F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge

PD PD

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lic

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c u -tr a c k c u -tr a c k

UNIT IV

Transformer
Electrical transformers are machines that transfer electricity from one circuit to another with
changing voltage level but no frequency change. Today, they are designed to use AC supply, which
means that fluctuation in supply voltage is impacted by the fluctuation in the current. Transformers
help improve safety and efficiency of power systems by raising and lowering voltage levels as and
when needed. They are used in a wide range of residential and industrial applications, primarily and
perhaps most importantly in the distribution and regulation of power across long distances.

Definition: The transformer is the static device which works on the principle of electromagnetic
induction. It is used for transferring the electrical power from one circuit to another without any
variation in their frequency. In electromagnetic induction, the transfer of energy from one circuit to
another takes places by the help of the mutual induction. i.e the flux induced in the primary winding is
linked with the secondary winding.

Construction of an Electrical Transformer

The primary winding, secondary winding and the magnetic core are the three important of the
transformer. These coils are insulated from each other. The core of the transformer is made up of
silicon steel in order to provide a continuous magnetic path. Usually, the core of the transformer is
laminated for minimizing the eddy current loss. The main flux is induced in the primary winding of the
transformer. This flux passes through the low reluctance path of the magnetic core and linked with the
secondary winding of the transformer.

The vertical position on which the coil is wound is called the limb while the horizontal position is
known as the yoke.Along with the Core and winding there are different parts of transformer are as
follows:
 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
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c u -tr a c k c u -tr a c k

Tanks and Accessories

Other different parts and accessories are also fitted on the transformer for its efficient work as well as
for longer life and better services of the transformer. They are as follows :

Conservator

The Conservator is a cylindrical tank placed on the top or on the roof of the main tank of the
transformer. A large cover is provided which can be opened from time to time for the proper
maintenance and cleaning of the transformer. It acts as a reservoir for the transformer insulating oil.

When the transformer is fully loaded and the temperature of the transformer rises high, an increase in
the volume of the air inside the transformer takes place. As the level of the oil increases and
decreases simultaneously, thus, a conservatory provides adequate space for this expanded oil inside
the transformer.

Breather

As in the human body, there is a heart, similarly, a breather acts as a heart for the transformer. When
the temperature of the transformer rises, the insulating oil in the transformer gets heated up. This oil
expands and contracts.

When the oil heats up and expands, the transformer breaths air in and thus the oil gets cooled and the
level of oil goes down and the air is absorbed in it. This process of taking air in and out is called
breathing of the transformer.
 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
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The level of oil in the chamber increases and decreases when the breather takes the air in and out for
cooling of the oil. This air carries moisture, which contaminates the oil and thus the quality of oil gets
deteriorate.

For eliminating this moisture content, the breather is filled with Silica Gel. The main function of the
silica gel is to separate moisture from the oil, maintaining the quality of the insulating oil. Initially, the
color of the silica gel is blue and as it absorbs the moisture from the oil it turns into pink color.

Explosion Vent

The explosion vent is a thin aluminum pipe placed at both the ends of the transformer to prevent the
transformer from the damage. When the temperature increases in the transformer drastically and the
excessive pressure is created inside the transformer, the explosive vent helps in releasing the
pressure.

Bushings

The Bushings in the transformer are the insulting device that allows an electrical conductor to pass
electrical energy safely through it. It provides electrical field strength to the insulation of the
conductors to withstand if a large amount of electric energy passes through it. Solid porcelain type
bushing is used in smaller transformer and oil-filled condenser type bushing is used in large
transformer.
 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
PD PD

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c u -tr a c k c u -tr a c k

Buchholz relay

The Buchholz relay purpose is to give the protection to a transformer from the different faults
happening in the transformer like the Short circuit, inter-turn, core, incipient, etc. This relay will sense
these faults and shuts the alarm circuit. The Buchholz relay diagram is shown below

According to the core construction and the manner in which the primary and secondary windings are
placed around it, the transformer is named as core type and shell type.

Core Type Transformer

In a simple core type construction of the transformer, a rectangular frame laminations are formed to
build the core of the transformer. The laminations are cut in the form of L-shape strips as shown in the
figure below. In order to avoid high reluctance at the joints where laminations are butted against each
other, the alternate layers are placed differently to eliminate the continuous joints.

