Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

Al-Mustaqbal University
College of Engineering & Technology
Medical Instrumentation Techniques Engineering Department
Electrical Technology
Third Class

Weeks 1 & 2

Single Phase Transformers

By Dr.Osamah Jaber Ghayyib

1. Introduction

A transformer is a device which converts magnetic energy into electrical energy. It consists
of two electrical coils called as a primary winding and secondary winding. The primary winding
of a transformer receives power, while the secondary winding delivers power. A magnetic iron
circuit called “core” is commonly used to wrap around these coils. Though these two coils are
electrically isolated but magnetically linked.

An electric current when passed through the primary of a transformer then a magnetic field
is created, which induces a voltage across the secondary of a transformer. Based on the type of
application, the single-phase transformer is used to either step-up or step-down the voltage at the
output. This transformer is typically a power transformer with high-efficiency and low losses.

A transformer is a static machine. Although it is not an energy conversion device, it is

essential in many energy conversion systems. It is a simple device, having two or more electric
circuits coupled by a common magnetic field. Ferromagnetic cores are used to provide tight
magnetic coupling and high flux densities. Such transformers are known as iron-core
transformers. They are invariably used in high-power applications. Air-core transformers have
poor magnetic coupling and are sometimes used in low power electronic applications.

2. Transformer Construction

There are basically three components of a Transformer:

1- Iron Core

2- Primary Winding

3- Secondary Winding

2.1 Core
The core of the transformer is rectangular in shape and laminated. During the transformer
construction, it has to be designed in such a way that there are fewer core losses during the

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operation of the Transformer. Core losses and iron losses are a combination of all the losses that
happen inside the core.

The core lets an alternating flux drive through it. This might cause energy loss in the core
due to hysteresis loss. So, you should choose a high-quality Silicon Steel with low hysteresis loss
to construct the core of a Transformer. This steel is termed the Soft Steel Core of the Transformer.

The alternating flux produces certain currents known as Eddy currents. These currents use
electrical energy and cause certain losses, known by the name of eddy current losses of the
Transformer. The core must be manufactured as a group of laminations. These successive
laminations are electrically insulated to reduce eddy currents. The insulation layer is made up of
Varnish, which offers high resistance to eddy currents.

2.2 Windings
There are two windings on the transformer i.e. Primary Winding and Secondary Winding.
The Primary Winding is connected to the input terminal and is responsible for generating a self-
induced EMF. The Secondary Winding is connected to the output load. These windings are placed
on the core and are electrically insulated from each other and the core for proper functioning and
reduction in losses.

These coils have different numbers of turns compared to each other. The Primary Winding
of the Transformer has N1 turns. Similarly, the Secondary Winding of the Transformer has N2
turns. Depending upon the operation of the transformer, N1< N2, N1> N2, and N1= N2.

3. Types of transformers

Transformers can be classified on different basis, like types of construction, types of

cooling etc. On the basis of their purpose.

1. Step up transformer: Voltage increases (with subsequent decrease in current) at

secondary.

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 2. Step down transformer: Voltage decreases (with subsequent increase in current) at
secondary.

Fig 1. Step-up and step-down transformers.

On the basis of type of supply

1- Single phase transformer.

2- Three phase transformers.

On the basis of their use

1- Power transformer: Used in transmission network, high rating.

2- Distribution transformer: Used in distribution network, comparatively lower rating

than that of power transformers.

3- Instrument transformer: Used in relay and protection purpose in different

instruments in industries.

▪ Current transformer (CT)

▪ Potential transformer (PT)

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 Fig 2. CT transformer.

On the basis of construction, transformers can be classified into two types as;

1- Core type transformer.

2- Shell type transformer.

3.1 Core type transformer

In core type transformer, windings are cylindrical former wound, mounted on the core
limbs as shown in figure 3. The cylindrical coils have different layers and each layer is insulated
from each other. Materials like paper, cloth or mica can be used for insulation. Low voltage
windings are placed nearer to the core, as they are easier to insulate.

3.2 Shell type transformer

The coils are former wound and mounted in layers stacked with insulation between them.
A shell type transformer may have simple rectangular form or it may have a distributed form.

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 Fig 3. Shell and Core type.

