Transformers convert one AC voltage to another without changing the frequency. One or more coils are wound on a common ferromagnetic core, and are not electrically connected but are connected by a common magnetic flux. Transformers can be seen as stationary motors that transfer electrical energy from one voltage to another, a transformer is a static device in which all the currents and voltages are AC in nature. Through the magnetic field of the transformer, energy is transferred from the transformer to the load. Each motor loses power depending on the losses that occur in the transformer,transformers come in two types: Ideal transformer and Practical transformer.
What is an ideal transformer?
A transformer that falls into the category of an ideal transformer is nothing more than a fictitious theoretical model that does not exist in real life or in practical applications. The converter is 100% efficient, has zero losses, and is only used when analyzing circuits for actual transformer current and voltage conversion ratios.
What is a practical transformer?
The utility transformer refers to the transformer that generates energy loss inside the transformer due to the characteristics of the transformer core and winding. It can be also stated that a transformer has some energy loss in it, which is why it is called a real transformer or an practical transformer when there is some energy loss in it. The following equation can therefore be used to represent the practical transformer:
Ideal transformer + Loss of energy = practical transformer
Difference between Ideal Transformer and Practical Transformer:
| Ideal Transformer | Practical Transformer | |
| Loss of the core | In an ideal transformer, core losses (i.e. hysteresis and eddy current losses) are zero | Transformer core losses are limited |
| Core Reluctance | Zero | Lower |
| Loss of copper | It has no losses | It has no losses |
| Efficiencies | There is 100% efficiency | Efficiency is lower than 100% |
| Efficiencies are emphasized | An ideal transformer has an efficiency of 100% regardless of any parameter | Transformer efficiency is influenced by the power factor and load of the transformer |
| Resistance to winding | In an ideal transformer, the winding resistance is zero (or so small as to be negligible) | Practical transformers have a limited winding resistance |
| Leakage | It has no leakage drop | It has leakage drop |
| The ohmic resistance decreases | There is no drop in ohmic resistance | There is a drop in ohmic resistance |
| Leakage of magnetic flux | In an ideal transformer, all leakage flux generated by the primary winding is fully connected to the secondary winding | Transformers suffer from magnetic leakage |
| Permeability of the core | There is no limit to the permeability of the core | There is a limit to the permeability of the core |
| Inductive material | Pure induction material is used | Two pure induction materials are used |
| Condition | It is impossible for an ideal transformer to exist in reality because it is a theoretical model | Practical transformers exist in the real world |
| Applications | It is only used to analyze circuits to express the current-voltage conversion ratio | Real-life applications, such as increasing or decreasing voltage or current utilization levels |
