Electrical Machines

1. Generators
a) DC GENERATOR
Operating Principle
According to Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction, whenever a conductor is placed in a varying
magnetic field (OR a conductor is moved in a magnetic field), an emf (electromotive force) gets induced in the
conductor. The magnitude of induced emf can be calculated from the emf equation of dc generator. If the
conductor is provided with the closed path, the induced current will circulate within the path. In a DC generator,
field coils produce an electromagnetic field and the armature conductors are rotated into the field. Thus, an
electromagnetically induced emf is generated in the armature conductors. The direction of induced current is
given by Fleming’s right hand rule.

Types and Construction

Types

(a) Series wound - field winding in series with armature winding

(b) Shunt wound - field winding in parallel with armature winding
(c) Compound wound - combination of series and shunt winding

Construction of A DC Machine:
Note: A DC generator can be used as a DC motor without any
constructional changes and vice versa is also possible. Thus, a
DC generator or a DC motor can be broadly termed as a DC
machine. These basic constructional details are also valid for
the construction of a DC motor. Hence, let's call this point
as construction of a DC machine instead of just
'construction of a dc generator'.

The above figure shows the constructional details of a simple 4-pole DC machine. A DC machine consists two
basic parts; stator and rotor. Basic constructional parts of a DC machine are described below.

1. Yoke: The outer frame of a dc machine is called as yoke. It is made up of cast iron or steel. It not only
provides mechanical strength to the whole assembly but also carries the magnetic flux produced by the
field winding.
2. Poles and pole shoes: Poles are joined to the yoke with the help of bolts or welding. They carry field
winding and pole shoes are fastened to them. Pole shoes serve two purposes; (i) they support field coils
and (ii) spread out the flux in air gap uniformly.
3. Field winding: They are usually made of copper. Field coils are former
wound and placed on each pole and are connected in series. They are wound in
such a way that, when energized, they form alternate North and South poles.
 Armature core (rotor)

4. Armature core: Armature core is the rotor of the machine. It is cylindrical in shape with slots to carry
armature winding. The armature is built up of thin laminated circular steel disks for reducing eddy current
losses. It may be provided with air ducts for the axial air flow for cooling purposes. Armature is keyed to
the shaft.
5. Armature winding: It is usually a former wound copper coil which
rests in armature slots. The armature conductors are insulated from each
other and also from the armature core. Armature winding can be wound by
one of the two methods; lap winding or wave winding.
6. Commutator and brushes: Physical connection to the armature
winding is made through a commutator-brush arrangement. The function of
a commutator, in a dc generator, is to collect the current generated in
armature conductors.

Application

Applications of Shunt Wound DC Generators

The application of shunt generators is very much restricted for its dropping voltage characteristic. They are used
to supply power to the apparatus situated very close to its position. These type of DC generators generally give
constant terminal voltage for small distance operation with the help of field regulators from no load to full load.

1. They are used for general lighting.

2. They are used to charge battery because they can be made to give constant output voltage.
3. They are used for giving the excitation to the alternators.
4. They are also used for small power supply.

Applications of Series Wound DC Generators

These types of generators are restricted for the use of power supply because of their increasing terminal voltage
characteristic with the increase in load current from no load to full load. We can clearly see this characteristic
from the characteristic curve of series wound generator. They give constant current in the dropping portion of
the characteristic curve. For this property they can be used as constant current source and employed for various
applications.

1. They are used for supplying field excitation current in DC locomotives for regenerative breaking.
2. This types of generators are used as boosters to compensate the voltage drop in the feeder in various types of
distribution systems such as railway service.
3. In series arc lightening this type of generators are mainly used.

Applications of Compound Wound DC Generators

Among various types of DC generators, the compound wound DC generators are most widely used because of
its compensating property. Depending upon number of series field turns, the cumulatively compounded
generators may be over compounded, flat compounded and under compounded. We can get desired terminal
 voltage by compensating the drop due to armature reaction and ohmic drop in the in the line. Such generators
have various applications.

