Types of transformer according to lamination

1 Core type transformer

A type of transformer that has a magnetic core and two windings around the
core like primary & secondary is known as a core type transformer. In the
transformer, the core is a significant part that provides a magnetic path
continuously for a minimum air gap

The core type transformer uses various types of lamination because the
shape of the required core is simply formed when L-L & U-I stamping
lamination are associated together. Based on the transformer rating, the
shape of the transformer core is selected.

L-L and U-I Laminations

Types to Core Type Transformer

a. Single Phase

This type of core transformer uses single phase AC voltage & provides single
phase AC voltage based on the transformer’s turns ratio. In this transformer,
the magnetic circuit includes two limbs or vertical legs with two yokes or
horizontal sections
b. Three Phase

This type of transformer uses three-phase AC voltage based on the turn ratio
of the transformer. This transformer is most appropriate for transmission &
distribution purposes. The core in this kind of transformer is made up of
three legs/ limbs & two yokes.

2. Shell Type Transformer

Shell type of transformer is a type of transformer in which the magnetic

circuit consists of one central limb and two outer limbs, and both primary
and secondary windings are placed on the central limb

The arrangement of the laminations can be done with the shape of ‘E’ & ‘I
and U & T’. These laminations are arranged opposite to each other so that
high reluctance can be reduced at the joints. The alternating coats are
stacked in a different way to get rid of the permanent joint.
Types of transformer according to construction/winding

1. Core Type Transformer

In core type construction of the transformer, the magnetic core consists of

two vertical lags called limbs and two horizontal sections called yokes. In
order to reduce the leakage flux to its minimum value, half of each winding
is placed on each lag of the core

The low voltage (lv) winding is placed next to the core and the high voltage
(hv) winding is placed around the low voltage winding. This reduces the
requirement of insulating material. Hence, the primary and secondary
windings are arranged as concentric coils, thus known as concentric winding
or cylindrical winding.
The core type construction of transformer is easier to dismantle for
maintenance. The natural cooling is good in the core type transformer.
Therefore, core type transformers are suitable for high voltage and small
output applications.

2. Shell Type Transformer

In the shell type construction of the transformer, the magnetic core consists
of three vertical lags and two horizontal sections. Both the primary and
secondary windings are wound on the central limb and the two outer limbs
provide the low reluctance flux path (see the figure).
Therefore, the shell type construction involves the use of a double magnetic
circuit. The low voltage (lv) winding is placed next to the core (on the central
limb) and around the low voltage winding the high voltage (hv) winding is
placed. This arrangement reduces the requirement of insulating material.
The shell type construction of the transformer provides better support
against the electromagnetic forces between the current carrying conductors,
which are very high under short circuit conditions.
In shell type transformers, a shorter magnetic path is available, hence it
requires a small magnetising current. The natural cooling is poor in shell
type transformer, because the coils are placed on the central limb. The shell
type transformers are mainly used in low voltage and high output
applications.

Manish Kumar Saini(2021). Construction of a Transformer – Core Type and

Shell Type.Retrieve From https://www.tutorialspoint.com/construction-of-a-
transformer-core-type-and-shell-type
Types of transformer according to Functions/ Applications

Transformer Types based on Voltage Level

1. Step-Down Transformer

Step down Transformer is used in both Electronics and Electrical domain. A

step-down transformer converts the primary voltage level to a lower
voltage across the secondary output. This is achieved by the ratio of
primary and secondary windings. For step-down transformers the number of
windings is higher across the primary side than the secondary side.
Therefore, the overall winding ratio of primary and secondary always
remains more than 1.

2. Step-Up Transformer

Step Up transformer is exactly opposite of the step-down transformer. Step

up transformer increase the low primary voltage to a high secondary
voltage. Again it is achieved by the ratio of primary and secondary winding
ratio. For the Step Up transformer, the ratio of the primary winding and
the Secondary winding remains less than 1. That means the number
turns in secondary winding is higher than the primary winding.
3. Isolation Transformer

Isolation transformer does not convert any voltage levels. The Primary
voltage and the secondary voltage of an isolation transformer always remain
the same. This is because the primary and the secondary winding ratio
is always equal to the 1. That means the number of turns in primary and
secondary winding is same in isolation transformer.

Transformer Types based on Core material

1. Iron Core Transformer

Iron core transformer uses multiple soft iron plates as the core material. Due
to the excellent magnetic properties of iron, the flux linkage of the iron core
transformer is very high. Thus, the efficiency of the iron core transformer is
also high.

2. Ferrite Core Transformer

A ferrite core transformer uses a ferrite core due to high magnetic
permeability. This type of transformer offers very low losses in the high-
frequency application. Due to this, ferrite core transformers are used in high-
frequency application such as in switch mode power supply (SMPS), RF
related applications, etc.
3. Toroidal Core Transformer

Toroidal core transformer uses toroid shaped core material, such as iron core
or ferrite core. Toroids are ring or donut shaped core material and widely
used for superior electrical performance. Due to the ring shape, the leakage
inductance is very low and offers very high inductance and Q factors.

4. Air Core transformer

Air Core transformer does not use any physical magnetic core as the core
material. The flux linkage of the air-core transformer is made entirely using
the air.

It is used in portable electronics as well as Radiofrequency related

applications. Due to the absence of physical core material, it is very light in
terms of weight. Properly tuned air core transformer also used in wireless
charging solutions, where the primary windings are constructed inside the
charger and the secondary windings are situated inside the targeted device.
Types of Transformers based on Usage
1 Power Transformer

Power Transformers are larger in size and used to transfer the energy to the
substation or the public electricity supply. This transformer acts as a bridge
between the power generator and the primary distribution grid

Measurement Transformer

Measurement transformer is often referred to as an instrument transformer.

This is another commonly used measurement instrument in the power
domain. A measurement transformer is used to isolate the main power and
convert the current and voltage in a smaller ratio to its secondary output. By
measuring the output, the Phase, Current and Voltage of the actual power
line can be measured.

Distribution Transformer

This is used in the last phase of the power distribution system. Distribution
transformers are step down transformer, which converts High grid voltage to
the end customer required voltage, 110V or 230V. It can also be single phase
or three phases.

pulse Transformer

Pulse transformers are one of most used PCB mounted transformers that
produce electrical pulses in a constant amplitude. It is used in various digital
circuits where pulse generation is needed in an isolated environment.
Therefore, the pulse transformers isolate the primary and secondary and
distribute primary pulses to the secondary circuit, often digital logic gates or
drivers.

Audio Output Transformer

Audio Transformer is another commonly used transformer in the electronics

domain. It is specially used in Audio related application where impedance
matching is required. Audio transformer balances the amplifier circuit and
loads, typically a loudspeaker. The audio transformer can have multiple
primary and secondary coils, separated or center tapped.