Types of Power Transformers

Author: Atul Singh

Transformers are magnetic interfaces which are present between circuits of different alternating voltage and current. These two circuits are connected using a magnetic core which serves as an intermediary. Transformers are used for changing the voltage of an alternating circuit. This is done by connecting two circuits at a magnetic core. The circuits are used around the core and the primary circuit passes magnetic energy from the core to the other circuit. Transformers are mainly used for two things: signal matching and power supply. Different types of transformers are available in the market; some of them are listed below:

Step-up Transformers

These transformers have a number of windings on the side which outputs energy. They keep increasing the voltage along with reducing current.

Isolation Transformers

These transformers are capable of stepping the voltage up and down. Isolation transformers are used for different purposes, some of them are:

  • They break the circuit into primary and secondary and this doesn’t allow direct-current noise during operation.
  • These transformers prevent capacitance to buildup between the primary and secondary circuits which is known to cause high-frequency noise.
  • Isolation transformers also prevent unintentional ground connections between the primary and secondary circuits.
  • They isolate the secondary circuit from the primary circuits’ current whenever there is a need to prevent shock.

Variable Auto-Transformers

Also known as variacs, variable auto-transformers can vary the voltage from the primary circuit to the secondary circuit. These transformers are very close to the primary and secondary windings because of which they are widely used with low voltages for preventing arcing. Variacs are similar to potentiometers. But, they use inductance instead of resistance for varying voltage that each circuit takes.

Current Transformers

Current transformers use an ammeter which is not inserted into the circuit directly. This makes the transformers helpful for large power lines. The core of these transformers is hoop-shaped and it is fitted around the large line that is a single-winding primary circuit. Secondary windings in these transformers are high like it is in a normal transformer.

There are many more types of transformers available in the market. These include dry type transformers, step-down transformers, high voltage transformers and many more. In all these transformers, remote operation is possible which makes them an ideal industrial choice. All transformers differ when it comes to their specifications, cooling methods and drive mechanisms. Good quality Dry Type Transformer can be sourced from Dry Transformer Manufacturers in Jharkhand.