Transformer ratio

The transformer ratio refers to the relationship between the number of turns in the primary winding and the number of turns in the secondary winding of a transformer. It is also known as the turns ratio and is a crucial factor in determining the transformation of voltage and current between the primary and secondary sides of the transformer.

Losses

Losses in transformers refer to the energy dissipation that occurs during the process of transforming electrical energy from one voltage level to another. There are primarily two types of losses in transformers:

1. Copper Losses (I²R Losses): These losses occur due to the resistance of the copper windings in the transformer. When current flows through the windings, it encounters resistance, resulting in heat generation according to the formula I²R, where 'I' is the current and 'R' is the resistance of the winding. These losses can be minimized by using thicker conductors or materials with lower resistivity.
2. Iron or Core Losses (Hysteresis and Eddy Current Losses): These losses occur in the transformer's core due to the magnetic properties of the material. There are two main components:
   • Hysteresis Loss: When the magnetic field within the core changes direction during each cycle of AC (alternating current), the magnetic domains in the core material align and realign. This continual reversal of magnetic polarization leads to energy losses in the form of heat.
   • Eddy Current Loss: When the magnetic field changes, it induces small circulating currents, known as eddy currents, in the core material. These currents encounter resistance within the material, generating heat as a result.

Both types of losses contribute to reducing the efficiency of a transformer by converting some of the electrical energy into heat instead of being effectively transmitted or transformed. Transformer design and material selection aim to minimize these losses to enhance overall efficiency and reduce wasted energy.

Working principle of transformer

A transformer is a static device used to transfer electrical energy from one circuit to another through electromagnetic induction. It primarily consists of two coils, known as the primary and secondary windings, which are electrically isolated but magnetically linked by a common core.

Here's a breakdown of the working principle of a transformer:

1. Electromagnetic Induction: When an alternating current (AC) flows through the primary coil, it generates an alternating magnetic field around it. This changing magnetic field induces a voltage in the secondary coil due to electromagnetic induction.
2. Faraday's Law: According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, a changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (EMF) or voltage in a nearby coil or conductor. In the transformer, the changing magnetic field generated by the primary coil induces a voltage in the secondary coil.