Transformer Fundamentals

In Transformer Fundamentals , you'll learn ...

• The physical characteristics of transformers, including their basic parts, common core materials, and main core types
• How to identify a transformer as step up or step down and state the current ratio of a transformer when given the turns ratio
• How to solve for primary voltage, secondary voltage, primary current, and number of turns in the secondary given various transformer values
• General safety precautions to observe when working with transformers and other electrical components

Overview

Preview a portion of this course before purchasing it.

Credit: 2 CPD

Length: 24 pages

A transformer is an electrical device that transfers energy from one circuit to another purely by magnetic coupling. Transformers are often used to convert between high and low voltages, to change impedance, and to provide electrical isolation between circuits. A transformer doesn't change power levels, though. If you put 100 Watts into a transformer, 100 Watts come out the other end. Actually, there are minor losses in the transformer because nothing in the real world is 100% perfect. But transformers come pretty darn close; perhaps 95% efficient.

This course presents the basics of transformers including transformer action, transformer components, and transformer design. It also covers the essential operational principles behind transformers, as well as practical matters such as power losses and transformer efficiency. Finally, the course discusses different applications of various transformer types and concludes with a brief look at some safety precautions to take when working with transformers.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Classify transformer action and the physical characteristics of transformers with sufficient accuracy to distinguish them from related concepts.
• Evaluate the difference in construction between a high-voltage and a low-voltage transformer, citing the distinguishing characteristics relevant to engineering decisions.
• Outline "no-load condition" and "exciting current" with sufficient accuracy to distinguish it from related concepts.
• Interpret the meaning of leakage flux and its effect on the coefficient of coupling and determine the resulting implications for system performance or safety.
• Distinguish between step-up and step-down transformers and demonstrate understanding through an assessment question or scenario.
• Apply the current ratio of a transformer when given the turns ratio using course principles and given data.
• Estimate the relationship between the power in the primary and the power in the secondary of a transformer using course principles and given data.
• Relate the three power losses in a transformer and demonstrate understanding through an assessment question or scenario.
• Assess the five different types of transformers according to their applications in a representative engineering or safety scenario.
• Develop general safety precautions when working with transformers in a representative engineering or safety scenario.

Certificate of Completion

You will be able to immediately print a certificate of completion after passing a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 15 questions. CPD credits are not awarded until the course is completed and quiz is passed.