🔦Electrical Circuits and Systems II Unit 7 – Transformers: Ideal and Real-World Applications

Transformer Basics and Principles

• Transformers are electrical devices that transfer energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction
• Consist of two or more coils of wire (windings) wrapped around a common magnetic core (laminated iron or ferrite)
• Primary winding connects to the input voltage source and establishes a magnetic field in the core
• Secondary winding receives the induced voltage from the varying magnetic field
• Transformers operate on the principle of Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction
  • Voltage induced in a coil is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux through the coil
• Transformers allow for efficient voltage level conversion (step-up or step-down) in AC power systems
• Provide electrical isolation between the primary and secondary circuits, enhancing safety

Ideal Transformer Theory

• Ideal transformers are a simplified model used for analysis and understanding basic principles
• Assume perfect coupling between the primary and secondary windings (no leakage flux)
• Consider the transformer to be lossless (no winding resistance, core losses, or flux leakage)
• Voltage ratio of an ideal transformer is determined by the turns ratio ($N_p/N_s$)
  • $V_p/V_s = N_p/N_s$, where $V_p$ and $V_s$ are the primary and secondary voltages, and $N_p$ and $N_s$ are the number of turns in the primary and secondary windings
• Current ratio is inversely proportional to the turns ratio ($I_p/I_s = N_s/N_p$)
• Power is conserved in an ideal transformer ($P_p = P_s$)
• Ideal transformer theory provides a foundation for understanding the basic operation and relationships in transformers

Real-World Transformer Considerations

• Real transformers deviate from the ideal model due to various factors and imperfections
• Winding resistance causes voltage drops and power losses (copper losses)
  • Increases with temperature and affects transformer efficiency
• Leakage flux occurs when not all the magnetic flux generated by the primary winding links with the secondary winding
  • Results in leakage inductance and affects voltage regulation
• Core losses arise from hysteresis and eddy currents in the magnetic core
  • Hysteresis losses are due to the reversal of magnetization in the core material
  • Eddy current losses are caused by induced currents circulating in the core
• Flux saturation can occur when the core material reaches its magnetic saturation limit
  • Leads to increased magnetizing current and distortion in the output waveform
• Insulation between windings and between windings and the core is crucial for proper operation and safety
• Cooling methods (oil immersion, air cooling) are employed to dissipate heat generated by losses
• Real-world transformers have finite magnetizing inductance, affecting the magnetizing current drawn from the primary

Types of Transformers

• Power transformers are used in power transmission and distribution systems to step up or down voltages
  • Typically have high power ratings (MVA) and operate at high voltages (kV)
• Distribution transformers are used to step down voltages from distribution levels to end-user levels
  • Found in residential and commercial areas, with ratings typically less than 500 kVA
• Instrument transformers (current and voltage transformers) are used for metering and protection purposes
  • Provide scaled-down replicas of high voltages and currents for safe measurement
• Isolation transformers provide electrical isolation between the primary and secondary circuits
  • Used for safety and noise reduction in sensitive electronic equipment
• Autotransformers have a single winding with taps, allowing for variable voltage ratios
  • Commonly used in motor starting and voltage regulation applications
• Three-phase transformers are designed to handle three-phase power systems
  • Can be constructed using three single-phase transformers or as a single unit with multiple windings
• Dry-type transformers use air or gas as the insulating medium, suitable for indoor and low-voltage applications

Transformer Applications in Power Systems

• Generation: Step-up transformers increase the voltage from generators to transmission levels (typically 11-33 kV to 132-765 kV)
• Transmission: High-voltage transformers (132-765 kV) are used to transmit power over long distances with reduced losses
• Substations: Step-down transformers reduce the voltage from transmission to distribution levels (typically 132-765 kV to 11-33 kV)
• Distribution: Distribution transformers further step down the voltage to end-user levels (11-33 kV to 120-480 V)
• Voltage regulation: Transformers with variable taps (load tap changers) are used to maintain stable voltage levels under varying load conditions
• Phase shifting: Phase-shifting transformers control power flow and improve stability in interconnected power systems
• Grounding: Grounding transformers provide a neutral point for system grounding and fault current management
• Isolation: Isolation transformers provide electrical isolation and safety in specialized applications (medical equipment, marine systems)

