What is a Power Transformer? Types, Features, Benefits

What is a Power Transformer?

A power transformer is a common electrical device used to change the voltage of an electric current, often reducing high voltage to a lower level. This is done through electromagnetic induction, where the electric current in one coil generates a magnetic field that induces a current in another coil (thereby altering the voltage).?

What is a Power Transformer Used For?

Power transformers are essential in distributing electricity efficiently and safely to sensitive equipment as well as across power grids and into homes and businesses. Here are some examples of the most common reasons to include a power transformer in your electrical system:

• Voltage Transformation: Power transformers change or adjust the voltage from high to low or vice versa, making it suitable for various stages of power distribution and utilization.
• Voltage Regulation: Transformers help regulate and stabilize voltage levels within the system, ensuring that all connected devices receive the correct, consistent voltage for optimal operation.
• Energy Transmission: Power transformers can help in transmitting electricity over long distances efficiently. High voltage levels are used for long-distance transmission to reduce energy loss. The transformers can step up the voltage for transmission and step it down for distribution.
• Energy Distribution: These devices are critical to distributing electrical power to end-users. After long-distance transmission, power transformers lower the voltage to a safer level for local distribution networks, making it more easily usable for homes and businesses.
• Substation and Grid Operation: Power transformers manage and control electrical power within substations, adjusting voltage levels to balance the supply and demand of electricity across the grid and ensuring stable operation.
• Load Balancing: Transformers help to evenly distribute electrical loads across different circuits, preventing overloading and enhancing the efficiency of the electrical system.
• Safety Grounding: Isolation transformers can improve safety in electrical systems by separating different parts of the system and grounding the electrical equipment, protecting against electrical shocks and faults.
• Power Quality Improvement: Transformers can filter out electrical noise and harmonics, enhancing the overall quality of the electrical power supplied to sensitive equipment.
• Facilitating Renewable Energy Integration: Transformers help with bringing renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the grid. Voltage adjustments help these systems match the grid’s requirements and enable efficient, stable integration.
• Other Specialized Applications: Specialized transformers can cater to specific industrial and commercial needs — such as those for medical equipment or manufacturing processes — to ensure devices are receiving the precise voltage and current they require.

Parts of a Power Transformer

Here’s a breakdown of the key components that make up these electrical devices. The unique functions of each of these parts are necessary for the operation of the transformer within your electrical system.

• The core, typically made of laminated steel, provides a path for the magnetic flux.?
• Windings, usually made of copper or aluminum, are coiled around the core and carry the electrical current.
• Insulating materials and insulating oil are used to prevent electrical short circuits and to cool the transformer.?
• The tank houses the core, windings, and insulating oil, providing structural support and protection.?
• Bushings are insulators that allow electrical conductors to pass safely through the transformer tank.?
• The tap changer adjusts the transformer’s voltage ratio to regulate the output voltage.?
• A cooling system, which can include fans, radiators, or oil pumps, helps dissipate heat generated during operation.?
• Fuses protect the transformer from overcurrent conditions.?
• The breather allows the transformer to "breathe" air in and out, typically containing silica gel to remove moisture from the incoming air.

7 Types of Power Transformers

Power transformers can come in various types suited to use with manufacturing equipment, HVAC systems, commercial or residential access to the power grid, and more. These devices are often categorized by criteria related to their phases and applications. For example:

1. Single-phase and three-phase transformers: Single-phase transformers handle one alternating current (AC) phase, while three-phase transformers handle three AC phases, commonly used in industrial applications.
2. Step-up and step-down transformers: Step-up transformers increase voltage from a lower to a higher level, while step-down transformers decrease voltage from a higher to a lower level.
3. Distribution and power transformers: Distribution transformers deliver electricity to end-users at lower voltage levels, while power transformers are used in transmission networks to transfer high-voltage electricity over long distances.
4. Instrument transformers: These transformers, including current transformers (CT) and potential transformers (PT), are used to measure electrical quantities like current and voltage in power systems.
5. Autotransformers: Autotransformers have a single winding that acts as both the primary and secondary winding, providing variable voltage transformation with greater efficiency.
6. Rectifier transformers: These transformers are used in conjunction with rectifiers to convert AC to direct current (DC) for applications such as industrial electrolysis or DC motor drives.
7. Isolation transformers: Isolation transformers separate two circuits, providing electrical isolation to protect against electric shock, and are used to enhance safety and reduce noise in sensitive equipment.

They can also sometimes be more usefully organized by shape and design (such as core-type, shell-type, and berry-type transformers).

Benefits of Using Power Transformers

Power transformers offer significant benefits in the safety, control, and integration of electrical systems. Regulating voltage not only helps electrical devices receive stable and consistent voltage levels but also extends their operational lifespan by protecting them from voltage fluctuations.

When power transformers filter out electrical noise and harmonics, they also supply cleaner electricity to sensitive equipment. This promotes optimal performance and makes devices more reliable.?

Additionally, transformers provide important electrical isolation by separating circuits. This can prevent potential hazards like electric shocks and damage to sensitive equipment. Isolation aids in maintaining safety standards in both industrial and residential settings.

Finally, they can help you save on costs. By stepping up voltage for efficient long-distance transmission and stepping it down for local distribution, transformers minimize energy wastage, lowering operational costs and promoting a more environmentally friendly grid.

Purchase Power Transformers From Veris

If you’re in need of devices to regulate and stabilize electricity, isolate circuits, or step voltage up or down, Veris has you covered. Explore our line of power transformers and select the product that’s right for you. Need help deciding? Don’t hesitate to contact Veris and speak to an expert for guidance on the best fit for your application.