Otis Singleton
Transformers are devices that change the voltage of electricity. They are used to transfer electrical energy from one electrical circuit to another or multiple circuits. Transformers can increase or decrease voltage levels, with the former being termed step-up and the latter step-down. They are used in a wide variety of applications, including power transmission, electronic devices, audio equipment, and radio transmission. The use of transformers allows for the efficient transmission of electricity over long distances and enables the operation of low-voltage devices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of device | Transformer |
| Type of device | Passive electrical device |
| Function | Changes voltage from one electrical circuit to another |
| Mechanism | Uses coils of wire to transfer electrical energy via a changing magnetic field |
| Transformer types | Step-up, Step-down, Impedance |
| Use case | Allows transmission of electricity at high voltages over long distances |
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What You'll Learn
Transformers
The history of transformers dates back to the 1800s. Faraday's law of induction, discovered in 1831, forms the basis for understanding transformers as it describes the induced voltage effect in any coil due to a changing magnetic flux encircled by the coil. Early transformers, such as those designed by Lucien Gaulard and John Dixon Gibbs in 1882, had an open-core design with a 1:1 ratio for supplying series circuits. However, turning off a single device on the same circuit would affect the voltage supplied to all other devices.
To address this issue, adjustable transformer designs were introduced in the 1880s, including methods of adjusting the core or bypassing the magnetic flux. The closed-core transformer, with its ability to handle high turns ratios, revolutionized electric power transmission. It made it technically and economically feasible to provide electric power for lighting in homes, businesses, and public spaces.
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Electrical engineering
In the field of electrical engineering, a transformer is a passive component that transfers electrical energy from one electrical circuit to another circuit or multiple circuits. Transformers are used to change alternating current (AC) voltage levels, either by increasing (stepping up) or decreasing (stepping down) the voltage.
Transformers work through electromagnetic induction. As the magnetic lines of force (or flux lines) build up and collapse with the changes in the current passing through the primary coil, a current is induced in another coil, known as the secondary coil. The secondary voltage can be calculated by multiplying the primary voltage by the ratio of the number of turns in the secondary coil to the number of turns in the primary coil. This ratio is called the turns ratio.
Transformers are used for a wide variety of purposes. For example, they can be used to reduce the voltage of conventional power circuits to operate low-voltage devices such as doorbells and toy trains. They can also increase the voltage from electric generators so that electric power can be transmitted over long distances. This allows generating plants to be located economically at a distance from electrical consumers. Transformers are also used in electronic devices to convert voltage from distribution wiring to values suitable for circuit requirements.
The development of efficient transformer designs in the 1880s was a significant milestone in electrical power transmission. Lucien Gaulard and John Dixon Gibbs introduced an open-core device in 1882, which was initially criticised but later sold to the Westinghouse company in 1886. Closed-core transformers, which are more efficient than open-core transformers, made it technically and economically feasible to provide electric power for lighting in homes, businesses, and public spaces.
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Faraday's law of induction
Faraday's law can be broken down into two parts: the motional electromotive force (emf) and the transformer emf. The motional emf is generated by a magnetic force acting on a moving wire, and the transformer emf is produced by an electric force resulting from a changing magnetic field. Faraday's experimental observations led him to conclude that an emf is induced when the magnetic flux across a coil changes over time.
Faraday's first law of electromagnetic induction states that when a conductor is placed in a varying magnetic field, an electromotive force is induced. If the conductor circuit is closed, a current is induced, known as an induced current. This can be achieved by rotating the coil relative to the magnet, moving the coil into or out of the magnetic field, changing the area of a coil within the field, or moving a magnet towards or away from the coil.
Faraday's second law of electromagnetic induction states that the induced emf in a coil is equal to the rate of change of flux linkage, which is the product of the number of turns in the coil and the flux associated with the coil. This law provides a quantitative expression of the relationship between the rate of change of magnetic flux and the induced emf.
Faraday's work laid the foundation for further developments in electromagnetic theory, with scientists like James Clerk Maxwell and Oliver Heaviside building upon his ideas to formulate the set of equations now known as Maxwell's equations.
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Step-up/step-down voltage
Voltage converters, or transformers, are devices that can either step up or step down the voltage of electricity. These devices are particularly useful when travelling or relocating to a country with different voltage standards.
These converters are available in various weights and dimensions, depending on their capacity and specific use case. For example, the Type 3 Diamond Series step-up and step-down voltage converters weigh between 3 lbs (1.4 kg) and 28 lbs (12.7 kg), with dimensions ranging from 3.75" x 5.25" x 3.75" (9.5 cm x 13.3 cm x 9.5 cm) to 7.25" x 9.75" x 6" (18.4 cm x 24.8 cm x 15.2 cm).
When stepping up voltage, these converters can increase the voltage from 110/120 to 220/240 volts. Conversely, when stepping down voltage, they can decrease the voltage from 220/240 to 110/120 volts. This ensures that your devices receive the appropriate voltage and prevents any potential damage from incorrect voltage levels.
It is important to select a reputable brand and a converter with a suitable warranty to guarantee the safety and longevity of your devices.
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Impedance matching
Another technique is complex conjugate matching, which is employed when maximum power transfer is required. In this case, the output impedance of the source should equal the complex conjugate of the input impedance of the load. This type of matching is different from reflectionless matching when either the source or load has a reactive component.
It's important to note that impedance matching is not always necessary. In some cases, delivering a high voltage or reducing power consumption may take precedence over maximising power transfer. In such scenarios, techniques like impedance bridging or voltage bridging may be utilised.
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Frequently asked questions
A transformer.
A transformer is a passive component that transfers electrical energy from one electrical circuit to another circuit, or multiple circuits. Transformers can be used to increase or decrease voltage.
Transformers work through electromagnetic induction. As the magnetic lines of force (or flux lines) build up and collapse with the changes in the current passing through the primary coil, a current is induced in another coil, called the secondary coil. The secondary voltage is calculated by multiplying the primary voltage by the ratio of the number of turns in the secondary coil to the number of turns in the primary coil.