1. Cumulative compound wound generators are generally used for lighting, power supply purpose and for heavy
power services because of their constant voltage property. They are mainly made over compounded.
2. Cumulative compound wound generators are also used for driving a motor.
3. For small distance operation, such as power supply for hotels, offices, homes and lodges, the flat
compounded generators are generally used.
4. The differential compound wound generators, because of their large demagnetization armature reaction, are
used for arc welding where huge voltage drop and constant current is required.

b) SYNCHRONOUS GENERATORS

Synchronous generators are used because they offer precise control of voltage, frequency, VARs and WATTs.
This control is achieved through the use of voltage
regulators and governors. A synchronous machine consists of a stationary armature winding (stator) with many
wires connected in series or parallel to obtain the desired terminal voltage.

The armature winding is placed into a slotted laminated steel core. A synchronous machine also consists of a
revolving DC field - the rotor. A mutual flux developed across the air gap between the rotor and stator causes
the interaction necessary to produce an EMF. As the magnetic flux developed by the DC field poles crosses the
air gap of the stator windings, a sinusoidal voltage is developed at the generator output terminals. This process
is called electromagnetic induction.

The magnitude of the AC voltage generated is controlled by the amount of DC exciting current supplied to the
field. if “FIXED” excitation was applied, the voltage magnitude would be controlled by the speed of the rotor
(E=4.44fnBA), however, this would necessitate a changing frequency! Since the frequency component of the
power system is to be held constant, solid state voltage regulators or static exciters are commonly used to
control the field current and thereby accurately control generator terminal voltage.

The frequency of the voltage developed by the generator depends on the speed of the rotor and the number of
field poles. For a 60 Hz system, Frequency = speed(rpm)*pole pairs/60.
 Applications
Synchronous machines are principally used as alternating current (AC) generators. They supply the electric
power used by all sectors of modern societies: industrial, commercial, agricultural, and domestic. Synchronous
machines are sometimes used as constant-speed motors, or as compensators for reactive power control in
large power systems. This article explains the constructional features and operating principles of the
synchronous machine. Generator performance for stand-alone and grid applications is discussed. The effects of
load and field excitation on the synchronous motor are investigated. The hunting behavior of a synchronous
machine is studied, and a review of various excitation systems provided.

c)Construction of AC Generator (Alternator)

Main parts of the alternator,obviously, consists of stator and rotor. But,

the unlike other machines, in most of the alternators, field exciters are
rotating and the armature coil is stationary.

Stator: Unlike in DC machine stator of an alternator is not meant to serve

path for magnetic flux. Instead, the stator is used for holding armature winding. The stator core is made up of
lamination of steel alloys or magnetic iron, to minimize the eddy current losses.

Why Armature Winding Is Stationary In An Alternator?

 At high voltages, it easier to insulate stationary armature winding, which may be as high as 30 kV or
more.
 The high voltage output can be directly taken out from the stationary armature. Whereas, for a rotary
armature, there will be large brush contact drop at higher voltages, also the sparking at the brush surface
will occur.
 Field exciter winding is placed in rotor, and the low dc voltage can be transferred safely.
 The armature winding can be braced well, so as to prevent deformation caused by the high centrifugal
force.
Rotor: There are two types of rotor used in an AC generator / alternator:

(i) Salient and (ii) Cylindrical type

1. Salient pole type: Salient pole type rotor is used in low and medium speed alternators. Construction of
AC generator of salient pole type rotor is shown in the figure above. This type of rotor consists of large
number of projected poles (called salient poles), bolted on a magnetic wheel. These poles are also
laminated to minimize the eddy current losses. Alternators featuring this type of rotor are large in
diameters and short in axial length.
2. Cylindrical type: Cylindrical type rotors are used in high speed alternators, especially in turbo alternators.
This type of rotor consists of a smooth and solid steel cylinder having slots along its outer periphery. Field
windings are placed in these slots.
Applications

Electric generators
Most power generation stations use synchronous machines as their generators. Connection of these generators
to the utility grid requires synchronization conditions to be met.
Automotive alternators

Alternator mounted on an automobile engine with a serpentine belt pulley.

Alternators are used in modern automobiles to charge the battery and to
power the electrical system when its engine is running.
Until the 1960s, automobiles used DC dynamo generators with commutators.
With the availability of affordable silicon diode rectifiers, alternators were
used instead.

