PHYSICS hand out-class

TRANSFORMERS

It is a device which changes (or transforms) an alternating voltage from one value to another of greater
or smaller value ie steps up ac or steps down ac.

Principle- Mutual Induction- It works on the principle of changing current and hence changing
magnetic field in one coil as a result emf and hence current is induced in the other coil.

Diagram

Two arrangements for winding of primary and secondary coil in a transformer: (a) two
coils on top of each other, (b) two coils on separate limbs of the core.

Construction
A transformer consists of two sets of coils (insulated from each other) and wound on a soft-iron core,
either one on top of the other(fig a) or on separate limbs of the core (fig b)
One of the coils is called the (input coil) primary coil has Np turns.
The other coil is called the (output coil) secondary coil; it has Ns turns.

Working
When an alternating voltage is applied to the primary, the resulting current produces an alternating
magnetic flux which links the secondary and induces an emf in it. The value of this emf depends on the
number of turns in the secondary.

Ideal Transformer- It has no energy losses; is 100% efficient. Primary coil has negligible resistance
and all the flux in the core links both primary and secondary windings.

Mathematically,
Voltage Ratio =Turns Ratio

If the transformer is assumed to be 100% efficient (no energy losses), the power input is equal to the
power output. Ie

P primary coil = P secondary coil

1
Rearranging the equation 1 and 2 , we have-

From equation 3:-

Step-up transformer: if the secondary coil has a greater number of turns than the primary (Ns > Np),
the voltage is stepped up (Vs > Vp).
However, there is less current in the secondary than in the primary (Np/Ns < 1 and Is < Ip).

Step-down transformer: If the secondary coil has less turns than the primary(Ns < Np) Vs < Vp
and Is > Ip. That is, the voltage is stepped down, or reduced, and the current is increased.

Causes of Energy losses in transformers

Flux Leakage: There is always some flux leakage; that is, not all of the flux due to primary passes
through the secondary due to poor design of the core or the air gaps in the core.
 It can be reduced by winding the primary and secondary coils one over the other.
Resistance of the windings: The wire used for the windings has some resistance and so, energy is
lost due to heat produced in the wire I 2R).
 In high current, low voltage windings, these are minimized by using thick wire
Eddy currents- The alternating magnetic flux induces eddy currents in the iron core and causes
heating.
 The effect is reduced by having a laminated core.
Hysteresis: The magnetization of the core is repeatedly reversed by the alternating magnetic field. The
resulting expenditure of energy in the core appears as heat.
 It is minimized by using a magnetic material which has a low hysteresis loss.

Advantage of Transformer: Transmission of Electrical Power

The large scale transmission and distribution of electrical energy over long distances is done with the
use of transformers. The voltage output of the generator is stepped-up (so that current is reduced as P
=I*V ====>>>

I =P/V (reduced significantly When V is stepped up)

And consequently, the Power loss= I 2R loss is cut down.

It is then transmitted over long distances to an area sub-station near the consumers where the voltage
is stepped down.

Limitation of Transformer;

It can be used to Step Up or step down only the AC Voltage / Current as it works on principle of
changing magnetic flux. It cannot be used to transform DC as DC does not involve any change in
magnetic flux.

Question
A transformer steps down mains supply from 230V to 10V to operate a machine-
a. What is turns ratio of the windings?
b. How many turns are on primary if secondary has 100 turns?
c. What is current in the primary if transformer is 100% efficient and the current in the machine is
2A?