Types of Power Transformer

Laminated Core :-

Laminated Core Transformer

This is the most common type of transformer, widely used in appliances to convert mains voltage
to low voltage to power electronics

Widely available in power ratings ranging from mW to MW

 Insulated lamination minimizes eddy current losses

 Small appliance and electronic transformers may use a split bobbin, giving a high level of
insulation between the windings
 Rectangular core
 Core laminate stampings are usually in EI shape pairs. Other shape pairs are sometimes
used
 Mu-metal shields can be fitted to reduce EMI (electromagnetic interference)
 A screen winding is occasionally used between the 2 power windings
 Small appliance and electronics transformers may have a thermal cut out built in
 Occasionally seen in low profile format for use in restricted spaces
 Laminated core made with silicon steel with high permeability
Toroidal :-

Toroidal Transformer

Doughnut shaped toroidal transformers are used to save space compared to EI cores, and
sometimes to reduce external magnetic field. These use a ring shaped core, copper windings
wrapped round this ring (and thus threaded through the ring during winding), and tape for
insulation.

Toroidal transformers compared to EI core transformers:

 Lower external magnetic field

 Smaller for a given power rating
 Higher cost in most cases, as winding requires more complex and slower equipment
 Less robust
 Central fixing is either
o bolt, large metal washers and rubber pads
o bolt and potting resin
 Over-tightening the central fixing bolt may short the windings
Autotransformer :-

An autotransformer has only a single winding, which is tapped at some point along the winding.
AC or pulsed voltage is applied across a portion of the winding, and a higher (or lower) voltage
is produced across another portion of the same winding. The higher voltage will be connected to
the ends of the winding, and the lower voltage from one end to a tap. For example, a transformer
with a tap at the center of the winding can be used with 230 V across the entire winding, and 115
volts between one end and the tap. It can be connected to a 230 V supply to drive 115 V
equipment, or reversed to drive 230 V equipment from 115 V. Since the current in the windings
is lower, the transformer is smaller, lighter cheaper and more efficient. For voltage ratios not
exceeding about 3:1, an autotransformer is cheaper, lighter, smaller and more efficient than an
isolating (two-winding) transformer of the same rating. Large three-phase autotransformers are
used in electric power distribution systems, for example, to interconnect 33 kV and 66 kV sub-
transmission networks.

In practice, transformer losses mean that autotransformers are not perfectly reversible; one
designed for stepping down a voltage will deliver slightly less voltage than required if used to
step up. The difference is usually slight enough to allow reversal where the actual voltage level is
not critical. This is true of isolated winding transformers too.
Variac :-
By exposing part of the winding coils of an autotransformer, and making the secondary
connection through a sliding carbon brush, an autotransformer with a near-continuously variable
turns ratio can be obtained, allowing for wide voltage adjustment in very small increments.

Stray field transformer :-

A stray field transformer has a significant stray field or a (sometimes adjustable) magnetic
bypass in its core. It can act as a transformer with inherent current limitation due to its lower
coupling between the primary and the secondary winding, which is unwanted in most other
cases. The output and input currents are low enough to prevent thermal overload under each load
condition - even if the secondary is shorted.

Stray field transformers are used for arc welding and high voltage discharge lamps (cold cathode
fluorescent lamps, series connected up to 7.5 kV AC working voltage). It acts both as voltage
transformer and magnetic ballast.
Polyphase transformers :-

Example of Y Y Connection

For three-phase power, three separate single-phase transformers can be used, or all three phases
can be connected to a single polyphase transformer. The three primary windings are connected
together and the three secondary windings are connected together. The most common
connections are Y-Delta, Delta-Y, Delta-Delta and Y-Y. A vector group indicates the
configuration of the windings and the phase angle difference between them. If a winding is
connected to earth (grounded), the earth connection point is usually the center point of a Y
winding. If the secondary is a Delta winding, the ground may be connected to a center tap on one
winding (high leg delta) or one phase may be grounded (corner grounded delta). A special
purpose polyphase transformer is the zigzag transformer. There are many possible configurations
that may involve more or fewer than six windings and various tap connections.

Resonant transformers :-

A 25 kV flyback transformer being used to generate an arc.

A resonant transformer operates at the resonant frequency of one or more of its coils and (usually) an
external capacitor. The resonant coil, usually the secondary, acts as an inductor, and is connected in
series with a capacitor. When the primary coil is driven by a periodic source of alternating current, such
as a square or sawtooth wave at the resonant frequency, each pulse of current helps to build up an
oscillation in the secondary coil. Due to resonance, a very high voltage can develop across the
secondary, until it is limited by some process such as electrical breakdown. These devices are used to
generate high alternating voltages, and the current available can be much larger than that from
electrostatic machines such as the Van de Graaff generator or Wimshurst machine.

Examples:

 Tesla coil
 Oudin coil (or Oudin resonator; named after its inventor Paul Oudin)
 D'Arsonval apparatus
 Ignition coil or induction coil used in the ignition system of a petrol engine
 Flyback transformer of a CRT television set or video monitor.

Electrical breakdown and insulation testing of high voltage equipment and cables. In the latter case, the
transformer's secondary is resonated with the cable's capacitance.

Other applications of resonant transformers are as coupling between stages of a superheterodyne

receiver, where the selectivity of the receiver is provided by the tuned transformers of the
intermediate-frequency amplifiers.

Constant voltage transformer :-

By arranging particular magnetic properties of a transformer core, and installing a ferro-resonant
tank circuit (a capacitor and an additional winding), a transformer can be arranged to
automatically keep the secondary winding voltage relatively constant for varying primary supply
without additional circuitry or manual adjustment. CVA transformers run hotter than standard
power transformers, because regulating action depends on core saturation, which reduces
efficiency somewhat. The output waveform is heavily distorted unless careful measures are taken
to prevent this. Saturating transformers provide a simple rugged method to stabilize an AC
power supply.

Ferrite core :-
Ferrite core power transformers are widely used in switched-mode power supplies (SMPSs). The
powder core enables high-frequency operation, and hence much smaller size-to-power ratio than
laminated-iron transformers.
Ferrite transformers are not used as power transformers at mains frequency since laminated iron
cores cost less than an equivalent ferrite core.

Oil cooled transformer :-

For large transformers used in power distribution or electrical substations, the core and coils of
the transformer are immersed in oil which cools and insulates. Oil circulates through ducts in the
coil and around the coil and core assembly, moved by convection. The oil is cooled by the
outside of the tank in small ratings, and in larger ratings an air-cooled radiator is used. Where a
higher rating is required, or where the transformer is used in a building or underground, oil
pumps are used to circulate the oil and an oil-to-water heat exchanger may also be used.[1]
Formerly, indoor transformers required to be fire-resistant used PCB liquids; since these are now
banned, substitute fire-resistant liquids such as silicone oils are instead used.
Cast resin transformers :-
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 valut for indoor
installations. The epoxy protects the windings from dust and corrosive atomospheres. 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.

Isolating Transformer :-
Most transformers isolate, meaning the secondary winding is not connected to the primary. But
this isn't true of all transformers.

However the term 'isolating transformer' is normally applied to mains transformers providing
isolation rather than voltage transformation. They are simply 1:1 laminated core transformers.
Extra voltage tappings are sometimes included, but to earn the name 'isolating transformer' it is
expected that they will usually be used at 1:1 ratio.

SINGLE-PHASE ISOLATING TRANSFORMERS FOR MEDICAL USE