Diesel electric locomotive alternators

In later diesel electric locomotives and diesel electric multiple units, the prime mover turns an alternator which
provides electricity for the traction motors (AC or DC).
The traction alternator usually incorporates integral silicon diode rectifiers to provide the traction motors with
up to 1200 volts DC (DC traction, which is used directly) or the common inverter bus (AC traction, which is
first inverted from dc to three-phase ac).
The first diesel electric locomotives, and many of those still in service, use DC generators as, before silicon
power electronics, it was easier to control the speed of DC traction motors. Most of these had two generators:
one to generate the excitation current for a larger main generator.
Optionally, the generator also supplies head end power (HEP) or power for electric train heating. The HEP
option requires a constant engine speed, typically 900 RPM for a 480 V 60 Hz HEP application, even when the
locomotive is not moving.
Marine alternators
Marine alternators used in yachts are similar to automotive alternators, with appropriate adaptations to the salt-
water environment. Marine alternators are designed to be explosion proof so that brush sparking will not ignite
explosive gas mixtures in an engine room environment.
Radio alternators
High frequency alternators of the variable-reluctance type were applied commercially to radio transmission in
the low-frequency radio bands. These were used for transmission of Morse code and, experimentally, for
transmission of voice and music.
2) Motors

a) DC Motor
An Electric DC motor is a machine which converts electric energy into mechanical energy. The working of DC
motor is based on the principle that when a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field,
it experiences a mechanical force. The direction of mechanical force is given by Fleming’s Left-hand Rule and
its magnitude is given by F = BIl Newton. There is no basic difference in the construction of a DC generator
and a DC motor. In fact, the same d.c. machine can be used interchangeably as a generator or as a motor.

Types and its Construction

Series Motors

In a series DC motor the field is connected in series with the armature. The field is wound with a few turns of
large wire because it must carry the full armature current. A characteristic of series motors is the motor
develops a large amount of starting torque. However, speed varies widely between no load and full load. Series
motors cannot be used where a constant speed is required under varying loads.

Shunt Motors

In a shunt motor the field is connected in parallel (shunt) with the armature windings. The shunt-connected
motor offers good speed regulation. The field winding can be separately excited or connected to the same
source as the armature. An advantage to a separately excited shunt field is the ability of a variable speed drive to
provide independent control of the armature and field.

Compound Motors

Compound motors have a field connected in series with the armature and a separately excited shunt field. The
series field provides better starting torque and the shunt field provides better speed regulation.

CONSTRUCTIONAL ASPECTS OF DC MACHINE

The main objective is to highlight the constructional aspect of a DC machine in general while analyzing the
operating principles of a DC generator /DC motor in particular. According to the construction, there is no
significant difference between a DC motor and a DC Generator.
The major parts can be identified as:
1. Body 2. Poles 3. Armature 4. Commentator and brush gear 5. Commutating poles
6. Compensating winding 7. Other mechanical parts
The constructional aspects relating to these parts are now discussed briefly in sequence:
1. Body-The body constitutes the outer shell within which all the other parts are housed. This will be
closed at both the ends by two end covers which also support the bearings required to facilitate the
rotation of the rotor and the shaft.
2. Main poles– Solid poles of fabricated steel with separate/integral pole shoes are fastened to the frame
by means of bolts. Pole shoes are generally laminated. Sometimes pole body and pole shoe are formed
from the same lamination. Stiffeners are used on both sides of the lamination. Riveted through bolts hold
the assembly together. The pole shoes are shaped so as to have a slightly increased air gap at the tips.
 3. Armature- The armature is where the moving conductors are located. The armature is constructed by
stacking laminated sheets of silicon steel. Thickness of these lamination’s kept low to reduce eddy
current losses.
4. Field windings- In the case of wound field machines (as against permanent magnet excited machines)
the field winding takes the form of a concentric coil wound around the main poles. These carry the
excitation current and produce the main field in the machine. Thus the poles are created
electromagnetically.
5. Armature winding- As mentioned earlier, if the armature coils are wound on the surface of the
armature, such construction becomes mechanically weak. The conductors may fly away when the
armature starts rotating.
6. Compensating winding- One may find a bar winding housed in the slots on the pole shoes. His is
mostly found in d.c. machines of very large rating. Such winding is called compensating winding.
7. Commutator- Commutator is the key element which made the d.c. machine of the present day possible.
It consists of copper segments tightly fastened together with mica/micanite insulating separators on an
insulated base. The whole commutator forms a rigid and solid assembly of insulated copper strips and
can rotate at high speeds.
8. Brush and brush holders- Brushes rest on the surface of the commutator. Normally electro-graphite is
used as brush material. The actual composition of the brush depends on the peripheral speed of the
commutator and the working voltage. The hardness of the graphite brush is selected to be lower than that
of the commutator. When the brush wears out the graphite works as a solid lubricant reducing frictional
coefficient.
9. Other mechanical parts- End covers, fan and shaft bearings form other important mechanical parts.
End covers are completely solid or have opening for ventilation. They support the bearings which are on
the shaft. Proper machining is to be ensured for easy assembly.
10. Bearings- Small machines employ ball bearings at both ends. For larger machines roller bearings are
used especially at the driving end. The bearings are mounted press-fit on the shaft. They are housed
inside the end shield in such a manner that it is not necessary to remove the bearings from the shaft for
dismantling. The bearings must be kept in closed housing with suitable lubricant keeping dust and other
foreign materials away.