Shell Type Transformer

 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
PD PD

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In a shell-type transformer, the individual laminations are cut in the form of long strips of E and I
shape as shown in the figure below. It has two magnetic circuits, and the core has three limbs. The
central limb carries the whole of the flux whereas the side limbs carry half of the flux. Therefore, the
width of the center is double, to that of the outer limbs.

To reduce the cost of lamination between the core and the low voltage winding, the windings are
formed and are wound to the cylindrical shape and then the core laminations are inserted later.

Working Principle of a Transformer

The basic principle on which the transformer works is Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction or
mutual induction between the two coils. The working of the transformer is explained below. The
transformer consists of two separate windings placed over the laminated silicon steel core.

The winding to which AC supply is connected is called primary winding and to which load is connected
is called secondary winding as shown in the figure below. It works on the alternating current only
because an alternating flux is required for mutual induction between the two windings.

When the AC supply is given to the primary winding with a voltage of V1, an alternating flux sets up
in the core of the transformer, which links with the secondary winding and as a result of it, an emf is
induced in it called Mutually Induced emf.
 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
PD PD

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Physically, there is no electrical connection between the two windings, but they are magnetically
connected. Therefore, the electrical power is transferred from the primary circuit to the secondary
circuit through mutual inductance.

The induced emf in the primary and secondary windings depends upon the rate of change of flux
linkage that is (N d /dt).

/dt is the change of flux and is same for both the primary and secondary windings. The induced emf
E1 in the primary winding is proportional to the number of turns N1 of the primary windings (E1 N1).
Similarly induced emf in the secondary winding is proportional to the number of turns on the
secondary side. (E2 N2).

EMF Equation of a Transformer

When a sinusoidal voltage is applied to the primary winding of a transformer, alternating flux m sets
up in the iron core of the transformer. This sinusoidal flux links with both primary and secondary
winding. The function of flux is a sine function.

The rate of change of flux with respect to time is derived mathematically.

The derivation of the EMF Equation of the transformer is shown below. Let

Let, m be the maximum value of flux in Weber

f be the supply frequency in Hz

N1 is the number of turns in the primary winding

N2 is the number of turns in the secondary winding

Ai be the area of iron core

E1 be the emf induced in primary winding

E2 be the emf induced in secondary winding

By Faraday’s Law

Let e be the average emf induced

 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
PD PD

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Ø
=( )

where dØ=change in flux and dt=change in time

Ø=Ø 0 = /4 0

Ø Ø 0 Ø Ø 1
= = = =4 = 4Ø ( = )
0
4 4

For a sinusoidal wave

1 = 4.44 Ø 1

2 = 4.44 Ø 2

, =Ø /

= . = .

Dividing equation 1 and 2 , we have

1 1 2 2
= = 3
2 2 1 1

, 2=0

2= 4 1= 5

1 1 2 2
= =
2 2 1 1

Voltage ratio

The voltage ratio is defined as the ratio of the primary voltage to the secondary voltage. It is given by
 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
PD PD

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1
=
2
Turn Ratio

It is defined as the ratio of primary to secondary turns.

If k>1 , N2 > N1 the transformer is called Step-up transformer

If K< 1, N2 < N1 the transformer is called Step down transfor

Transformation Ratio (K)

The transformation ratio is defined as the ratio of the secondary voltage to the primary voltage. It is
denoted by K.

2 2 2
= = =
1 1 1

Based on the value of the transformer ratio K, the transformers are classified as :

K>1 or V2>V1 ------step up transformer

K<1 or V2<V1------step down transformer

K=1 or V1=V2 -----one –to –one or isolation transformer

Current ratio

Assuming power loss in the transformer is very low that is efficiency is 100%

Power input =power output

1 1 Ø1 = 2 2 Ø2

Ø1 Ø2

Ø1 = Ø2

1 1= 2 2

1 2
=
2 1
 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
PD PD

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2 2 1 2
= =
1 1 2 1
Transformer on DC supply

As discussed above, the transformer works on AC supply, and it cannot work not DC supply. If the rated
DC voltage is applied across the primary winding, a constant magnitude flux will set up in the core of
the transformer and hence there will not be any self-induced emf generation, as for the linkage of flux
with the secondary winding there must be an alternating flux required and not a constant flux.