4. Working principle of transformer

The basic principle behind working of a transformer is the phenomenon of mutual

induction between two windings linked by common magnetic flux. The figure shows the simplest
form of a transformer. Basically, a transformer consists of two inductive coils; primary winding
and secondary winding. The coils are electrically separated but magnetically linked to each other.
When, primary winding is connected to a source of alternating voltage, alternating magnetic flux
is produced around the winding. The core provides magnetic path for the flux, to get linked with
the secondary winding. Most of the flux gets linked with the secondary winding which is called
as 'useful flux' or main 'flux', and the flux which does not get linked with secondary winding is
called as 'leakage flux'. As the flux produced is alternating (the direction of it is continuously
changing), EMF gets induced in the secondary winding according to Faraday's law of
electromagnetic induction. This emf is called 'mutually induced emf', and the frequency of
mutually induced emf is same as that of supplied emf. If the secondary winding is closed circuit,
then mutually induced current flows through it, and hence the electrical energy is transferred from
one circuit (primary) to another circuit (secondary).

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 Fig 4. Single phase transformer.

5. Elementary Theory of an Ideal Transformer

An ideal transformer is one which has no losses, i.e. its windings have no ohmic resistance
and there is no magnetic leakage. In other words, an ideal transformer consists of two coils which
are purely inductive and wound on a loss-free core.

It may, however, be noted that it is impossible to realize such a transformer in practice, yet
for convenience, we will first analyze such a transformer and then an actual transformer. Consider
an ideal transformer [Fig. 5(a)] in which the secondary is open and whose primary is connected
to a sinusoidal alternating voltage V1. Under this condition, the primary draws current from the
source to build up a counter electromotive force equal and opposite to the applied voltage.

Since the primary coil is purely inductive and there is no output, the primary draws the
magnetizing current Iµ only. The function of this current is merely to magnetize the core, it is
small in magnitude and lags V1 by 90°. This alternating current Iµ produces an alternating flux f
which is proportional to the current and hence is in phase with it. This changing flux is linked
with both the windings. fore, it produces self-induced emf in the primary. This self-induced emf
𝑒1 is, at any instant, equal to and in opposition to V1. It is also known as counter emf of the
primary.

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 v1 e2 V1

e1
o
V2 90
E1 E2 0 i
V1 i
o
90
E1

Primary Secondary E2
(a) (b)

Fig 5. Single phase transformer.

Similarly in the secondary winding, an induced emf 𝑒2 is produced which is known as

mutually induced emf. The emf is in phase opposition with V1 and its magnitude is proportional
to the rate of change of flux and the number of secondary turns. Figure 5(b) shows the vectorial
representations of the above quantities.

6. E.M.F. Equation of a Transformer

Let 𝑁1 = Number of turns in primary, 𝑁2 = Number of turns in secondary

𝜙𝑚 is Maximum flux in the core in Weber, 𝐵𝑚 = Flux density in weber/ m2 (Tesla)

𝐴 = Net cross-sectional area of core in m2, 𝑓 = Frequency of ac input in Hz

𝑣1 = Instantaneous value of applied voltage in primary winding in volts.

𝑣1𝑚 = Maximum value of applied voltage in volts.

The instantaneous value of electromotive force 𝑒1 is:

𝑑𝜙
𝑒1 = −𝑁1
𝑑𝑡

the emf 𝑒1 is equal and opposite to applied voltage 𝑉1 , i.e.

𝑑𝜙
𝑣1 = 𝑁1
𝑑𝑡

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 If the applied voltage is sinusoidal, that is

𝑣1 = 𝑣1𝑚 sin 2𝜋𝑓𝑡

Then

𝜙 = 𝜙𝑚 sin 2𝜋𝑓𝑡

𝑒1 = −𝑁1 𝜙𝑚 2𝜋𝑓 × cos 2𝜋𝑓𝑡

These equations are expressed as vectors as shown in Fig. 5(b), where 𝑉1 and 𝐸1 are the
rms values of 𝑣1 and 𝑒1 . To obtain the RMS value of counter emf 𝑒1 , divide its maximum value
given above by √2 .

2𝜋𝑓
𝐸𝑚1 = 𝑁1 𝜙𝑚
√2

The cosine term has no significance except to derive the instantaneous values.

𝐸𝑚1 = 4.44𝑁1 𝜙𝑚 𝑓

𝐸𝑚1 = 4.44𝑁1 𝐵𝑚 𝐴𝑓

Similarly, rms value of emf induced in secondary is,

𝐸𝑚2 = 4.44𝑁2 𝐵𝑚 𝐴𝑓

7. Voltage Transformation Ratio (K)

The ratio K is defined as the division of the secondary emf over the emf of the primary
side.

𝐸2 𝑁2
= =K
𝐸1 𝑁1

This constant is known as voltage transformation ratio.

1- If 𝑁2 > 𝑁1 , i.e., K > 1, then the transformation is called as step-up transformer.

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 2- If 𝑁1 > 𝑁2 , i.e., K < 1, then the transformation is called as step-down transformer.