Application

Series Wound Applications range from cheap toys to

automotive applications.
They are inexpensive to manufacture and
are used in variable speed household
appliances such as sewing machines and
power tools.
 Shunt Wound Applications in fixed speed applications
such as automotive windscreen wipers
and fans.
The shunt motors are used where
constant speed is required and starting
conditions are not severe.
Applications Train and automotive traction
applications

Compound Motor The compound motors are used where higher

starting torque and fairly constant speed is
required. The examples of usage of
compound motors are in Presses, Shears,
Conveyors, Elevators, Rolling Mills, Heavy
Planners, etc

b)Ac Motors
Operating Principle
When an AC motor is in steady-state rotation (motion), the magnetic fields of the rotor and stator rotate (move)
with little or no slippage (near synchrony). The magnetic forces (repulsive and attractive) between the rotor and
stator poles create average torque, capable of driving a load at rated speed. The speed of the stator rotating
magnetic field (and the speed of the rotor rotating magnetic field (, relative to the speed of the mechanical shaft
(, must maintain synchronism for average torque production by satisfying the synchronous speed relation
(i.e., .Otherwise, asynchronously rotating magnetic fields would produce pulsating or non-average torque.

Types and Construction

Single Phase Induction Motor

The previous discussion has applied only to polyphase motors. A single phase motor has only one stator
winding. This winding generates a field which merely pulsates, instead of rotating. When the rotor is stationary,
the expanding and collapsing stator field induces currents in the rotor.

1. Split phase induction motor.

2. Capacitor start inductor motor.
3. Capacitor start capacitor run induction motor (two value capacitor method).
4. Permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor.
5. Shaded pole induction motor.

Three Phase Induction Motor

The three phase ac induction motor is also called a squirrel cage motor. Both single phase and three phase
motors operate on the principle of a rotating magnetic field. A horseshoe magnet held over a compass needle is
a simple illustration of the principle of the rotating field. The needle will take a position parallel to the magnetic
flux passing between the two poles of the magnet. If the magnet is rotated, the compass needle will follow. A
rotating magnetic field can be produced by a two or three phase current flowing through two or more groups of
coils wound on inwardly projecting poles of an iron frame. The coils on each group of poles are wound
alternately in opposite directions to produce opposite polarity, and each group is connected to a separate phase
of voltage. The operating principle depends on a revolving, or rotating, magnetic field to produce torque. The
key to understanding the induction motor is a thorough understanding of the rotating magnetic field.

Synchronous Motor

The synchronous motor is one of the principal types of ac motors. Like the
induction motor, the synchronous motor makes use of a rotating magnetic
field. Unlike the induction motor, however, the torque developed does not
depend on the induction of currents in the rotor. Briefly, the principle of
operation of the synchronous motor is as follows: A multiphase source of
ac is applied to the stator windings, and a rotating magnetic field is
produced. A direct current is applied to the rotor winding, and another
magnetic field is produced. The synchronous motor is so designed and
constructed that these two fields react to each other in such a manner that
the rotor is dragged along and rotates at the same speed as the rotating magnetic field produced by the stator
windings.

