How does a transformer work

A transformer is an electrical device that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to convert an input voltage into another voltage for output, and this output voltage is generally the voltage required by the terminal. And the frequency does not change. The magnitude of the input voltage usually occurs with changes in the input voltage and current. As the input voltage increases, the output voltage of the transformer also increases correspondingly, and the input voltage decreases, and the output voltage of the transformer also decreases accordingly.

To meet various needs. The size of the transformer is also different. Some transformers may be several stories high, such as those found in power stations, or small enough to be held in a hand. The most common thing we see in our daily life is a mobile phone charger. But regardless of the shape or size of the transformer, the purpose of the transformer is the same: to convert electricity from a voltage to the voltage we need.

First, we need to understand that transformers do not generate electrical energy; they use magnetic coupling to transfer electrical energy from one AC circuit to another. The iron core of the transformer is used to provide a controlled path for the magnetic flux generated in the transformer by the current flowing through the windings (also called coils). 

1. The transformer consists of four main parts. These components include input connections, output connections, windings or coils, and iron cores.

2. Input connection: The input side of the transformer is called the primary side because the main power supply to be changed is connected here.

3. Output connection: The output side or secondary side of the transformer is where the power is sent to the load. According to the requirements of the load, the input electric power will increase or decrease.

4. Winding: The transformer has two windings, namely the primary winding and the secondary winding. The primary winding is the coil that draws power from the power source. The secondary winding is a coil that transfers the energy under the transformed or changing voltage to the load. Usually, these two coils are subdivided into several coils to reduce the generation of magnetic flux.

5. Magnetic core: The transformer core is used to provide a controlled path for the magnetic flux generated in the transformer. The core is usually not a solid steel rod, but a structure of many thin laminated steel plates or layers. This structure is used to help eliminate and reduce heat.

6. Transformers usually have two types: core type and shell type. The difference between the two types is the way the primary and secondary coils are placed around the steel core.

Core type: For this type, the winding surrounds the laminated core.

Shell type: In this type, the winding is surrounded by a laminated core.

7. When the input voltage is applied to the primary winding, alternating current starts to flow in the primary winding. As the current flows, a changing magnetic field is generated in the transformer core. When this magnetic field passes through the secondary winding, an AC voltage is generated in the secondary winding.

The ratio between the actual number of turns in each coil is the key to determining the transformer type and output voltage. The ratio of the output voltage to the input voltage is the same as the ratio of the turns of the two windings.

8. If the secondary winding has more turns than the primary winding, the output voltage of the transformer is greater than the input voltage. The output voltage is boosted and is considered a "step-up transformer". If the number of turns of the secondary winding is less than the primary winding, the output voltage is lower. This is a "step-down transformer".