I. What is a Transformer?

A transformer is an electrical device which, by the principles of electromagnetic

induction, transfers electrical energy from one electric circuit to another, without changing
the frequency. The energy transfer usually takes place with a change of voltage and
current. Transformers either increases or decreases AC voltage.

https://steemit.com/science/@mike11/transformer-a-necessary-electro-magnetic-device

Transformers are used to meet a wide variety of needs. Some transformers can
be several stories high, like the type found at a generating station or small enough to hold
in your hand, which might be used with the charging cradle for a video camera. No matter
what the shape or size, a transformers purpose remains the same: transforming electrical
power from one type to another.
Source: http://www.galco.com/comp/prod/trnsfmrs.htm

II. Classification of transformers

A. As to Core Arrangement:
The classification of the transformers is based on the relative arrangement or
disposition of the core and the windings.

1. Core Type Transformer

This type has a single magnetic circuit. The core is rectangular having two
limbs. The winding encircles the core. The coils used are of cylindrical. The coils
are wound in helical layers with different layers insulated from each other by paper
or mica. Both the coils are placed on both the limbs. The low voltage coil is placed
inside near the core while high voltage coil surrounds the low voltage coil. Core is
made up of large number of thin laminations.
As the windings are uniformly distributed over the two limbs, the natural
cooling is more effective. The coils can be easily removed by removing the
laminations of the top yoke, for maintenance.
2. Shell Type Transformer
This type has a double magnetic circuit. The core has 3 limbs. Both the
windings are placed on the central limb. The core encircles most part of the
windings. The cols used are generally multilayer disc type or sandwich coils. Each
high voltage coil is in between two low voltage coils and low voltage coils are
nearest to tip and bottom of the yokes.

3. Berry Type Transformer

These type of transformer are generally kept in tightly fitted sheet metal
tanks. The tanks are constructed of specific high quality steel plate cut formed and
welded into the rigid structures. All the joints are painted with a solution of light
blue chalk which turns dark in the presence of oil, disclosing even the minutest
leaks. The tanks are filled with the special insulating oil. The entire transformer
assembly is immersed in the oil. The oil served two functions: to keep the coils cool
by circulation, and to provide the transformers an additional insulation.

Source: http://mycomsats.com/types-of-transformers/
B. As to Use:
The transformers are used to do many functions according to the necessity. These
are classified as power transformer, measuring transformer, protection transformer and
distribution transformer.

1. Power Transformer
The power transformers are big in size and
used for high power transfer applications, where
the transmission voltage is greater than 33KV. It
is used in generating stations and in
transmission substation with high insulation
level.

2. Distribution Transformer
It is used for the distribution of electrical
energy at low voltage as less than 33KV in
industrial purpose and 440v-220v in domestic
purpose. It works at low efficiency at 50-70%,
small in size, easy to install, having low magnetic
losses and it is not always fully loaded.

3. Measurement Transformer
These are used to measure some electrical
quantity like voltage, current etc. As their name
specifies, these are classified as potential
transformers, current transformers etc.

Source: http://ecetutorials.com/transformer/types-of-transformers/

C. As to Application:
1. Step Down Transformer
In a step-down transformer is one who
secondary windings are fewer than the
primary windings. In other words, the
transformer’s secondary voltage is less than
the primary voltage. So, the transformer is
designed to convert high-voltage, low-current
power into a low-voltage, high current power
and it is mainly used in domestic
consumption.
 A common case of step-down application is in the case of door bells. Normally,
door bells use 16 volts, but most household power circuits carry 110-120 volts.
Therefore, the doorbell’s step-down transformer receives the 110 volts and
reduces it to lower voltage before supplying it to the doorbell.
Step-down transformers are mostly used to convert the 220 volts electricity to
the 110 volts required in most domestic equipment.