Slip Ring Motor

Sketch of a cross-section of slip rings for an electric motor. In this example,

the slip rings have a brush-lifting device and a sliding contact bar, allowing
the slip-rings to be short-circuited when no longer required. This can be used
in starting a slip-ring induction motor, for example.
A slip ring is an electromechanical device that allows the transmission of power and
electrical signals from a stationary to a rotating structure. A slip ring can be used in any electromechanical
system that requires rotation while transmitting power or signals. It can improve mechanical performance,
simplify system operation and eliminate damage-prone wires dangling from movable joints.

AC Motor Construction
Three-phase AC induction motors are commonly used in industrial
applications. This type of motor has three main parts, rotor, stator, and
enclosure. The stator and rotor do the work, and the enclosure protects the
stator and rotor.

Stator Core
The stator is the stationary part of the motor’s electromagnetic circuit. The stator
core is made up of many thin metal sheets, called laminations. Laminations are
used to reduce energy loses that would result if a solid core were used.
 Stator Windings Stator laminations are stacked together forming a hollow cylinder.
Coils of insulated wire are inserted into slots of the stator core.

When the assembled motor is in operation, the stator

windings are connected directly to the power source. Each
grouping of coils, together with the steel core it surrounds,
becomes an electromagnet when current is
applied. Electromagnetism is the basic principle behind
motor operation
Rotor Construction
The rotor is the rotating part of the motor’s electromagnetic circuit. The most common type of rotor used
in a three-phase induction motor is a squirrel cage rotor. Other types of rotor construction is discussed
later in the course. The squirrel cage rotor is so called because its construction is reminiscent of the
rotating exercise wheels found in some pet cages.

A squirrel cage rotor core is made by stacking thin steel laminations to form a cylinder.

Rather than using coils of wire as conductors, conductor bars are die cast
into the slots evenly spaced around the cylinder. Most squirrel cage rotors
are made by die casting aluminum to form the conductor bars. Siemens
also makes motors with die cast copper rotor conductors.
After die casting, rotor conductor bars are mechanically and electrically connected
with end rings. The rotor is then pressed onto a steel shaft to form a rotor assembly.
Enclosure
The enclosure consists of a frame (or yoke) and two end brackets (or bearing
housings). The stator is mounted inside the frame. The rotor fits inside the stator with a slight air gap
separating it from the stator. There is no direct physical connection between the rotor and the stator.

The enclosure protects the internal parts of the motor from water and other
environmental elements. The degree of protection depends upon the type of
enclosure. Enclosure types are discussed later in this course.

Bearings, mounted on the shaft, support the rotor and allow it to turn. Some motors, like the one shown
in the following illustration, use a fan, also mounted on the rotor shaft, to cool the motor when the shaft
is rotating.
Application
1. Synchronous Motors & its Uses: These motors have the rotor (which is connected to the load) rotating
at the same speed as the speed of rotation of the stator current. In other words, we can say these motors
don't have slip with respect to the stator current. They are sometimes used no to drive the load but
instead act as "synchronous condenser", to improve the power factor of the local grid to which it is
connected to. These kind of motors are used even in high precision positioning devices like modern
robots. They can also act as stepper motors.
2. Asynchronous Motors & it's Uses: The most common form of motor which is used in everyday life
from pumping water up the overhead tank to power plant boiler feed pumps, these kind of motors rule.
These motors are very flexible to use and matches the load demand almost for everything. The most
widely used Induction Motors are very important for many industries due to their load bearing capacity
and flexibility. These motors, unlike synchronous motors, slip when compared to the stator current field.
They are generally used for various types of pumps, compressors and acts as prime movers for many
machineries.
3. Single & Three Phase Motors and their Uses: The A.C.Motors can find their usage in 2 forms based on
their power supply. The single phase motors are generally found their use in low power
requirements/domestic appliances like ceiling fans, mixer grinders, portable power tools etc. The three
phase motors are generally found for high power requirements like power drives for compressors,
hydraulic pumps, air conditioning compressors, irrigation pumps and many more.
4. Constant, Variable & Adjustable Speed Motors: As already said, A.C.Motorsare highly flexible in
many ways including their speed control. There are motors which should be run at a constant speed for
air compressors. Certain cooling water pumps driven by a.c.motors can be run at two or three speeds by
just switching the number of poles used. If the number of poles are changed then the speed also changes.
These serve best for sea water cooling pumps in marine engine room applications & many power plants.
The speed of the motors can also be varied continuously by some electronic arrangements thus this can
be suited for certain applications like a ship's cargo pump, whose discharge rate has to lowered as per
the terminals requirement.
5. Varied Structure Motors: These types of motors have different outer cage arrangements, depending
upon the usage or any special industrial requirement. For motors used in gas and oil terminals, the
casing must be of intrinsically safe, thus it may either have a enclosed casing or a pipe ventilated
arrangement such that the sparks produced inside the motor does not cause a fire outside it. Also many
motors are totally enclosed as it may be open to weather like those used in hydro-electric power plants.
6. Applications of Split Phase Induction Motor: Split phase induction motors have low starting current
and moderate starting torque. So these motors are used in fans, blowers, centrifugal pumps, washing
machine, grinder, lathes, air conditioning fans, etc. These motors are available in the size ranging from 1
/ 20 to 1 / 2 KW.
7. Applications of Shaded pole motors induction motor are Due to their low starting torques and
reasonable cost these motors are mostly employed in small instruments, hair dryers, toys, record players,
small fans, electric clocks etc. These motors are usually available in a range of 1/300 to 1/20 KW.
c)TRANSFORMERS

