A Brief History of Transformers

Jan 06, 2016

The electrical transformer deserves credit as one of the most important inventions of the industrial age,
which along with steam power, running water, gas lighting, includes the harnessing of electricity. In fact,
the latter would not be accomplished without the transformer.

the transformer lives up to its name by transforming (or converting) electrical energy from a higher
voltage to a lower one.

Electrical transformers trace their lineage to the English scientist and inventor Michael Faraday and his
discovery of the law of electro-magnetic induction. Also known as Faraday’s Law, the theory describes
the phenomena of electrical voltage generated when a coil of wire was wrapped around an iron core.

American scientist Joseph Henry is also credited with inventing the concept of electromagnetic
induction.

In 1836, Rev. Nicholas Callan developed an induction coil transformer that helped him develop a high-
voltage battery (capable of powering a machine that could lift 2 tons) that was mass-produced in
London.

In 1876, a Russian, Pavel Yablochov, invented a lighting system based on the inductance coil. Lucien
Gaulard and John Gibbs, from France and England respectively, devised a transformer and secondary
generator in England that revolutionized AC (alternating current) power. In 1884, three physicists from
Austria-Hungary--Otto Blathy, Miksa Déri, Karol Zipernowski, pioneered the transformer designs that are
still used today.
1886, William Stanley created a practical AC transformer based on Gaulard’s invention. Teaming up with
Westinghouse, Stanley, at Westinghouse’s behest, relocated to Great Barrington, Massachusetts to
create an electrical grid using AC.

Definition of Transformer

A transformer is a static device which transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through the
process of electromagnetic induction. It is most commonly used to increase (‘step up’) or decrease (‘step
down’) voltage levels between circuits.

What are the uses of transformers?

Uses and Application of Transformer

The most important uses and application of Transformer are:

It can rise or lower the level of level of Voltage or Current ( when voltage increases, current decreases
and vice virsa because P =V x I, and Power is same ) in an AC Circuit.

It can increase or decrease the value of capacitor, an inductor or resistance in an AC circuit. It can thus
act as an impedance transferring device.

It can be used to prevent DC from passing from one circuit to the other.

it can isolate two circuits electrically.

General Transformer Symbol

This is the basic symbol for a transformer. Notice that there are no lines for the iron core. The dots
indicate the instantaneous voltage polarity.
 Alternative Transformer symbol

Here is alternative qualified

version, which also has dots to
indicate the instantaneous
voltage polarity.

The alternative symbol for a general transformer consists of two circles that overlap slightly. This is an
extremely useful way of depicting a transformer in single line diagrams, but is not usually utilised in
electronic schematic diagrams except for theoretical circuits.

Transformer with Centre Tap

When a transformer has a centre tap, the symbol consists of two circles with a line joining one of the
circles.
 Single Line Diagram Transformer

This symbol is for a single line diagram, also known as one line diagram, which electrical engineers use. It
means power, or distribution transformer, and sometimes, delta-wye symbols accompany it.

Variable Transformer

This is a variable voltage transformer with an arrow through it. It has an adjustable inductance. By
adjusting the inductance, you can vary the voltage.

Chassis Grounding Transformer Symbol

This transformer has a magnetic core indicated by the solid lines, and a shield indicated by broken lines.
The electrostatic shield connects to the chassis as shown by the grounding symbol.
Voltage Transformer

Here is a voltage transformer together with the alternative symbol.