INTRODUCTION

The transformer is a device used for

converting a low alternating voltage to a
high alternating voltage or a high
alternating voltage into a low alternating
voltage. It is a static electrical device that
transfers energy by inductive coupling
between its winding circuits. Transformers
range in size from a thumbnail-sized
coupling transformer hidden inside a stage
microphone to huge units weighing
hundreds of tons used in power plant
substations or to interconnect portions of
the power grid. All operate on the same
basic principles, although the range of
designs is wide. While new technologies
have eliminated the need for transformers
in some electronic circuits, transformers
are still found in many electronic devices.
Transformers are essential for high-voltage
electric power transmission, which makes
long-distance transmission economically
practical. A transformer is most widely used
device in both low and high current circuit.
In a transformer, the electrical energy
transfer from one circuit to another circuit
takes place without the use of moving parts.
A transformer which increases the voltages
is called a step-up transformer. A
transformer which decreases the A.C.
voltages is called a step-down transformer.
Transformer is, therefore, an essential piece
of apparatus both for high and low current
circuits.
 PRINCIPLE

The electric transformer works on the

fundamental principal of electromagnetic
induction, a concept first discovered by
Michael Faraday in the 19th century. The
transformer consists of two coils of wire,
known as the primary and secondary
windings, which are usually wound around
a common magnetic core. When an
alternating current (AC) flows through the
primary winding, it generates a changing
magnetic field around the coil. According
to Faraday’s law of electromagnetic
induction, this changing magnetic field
induces an electromotive force (EMF) or
voltage in the secondary winding.
The key principle here is that the
transformer relies on the mutual
induction between the primary and
secondary windings through the
magnetic flux linkage.
 CONSTRUCTION

A transformer consists of a rectangular shaft

iron core made of laminated sheets, well
insulated from one another. Two coils
& and & are wound on the same core, but are
well insulated with each other. Note that the
both the coils are insulated from the core,
the source of alternating e.m.f is connected
to , the primary coil and a load resistance R is
connected to , the secondary coil through an
open switch S. thus there can be no current
through the sec. coil so long as the switch is
open. For an ideal transformer, we assume
that the resistance of the primary &
secondary winding is negligible. Further, the
energy loses due to magnetic the iron core is
also negligible.
 For operation at low frequency, we
may have a soft iron. The soft iron core
is insulating by joining thin iron strips
coated with varnish to insulate them to
reduce energy losses by eddy currents.
The input circuit is called primary. And
the output circuit is called secondary.
 THEORY

When an altering e.m.f. is supplied to the

primary coil p1p2, an alternating current
starts falling in it. The altering current
in the primary produces a changing
magnetic flux, which induces altering
voltage in the primary as well as in the
secondary. In a good-transformer, whole
of the magnetic flux linked with primary
is also linked with the secondary, and then
the induced e.m.f. induced in each turn of the
secondary is equal to that induced in each
turn of the primary. Thus if Ep and Es be
the instantaneous values of the e.m.f.’s
induced in the primary and the secondary
and Np and Ns are the no. of turns of the
primary secondary coils of the transformer
and
 dф / dt = rate of change of flux in each
turnoff the coil at this instant, we have
Ep = -Np
dф/dt _______________ (1) and
Es = -Ns
dф/dt _______________ (2)
Since the above relations are true at every
instant, so by
dividing 2 by 1, we get

Es/Ep= -Ns/Np______________ (3)

As Ep is the instantaneous value of back

e.m.f induced in the primary coil p1, so the
instantaneous current in primary coil is due
to the difference (E – Ep ) in the
instantaneous values of the applied and
back e.m.f. further if Rp is the resistance o,
p1p2 coil, then the instantaneous current
Ip in the primary coil is given by
 Ip = E – Ep / Rp
E – Ep = Ip Rp

When the resistance of the primary is small,

Rp Ip can be neglected so therefore

E – Ep = 0 or Ep = E

Thus back e.m.f = input e.m.f Hence

equation 3 can be written as
Es / Ep = Es / E = output e.m.f / input e.m.f
= Ns / Np =K
Where K is constant, called turn or
transformation ratio.
IN STEP DOWN TRANSFORMER

Es < E so K < 1, hence Ns < Np

If Ip = value of primary current at the
same instant
And Is = value of secondary current at this
instant, then
Input power at the instant = Ep Ip
and
Output power at the same instant = EsIs

