Determination of transformer efficiency

A transformer is an electrical machine, the device of which is designed to convert one AC value into another. Transformers operate on alternating current. The distribution of these machines has received the widest, since long-distance electricity needs to be transmitted at voltages much higher than the level required for powering the industry or for household use. Thus, the use of a transformer can reduce the loss of electricity during transmission and increase the quality of the process. One of the most important characteristics of this machine is the efficiency of the transformer, that is, the efficiency. Another important characteristic is the transformation ratio, determined by the ratio of the input voltage to the output voltage.

A transformer is usually a static device. The usual transformer (and they come in several types) from the core, which is recruited from ferromagnetic plates, as well as secondary and primary windings, which are located opposite to the core. As already mentioned, there are basic types of transformers: boosters (output voltage is greater than at the input) and lowering (output voltage is lower than at the input). One of the important operating conditions of the device is a single voltage frequency.

To determine the efficiency of a transformer, we introduce the following notation:

• P1 is the electrical power consumed by the transformer,
• P2 - output power,
• PL is the power loss.

In this case, the energy conservation law takes the form: P1 = P2 + PL. Using these designations, it is easy to derive the transformer efficiency formula. The efficiency formula will have the following form: n = P2 / P1 = (P1-PL) / P1 = 1- PL / P1. As you can see, it can be represented in several variants. From the last formula we see that the efficiency of the transformer can not be more than 1 (that is, it is impossible to obtain a coefficient of efficiency exceeding one hundred percent). This is understandable.

Correct calculation of the efficiency of the transformer is a more complex issue than it might seem at first glance. When designing and developing circuits and the overall design of a transformer or series of transformers of a certain type, design engineers often face certain problems. For example, to reduce the cost of a transformer, you need to minimize the consumption of materials. However, on the other hand, in order to make the device more reliable in operation, the consumption of these materials will have to be increased.

It is for these inconsistent reasons that the value of the efficiency of the transformer is usually made standard, thereby normalizing the losses. When determining the value of the efficiency of a transformer, you need to take into account the cost of materials, the cost of electricity and transmission lines, that is, take into account a variety of economic factors. The efficiency of the transformer can vary depending on the load, and this factor should also be taken into account when designing the design of this device.