POWER TRANSFORMER

POWER ENGINEERING
SIR MOHAMMAD ALI TOFIGH
TEL 20304

BAIHAQI BIN BAHRIN

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TABLE OF CONTENT
NO TITLE PAGE
1 INTRODUCTION 3

2 CONSTRUCTION 4–6
FEATURES

3 TYPES OF TRANSFORMER 7–9

4 ADVANTAGES 10

5 REFERENCES 11

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 INTRODUCTION

A power transformer is a passive electromagnetic device that transfers energy from

one circuit to another circuit by means of inductive coupling. Power transformers are

designed to comply with regulatory requirements for mains power interfacing, working at

mains voltages and relatively high currents. The most important specification of a power

transformer is its primary to secondary transformer galvanic isolation, which is usually

specified in kV. Power transformers typically have a single primary (mains side) winding and

one or more secondary windings. The secondary winding may be tapped at different points to

generate multiple voltage outputs. A power transformer operates according to Faradays Law

of Induction. A transformer’s secondary voltage is equal to the negative rate of change of the

magnetic flux enclosing the circuit. The magnetic flux enclosing the secondary circuit is

caused by the AC flowing in the primary winding. This AC generates a changing flux that

couples through a common core into the secondary winding. Voltage ratio is equivalent to the

winding turn ratio. Transformers are extremely efficient when operating within their design

specifications. Core type is an important consideration. Typical power transformer supplies

include: laminated core, semi-toroidal and toroidal. Laminations can be important as they

help prevent eddy currents flowing in the core that cause loss of efficiency. Maximum output

current is specified at the point where the core is saturated or the windings current rating is

exceeded. There are many mounting options including: chassis mount, DIN rail, wall mount

and PCB mount. Terminations can be solder lugs, wire leads and terminal blocks. Galvanic

isolation is typically rated between 1.5kV and 5kV. Power transformers are found in any

application that requires mains power. They are also used as 1:1 isolating transformers for

equipment safety. 120-240V transformers are also available for conversion between mains

standards.
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 CONSTRUCTION FEATURES

The transformers which are used in high voltage applications are referred as 'Power

Transformers'. They handle voltage in the range of 33 to 400 kV. The winding of a power

transformer is quite different from that of a low voltage transformer.

The power transformers generally employ a special kind of winding, known as a disc-

type winding, where separate disc windings are connected in series, through outer and inner

cross-overs.

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 The low-voltage windings of a power transformer are connected in a delta

configuration and the high-voltage windings are connected in a star configuration.

The delta connection in low voltage windings result in 3 terminals to connect the

electrical power. This is marked as 'R','Y' and 'B'

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 On the contrary, the star connection in high voltage transformer results in 4 terminals

to connect the electric power. This is marked as 'r','y','b' and 'n' in the Fig.7. Thus, if you tap

the electrical power between any pair of the phase wires the voltage further rises to root 3

times. This voltage is known as 'line voltage'. This also means that, from a 3 phase step-up

transformer we can draw 4 output wires; 3 phase power wires and one neutral. If you draw

power between a neutral and phase wire, that is know as 'phase voltage'. High voltage

insulated bushings are required to bring out the electrical energy. It is clear from the Fig.8

that, the bushings at the high voltage side are quite bigger compared to the low voltage

bushings.

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TYPES OF TRANSFORMER

1. LAMINATED CORE

This is the most common type of transformer, widely used in electric power

transmission and appliances to convert mains voltage to low voltage to power electronic

devices. They are available in power ratings ranging from mW to MW. The insulated

laminations minimizes eddy current losses in the iron core. Small appliance and electronic

transformers may use a split bobbin, giving a high level of insulation between the windings.

The rectangular cores are made up of stampings, often in E-I shape pairs, but other shapes are

sometimes used. Shields between primary and secondary may be fitted to reduce EMI

(electromagnetic interference), or a screen winding is occasionally used. Small appliance and

electronics transformers may have a thermal cut-out built into the winding, to shut-off power

at high temperatures to prevent further overheating.

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 2. TOROIDAL

Doughnut shaped toroidal transformers save space compared to E-I cores, and may

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 have a lower external magnetic field compared to rectangular

transformers, and can be smaller for a given power rating. However, they cost more to make,

as winding requires more complex and slower equipment. They can be mounted by a bolt

through the center, using washers and rubber pads or by potting in resin.

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 3. Stray Field Transformers

A leakage transformer, also called a stray-field transformer, has a significantly higher

leakage inductance than other transformers, sometimes increased by a magnetic bypass or

shunt in its core between primary and secondary, which is sometimes adjustable with a set

screw. This provides a transformer with an inherent current limitation due to the loose

coupling between its primary and the secondary windings. In this case, it is short-circuit

inductance which is actually acting as a current limiting parameter. The output and input

currents are low enough to prevent thermal overload under all load conditions—even if the

secondary is shorted. Leakage transformers are used for arc welding and high voltage

discharge lamps (neon lights and cold cathode fluorescent lamps, which are series connected

up to 7.5 kV AC). It acts then both as a voltage transformer and as a magnetic ballast. Other

applications are short-circuit-proof extra-low voltage transformers for toys or doorbell

installations.

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Advantages of Power Transformer

1. Load amplification and huge supply & transmission losses.

2. Improving energy efficiency

3. Power can transfer to long distance with less cost

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REFERENCES

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformer_types#Power_transformers

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toroidal_inductors_and_transformers

3. https://www.electrical4u.com/electrical-power-transformer-definition-and-types-of-

transformer/

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