2. Step Up Transformer
A step-up transformer is the direct opposite of a step-down transformer. There
are many turns on the secondary winding than in the primary winding in the step-
up transformers. Thus, the voltage supplied in the secondary transformer is greater
than the one supplied across the primary winding. Because of the principle of
conservation of energy, the transformer converts low voltage, high-current to high
voltage-low current. In other words, the voltage has been stepped up.

You can find step-up transformers located near power plants that are designed
to operate megawatts of power. Apart from the power plants, step-up transformers
can also be used for local and smaller applications such as x-ray machine which
requires about 50,000 volts to work. Even a micro-wave oven requires a small
step-up transformer to operate.
Source: http://engineering.electrical-equipment.org/electrical-distribution/step-up-and-step-down-
transformers.html

3. Application of Transformers and its Different Types:

The main applications of transformers are the following:
 It can raise or lower the level of voltage or current (when voltage increases, current
decreases and vice versa because P =V x I, and Power is same) in an AC Circuit.
 It can increase or decrease the value of capacitor, an inductor or resistance in an
AC circuit. It can thus act as an impedance transferring device.
 It can be used to prevent DC from passing from one circuit to the other.
 It can isolate two circuits electrically.
With the use of transformers, it is much easier to transmit and distribute power in
AC instead of DC. Transformers do not work on DC, so it is difficult to transmit power in
DC. In the DC transmission and distribution, the level of voltage is step up by the use of
Buck and Boost Converter. However, it is too costly and is not suitable to use
economically.
 The main application of Transformer is to step up (increase) or step down
(Decrease) the level of voltage. In other words, transformers increase or decrease the
level of current, while the power must remain the same.
Source: https://www.electricaltechnology.org/2012/02/uses-and-application-of-transformer.html

The different types of transformers are divided into the following:

 Power Transformers - big in size and used for high power transfer applications,
where the transmission voltage is greater than 33KV. It is used in generating
stations and in transmission substation with high insulation level. Examples
include: laminated core, toroidal, autotransformer, variable autotransformer,
induction regulator, polyphaser, grounding, phase-shifting, and variable-
frequency.
 Instrument Transformers - Instrument transformers are typically used to operate
instruments from high voltage lines or high current circuits, safely isolating
measurement and control circuitry from the high voltages or currents.
 Pulse Transformers - transformer that is optimized for transmitting rectangular
electrical pulses (that is, pulses with fast rise and fall times and a relatively constant
amplitude). Examples include: current, voltage, and combined instrument.
 RF transformers - there are several types of transformer used in radio frequency
(RF) work. Laminated steel is not suitable for RF. Examples of RF transformers
are the following: air-core, ferrite-core, transmission-line, and balun.
 IF transformers - Ferrite-core transformers are widely used in (intermediate
frequency) (IF) stages in super heterodyne radio receivers. They are mostly tuned
transformers, containing a threaded ferrite slug that is screwed in or out to adjust
IF tuning. The transformers are usually canned (shielded) for stability and to
reduce interference.
 Audio transformers - Audio transformers are those specifically designed for use in
audio circuits to carry audio signal. Examples of audio transformers are the
following: loudspeaker, output, small signal, and interstage and coupling.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformer_types

4. What is the principle behind transformer?

The working principle of transformer is very simple. It depends upon Faraday's
law of electromagnetic induction. Mutual induction between two or more winding is
responsible for transformation action in an electrical transformer. According to these
Faraday's laws, "Rate of change of flux linkage with respect to time is directly proportional
to the induced EMF in a conductor or coil".
Say you have one winding which is supplied by an alternating electrical source.
The alternating current through the winding produces a continually changing flux or
alternating flux that surrounds the winding. If any other winding is brought nearer to the
previous one, obviously some portion of this flux will link with the second. As this flux is
continually changing in its amplitude and direction, there must be a change in flux linkage
in the second winding or coil. According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction,
there must be an EMF induced in the second. If the circuit of the later winding is closed,
there must be a current flowing through it. This is the simplest form of an electrical power
transformer, and this is the most basic of working principle of transformer.
Source:https://www.electrical4u.com/what-is-transformer-definition-working-principle-of-transformer/