Part I
What is transformer?
A transformer is a passive electrical device that transfers electrical energy from
one electrical circuit to another, or multiple circuits. A varying current in any one
coil of the transformer produces a varying magnetic flux in the transformer's core,
which induces a varying electromotive force across any other coils wound around
the same core. Electrical energy can be transferred between separate coils
without a metallic (conductive) connection between the two circuits. Faraday's
law of induction, discovered in 1831, describes the induced voltage effect in any
coil due to a changing magnetic flux encircled by the coil.
Types of Transformer
There are various types of transformer used in the electrical power system for
different purposes, like generation, distribution and transmission and utilization of
electrical power.
1. Step up Transformer - Step-up transformer transforms a low voltage,
high current AC into a high voltage, low current AC system in this type of
transformer the number of turns in the secondary winding is greater than
the number of turns in the primary winding. If (V2 > V1) the voltage is
raised on the output side and is known as Step-up transformer
2. Stepdown Transformer - Step down transformer converts a high primary
voltage associated with the low current into a low voltage, high current.
With this type of transformer, the number of turns in the primary winding is
greater than the number of turns in the secondary winding. If (V2 < V1) the
voltage level is lowered on the output side and is known as Step down
transformer.
3. Power Transformer - The power transformers are used in the
transmission networks of higher voltages. The ratings of the power
transformer are as follows 400 KV, 200 KV, 110 KV, 66 KV, 33 KV. They
are mainly rated above 200 MVA. Mainly installed at the generating
stations and transmission substations. They are designed for maximum
efficiency of 100%. They are larger in size as compared to the distribution
transformer.
4. Distribution Transformer - This type of transformer has lower ratings like
11 KV, 6.6 KV, 3.3 KV, 440 V and 230 V. They are rated less than 200
MVA and used in the distribution network to provide voltage
transformation in the power system by stepping down the voltage level
where the electrical energy is distributed and utilized at the consumer end.
Uses of Distribution Transformer:
a. Used in pumping stations where the voltage level is below 33 KV
b. Power supply for the overhead wires railways electrified with AC
c. In urban areas, many houses are fed with single-phase distribution
transformer and in rural areas, it may be possible that one house
requires one single transformer depending upon the loads
d. Multiple distribution transformers are used for industrial and
commercial areas.
e. Used in wind farms where the electrical energy is generated by the
windmills. There it is used as a power collector to connect the
substations which are away from the wind energy generation
system.
5. Instrument Transformer - They are generally known as an isolation
transformer. Instrument transformer is an electrical device used to
transform current as well as a voltage level. The most common use of
instrument transformer is to safely isolate the secondary winding when the
primary has high voltage and high current supply so that the measuring
instrument, energy meters or relays which are connected to the secondary
side of the transformer will not get damaged.
The instrument transformer is further divided into two types
a) Current Transformer - The current transformer is used for
measuring and also for the protection. When the current in the
circuit is high to apply directly to the measuring instrument, the
current transformer is used to transform the high current into the
desired value of the current required in the circuit.
b) Potential Transformer - The potential transformer is also called as
the voltage transformer. The primary winding is connected across
the High voltage line whose voltage is to be measured, and all the
measuring instruments and meters are connected to the secondary
side of the transformer. The main function of the Potential
transformer is to step down the voltage level to a safe limit or value.
The primary winding of the potential transformer is earthed or
grounded as a safety point
6. Single Phase Transformer - A single-phase transformer is a static
device, works on the principle of Faraday’s law of mutual Induction. At a
constant level of frequency and variation of voltage level, the transformer
transfers AC power from one circuit to the other circuit. There are two
types of windings in the transformer. The winding to which AC supply is
given is termed as Primary winding and in the secondary winding, the load
is connected.
7. Three Phase Transformer - Three-phase supply is mainly used for
electric power generation, transmission and distribution for industrial
purpose. It is less costly to assemble three single-phase transformers to
form a three-phase transformer than to purchase one single three-phase
transformer. The three-phase transformer connection can be done by Star
(Wye) and Delta (Mesh) type
Part II
What is electric motor?
An electric motor is an electrical machine that converts electrical energy into
mechanical energy. Most electric motors operate through the interaction between
the motor's magnetic field and electric current in a wire winding to generate force
in the form of torque applied on the motor's shaft.
Types of Electric Motors
Electric motors are now more diverse and adaptable than ever before. When
planning a motion control system, the choice of motor is extremely important.
The motor must align with the purpose and overall performance goals of the
system. Luckily, there is a motor design suitable for any imaginable purpose
Some of the most common electric motors used today include:
1. AC Brushless Motors - AC brushless motors are some of the most
popular in motion control. They use induction of a rotating magnetic field,
generated in the stator, to turn both the stator and rotor at a synchronous
rate. They rely on permanent electromagnets to operate
2. DC Brushed Motors - In a DC brushed motor, brush orientation on the
stator determines current flow. In some models, the brush’s orientation
relative to the rotor bar segments is decisive instead. The commutator is
especially important in any DC brushed motor design.
3. DC Brushless Motors - DC brushless motors were first developed to
achieve higher performance in a smaller space than DC brushed motors,
and they are smaller than comparable AC models. An embedded
controller is used to facilitate operation in the absence of a slip ring or
commutator.
4. Direct Drive - Direct drive is a high-efficiency, low-wear technology
implementation that replaces conventional servo motors and their
accompanying transmissions. In addition to being far easier to maintain
over a longer period of time, these motors accelerate more quickly.
5. Linear Motors - These electric motors feature an unrolled stator and
motor, producing linear force along the device’s length. In contrast to
cylindrical models, they have a flat active section featuring two ends. They
are typically faster and more accurate than rotatory motors.
6. Servo Motors - A servo motor is any motor coupled with a feedback
sensor to facilitate positioning; thus, servo motors are the backbone of
robotics. Both rotary and linear actuators are used. Low-cost brushed DC
motors are common, but are being superseded by brushless AC motors
for high-performance applications.
7. Stepper Motors - Stepper motors use an internal rotor, electronically
manipulated by external magnets. The rotor can be made with permanent
magnets or a soft metal. As windings are energized, the rotor teeth align
with the magnetic field. This allows them to move from point to point in
fixed increments.
