SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE

-Carl Sagan

OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA

OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL
PO BOX 35519
DUBAI, UAE

INVESTIGATORY PROJECT IN PHYSICS

TO FIND THE RATIO OF INPUT AND OUTPUT VOLTAGE WITH THE HELP OF A
SELF-MADE TRANSFORMER.

DONE BY

FARHAN SHAJAHAN OF GRADE 12-E

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
In the accomplishment of this project successfully, many people have best
owned upon me their blessings and the heart pledged support, this time I am
utilizing to thank all the people who have been concerned with project.
Primarily I would thank god for being able to complete this project with success.
Then I would like to thank my principal Mr. Sanjeev Jolly and physics teacher
Mr.Rama Rao, whose valuable guidance has been the ones that helped me
patch this project and make it full proof success his suggestions and his
instructions has served as the major contributor towards the completion of the
project. Then I would like to thank my parents and friends who have helped me
with their valuable suggestions and guidance has been helpful in various phases
of the completion of the project. Last but not the least I would like to thank my
classmates who have helped me a lot.

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

INTRODUCTION
The transformer is a device used for converting a low alternating voltage to a high alternating
voltage or vice-versa. A Transformer based on the Principle of mutual induction according to
this principle, the amount of magnetic flux linked with a coil changing, an e.m.f is induced in
the neighboring coil. A transformer is an electrical device which is used for changing the A.C.
voltages. A transformer is most widely used device in both low and high current circuit. As
such transformers are built in an amazing strength of sizes. In electronic, measurement and
control circuits, transformer size may be so small that it weight only a few tens of grams
where as in high voltage power circuits, it may weight hundred of tones. In a transformer, the
electrical energy transfer from one circuit to another circuit takes place without the use of
moving parts. A transformer which increases the voltages is called a step- up transformer. A
transformer which decreases the A.C. voltages is called a step-down transformer.
Transformer is, therefore, an essential piece of apparatus both for high and low current
circuits.

6. When an altering e.m.f. is supplied to the primary coil p1p2, an alternating current starts
falling in it. The altering current in the primary produces a changing magnetic flux, which
induces altering voltage in the primary as well as in the secondary. In a good- transformer,
whole of the magnetic flux linked with primary is also linked with the secondary, and then
the induced e.m.f. induced in each turn of the secondary is equal to that induced in each turn
of the primary. Thus if Ep and Es be the instantaneous values of the e.m.f.s induced in the
primary and the secondary and Np and Ns are the no. of turns of the primary secondary coils
of the transformer and

d / dt = rate of change of flux in each turnoff the coil at this instant,

Now, we have,

Ep = -Np d/dt _______________ (1)

Es = -Ns d/dt _______________ (2)

Since the above relations are true at every instant, so by dividing 2 by 1,

we get

Es / Ep = - Ns / Np ______________ (3)

7. As Ep is the instantaneous value of back e.m.f induced in the primary coil p1, so the
instantaneous current in primary coil is due to the difference (E Ep) in the instantaneous

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

values of the applied and back e.m.f. further if Rp is the resistance o, p1, p2 coil, then the
instantaneous current Ip in the primary coil is given by

Ip = E Ep / Rp

E Ep = Ip Rp.

When the resistance of the primary is small, Rp Ip can be neglected so therefore

E Ep = 0 or Ep = E

Thus back e.m.f = input E.M.F

Hence equation 3 can be written as

Es / Ep = Es / E = output E.M.F / input E.M.F= Ns / Np = K.

Where,
K is a constant, called turn or transformation ratio.

STEP-DOWN TRANSFORMER
IN A STEP-DOWN TRANSFORMER

Es < E so K < 1, hence Ns < Np.

If Ip = value of primary current at the same instant

And Is = value of secondary current at this instant, then

Input power at the instant = Ep Ip and

Output power at the same instant = Es Is

If there are no losses of power in the transformer,

then Input power = output power Or

Ep Ip = Es Is Or

Es / Ep = Ip / Is = K

STEP-UP TRANSFORMER

IN A STEP-UP TRANSFORMER

Es > E so K > 1, hence Ns > Np

As, k > 1, so Ip > Is or Is < Ip

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

I.e. current in secondary is weaker when secondary voltage is higher.

Hence, whatever we gain in voltage, we lose in current in the same ratio.

Similarly it can be shown, that in a step down transformer, whatever we lose in voltage, we
gain in current in the same ratio.

Thus a step up transformer in reality steps down the current & a step down transformer
steps up the current.

EFFICIENCY

Efficiency of a transformer is defined as the ratio of output power to the input power.

i.e. = output power / input power = Es Is / Ep Ip

Thus in an ideal transformer, where there is no power losses, = 1. But in actual practice,
there are many power losses; therefore the efficiency of transformer is less than one.