Operating & Working Principle of a Transformer

Transformer is a static device (and doesn’t contain on rotating parts, hence no friction losses), which convert
electrical power from one circuit to another without changing its frequency. it Step up (or Step down) the level
of AC Voltage and Current.

Transformer works on the principle of mutual induction of two coils or Faraday Law’s Of Electromagnetic
induction. When current in the primary coil is changed the flux linked to the secondary coil also changes.
Consequently, an EMF is induced in the secondary coil due to Faraday law’s of electromagnetic induction.
The transformer is based on two principles: first, that an electric current can produce a magnetic field
(electromagnetism), and, second that a changing magnetic field within a coil of wire induces a voltage across
the ends of the coil (electromagnetic induction). Changing the current in the primary coil changes the magnetic
flux that is developed. The changing magnetic flux induces a voltage in the secondary coil.

A simple transformer has a soft iron or silicon steel core and

windings placed on it(iron core). Both the core and the
windings are insulated from each other. The winding
connected to the main supply is called the primary and the
winding connected to the load circuit is called the
secondary.

Winding (coil) connected to higher voltage is known as high voltage winding while the winding connected to
low voltage is known as low voltage winding. In case of a step up transformer, the primary coil (winding) is the
low voltage winding, the number of turns of the windings of the secondary is more than that of the primary.
Vice versa for step down transformer.

When the primary winding is connected to ac mains supply, a current flows through it. Since the winding links
with the core, current flowing through the winding will produce an alternating flux in the core. EMF is induced
in the secondary coil since the alternating flux links the two windings. The frequency of the induced EMF is the
same as that of the flux or the supplied voltage.

By so doing (variation of flux) energy is transferred from the primary coil to the secondary coil by means of
electromagnetic induction without the change in the frequency of the voltage supplied to the transformer.
During the process, a self induced EMF is produced in the primary coil which opposes the applied voltage. The
self induced EMF is known as back EMF.

Types and Construction

Types
Power Transformer
The power transformers are used in the transmission networks of higher voltages. The ratings of the power
transformer are as follows 400 KV, 200 KV, 110 KV, 66 KV, 33 KV. They are mainly rated above 200 MVA.
Mainly installed at the generating stations and transmission substations. They are designed for maximum
efficiency of 100%. They are larger in size as compared to distribution transformer.

Distribution Transformer
This type of transformer has lower ratings like 11 KV, 6.6 KV, 3.3 KV, 440 V and 230 V. They are rated less
than 200 MVA and used in the distribution network to provide voltage transformation in the power system by
stepping down the voltage level where the electrical energy is distributed and utilized at the consumer end. The
primary coil of the distribution transformer is wound by enamel coated copper or aluminum wire. A thick
ribbon of aluminum and copper is used to make secondary of the transformer which is high current, low voltage
winding. Resin impregnated paper and oil is used for the insulation purpose.
Current Transformer

The current transformer is used for measuring and also for the protection. When the current in the circuit is high
to apply directly to the measuring instrument, the current transformer is used to transform the high current into
the desired value of the current required in the circuit.

