Transformers are an important part of electrical systems, and they come in two main types: step-up transformers and step down transformers. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between these two types of transformers, as well as provide diagrams for each. We will also explain the ratio of voltage transformation, which is an important concept to understand when working with transformers. Stay tuned for more information on this topic!
Transformers:
A transformer is an electrical machine that transmits energy between two or more circuits via electromagnetic induction. A varying current in the first circuit (the primary winding) creates a varying magnetic flux in the transformer’s core, which generates a variable electromotive force across the secondary winding (the secondary coil). Electrical energy can be transmitted between the primary and secondary coils This can be done without a metallic contact between the two circuits. Faraday’s law of induction discovered in 1831 described this effect.
What is the ratio of voltage transformation?
The ratio of voltage transformation is the main parameter to determine the function of the transformer. The ratio says that the voltage of winding on one side is equal to the voltage on the other side times the transformation ratio. For example, in a step-up transformer, the secondary winding has more bends than the primary winding. This results in a higher voltage on the secondary side. The ratio of voltage transformation is given by:
Vp/Vs=Np/Ns
Where,
Vp=voltage on the primary side
Vs=voltage on the secondary side
Np=number of turns in the primary winding
Ns=number of turns in the secondary winding
As we know from the above equation, to increase the voltage on the secondary side, we need to increase the number of turns on that side. This is why a step-up transformer contains more turns on its secondary winding than on its primary winding. The opposite is true for a step-down transformer, which has more turns on its primary winding than on its secondary winding.
Now that we know how the ratio of voltage transformations works, let’s take a look at how they are used in step-up and step-down transformers.
A step-up transformer is used when we need to increase the voltage from the primary winding to the secondary winding. This is done by increasing the number of turns on the secondary winding. For example, if we have a 120 V input on the primary winding and we need a 240 V output on the secondary winding, we would use a step-up transformer with a ratio of voltage transformation of two. This means that for every turn on the primary winding, there would be two turns on the secondary winding.
A step-down transformer is used when we need to decrease the voltage from the primary winding to the secondary winding. This is done by increasing the number of turns on the primary winding. For example, if we have a 240 V input on the primary winding and we need a 120 V output on the secondary winding, we would use a step-down transformer with a ratio of voltage transformation of two. This means that for every turn on the secondary windings, there would be two turns on the primary windings.
Solved examples on the ratio of voltage transformation:
Question 1: A step-up transformer includes 400 turns on its primary coil and 100 turns on its secondary coil. If the input voltage is 100 V, what will be the output voltage?
Answer: The output voltage will be 400 V.
Explanation:
The ratio of voltage transformation of a transformer is equal to the number of turns on the secondary coil divided by the number of turns on the primary coil. In this example, that ratio is 400/100, or four. That means that for every volt applied to the primary coil, four volts will be induced in the secondary coil. So, if the input voltage is 100 V, the output voltage will be 400 V.
Question 2: A step-down transformer with 500 turns on its primary coil and 250 turns on its secondary coil. If the input voltage is 120 V, what will be the output voltage?
Answer: The output voltage will be 60 V.
Explanation:
The ratio of voltage transformation of a transformer is equal to the number of turns on the secondary coil divided by the number of turns on the primary coil. In this example, that ratio is 250/500, or one-half. That means that for every volt applied to the primary coil, one-half volt will be induced in the secondary coil. So, if the input voltage is 120 V, the output voltage will be 60 V (120 V x 0.50 = 60 V).
Conclusion:
The ratio of voltage transformation is an important concept. It helps to understand how a step up or step down transformer works. By using the ratio of voltage transformation, we can calculate the secondary voltage output of a transformer. It is crucial to understand how to step up and step down transformers’ work. By understanding the basics of this ratio, you can more easily design and troubleshoot electrical systems. Hopefully, this article has helped to clear up any confusion on the topic! Thanks for reading.