ENERGY LOSSES

Following are the major sources of energy loss in a transformer:

1. Copper loss is the energy loss in the form of heat in the copper coils of a transformer. This
is due to joule heating of conducting wires.

2. Iron loss is the energy loss in the form of heat in the iron core of the transformer. This is
due to formation of eddy currents in iron core. It is minimized by taking laminated cores.

3. Leakage of magnetic flux occurs inspite of best insulations. Therefore, rate of change of
magnetic flux linked with each turn of S1S2 is less than the rate of change of magnetic flux
linked with each turn of P1P2.

4. Hysteresis loss is the loss of energy due to repeated magnetization and demagnetization of
the iron core when A.C. is fed to it.

5. Magneto striation i.e. humming noise of a transformer.

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

DIFFERENT TYPES OF
TRANSFORMER.
Instrument transformer
Instrument transformers are high accuracy class electrical devices used to isolate or transform
voltage or current levels. The most common usage of instrument transformers is to operate
instruments or metering from high voltage or high current circuits, safely isolating secondary
control circuitry from the high voltages or currents. The primary winding of the transformer is
connected to the high voltage or high current circuit, and the meter or relay is connected to the
secondary circuit. Instrument transformers may also be used as an isolation transformer so that
secondary quantities may be used in phase shifting without affecting other primary connected
devices

EXAMPLE: SF6 110Kv Current Transformer

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

Potential transformer
Potential transformers (PT) (also called voltage transformers (VT)) are a parallel connected type
of instrument transformer. They are designed to present negligible load to the supply being
measured and have an accurate voltage ratio and phase relationship to enable accurate
secondary connected metering.

Example: A 120:120 instrument isolation transformer is an example of

potential transformer

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

Cast resin transformer

Cast-resin power transformers encase the windings in EPOXY RESIN. These transformers
simplify installation since they are dry, without cooling oil, and so require no fire-proof vault for
indoor installations. The epoxy protects the windings from dust and corrosive atmospheres.
However, because the molds for casting the coils are only available in fixed sizes, the design of
the transformers is less flexible, which may make them more costly if customized features
(voltage, turns ratio, taps) are required.

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

ELECTRICAL TRANSFORMER
An Electrical transformer is a device used for converting a low alternating voltage to a high
alternating voltage or vice-versa. It is based on the Principle of mutual induction. According
to this principle, the amount of magnetic flux linked with a coil changing, an e.m.f is induced
in the neighboring coil.

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

Autotransformer
An autotransformer is an electrical transformer with only one winding. The "auto" (Greek for
"self") prefix refers to the SINGLE coil acting on itself and not to any kind of automatic
mechanism. In an autotransformer, portions of the same winding act as both the primary and
secondary sides of the transformer. The winding has at least three taps where electrical
connections are made. Autotransformers have the advantages of often being smaller, lighter,
and cheaper than typical dual-winding transformers, but the disadvantage of not
providing electrical isolation. Other advantages of autotransformers include
lower leakage reactance, lower losses, lower excitation current, and increased KVA rating.

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

USES OF TRANSFORMER
A Transformer is used in almost all A.C. operations

In voltage regulator for T.V., refrigerator, computer, air conditioner, etc.

A step down transformer is used for welding purposes.

A step down transformer is used for obtaining large current.

A step up transformer is used for the production of X-Rays and NEON

advertisement.

Transformers are used in voltage regulators and stabilized power supplies.

Transformers are used in the transmissions of A.C. over long distances.

Small transformers are used in Radio sets, telephones, loud speakers and electric
bells, etc.

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

AIM:
To investigate the relation between the ratio of
1. Input and output voltage
2. Number of turnings in the secondary coil and primary coil of
a self made transformer.

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

APPARATUS REQUIRED
1. IRON ROD
2. COPPER WIRE
3. VOLTMETER
4. AMMETER

APPARATUS PICTURES:

AMMETRE

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

CONNECTING WIRE

VOLTMETRE IRON ROD

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

PROCEDURE
1. Take thick iron rod and cover it with a thick paper and wind a large number of turns of thin Cu wire
on thick paper (say 30). This constitutes primary coil of the transformer.

2. Cover the primary coil with a sheet of paper and wound relatively smaller number of turns (say 10)
of thick copper wire on it. This constitutes the secondary coil. It is a step down transformer.

3. Connect P1, P2 to A.C main and measure the input voltage and current using A.C voltmeter and
ammeter respectively.

4. Similarly, measure the output voltage and current through s1and S2.

5. Now connect s1and S2 to A.C main and again measure voltage and current through primary and
secondary coil of step up transformer.