Transformer Analysis and Calculations

• Equivalent circuit models are used to analyze transformer performance and characteristics
  • T-model and $\pi$-model are commonly used, incorporating winding resistances, leakage inductances, and magnetizing branch
• Per-unit system simplifies calculations by normalizing transformer parameters to a common base
  • Enables easy comparison and analysis of transformers with different ratings
• Open-circuit test determines the magnetizing current, core losses, and no-load parameters
  • Performed by applying rated voltage to the primary winding with the secondary open-circuited
• Short-circuit test determines the winding resistances, leakage inductances, and load losses
  • Conducted by short-circuiting the secondary winding and applying a reduced voltage to the primary
• Voltage regulation calculation assesses the transformer's ability to maintain a constant secondary voltage under varying load conditions
  • Voltage regulation (%) = $\frac{V_{nl} - V_{fl}}{V_{fl}} \times 100$, where $V_{nl}$ is the no-load voltage and $V_{fl}$ is the full-load voltage
• Efficiency calculation evaluates the transformer's power conversion effectiveness
  • Efficiency (%) = $\frac{P_{out}}{P_{in}} \times 100$, where $P_{out}$ is the output power and $P_{in}$ is the input power
• Transformer sizing and selection involve considering factors such as power rating, voltage levels, insulation class, and cooling method

Efficiency and Losses in Transformers

• Transformer efficiency is the ratio of output power to input power, expressed as a percentage
• Copper losses ($I^2R$ losses) occur in the transformer windings due to winding resistance
  • Proportional to the square of the load current and increase with temperature
• Core losses consist of hysteresis losses and eddy current losses in the magnetic core
  • Hysteresis losses are caused by the reversal of magnetization in the core material
  • Eddy current losses arise from induced currents circulating in the core
• Stray losses include losses in the tank, clamps, and other structural parts due to stray magnetic fields
• No-load losses (core losses) are present even when the transformer is energized without load
  • Depend on the applied voltage and core material properties
• Load losses (copper losses) vary with the load current and are proportional to the square of the current
• Transformer efficiency is highest at a specific load point (typically 50-80% of rated load)
  • Efficiency decreases at light loads due to the dominance of no-load losses
  • Efficiency also decreases at heavy loads due to increased load losses
• Proper design, material selection, and manufacturing techniques help minimize losses and improve efficiency

Safety and Maintenance

• Transformer safety is paramount due to the high voltages and currents involved
• Proper grounding of the transformer tank and neutral point is essential for personnel safety and fault protection
• Adequate insulation between windings, core, and tank prevents electrical breakdown and short circuits
  • Regular insulation testing (e.g., Megger test) helps assess insulation health
• Overcurrent protection devices (fuses, circuit breakers) protect the transformer from excessive currents during faults
• Surge arresters protect the transformer from voltage spikes and lightning surges
• Transformer oil serves as an insulating and cooling medium in oil-immersed transformers
  • Regular oil testing (dissolved gas analysis, moisture content) helps monitor transformer health
• Cooling systems (fans, pumps, radiators) dissipate heat generated by losses and maintain safe operating temperatures
• Regular visual inspections check for oil leaks, damage, and abnormal conditions
• Thermal monitoring (temperature sensors) helps detect overheating and prevent thermal damage
• Periodic maintenance includes oil filtration, gasket replacement, and tightening of electrical connections
• Proper handling and disposal of transformer oil are necessary to avoid environmental contamination
• Following manufacturer guidelines and industry standards ensures safe operation and longevity of transformers