Types of Transformers

Transformer

A transformer is a device used in power transmission to transfer electrical energy from one
electrical circuit to another, or in multiple circuits at a time. In other words, it is a voltage control
device that is widely used in the distribution and transmission of AC power.

These are made to increase or decrease the AC voltage between the circuits while controlling the
frequency of the current by creating a conductive connection between the two circuits. This is
done through the application of Faraday's law of induction which states the induced voltage effect
in any coil due to changing magnetic flux surrounding the coil.

Transformers can also be used for isolation, where voltage is equal to the voltage output, with the
individual coils not electrically tied to each other. A wide range of transformer designs and sizes
are located in electronic and electric power applications.

Types of Transformers

Following are the main types of transformers:

1. Step down transformer

2. Step up transformer
3. Single phase transformer
4. Three phase transformer
5. Power transformer
6. Distribution transformer
7. Current transformer
8. Isolation transformer
9. Potential transformer
10. Instrument transformer
11. Air Core transformer
12. Iron core transformer
13. Ferrite core transformer
14. Toroidal core transformer
15. Autotransformer
16. Grounding or earthing transformer

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#1 Step Down Transformers

A step down transformer converts high voltage from the primary side to low voltage on the
secondary coil resulting in a decrease in the output voltage. In this, the overall winding ratio of
primary and secondary is always more than 1.

This means that the primary side has more windings as compared to the secondary side. In case
a single-phase power outlet voltage is converted to a desired low voltage level, a step-down
transformer is required. Generally, step down transformers are used in power distribution
systems.

#2 Step Up Transformers

These types of transformers work almost the same as step down transformers. A step up
transformer can convert low voltage from the primary side of the transformer to high voltage on
the secondary side of the transformer.

In this, the ratio of the primary winding to secondary winding is less than 1 because the number
of turns on the secondary is always greater than the number of turns on the primary. These
devices have no internal moving parts and work on the principle of

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magnetic induction. A step-up transformer is mainly used in electrical power distribution.

#3 Single Phase Transformers

A single-phase transformer is a type of power transformer that uses single-phase alternating

current, which means it relies on a voltage cycle that operates in an integrated time phase. These
are basically works based on the principle of Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction.

At constant variation of frequency and voltage level, the transformer transfers AC power from
one circuit to another. It has two types of windings, the primary winding to which the AC supply
is given and the secondary winding to which the load is connected. These are used for domestic
inverters and for power supply in non-urban areas.

#4 Three Phase Transformers

These transformers are used to convert the voltage of electronic systems with three- phase. They
are available in various configurations, such as star-star, delta-delta, star- delta, and delta-star.
Three-phase transformers are used to generate electricity and distribute it according to the power
usage.

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It is a transformer composed of three sets of primary and secondary windings, each set wound
around an iron core assembly. Since they have three sets of windings, the primary and secondary
windings will be combined to form a complete unit in either a star or delta configuration.

#5 Power Transformers

A power transformer is used to convert power from one circuit to another without changing its
frequency. They are usually large in size and do not have any rotating or moving parts. The
transformer works on the principle of mutual induction and requires an AC supply. Power
transformer ratings are as follows 400kv, 200kv, 110kv, 66kv, 33kv.

It changes the voltage for the current in a circuit, while not impacting the total electrical power.
So it takes high-voltage electricity with a small current and converts it into low- voltage electricity
with a large current. Power transformers are seen in the public electricity grids and are generally
used for the purpose of transmission of heavy loads.

#6 Distribution Transformers

The distribution transformer provides the last or final voltage change in the power distribution
system. Distribution transformers are like step down transformers, which convert high grid
voltage into the voltage required by the end customer.

These transformers have low ratings such as 11 kV, 6.6 kV, 3.3 kV, 440 V, and 230 V. They are
small as well as large in size and have a rating of less than 200 MVA. Distribution transformers
are typically located at a service drop, where wires run from a utility pole to the customer's
premises.

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#7 Measurement or Instrument Transformer

These are high accuracy class devices used to change the voltage or current levels. These
transformers are used to measure electrical quantities like current, voltage, power, frequency,
and power factor. The instrument transformer has a relay to protect the power system.