6. Repeat all steps for other self made transformers by changing number of turns in primary and
secondary coil.

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

OBSERVATION

S.N NUMBE NUMBER VOLTAG CURREN VOLTAGE CURRENT

O R OF OF TURNS E T IN IN
TURNS IN IN IN SECONDAR SECONDAR
IN SECONDAR PRIMAR PRIMARY Y Y COIL( IS )
PRIMAR Y COIL( NS) Y COIL( IP) COIL
Y COIL( COIL( EP) (ES)
NP)
1 4 2 0.55 0.20 1.10 0.40
2 5 3 0.70 1.40 1.80 0.80
3 7 4 0.90 1.80 2.10 1.30
4 9 5 1.40 2.30 2.60 1.90
5 11 6 2.10 2.70 3.85 2.10

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

0.6

0.5

0.4
voltage

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
Number Of Turns

Y-Values
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
CURRENT

2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
NUMBER OF TURNS

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

PICTURES:

WOUNDING OF IRON ROD WITH WIRE

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

EXPERIMENT PICTURE:

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

CONCLUSION
1.) THE OUTPUT VOLTAGE OF THE TRANSFORMER ACROSS THE PRIMARY COIL DEPENDS
UPON THE RATIO (NS/NP) WITH RESPECT TO THE INPUT VOLTAGE.

2.) THE OUTPUT VOLTAGE OF THE TRANSFORMER ACROSS THE SECONDARY COIL DEPENDS
UPON THE RATIO (NS/NP) WITH RESPECT TO THE INPUT VOLTAGE

3.) THERE IS A LOSS OF POWER BETWEEN INPUT AND OUTPUT COIL OF A TRANSFORMER

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

SOURCES OF ERROR
1. Values of current can be changed due to heating effect.

2. Eddy current can change the readings.

3. The output voltage of the transformer across the secondary coil depends upon the ratio
(Ns/Np) with respect to the input voltage

4. The output voltage of the transformer across the secondary coil depends upon the ratio
(Ns/N p) with respect to the input voltage

5. There is a loss of power between input and output coil of a transformer.

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

PRECAUTIONS
1. Keep safe yourself from high voltage.

2. While taking the readings of current and voltage the A.C should
remain constant.

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

BIBLIOGRAPHY
www.google.com
www.wikipedia.org
http://www.slideshare.net/rahulkushwaha06/physics-investigatory-project-
class-12#
Central Electricity Generating Board (1982). Modern Power Station Practice.
Pergamon. ISBN 0-08-016436-6.
Daniels, A.R. (1985). Introduction to Electrical Machines. Macmillan. ISBN 0-
333-19627-9.Flanagan, William M. (1993). Handbook of Transformer Design &
Applications (2nd ed.).
McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-021291-0.Gottlieb, Irving (1998). Practical
Transformer Handbook: for Electronics, Radio and Communications Engineers.
Elsevier. ISBN 0-7506-3992-X.
Hammond, John Winthrop (1941). Men and Volts: The Story of General
Electric. J.B. Lippincott Company. pp. see esp. 106107, 178, 238.
Harlow, James (2004). Electric Power Transformer Engineering. CRC
Press. ISBN 0-8493-1704-5.
Heathcote, Martin (1998). J & P Transformer Book (12th ed.). Newnes. ISBN 0-
7506-1158-8.
Hindmarsh, John (1977). Electrical Machines and Their Applications (4th ed.).
Exeter: Pergammon. ISBN 0-08-030573-3.
Kulkarni, S.V.; Khaparde, S.A. (2004). Transformer Engineering: Design and
Practice. CRC Press. ISBN 0-8247-5653-3.
McLaren, Peter (1984). Elementary Electric Power and Machines. Ellis
Horwood. ISBN 0-470-20057-X.
McLyman, Colonel William (2004). Transformer and Inductor Design
Handbook. CRC. ISBN 0-8247-5393-3.
Pansini, Anthony (1999). Electrical Transformers and Power Equipment. CRC
Press. ISBN 0-88173-311-3.

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FARHAN SHAJAHAN 12-E OUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL, AL WARQAA
SCIENCE IS A WAY OF THINKING MUCH MORE THAN IT IS A BODY OF KNOWLEDGE
-Carl Sagan

Ryan, H.M. (2004). High Voltage Engineering and Testing. CRC Press. ISBN 0-
85296-775-6.
Say, M.G. (1983). Alternating Current Machines (5th ed.). London:
Pitman. ISBN 0-273-01969-4.Winders, Jr., John J. (2002). Power Transformer
Principles and Applications. CRC. ISBN 0-8247-0766-4.

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