According to Ohm’s Law

I=V/R

The resistance of the primary winding is very low, and the primary current is high. So this current is
much higher than the rated full load primary winding current. Hence, as a result, the amount of heat
produced will be greater and therefore, eddy current loss (I2R) loss will be more.

Because of this, the insulations of the primary windings will get burnt, and the transformer will get
damaged.

Types of Losses in a Transformer

There are various types of losses in the transformer such as iron loss, copper loss, hysteresis loss, eddy
current loss, stray loss, and dielectric loss. The hysteresis losses occur because of the variation of the
magnetization in the core of the transformer and the copper loss occurs because of the transformer
winding resistance.

loss in
Transformer

Copper Loss Iron Loss

Hysteresis Eddy
Loss Current Loss

The various types of losses are explained below in detail:

Iron Losses
 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
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Iron losses are caused by the alternating flux in the core of the transformer as this loss occurs in the core
it is also known as Core loss. Iron loss is further divided into hysteresis and eddy current loss.

Hysteresis Loss

The core of the transformer is subjected to an alternating magnetizing force, and for each cycle of emf, a
hysteresis loop is traced out. Power is dissipated in the form of heat known as hysteresis loss and given
by the equation shown below:

Where

is a proportionality constant which depends upon the volume and quality of the material of the core
used in the transformer,
f is the supply frequency,
Bmax is the maximum or peak value of the flux density.

The iron or core losses can be minimized by using silicon steel material for the construction of the core
of the transformer.

Eddy Current Loss

When the flux links with a closed circuit, an emf is induced in the circuit and the current flows, the value
of the current depends upon the amount of emf around the circuit and the resistance of the circuit.

Since the core is made of conducting material, these EMFs circulate currents within the body of the
material. These circulating currents are called Eddy Currents. They will occur when the conductor
experiences a changing magnetic field. As these currents are not responsible for doing any useful work,
and it produces a loss (I2R loss) in the magnetic material known as an Eddy Current Loss.
The eddy current loss is minimized by making the core with thin laminations.The equation of the eddy
current loss is given as:

Where,

Ke – coefficient of eddy current. Its value depends upon the nature of magnetic material like volume and
resistivity of core material, the thickness of laminations
Bm – maximum value of flux density in wb/m2
T – thickness of lamination in meters
F – frequency of reversal of the magnetic field in Hz
V – the volume of magnetic material in m3

Copper Loss
 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
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These losses occur due to ohmic resistance of the transformer windings. If I1 and I2 are the primary and
the secondary current. R1 and R2 are the resistance of primary and secondary winding then the copper
losses occurring in the primary and secondary winding will be I12R1 and I22R2 respectively.
Therefore, the total copper losses will be

These losses varied according to the load and known hence it is also known as variable losses. Copper
losses vary as the square of the load current

Transformer Rating

Why transformer is rated in KVA?

The machines which consumed power are rated in KW. But the main work of transformer is to transmit
the power and not to consume the power, i.e. it is rated in VA and not in KW.

There are two reasons because of which the rating of the transformer is in kVA. Let understand this in
details.

Reason 1: The copper and iron are the two type of losses occur in the transformer. The copper loss
depends on the current (ampere) flows through the windings of the transformer while the iron loss
depends on the voltage (volts). So the total losses taking place in a transformer depends on voltage and
current i.e., the rating of the transformer is in kVA

Reason 2: KVA is the unit of apparent power. It is a combination of real power and reactive power.
Transformers are rated in kVA because the losses occurring in the transformers are independent of
power factor. As load is unknown, the current is also unknown flowing through the load hence power
factor. Transformers are manufactured without considering the load being connected.

The difference between KVA and KW is.

The KVA is the product of the KV and ampere,

The KW is the product of KV, Ampere and power factor,

Where PF –power factor which make the difference between the two.

