11-10-2012, 05:57 PM
ELECTRIC POWER TRANSFORMER ENGINEERING
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Theory and Principles
Transformers are devices that transfer energy from one circuit to another by means of a common magnetic
field. In all cases except autotransformers, there is no direct electrical connection from one circuit to the
other.
When an alternating current flows in a conductor, a magnetic field exists around the conductor,
as illustrated in Figure 1.1. If another conductor is placed in the field created by the first conductor such
that the flux lines link the second conductor, as shown in Figure 1.2, then a voltage is induced into the
second conductor. The use of a magnetic field from one coil to induce a voltage into a second coil is the
principle on which transformer theory and application is based.
Iron or Steel Core Transformer
The ability of iron or steel to carry magnetic flux is much greater than air. This ability to carry flux is
called permeability. Modern electrical steels have permeabilities in the order of 1500 compared with 1.0 for
air. This means that the ability of a steel core to carry magnetic flux is 1500 times that of air. Steel cores
were used in power transformers when alternating current circuits for distribution of electrical energy
were first introduced. When two coils are applied on a steel core, as illustrated in Figure 1.3, almost
100% of the flux from coil 1 circulates in the iron core so that the voltage induced into coil 2 is equal
to the coil 1 voltage if the number of turns in the two coils are equal.
Equivalent Circuit of an Iron-Core Transformer
When voltage is applied to the exciting or primary winding of the transformer, a magnetizing current
flows in the primary winding. This current produces the flux in the core. The flow of flux in magnetic
circuits is analogous to the flow of current in electrical circuits.
When flux flows in the steel core, losses occur in the steel. There are two components of this loss, which
are termed “eddy” and “hysteresis” losses. An explanation of these losses would require a full chapter.
For the purpose of this text, it can be stated that the hysteresis loss is caused by the cyclic reversal of
flux in the magnetic circuit and can be reduced by metallurgical control of the steel. Eddy loss is
caused by eddy currents circulating within the steel induced by the flow of magnetic flux normal to the
width of the core, and it can be controlled by reducing the thickness of the steel lamination or by applying
a thin insulating coating.
The Practical Transformer
Magnetic Circuit
In actual transformer design, the constants for the ideal circuit are determined from tests on materials
and on transformers. For example, the resistance component of the core loss, usually called no-load loss,
is determined from curves derived from tests on samples of electrical steel and measured transformer
no-load losses. The designer will have curves similar to Figure 1.4 for the different electrical steel grades
as a function of induction. Similarly, curves have been made available for the exciting current as a function
of induction.