What Is A Transformer?: Mutual Induction

What is a Transformer?
A transformer is defined as a passive electrical device that transfers electrical energy from one
circuit to another through the process of electromagnetic induction. It is most commonly used to
increase (‘step up’) or decrease (‘step down’) voltage levels between circuit.
Working Principle of Transformer
The working principle of a transformer is very simple. Mutual induction between two or more
windings (also known as coils) allows for electrical energy to be transferred between circuits.
This principle is explained in further detail below.
Transformer Theory
Say you have one winding (also known as a coil) which is supplied by an alternating electrical
source. The alternating current through the winding produces a continually changing and
alternating flux that surrounds the winding.
If another winding is brought close to this winding, some portion of this alternating flux will link
with the second winding. As this flux is continually changing in its amplitude and direction,
there must be a changing flux linkage in the second winding or coil.
According to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction, there will be an EMF induced in the
second winding. If the circuit of this secondary winding is closed, then a current will flow
through it. This is the basic working principle of a transformer.
Let us use electrical symbols to help visualize this. The winding which receives electrical power
from the source is known as the ‘primary winding’. In the diagram below this is the ‘First Coil’.
The winding which gives the desired output voltage due to mutual induction is commonly known
as the ‘secondary winding’. This is the ‘Second Coil’ in the diagram above.
A transformer that increases voltage between the primary to secondary windings is defined as a
step-up transformer. Conversely, a transformer that decreases voltage between the primary to
secondary windings is defined as a step-down transformer.
Whether the transformer increases or decreases the voltage level depends on the relative number
of turns between the primary and secondary side of the transformer.
If there are more turns on the primary coil than the secondary coil than the voltage will decrease
(step down).
If there are less turns on the primary coil than the secondary coil than the voltage will increase
(step up).
While the diagram of the transformer above is theoretically possible in an ideal transformer – it
is not very practical. This is because in the open air only a very tiny portion of the flux produced
from the first coil will link with the second coil. So the current that flows through the closed
circuit connected to the secondary winding will be extremely small (and difficult to measure).
The rate of change of flux linkage depends upon the amount of linked flux with the second
winding. So ideally almost all of the flux of primary winding should link to the secondary
winding. This is effectively and efficiently done by using a core type transformer. This provides
a low reluctance path common to both of the windings.
The purpose of the transformer core is to provide a low reluctance path, through which the
maximum amount of flux produced by the primary winding is passed through and linked with
the secondary winding.
The current that initially passes through the transformer when it is switched on is known as the
transformer inrush current.
Transformer Parts And Construction

The three main parts of a transformer:
 Primary Winding of Transformer

 Magnetic Core of Transformer
 Secondary Winding of Transformer
Primary Winding of Transformer
Which produces magnetic flux when it is connected to an electrical source.
Magnetic Core of Transformer
The magnetic flux produced by the primary winding, that will pass through this low reluctance
path linked with secondary winding and create a closed magnetic circuit.
Secondary Winding of Transformer
The flux, produced by primary winding, passes through the core, will link with the secondary
winding. This winding also wounds on the same core and gives the desired output of the
transformer.
 Transformation ratio (K) : It is defined as the ratio of no. of turns in the
secondary winding to the no. of turns in the primary winding of a Few Transformer.
 K = N2/N1 = E2/E1 = I1/I2
 E2/E1 = 4.44×f×Bm×Ai×N2 / 4.44×f×Bm×Ai×N1
 E2/E1 = N2/N1
 E2/E1 = V2/V1
 The power in a X'mer is equal on both sides, V1×I1 = V2×I2
 V2 / V1 = I1 / I2
 1 represents the primary coil
 2 represents the secondary coil
 E is emf in the respective coil
 V is the voltage in the respective coil
 I is the current in the respective coil
 N is number of turns of the respective coils
 Φm is the mutual flux in the core.
Key Differences between Active and Reactive Power
1. The active power is the real power consumes by the load. Whereas, the reactive power is
the useless power.
2. The active power is the product of the voltage, current and the cosine of the angle
between them. Whereas, the reactive power is the product of voltage and current and the
sine of the angle between them.
3. The active power is the real power, and it is measured in watts. While the reactive power
is measured in VAR.
4. The letter P represents the Active power, and the Q represents the reactive power.
5. The torque that develops in the motor, the heat dissipated in the heater and the light that
emit through the lamps all these produces because of the active power. The reactive power
determines the power factor of the circuit.
6. The wattmeter measures the active power, and the VAR meter is used for measuring the
apparent power.
Definition of Active Power
The power which is dissipated or do the useful work in the circuit is known as the active power.
It is measured in watts or megawatts. The active power is denoted by the capital alphabet P. The
average value of power in the circuit is given by the expression.
Definition of Reactive Power
The reactive power moves between the source and load of the circuit. This power is not doing
any useful works on the load. Q represents the reactive power, and it is measured in VAR. The
reactive power is stored in the circuit, and it is discharged by the induction motor, transformer or
by solenoids.
Reactive power is used to provide the voltage levels necessary for active power to do useful
work. Reactive power is essential to move active power through the transmission and
distribution system to the customer.
Reactive Power is when the Current flow, caused by AC Voltage applied across a device, results
in the Current flow being either ahead or behind the applied AC Voltage. Reactive devices will
store some Energy as Voltage is applied, and they will return that Energy later in the sine-wave

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What is a Transformer?

Transformer Parts And Construction

 Primary Winding of Transformer

Definition of Reactive Power

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