In this, the primary winding is connected to the high voltage or current circuit and the relay is
connected to the secondary circuit. These are medium in size and are used for 5A current and 100
to 200 V.

#8 Current Transformers

Current transformers are commonly used to reduce or multiply alternating current (AC). This
transformer produces a current in its secondary winding while it is proportional to the current in
its primary winding. In addition, they are also used to measure and protect electricity.

When the current is too high and is applied directly to the measuring device, the current
transformer helps to convert the high current in the circuit to the required value. Current
transformers are current-detecting units of power systems and are used in stations, electrical
substations, and industrial production.

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#9 Isolation Transformers

This type of transformer is used to transfer electrical power from an alternating current while
isolating the powered device for safety reasons. The isolation transformer can provide galvanic
isolation which means that no conductive path exists between the source and the load.

They can operate as step-up transformers or step-down transformers and have a turn ratio of 1:1,
which means that the primary and secondary voltage is equal. This isolation is used to protect
against electric shock and to suppress electrical noise in sensitive equipment. These are used in
computers, measuring devices, or power electronic devices.

#10 Potential Transformer

Potential transformers or voltage transformers are commonly used to reduce voltage levels. They
cannot be used to supply natural power to a load and are used with voltmeters, wattmeters,
frequency meters, circuit breakers tripping circuits, etc.

In this, the primary winding is connected to the high voltage circuit and the secondary winding
is connected to equipment or other circuits.

#11 Air Core Transformer

In this transformer, both the primary and secondary windings are set on a non- magnetic stripe.
It has flux linkage in both the windings through the air. The mutual inductance in the air-core is
low, which means the reluctance to be given to the generated flux is high in the air medium.

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Smaller electronic devices use air core transformers which are based on antenna coils. They are
common among communication devices because they lack a core, which makes them ideal for
portable devices. These are normally located in radio transmission systems.

#12 Iron Core Transformers

In this type, both the primary and secondary windings are set on multiple soft iron plates
providing an ideal connection to the flux. Compared to the air core, it offers less reluctance to
linkage flux due to the conductive and magnetic properties of iron.

Since they have a high magnetic permeability capability, they are used to limit and direct
magnetic devices such as electric motors, generators, inductors, etc. Different types of core plates
are available in the market depending on the core size and shape. These are the widely used types
as well as they are heavy in weight and size.

#13 Ferrite Core Transformer

This type of transformer uses a magnetic core made of ferrite on which the windings of power
transformers and other parts are made. Ferrite cores have high magnetic

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permeability, so they are used in high-frequency applications such as switch-mode power

supplies.

The reason is that it provides low losses at high frequencies, so they are used extensively in the
cores of RF transformers. Ferrite core transformers are also available in a variety of sizes, shapes
depending on the requirement of the application.

#14 Toroidal Core Transformer

The toroidal core transformer uses a magnetic core which almost looks like a ring or donut called
a toroidal. They are passive electronic components, consisting of a circular ring-shaped magnetic
core of ferromagnetic material around which the wire is wound.

Due to their built-in design, leakage inductance is very low and provides very high inductance.
This transformer is used in a wide range of electronic circuits such as power supplies, inverters,
and amplifiers.

#15 Autotransformer

These types of transformers use a common winding for both primary and secondary windings.
The autotransformer winding has three taps where the electrical connections are made.
Autotransformers have the advantage of being smaller, lighter, and cheaper than typical
transformers.

But it also has the disadvantage that it cannot provide electrical isolation between the primary
and secondary circuits. In addition, they offer lower leakage response, lower losses, lower
excitation current, and increased VA ratings for a given size and mass.

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#16 Grounding or Earthing Transformer

It is an underground WYE or delta-connected system used to provide a ground path or neutral

in a three-phase electric power system. This can help reduce the voltage transients when a
ground fault happens.

These are part of an earthing system of a network, in that they allow a three-phase system to
adjust phase-to-neutral loads by providing a return path for current to neutral. The grounding
transformer usually includes a single winding transformer with a zigzag winding design.

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