Power Transformers: Types, Function & Benefits

Power transformers are generally found in Canada with local electrical suppliers who deal in bulk electrical supplies.

What is a Power Transformer?

A power transformer is a machine or one kind of transformer that transfers the Power or electrical energy from one circuit to the other without altering the frequency. Surplus Electrical transformers generate power electricity. It is an electromagnetic device that is not movable or has no moving parts, hence called a static device. It converts the voltage from a high-voltage transmission line to a low-voltage consumer line or distribution network.

Power transformers are primarily used in places where the load is 24/7. It is mainly used to reduce power loss during the power transmission process. The power transformer instruments are built on an alternating current (AC) electrical system.

Did you know that initially, the power transformers were fluid immersed? 

Do you know the life cycle of the power transformers instruments?

Well, the life cycle is almost 30 years. 

Types and Range of Power transformers  

• Large Power Transformers – Range goes from 100 MVA and above
• Medium Power Transformers – Range goes from 100 MVA
• Small Power Transformers- Range goes from 500 to 7500 KVA

1. Step Up Transformer and Step-Down Transformer

What is a Step-up transformer?

Such transformers help reduce or increase voltage through an electrical circuit. Converting Low voltage and high current from the leading side of the transformer to the high voltage and low current value on the subordinate side of the transformer.

This kind of power transformer is also used in rechargeable batteries.

What is a Step-down transformer?

Step-down transformers operate in the opposite direction compared to Step up transformers. It converts the high voltage and low current from the leading side of the transformer to the low voltage and high current value on the subordinate side of the transformer

1. Distribution Transformer

This kind of transformer is enormous in size and needs a particular area for installation as per the load, load center, and development. Based on the size and weight, it will be installed on a single H pole. The various types of transformers in the distribution system are single-phase, 3-phase, underground, pad-mounted and pole-mounted transformers. Earlier, these transformers were used for larger industrial applications only, but with the invention of small practical, efficient surplus electrical transformers, AC power distribution has become highly feasible.

What are a three-phase transformer and a single-phase transformer?

 A three-phase transformer is used in three-phase power systems, which are more effective than single-phase transformers. It is generally advised to use three single-phase transformers instead of one three-phase transformer as its lightweight.

A three-phase transformer is easy to install and more functionally efficient in delivering more Power.

C. Current Transformer

A current transformer (CT) comprises an instrument that produces alternating current in the subordinate coil compared to the current produced in the primary. Current transformers are also one kind of instrument transformers.

Let’s understand the benefits of power transformers

• Cost-effective

The actual cost of surplus electrical transformers is not as expensive as the distribution transformers. This kind of transformer provides a very cost-effective and efficient way for voltage transformation.

• Known as a static device

The local electrical wholesalers sell power transformers that have no moving parts inside. The energy is transferred from one circuit to the other by electromagnetic induction. It has a long life and can be started at any time.

• Easy working mechanism

The electrical suppliers in Canada deal in bulk electrical supplies that of power transformers comprising of a single and coupled windings along with various turns on a magnetic core for devising mutual coupling between circuits

• Types of transformers with a wide usage area

Transformers are divided into Power, current, distribution, isolation, and potential transformers. They all work on different mechanisms where some of them use step up, and some of them use step down currents for the measurement instruments.

• Works for longer hours

Specific electrical equipment cannot work non-stop or for longer hours. They must be switched off for a few hours to cool them down. But with power transformers, that is not the case. It can be used for long hours in power distribution systems.

• Ample Electrical Tapping Points

Specific transformers include ample tapping points useful in electrical circuits for multiple voltage levels to be drawn. At the same time, we define the electrical tapping points as a certain percentage of the supply or windings voltage level.

A primary winding of 230V can feature e; electrical tapping points of 220V, 210V, and 100V

To Wrap Up!

The surplus electrical transformers are critical in electrical distribution systems for transmitting electrical supply for long distances. Raising the voltage to a high level allows the power supply to travel with low losses to long distances.

Once it reaches the destination, it can be used domestically at homes, offices, and other places of work. The local electrical wholesalers also call it an AC-DC converter or a DC-AC converter.

At Surplus Electrical, find these electrical devices easily for larger purposes.