Transformer reducing: the principle of action and types

The principle of operation of any transformer is based on the phenomenon of self-induction. The transformer reducing is practically the same as the boosting one. It is enough to change the way of connection (turn over the element) and from the lowering it will be a step up analog.

In control circuits, transformers are used to organize galvanic isolation, when the input of the device comes to phase and ground zero, and the output voltage appears without a grounded neutral. This is mainly used to power equipment that operates on logic elements.

There are transformers lowering single-phase, two-phase and three-phase. There are autotransformers and current transformers - all these types are successfully used in different directions of the energy sector.

Transformer - a device consisting of two windings with a laminated core, which is recruited from electrical steel. If it is necessary to make the usual galvanic isolation, then these coils should be made with the same number of turns. If you want to make a transformer lowering, the number of turns will be different.

The input voltage is supplied to the device (an electromotive force arises in the winding that generates a magnetic field). This field crosses the coils of the second coil, where its own electromotive force of self-induction arises. In turn, the second coil also has a voltage that will differ from the primary one by the same amount as the number of turns of both windings.

Calculation of the step-down transformer is necessary to understand what the parameters of the device should be. Due to the fact that the EMF of self-induction occurs due to motion, the transformer operates only on alternating voltage. That is why in the household network - only alternating current.

Today, the most popular variant is the transformer reducing. For most often there is a need to convert high voltage to low voltage. They are used in the field of urban electrification (in substations and power plants). Steam turbines and hydroelectric generators generate a voltage with the expectation of providing a certain area of the city with energy, so it is important to use step-down transformers so that the initial voltage at each of the sections is converted to acceptable for domestic needs.

But the transformer is often used at home (for adaptation of low-voltage devices to the 220 volt network). For this purpose, they are used in electronics, in power supplies and all kinds of adapters, in stabilizers and other devices.

When buying a transformer, it is important to pay attention to the efficiency, power and number of turns of both windings. There are transformers with several terminals (this means that the device has several groups of connections and, depending on the value of the input and output values, the necessary circuit is formed). These are universal transformers. They are, however, slightly more expensive, but they are in great demand.

There are transformers for welding. Increasing analogs are used here. This is done in order to create the currents needed to melt the metal. These devices are also selected according to some parameters. The main, as it is easy to guess, is the current strength.