AC Transformer

A transformer is a means to step-up or step-down the voltage. It transfers electrical power without changing the frequency of the alternating current. The structure of the AC transformer is such that it controls the voltage. 

The output voltage is gained in a step-up transformer. The output voltage lessens in a step-down transformer and reduces the output current. A step-down transformer, on the other hand, will enhance the output current to maintain the input and output power of the system.

It controls the voltage of a device mainly used in the transmission of AC (alternating current). This idea was discussed in 1831 for the first time by Michael Faraday. Many other well-known scientific scholars did this study. Nonetheless, the common purpose of utilising transformers was to balance the generated electricity (at very high voltages) and consumption (at very low voltages).

AC Transformer

A transformer is employed in the power transmission of electricity. This transmission is of an Alternating current. A transformer is generally employed to decrease or increase the supply voltage without changing the frequency of alternating current between circuits. It functions on the fundamental principle of EMI (electromagnetic induction) and mutual indication. 

Classification Of Transformers

Transformers are employed in several fields like distribution sector, electric energy consumption, power generation grid and transmission of electrical energy.  There are many factors that help ac transformers receive and pass electricity. These factors are:

• The medium of the core
• Location of installation
• Voltage range
• Winding arrangement

Based on the levels of voltage, transformers are classified into two types: 

• Step-up transformer
• Step-down transformer

Step-up Transformer

Step-up transformers are installed between the power generator and the power grid. Here, the input voltage is less than the secondary output.

Step down Transformer

Step-down transformers transform high voltage primary supply to low voltage secondary output.

Other Types Of Transformers

Depending upon the core medium, there are different types of transformers:

• Air core transformer

The linkage of flux between the primary and secondary winding is via air. The windings or coils are on a non-magnetic strip. 

• Iron core Transformer

The windings are done on several iron plates that are stacked together. This gives an excellent linkage path to produce flux.

The soft iron core has a very thin hysteresis curve. So, it accounts for very little energy loss. While using a soft iron core, there will be significantly less loss of energy transferred from the primary to the secondary coil.

How Does A Transformer Work?

The working of the transformer is based on Faraday’s law of mutual induction and electromagnetic induction. 

A transformer generally has two coils on the transformer’s core; a primary coil and a secondary coil. These core laminations are gathered as strips. Both the coils retain high mutual inductance. 

During the passage of alternating current, a varying magnetic flux is created. According to Faraday’s law of Electromagnetic induction, an end (electromotive force) is caused in the secondary coil due to the change in magnetic flux. This secondary coil is linked to the primary coil core. This entire process is known as mutual induction. 

Across the board, a transformer holds up the following operations:

• Using electromagnetic induction for the transfer of electrical power
• Transfer of electrical energy from one circuit to another
• Mutual induction links the two circuits.
• The transfer of electrical power without change in frequency of the alternating current.

Conclusion

This article covers the basic introduction of AC transformers and their types. A transformer only utilises alternating current. It doesn’t work on DC (direct current). This is called DC isolation since the change in current is not possible in DC. An absence of changing magnetic field is required to induce a voltage across the secondary coil. 

A transformer increases or decreases AC voltage or current. It is very successful for a high-frequency range depending on the efficiency of the transformer. It prevents iron loss or flux leakage. Transformers also have a very good mechanical strength and are largely used in power transmission.