Potential Transformer

The potential transformer is also called as the voltage transformer. The primary winding is connected across the
High voltage line whose voltage is to be measured, and all the measuring instruments and meters are connected
to the secondary side of the transformer. The main function of the Potential transformer is to step down the
voltage level to a safe limit or value. The primary winding of the potential transformer is earthed or grounded as
a safety point.

Step up and Step down Transformer

This type of transformer is categorized on the basis of a number of turns in the primary and secondary windings
and the induced emf.

Step up transformer transforms a low voltage, high current AC into a high voltage, low current AC system In
this type of transformer the number of turns in the secondary winding is greater than the number of turns in the
primary winding. If (V2 > V1) the voltage is raised on the output side and is known as Step up transformer

Step down transformer converts a high primary voltage associated with the low current into a low voltage, high
current. With this type of transformer, the number of turns in the primary winding is greater than the number of
turns in the secondary winding. If (V2 < V1) the voltage level is lowered on the output side and is known as Step
down transformer

Instrument Transformer

 They are generally known as an isolation transformer. Instrument transformer is an electrical device used to
transform current as well as voltage level. The most common use of instrument transformer is to safely
isolate the secondary winding when the primary has high voltage and high current supply so that the
measuring instrument, energy meters or relays which are connected to the secondary side of the transformer
will not get damaged. The instrument transformer is further divided into two types
 Current Transformer (CT)
 Potential Transformer (PT)

The current and potential transformer is explained below in detail

Single Phase Transformer

A single phase Transformer is a static device, works on the principle of Faraday’s law of mutual Induction. At a
constant level of frequency and variation of voltage level, the transformer transfers AC power from one circuit
to the other circuit. There are two types of windings in the transformer. The winding to which AC supply is
given is termed as Primary winding and in the secondary winding, the load is connected.

Three Phase Transformer

 If the three single phase transformer is taken and connected together with their all the three primary winding
connected to each other as one and all the three secondary windings to each other, forming as one secondary
winding, the transformer is said to behave as three phase transformer, that means a bank of three single phase
transformer connected together which acts as a three-phase transformer.

Basic Construction of Transformer

Basically a transformer consists of two inductive windings and a

laminated steel core. The coils are insulated from each other as well
as from the steel core. A transformer may also consist of a container
for winding and core assembly (called as tank), suitable bushings to
take the terminals, oil conservator to provide oil in the transformer
tank for cooling purposes etc. The figure at left illustrates the basic
construction of a transformer. In all types of transformers, core is
constructed by assembling (stacking) laminated sheets of steel, with minimum air-gap between them (to achieve
continuous magnetic path). The steel used is having high silicon content and sometimes heat treated, to provide
high permeability and low hysteresis loss. Laminated sheets of steel are used to reduce eddy current loss. The
sheets are cut in the shape as E,I and L. To avoid high reluctance at joints, laminations are stacked by
alternating the sides of joint. That is, if joints of first sheet assembly are at front face, the joints of following
assemble are kept at back face.

Application
Uses and Application of Transformer
The most important uses and application of Transformer are:
 It can rise or lower the level of level of Voltage or Current (when voltage increases, current decreases and
vice versa because P =V x I, and Power is same) in an AC Circuit.
 It can increase or decrease the value of capacitor, an inductor or resistance in an AC circuit. It can thus act as
an impedance transferring device.
 It can be used to prevent DC from passing from one circuit to the other.
 it can isolate two circuits electrically.
Transformer is the main reason to transmit and distribute power in AC instead of DC, because Transformer not
work on DC so there are too difficulties to transmit power in DC. in the DC Transition and distribution, the
level of voltage Step up by Buck and Boost Converter but it is too costly and not suitable economically.
The main application of Transformer is to Step up ( Increase) or Step down (Decrease) the level of Voltage.
in other words, Increase or decries the level of Current, while Power must be same.

Other Uses and application of Transformer:

It step up the level of voltage at generation side before transmission and distribution.
in distribution side, for commercial or domestic use of electricity, transformer step down ( decries) the level of
voltage for example form 11kV to 220 V single phase and 440 V three phase.
The Current Transformer and Potential Transformer also used power system and in the industry. Also, it is used
for impedance matching. So these were the simple uses and application of transformer.
 Plate #5
Electrical Machines

(Elementary electrical engineering)

Submitted by: Reymond D. Quintos

Submitted to: Engr. Gil tuban