Working principle of transformer
Electrical power transformer is a static device which transforms electrical energy from one circuit to another without any direct electrical connection and with the help of mutual induction between two windings. It transforms power from one circuit to another without changing its frequency but may be in different voltage level.
The working principle of transformer is very simple. It depends upon Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction. Actually, 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”. One winding is supplied by an alternating electrical source and 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 electrical power transformer and this is the most basic of working principle of transformer.
Transformers are used to increase or decrease the alternating voltages in electric power applications. Since the invention of the first constant-potential transformer in 1885, transformers have become essential for the transmission, distribution, and utilization of alternating current electrical energy. A wide range of transformer designs is encountered in electronic and electric power applications. Transformers range in size from RF transformers less than a cubic centimeter in volume to units interconnecting the power grid weighing hundreds of tons.
