cooled transformer.
7) Core type, Shell type and Berry type transformer Core type transformer consists of two
vertical legs or divisions with two horizontal sections known as yoke. Core is rectangle-shaped
common magnetic circuit. The limb contains cylindrical coils (HV and LV).

Shell type transformer: It contains a central limb and two external limbs. The central limb
contains both HV, LV coils. It contains a double magnetic circuit.

Berry type transformer: It contains wheel like spokes at its core. Metal sheet tanks are welded
and are used for sheltering this type of transformer with transformer oil filled inside.

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