Specification of transformer
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The specifications of transformer include a maximum power rating, maximum current rating, maximum
voltage rating and o/p type etc. as below:

1. KVA RATING
2. NO. OF PHASES -
3. PRIMARY VOLTAGE -
4. SECONDARY VOLTAGE -
5. PRIMARY CURRENT
6. SECONDARY CURRENT
7. FREQUENCY
8. 7.COOLING

Auto Transformer

An Auto Transformer is a transformer with only one winding wound on a laminated core. An auto
transformer is similar to a two winding transformer but differ in the way the primary and secondary
winding are interrelated. A part of the winding is common to both primary and secondary sides

On load condition, a part of the load current is obtained directly from the supply and the remaining part
is obtained by transformer action. An Auto transformer works as a voltage regulator.

Definition of Autotransformer

A transformer, having only one winding a part of which acts as a primary winding and the other as
secondary is called an autotransformer. The windings of the autotransformer are connected
magnetically and electrically.

When the primary voltage is greater than the secondary voltage, then the transformer is called step
down autotransformer, and when the primary voltage is smaller than secondary, then it is called step-up
auto-transformer.

Explanation of Auto Transformer with Circuit Diagram

In an ordinary transformer, the primary and the secondary windings are electrically insulated from each
other but connected magnetically as shown in the figure below. While in auto transformer the primary
and the secondary windings are connected magnetically as well as electrically. In fact, a part of the
single continuous winding is common to both primary and secondary.

Construction of Auto transformer is shown in the figure below.

 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
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The primary winding AB from which a tapping at C is taken, such that CB acts as a secondary winding.
The supply voltage is applied across AB, and the load is connected across CB. The tapping may be fixed
or variable. When an AC voltage V1 is applied across AB, an alternating flux is set up in the core, as a
result, an emf E1 is induced in the winding AB. A part of this induced emf is taken in the secondary
circuit.

Advantages of Auto transformer

Less costly
Better regulation
Low losses as compared to ordinary two winding transformer of the same rating.
Disadvantages of Auto transformer

There are various advantages of the auto transformer, but then also one major disadvantage, why auto
transformer is not widely used, is that

The secondary winding is not insulated from the primary winding.

If an auto transformer is used to supply low voltage from a high voltage and there is a break in the
secondary winding, the full primary voltage comes across the secondary terminal which is dangerous to
the operator and the equipment. So the auto transformer should not be used for interconnecting high
voltage and low voltage systems.
Used only in the limited places where a slight variation of the output voltage from input voltage is
required.

Applications of Auto transformer

It is used as a starter to give up to 50 to 60% of full voltage to the stator of a squirrel cage induction
motor during starting.
It is used to give a small boost to a distribution cable, to correct the voltage drop.
It is also used as a voltage regulator
 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
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Used in power transmission and distribution system and also in the audio system and railways.

Difference Between Autotransformer & 2 winding Transformer

SR. NO. POINTS AUTOTRANSFORMER TWO WINDING TRANSFORMER

1 Definition A transformer, having only one It is a static machine which transfers
winding a part of which acts as electrical energy from one end to
a primary and the other as a another without changing
secondary. frequency.
2 Number of Auto-transformer has only one It has two separate winding, i.e.,
primary and secondary winding.
Windings winding wound on a laminated
core
3 Induction Self Induction Mutual Induction
4 Size Small Large
5 Efficient More Less
6 Voltage Regulation Better Good
7 Cost Less costly More costly

8 Application Use as a starter in an induction Use in power system for step up and
motor, as a voltage regulator, step down the voltage.
in railways, in a laboratory

The Variable Autotransformer

As well as having a fixed or tapped secondary that produces a voltage output at a specific level, there is
another useful application of the auto transformer type of arrangement which can be used to produce a
variable AC voltage from a fixed voltage AC supply. This type of Variable Autotransformer is generally
used in laboratories and science labs in schools and colleges and is known more commonly as the Variac.
 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
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The construction of a variable autotransformer, or variac, is the same as for the fixed type. A single
primary winding wrapped around a laminated magnetic core is used as in the auto transformer but
instead of being fixed at some predetermined tapping point, the secondary voltage is tapped through a
carbon brush.

This carbon brush is rotated or allowed to slide along an exposed section of the primary winding, making
contact with it as it moves supplying the required voltage level.

