What is an electrical transformer and how does it work?
- Grupo Edmar
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Feb 23, 2024 - Electrical Transformers Mexico
Edmar Group, Irapuato, Guanajuato.
What is an electrical transformer and how does it work?
An electrical transformer is a static electrical device that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to transfer energy from one electrical circuit to another. This device is designed to maintain frequency and power by varying the current, voltage, or intensity. A transformer is said to be ideal when the power input to the electrical transformer is equal to the power obtained at the output.
Electrical transformers convert alternating current (AC) energy of a certain voltage level to AC energy of a different voltage level. This is strictly based on a phenomenon known as electromagnetic induction .
Transformers have two coils of conductive materials wound on a closed core of insulated ferromagnetic material. To determine the transformation ratio, you have to look at the number of turns of copper wire between the primary and secondary windings.
Some of the types of transformers The most common are the pole transformers either pedestal transformers and these can be single-phase or three-phase . Although there are actually many more types and configurations depending on their specific purpose.
The basic parts of a transformer are as follows:
Magnetic Core
Primary Winding
Secondary Winding
The core is the central part of the transformer. It is made up of insulated silicon steel sheets and conducts the magnetic flux into which the electricity entering the transformer is transformed. The main parts of the transformer core are the columns and the yokes. The former is the area where the windings are mounted, and the yokes are where the columns are joined. It is also important to note that the copper wire that wraps around the core at one end is called the winding.
How does an electrical transformer work?
Electrical transformers are based on electromagnetic induction . When voltage is applied to the transformer, the famous magnetic flux is generated within the iron core. This same magnetic flux travels from the primary winding to the secondary winding, generating electromagnetic force in the secondary winding.
What happens is that it transforms electricity from the first input winding into magnetism, which is then transformed back into electricity, located in the secondary winding. The transformation ratio is the voltage induced in the secondary winding, which directly depends on the ratio between the number of turns in the primary and secondary windings and the voltage in the primary winding.
Read also: "Pole and pedestal transformers: differences and costs"
Where can I use an electrical transformer?
Electrical transformers are very common in everyday life. We can find them in countless places both inside and outside our cities, as they are a key factor in industrialization.
We can find them in public roads, hotels, hospitals, schools, industrial warehouses, shopping centers, supermarkets, and almost anywhere that requires electricity.
It's important to know how to identify which transformer needs to be installed in each specific situation, as there are a wide variety of transformer types, from pole-mounted transformers to pedestal-mounted transformers, single-phase transformers, three-phase transformers, and more.
The question many people ask is: How do I know which transformer I need to install? And the short and most accurate answer is always to consult a specialist in the field, since the poor selection of an electrical transformer can have large negative effects. If you don't have much knowledge on the subject, it is always advisable to consult a specialist such as an electrical engineer with extensive experience, or if you don't know one, a transformer manufacturing company such as Grupo Edmar. A company with years of experience in transformer manufacturing that can advise you on your query.
Read also: "How do I know which transformer I need to install?"
What are the main characteristics of an electrical transformer?
All transformers share characteristics regardless of their type:
The frequency of the input and output energy must always be the same.
The laws of electromagnetic induction govern all electrical transformers.
There is no friction or losses in the winding since moving parts are not required to transfer energy as is the case in other electrical devices.
Both the primary and secondary coils have no electrical connection except for the automatic transformers. The magnetic flux is what carries out the energy transfer.
Article written by Grupo Edmar
Komentarze