Answer:
Inan ideal transformerthe power inputto the primary coil equals the power output from thesecondary coil. In real-world applications, due to minor losses (like core and copper lossestransformers typically operate at 95–99% efficiency.
Example:
If a transformerhas 1000 VA input powerand98%efficiency, the output power will be:
1000 VA × 0.98 = 980 VA.

Answer:
The current increases as voltage decreases, assuming power remains constant. If the secondary voltage is half, the current will double.
Example:
Primary: 240 V @ 2 A → Secondary: 120 V @ 4 A (ideal condition).

Answer:
The turns ratio (number of wire turns on the coils). If the secondary winding has more turns than the primary, it’s a step-up transformer. If it has fewer, it’s a step-down transformer.
Formula:

Diagram showing how a transformer steps voltage up or down

Answer:

"Transformer increasing voltage from 55V to 165V with turns ratio calculation

The secondary winding has 3 times as many turns as the primary.

Answer:
Assuming a 97% efficiency,

Transformer primary and secondary coils showing 350 VA power transfer

Answer:

  • Primary winding receives input voltage.

  • Secondary winding delivers the transformed voltage to the load.
    Their wire gauge, insulation, and number of turns are designed based on the voltage and current requirements.

Answer:
Secondary voltage tends to drop as load increases due to voltage drop across internal impedance. This phenomenon is measured by voltage regulation.

Answer:
It shows how much the voltage drops under full load compared to no load.
A lower % means better voltage stability.

Transformer percent voltage regulation explained with voltage drop illustration

Answer:

  • Use voltage regulation taps on the transformer.

  • Choose a transformer with low impedance.

  • Employ automatic voltage regulators.

Answer:

  • Core (iron) lossesdue to magnetic hysteresis and eddy currents.

  • Copper (R) lossesdue to resistance in the windings.

Answer:

This implies a step-down transformer with 3 times more turns in the primary.

Transformer turns ratio calculation based on 7A primary and 21A secondary current

Answer:
In ideal transformers:

Diagram showing the inverse relationship between voltage and current ratios in a transformer

Voltage ratio is directly proportional to turns ratio and inversely proportional to current ratio.

Answer:
Voltage taps adjust the transformer’s output to compensate for high or low input voltage. They help maintain stable output voltage without replacing the unit.

Answer:

  1. Voltage transformation (step-up or step-down)

  2. Electrical isolation between circuits

  3. Impedance matching in communication or audio systems

Answer:
The winding connected to the lower voltage source is the primary winding, even if the output voltage is higher.

Answer:

  1. Rated Power (kVA)

  2. Input and output voltage levels

  3. Frequency (e.g., 50 Hz or 60 Hz)

  4. Type (dry-type, oil-immersed, isolation, autotransformer)

Answer:

  • Wye (Y) connection:

Three-phase transformer showing phase voltage of 240V and calculated line voltage
  • Delta (Δ) connection:
Three-phase transformer in delta connection with 240V phase voltage and line voltage

Answer:
A transformer is an electrical device that transfers electrical energy between two or more circuits through electromagnetic induction. It typically works on alternating current (AC) and consists of a core and two or more windings.

Answer:

  • Step-up transformer: Increases voltage.

  • Step-down transformer: Decreases voltage.

  • Isolation transformer: Electrically separates two circuits.

  • Autotransformer: A single winding acts as both primary and secondary.

  • Three-phase transformer: For industrial applications.

  • Dry-type transformer: Air-cooled, safe for indoor use.

  • Oil-immersed transformer: Uses mineral oil for cooling and insulation.

Answer:

  • Single-phase: Used in residential and light commercial applications.

  • Three-phase: Used in industrial and high-power distribution systems. It’s more efficient for large loads.

Answer:
Most power transformers have efficiency between 95% and 99.5%, depending on size and design. Larger units are generally more efficient.

Answer:
Impedance is the opposition to current flow within the transformer due to both resistance and reactance. It’s expressed as a percentage and affects voltage regulation and fault current.

Answer:
Measured in kVA (kilovolt-amperes), it indicates the maximum load a transformer can handle without overheating.
Example: A 75 kVA transformer can support a load of up to 75,000 VA.

Answer:

  • Load Loss (Copper Loss): Happens when the transformer delivers power to a load, due to winding resistance.

  • No-Load Loss (Core Loss): Occurs even without a load, caused by magnetic excitation of the core.

Answer:
Bushings are insulated terminals that allow electrical conductors to pass through the transformer tank while maintaining electrical insulation.

Answer:
It defines the phase difference and configuration of windings in three-phase transformers (e.g., Dyn11, Yyn0). It’s important for paralleling transformers and system compatibility.

Answer:
It accommodates expansion and contraction of transformer oil as temperature changes, helping to maintain proper oil level and pressure.

Answer:

  • Regular oil testing (for oil-immersed units)

  • Checking insulation resistance

  • Thermographic scanning

  • Physical inspection for leaks or overheating

  • Cleaning and tightening terminals

Answer:
No. Transformers only work with AC (Alternating Current) because they rely on changing magnetic fields to induce voltage.

Answer:
A well-maintained transformer can last 25–40 years or more, depending on usage, load, maintenance, and environment.

Answer:

  • Overloading

  • Poor ventilation or cooling

  • Harmonics

  • Faulty connections

  • Deteriorated insulation

Answer:
It adjusts the number of active coil turns to regulate output voltage.

  • Off-load tap changer: Requires de-energization.

  • On-load tap changer (OLTC): Can adjust under load without power interruption.

Answer:
Harmonics are voltage/current waveforms at multiples of the fundamental frequency. They can cause heating, vibration, and noise in transformers.

Answer:
Yes, but conditions must match:

  • Same voltage ratio

  • Same impedance

  • Same polarity

  • Same phase angle and vector group

Answer:

  • Power distribution (utility transformers)

  • Industrial machinery

  • Renewable energy systems (solar, wind)

  • Medical equipment (isolation transformers)

  • HVAC systems

  • Marine and oil platforms

  • Commercial buildings

Answer:

  • Use appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

  • De-energize before maintenance

  • Follow grounding protocols

  • Respect clearance distances

  • Check for oil leaks and hotspots

Answer:

  • CE (Europe)

  • UL/CSA (North America)

  • GOST (Russia/CIS)

  • ISO 9001 / ISO 14001

  • Type test reports (short-circuit, temperature rise, lightning impulse)

Answer:
Grounding provides a path for fault currents and enhances system safety. It also prevents overvoltages caused by lightning or switching surges.

Answer:
Because transformers supply both active (kW) and reactive (kVAR) power. They are not affected by the load power factor, so kVA reflects total capacity more accurately.