If there are no losses of power in the

transformer, then

Input power = output power Or

Ep Ip = Es Is Or
Es / Ep = Ip / Is = K
 STEP UP TRANSFORMER

Es > E so K > 1, hence Ns > Np

As, k > 1, so Ip > Is or Is < Ip
i.e. current in secondary is weaker when
secondary voltage is higher.
Hence, whatever we gain in voltage, we lose
in current in the same ratio.
Similarly it can be shown, that in a step down
transformer, whatever we lose in voltage, we
gain in current in the same ratio.
Thus a step up transformer in reality steps
down the current & a step down transformer
steps up the current
 EFFICIENCY
Efficiency of a transformer is defined
as the ratio of output power to the input
power.
i.e.
η = output power / input power = Es Is / EpIp

Thus in an ideal transformer, where there

is no power losses, η = 1. But in actual
practice,there are many power losses;
therefore the efficiency of transformer is
less than one.
 ENERGY LOSS
In practice, the output energy of a
transformer is always less than the input
energy, because energy losses occur due to a
number of reasons as explained below.

Loss of Magnetic Flux: The coupling between

the coils is seldom perfect. So, whole of the
magnetic flux produced by the primary coil is
not linked up with the secondary coil.

Iron Loss: In actual iron cores in spite of

lamination, Eddy currents are produced. The
magnitude of eddy current may, however be
small. And a part of energy is lost as the heat
produced in the iron core.

Copper Loss: In practice, the coils of the

transformer possess resistance. So, a part of
the energy is lost due to the heat produced in
the resistance of the coil.
Hysteresis Loss: The alternating current in
the coil tapes the iron core through
complete cycle of magnetization. So,
Energy is lost due to hysteresis.

Magneto restriction: The alternating

current in the Transformer may be set its
parts in to vibrations and sound may be
produced. It is called humming. Thus, a part
of energy may be lost due to humming.
MATERIAL REQUIRED

IRON ROD

VOLTMETER

AMMETER

COPPER WIRE
DIAGRAM
 PROCEDURE
1. Take thick iron rod and cover it with a
thick paper and wind a large number of
turns of thin Cu wire on thick paper (say
60). This constitutes primary coil of the
transformer.
2. Cover the primary coil with a sheet of
paper and wound relatively smaller
number of turns (say 20) of thick copper
wire on it. This constitutes the secondary
coil. It is a step-down transformer.
3. Connect p1,p2 to A.C main and measure
the input voltage and current using A.C
voltmeter and ammeter respectively.
4. Similarly, measure the output voltage
and current through s1 and s2
5. Now connect s1 and s2 to A.C main and
again measure voltage and current
through primary and secondary coil of
step up transformer.
6. Repeat all steps for other self-made
transformers by changing number of
turns in primary and secondary coil.
 OBSERVATION

1. We will find that ratio of and across the two

coils is equal to the ratio of number of
turns in the coil P to that in the coil S. i.e.,
Vp/Vs = Np/Ns —————- (1)
2. The coil P (to which AC voltage is applied) is
called the primary and coil S (in which AC is
induced) is called the secondary.
3. Since coil S is placed very close to the coil
P, the power in the primary is transferred
into the secondary through mutual
induction.
4. It is clear from equation 1, that by
appropriate choice of the turn ratio i.e.,
Np/Ns, we can obtain a higher voltage or
lower voltage in S compared to that in P.
APPLICATION OF TRANSFORMER
Electric Power Transmission: Transformers are
crucial in power transmission networks to step
up voltage for efficient long-distance
transmission and step-down voltage for
distribution to end-users.

Voltage Regulation: Transformers help

maintain a stable voltage level by adjusting the
voltage as needed, ensuring consistent and
reliable electrical supply.

Power Distribution: They are used in power

distribution systems to provide various
voltage levels suitable for residential,
commercial, and industrial applications.

Power Supply Units: Transformers are

employed in power supply units of electronic
devices, converting AC power from outlets to
the DC power needed by devices like
computers and chargers.
Voltage Transformation: Transformers change
the voltage levels, allowing electricity to be
transmitted at high voltages to reduce energy
losses and then be distributed at lower
voltages for use.

Industrial Applications: Transformers power

various industrial machinery and equipment
by adapting electrical voltage to meet specific
operational requirements.

Electrical Appliances: Many electronic devices

and appliances use transformers to convert
electricity to the required voltage for their
operation.
 CONCLUSION

The output voltage of the transformer across

the secondary coil depends upon the ratio
(Ns/Np) with respect to the input voltage.

The output voltage of the transformer across

the secondary coil depends upon the ratio
(Ns/N p) with respect to the input voltage.

There is a loss of power between input and

output coil of a transformer.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. NCERT textbook class 12

2. NCERT physics lab Manuel
3. www.google.com