1 Introduction

Transformer is one of the most used of electrical components in our daily life. Since the power source in our home
give out a constant amount of power but our appliances uses different amount of electrical power to operate
properly, transformer is therefore very useful in ensuring that all the appliances can work properly on the same
power outlet.

2 Theory
In this lab session I learned about transformer, types of transformer, its applications, construction
and working. These terms are explained as follows:

2.1 Transformer
It is defined as:
“A transformer can be defined as a static device which helps in the transformation of electric
power in one circuit to electric power of the same frequency in another circuit. The
voltage can be raised or lowered in a circuit, but with a proportional increase or decrease in the
current ratings.”

2.2 Construction
Basically, a transformer is made up of two parts which include; two inductive coils and a
laminated steel core. The coils are insulated from each other and also insulated to prevent contact
with the core.

The construction of the transformer will thus be examined under the coil and core construction. 

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2.2.1 Transformer’s core

The core of the transformer is always constructed by stacking laminated sheets of steel together,
ensuring a minimum air-gap exists between them. The transformers core in recent times is
always made up of laminated steel core instead of iron cores to reduce losses due to eddy current.
There are three major shapes of the laminated steel sheets to choose from, which are E, I, and L.

When stacking the lamination together to form the core, they are always stacked in such a way
that the sides of the joint are alternated. For example, of the sheets are assembled as front faced
during the first assembly, they will be back faced for the next assembly as shown in the image
below. This is done to prevent high reluctance at the joints.

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2.3 Working
Its working principle is based on phenomenon of mutual induction between two windings linked
by common magnetic flux.

2.3.1 Explanation
Basically, a transformer consists of two inductive coils; primary winding and the secondary
winding. The coils are electrically separated but magnetically linked to each other. When the
primary winding is connected to a source of alternating voltage, alternating magnetic flux is
produced around the winding. The core provides a magnetic path for the flux, to get linked with
the secondary winding. Most of the flux gets linked with the secondary winding which is called
as 'useful flux' or main 'flux', and the flux which does not get linked with secondary winding is
called as 'leakage flux'. As the flux produced is alternating (the direction of it is continuously
changing), EMF gets induced in the secondary winding according to Faraday's law of
electromagnetic induction. This emf is called 'mutually induced emf', and the frequency of
mutually induced emf is the same as that of supplied emf. If the secondary winding is a closed
circuit, then mutually induced current flows through it, and hence the electrical energy is
transferred from one circuit (primary) to another circuit (secondary).

2.4 Types
Its types on different basis are given as follows:
Based on construction:

 Core type: In core-type transformer, the windings are given to a considerable part of the
core. The coils used for this transformer are form-wound and are of cylindrical type. Such a

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 type of transformer can be applicable for small sized and large sized transformers. In the
small sized type, the core will be rectangular in shape and the coils used are cylindrical.
 Shell type: In shell-type transformers the core surrounds a considerable portion of the
windings. The coils are form-wound but are multi layer disc type usually wound in the form
of pancakes. Paper is used to insulate the different layers of the multi-layer discs. The whole
winding consists of discs stacked with insulation spaces between the coils. These insulation
spaces form the horizontal cooling and insulating ducts. Such a transformer may have the
shape of a simple rectangle or may also have a distributed form.

Based on voltage level:

 Step up: A transformer in which the output (secondary) voltage is greater than its input
(primary) voltage is called a step-up transformer. The step-up transformer decreases the
output current for keeping the input and output power of the system equal
 Step down: A transformer in which the output (secondary) voltage is less than its input
(primary) voltage is called a step-down transformer. The number of turns on the primary of
the transformer is greater than the turn on the secondary of the transformer.

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2.5 Applications
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.