Running head: ELECTRICAL AND TRANSFORMERS 1

Electrical and Transformers

Name

Institution Affiliation
ELECRICAL AND TRANSFORMERS 2

Abstract

This paper explores on published articles that report on results from research conducted on

online (internet) and offline (non-Internet) relationships to motors and transformers, their

functionality and what they are composed up of. The articles, however, vary in their

definitions, functions, and components. This chapter is an introduction to motors and

transformer fundamentals. It describes the basic principles for the three-phase motor and a

three-phase, their functions in a mechanical room of a commercial building. The objective of

this research is to contribute towards familiarizing with the three-phase motors and

transformers for a commercial building and also to be familiarize with the operational,

maintenance and troubleshooting.

Electrical and Transformers

A transformer is one of the most common devices found in electrical system that links

the circuits that are operating at different voltages. Transformers are widely used in

applications where Alternative Current (AC) voltage transition is required from one voltage

level to another. The use of transformer in AC circuits depending on the specifications of the

electrical equipment/system where charge can either decrease or increase the voltage and

currents. Different systems use a wide range of transformers, including transformers of

power, instruments and pulse. According to Georgilaskis (2009) defined a transformer as a

static machine that, by electromagnetic induction, transmits electrical power from one

alternative device voltage level to another without changing the frequency.

Transformer has two or more winding also known as coils, that is wrapped around a

Ferro-magnetic core. These windings are not electrically connected, but they are magnetically

coupled, that is, the only connection between the windings is the magnetic flux present within

the core. One of the transformer coils, the primary winding, is connected to an alternating

current electric power source. The second transformer coil, the secondary winding, supplies

electric power to loads. The electrical energy received by the primary winding it first

converted onto magnetic energy that is reconverted back into a useful electrical energy in the

secondary winding (and tertiary winding if it exists).

A basic three-phase transformer comprises of three sets of primary coils on the same

iron core, one for each phase, and three sets of secondary coil connected. It is possible to use

separate single-phase transformers and interconnect them externally to achieve the same

results as a 3-phase system[ CITATION MEE08 \l 2057 ]. Primary windings are connected in one

of a couple ways. The two most common configurations are the delta, where one winding's

polarity end is connected to the next non-polarity end, and the wye, where all three non-

polarities (or polarity) ends are linked together. The secondary windings are similarly related.
ELECRICAL AND TRANSFORMERS 4

This means that a 3-phase transformer may have the same (delta-delta) or different (delta-

wye) connected to its primary and secondary windings.

A motor is an extended version of a transformer. Motor is defined as an electrical

device that transforms electrical energy to mechanical energy. Most electric motors work

through the interaction between the magnetic field of the motor and the electrical current in a

wire winding to produce force in the form of a shaft rotation. Electric motors can be operated

by direct current (DC) sources, such as batteries, motor vehicles either rectifiers, or by

alternating current (AC) sources, such as power grids, inverters or electrical generators. In

that case, we can introduce the analogy between a motor and a transformer that is a motor

that is like a transformer with a secondary moving. The primary that does not move is called

the stator, and the secondary that moves is called the rotor. The type of engine used

worldwide with a higher percentage is the three-phase induction engine.

Motors that work by rotating motion by receiving power as current flows are normal

within a magnetic field. Nevertheless, there are a wide range of types of motors, including

those that work by linear motion. Motors are generally classified according to the type of

drive power (source) used and classified either as alternating current (AC) or direct current

(DC).Three-phase electrical power is a common method of alternating electricity generation,

transmission and distribution of electrical power. It is a type of polyphase system and is the

most common technique used by electrical grids worldwide for transferring power. It is also

used to fuel big engines and other heavy loads. Where a polyphase electrical supply is

available, the three-phase (or polyphase) AC induction engine is widely used, particularly for

higher-powered motors. The phase variations between the three phases of the polyphase

electrical supply generate a spinning electromagnetic field in the engine.

Functions of a Three-phase Transformer and Motor in a Mechanical Room of a

Commercial Building

Transformers and motors are the key driving force for industrial, commercial, and

residential appliances. We can’t even imagine an industry or any commercial operation that

would run without transporters and motors. In commercial buildings and industries all types

of rotational or linear force, torque, movement, etc are applied by motors. Commercial are

getting automated day by day, hence, the use of motors are increasing with the same pace.

The power supply to any medium or large-scale industry is supplied via transformer as the

utilities tend to deliver at higher grid voltage. Motors are the total portion of the power

consumed in any industry.

(a) Functions of a Three-phase Transformer in a Mechanical Room of a Commercial

Building

Transformer is considered as an extended version of an inductor. Three separate

single-phase transformers can be used for three-phase power, or all three phases can be

connected to a single poly-phase transformer. In this case, there is a relation between the

magnetic circuits, the centre containing a three-phase flux stream. It links the three main

windings together and ties the three secondary windings together. The most popular links are

three separate single-phase transformers can be used for three-phase power, or all three

phases can be connected to a single poly-phase transformer. In this case, there is a relation

between the magnetic circuits, the centre containing a three-phase flux stream. It links the

three main windings together and ties the three secondary windings together. The most

popular links are ∆-∆, Y-Y, Y-∆, and ∆-Y. The Earth contact point is normally the centre

point of a Y winding when a winding is connected to earth (grounded).

(b) Functions of a Three-phase Motor in a Mechanical Room of a Commercial Building

Since motor can be operated by both direct current (DC) sources, such as batteries and

alternating current (AC) sources, such as power grids, inverters or electrical generators, it has

two case of three-phase with both carrying closer functions. For three-phase AC induction

motors, through the electromagnetic induction, (the time changing and reversing rotating

magnetic field induces a reversing and a time changing) current in the conductor in the rotor,

produces a workhorse power that is so vital for big industries and commercial buildings.

Producing up to about 670 horsepower (500kW) in output. Very large induction motors are

capable of tens of thousands of kW in output that can be used for wind-tunnel drives,

overland conveyor systems and pipeline compressors. Other types of motors like three-phase

AC synchronous motors are highly valued because their power factor is much better than that

of induction motors, making them preferred for very high power applications.
ELECRICAL AND TRANSFORMERS 7

References

Georgilakis, P.S. (2009). Electrical transformers design and construction technology:

technology and engineering. Spotlight on Modern Transformer Design,1, 3-4.