8. Electrical Power in a Transformer

Another one of the transformer basics parameters is its power rating. The power rating of
a transformer is obtained by simply multiplying the current by the voltage to obtain a rating in
Volt-amperes, (VA). Small single-phase transformers may be rated in volt-amperes only, but
much larger power transformers are rated in units of Kilo volt-amperes, (kVA) where 1 kilo volt-
ampere is equal to 1,000 volt-amperes, and units of Mega volt-amperes, (MVA) where 1 mega
volt-ampere is equal to 1 million volt-amperes.

In an ideal transformer (ignoring any losses), the power available in the secondary winding
will be the same as the power in the primary winding, they are constant wattage devices and do
not change the power only the voltage to current ratio. Thus, in an ideal transformer the Power
Ratio is equal to one (unity) as the voltage, V multiplied by the current, I will remain constant.

That is the electric power at one voltage/current level on the primary is “transformed” into
electric power, at the same frequency, to the same voltage/current level on the secondary side.
Although the transformer can step-up (or step-down) voltage, it cannot step-up power. Thus,
when a transformer steps-up a voltage, it steps-down the current and vice-versa, so that the output
power is always at the same value as the input power. Then we can say that primary power equals
secondary power, (P1= P2).

9. Transformer Efficiency

The transformer’s efficiency has a direct effect on its performance and aging. In general, the
efficiency of a transformer is in the range of 95 – 99 %. The efficiency of large power transformers with
very low losses can be as high as 99.7%. The output and input of a transformer are not measured under
loaded conditions when the wattmeter readings inevitably suffer errors of 1 – 2%.

The copper losses depend on the currents through the transformer primary and secondary windings
and the core losses depend on the transformer rated voltage. Therefore, transformer efficiency plays an

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important role in operating it under constant voltage and frequency conditions. The temperature rise of
the transformer due to heat generated has an effect on the life of transformer oil properties and decides
the reasonable type of cooling method. The rating of the equipment is limited by the temperature rise.
The transformer’ efficiency is simply shown as

𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟
𝜂= × 100%
𝐼𝑛𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟

For a practical transformer, the input power is given by,

Input power = Output power + Losses

Therefore, the transformer efficiency can also be calculated using the following
expression:-

𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟
𝜂= × 100%
𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑝𝑢𝑡 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 + 𝐿𝑜𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠

Examples 1: The maximum flux density in the core of a 250/3000-volts, 50-Hz single
phase transformer is 1.2 Wb/m2. If the e.m.f. per turn is 8 volts, determine

1- Primary and secondary turns

2- Area of the core.

Solution

1- 𝐸1 = 𝑁1 × e. m. f/turn

𝑁1 = 250/8 = 32; 𝑁1 = 3000/8 = 375

2- We may use 𝐸2 = 4.44𝑁2 𝐵𝑚 𝐴𝑓

3000 = 4.44 × 50 × 375 × 1.2 × 𝐴 ⟹ 𝐴 = 0.03 𝑚2 .

Example 2: A single-phase transformer has 400 primary and 1000 secondary turns. The
net cross-sectional area of the core is 60 cm2. If the primary winding be connected to a 50-Hz
supply at 520 V, calculate:

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 1- Voltage induced in the secondary winding.

2- Peak value of flux density in the core.

Solution

𝑁2 1000
1- K = = = 𝟐. 𝟓
𝑁1 400

𝐸2
= K ⟹ 𝐸2 = K𝐸1 = 2.5 × 520 = 𝟏𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝑽
𝐸1

2- 𝐸1 = 4.44𝑁1 𝐵𝑚 𝐴𝑓 ⟹ 520 = 4.44 × 50 × 400 × 𝐵𝑚 × (60 × 10−4 )

𝐵𝑚 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟕𝟔 𝐖𝐛/𝐦𝟐

Example 3: The Secondary of a 500 kVA, 4400/500 V, 50 Hz, single-phase transformer

has 500 turns. Determine

1- e.m.f Per Turn.

2- Primary turns.

3- Secondary full load current.

4- Maximum flux.

5- Gross cross-sectional area of the core for flux density of 1.2 tesla.

Solution

VA = 500 kVA , 𝐸1 = 4400 𝑉 , 𝐸2 = 500 𝑉 , 𝑓 = 50 𝐻𝑧 , 𝑁2 = 500 , 𝐵𝑚 = 1.2 𝑇

𝐸2 500
1- = 500 = 1 V/turn
𝑁2

𝐸1 4400
2- =1 = ⟹ 𝑁1 = 4400
𝑁1 𝑁1

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 𝑘𝑉𝐴 500×1000
3- Secondary full load current 𝐼2 = = = 1000 A
𝑉2 500

𝐸2 500
4- Maximum flux , 𝜙𝑚 = = = 4.5 mWb
4.44×𝑁2 ×𝑓 4.44×500 ×50

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