Then a variable autotransformer contains a variable tap in the form of a carbon brush that slides up and
down the primary winding which controls the secondary winding length and hence the secondary
output voltage is fully variable from the primary supply voltage value to zero volts.

The variable autotransformer is usually designed with a significant number of primary windings to
produce a secondary voltage which can be adjusted from a few volts to fractions of a volt per turn. This
is achieved because the carbon brush or slider is always in contact with one or more turns of the
primary winding. As the primary coil turns are evenly spaced along its length. Then the output voltage
becomes proportional to the angular rotation.
 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
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Numerical Based on Transformer EMF equation and Transformation

1. A single phase transformer has 350 turns on the primary and 1050 on secondary. The primary
winding is connected to a 400 V, 50Hz ac supply. If the net cross sectional area of core is 50cm2
Determine:
a. The maximum value of flux density in the core.
b. The voltage induced in the secondary winding.

Given:

1 N1=350
2 N2=1050
3 V1=400V
4 f=50Hz
5 Ai=50cm2=50*10-4 m2

To find:

1 Bm=?
2 V2=?
Solution:

V1=4.44 f Bm*A*N1

400=4.44*50*Bm*50*10-4 *350
Bm=V1/(4.44*f*A*N1)

Bm=400/ (4.44*50*50*10-4*350 )

Bm =1.029 T---------1

V2/V1=N2/N1

V2= V1*(N2/N1)

V2= 400*(1050/350)

=1200 V-------2

2. A single phase transformer has 1000 turns on the primary and 400turns on secondary. An ac
voltage of 1250 V, 50Hz is applied to its primary side with secondary open circuited.
Determine:
a. The EMF on the secondary winding.
b. The maximum value of flux density in the core. Assume area of core is 60cm2

Given:

1 N1=1000
2 N2=400
3 V1=1250V
4 f=50Hz ,
 F -X C h a n ge F -X C h a n ge
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2 -4 2
5 Ai=60cm =60*10 m

To Find:

1 V2=?
2 Bm=?

3. A single phase transformer has 400 turns on the primary and 1000 turns on secondary and the
net cross sectional area of core is 60cm2. If primary winding is connected to a 520 V, 50Hz ac supply.
Calculate :
a. The maximum value of flux density in the core. (Ans. Bm=0.98 T)
b. The voltage induced in the secondary winding. (V2= 1300V)

Given:

1 N1=400
2 N2=1000,
3 Ai=60cm2,
4 V1=520V,
5 f=50Hz

To find:

1 Bm=?
2 V2=?
4. A 220/110 V, 2 KVA, single phase transformer is supplied with 220 V, 50Hz, ac supply. Find
primary and secondary current. (Ans. I1=9.09A and I2=18.18A)
5. A 220/110 V, 5 KVA, single phase transformer is supplied with 220 V, 50Hz, ac supply. Find
primary and secondary current. (Ans. I1=22.73 A and I2=45.46 A)
6. A single phase transformer has 200 turns on the primary and 100 on secondary. The load
draws a current of 20A from secondary. If primary winding is connected to a 200 V supply, Determine
–primary current and secondary voltage. (Ans. I1=10 A and V2=100 V)
7. A 25 kVA , transformer has 500 turns on the primary and 50 turns on secondary. The primary
winding is connected to a 3000 V, 50Hz ac supply. Find the full load primary and secondary current,
the secondary emf and the maximum flux in the core . (Ans. I1=8.33 A and I2=83.33 A, Øm=27mWb)
8. A 20 kVA , 3000/300 V 50 Hz transformer has 800 turns on the primary .Find the number of
turns on secondary and the maximum flux in the core . (Ans. N2=80 and Øm =16.89 mWb)
9. A 20 kVA , 2000/400 V 50 Hz transformer has 66 turns on the secondary .Find the number of
turns on primary and the maximum flux in the core, secondary full load current . (Ans. N1=330 and
I2=50A, Øm)
10. A single phase 50Hz, 230/115 V, 1 KVA transformer is supplied by 230 V. Find full load primary
and secondary current. (Ans. I1=4.347 A and I2=8.69 A)