A transformer is a device that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to change the AC voltage. The transformer that converts high-voltage power to low-voltage power is called a step-down transformer, and the transformer that converts low-voltage power to high-voltage power is called a step-up transformer. The transformer converts voltage, current, and impedance via electromagnetic mutual induction.Transformers transform voltage in order to facilitate the transmission of power. The voltage can be increased by a step-up transformer, reducing line losses, increasing power transmission efficiency, and achieving long-distance power transmission. With a step-down transformer, the high voltage can be changed into the use voltage at any level required by the user, such as 230V or 115V depending on the user’s needs. Step down transformer are the topic of this article, learn more about step up transformers here.
What is a Step Down Transformer
With a step down transformer, high voltage power from the power grid is reduced to low voltage for various electrical equipment to meet their needs. The step down transformer is a transformer that reduces the output voltage and converts the higher voltage at the input into a lower output voltage. In other words, it can convert a low current high voltage to a high-current low voltage, which is the purpose of a step down transformer.
How does Step Down Transformer work?
The step down transformer working principle is principle of electromagnetic induction: Let us now explain the basic working principle of a single-phase double winding transformer. When a voltage is applied to the primary winding, the current flowing in the core will produce alternating magnetic flux. These magnetic fluxes are called main magnetic flux, and the main magnetic flux will pass through. The primary and secondary windings, and induced electromotive force will be generated in the windings. At this time, if the secondary side is connected to the load, current will flow out to generate electric energy.
The types of Step Down Transforme
1. Single Phase Step Down Transformer
Using a single phase, the output current and voltage can be stepped down to a lower value, such as 12V AC.
2. Center Tapped Step Down Transformer
Center tapped circuits consist of one primary and a center split within the secondary so they produce an output voltage with a center split such as 12v to 0 to 12v.
3. Multi Tapped Step Down Transformer
Secondary winding in Multi Tapped are tapped numerous times to get the preferred voltage output, for example 0 to 12 V, 0 to 18 V.
The construction of Step Down Transformer
Core
Core is the main magnetic circuit part of the Step Down Transformer. It is usually made of hot-rolled or cold-rolled silicon steel sheets with high silicon content, thicknesses of 0.35mm, 0.3mm, 0.27mm, and insulating paint coated on the surface. The core of Step Down Transformer is divided into two parts: a core column and a cross piece. The core column is covered with windings; The cross piece is used to close the magnetic circuit.
Winding
The winding is the circuit part of the transformer, which is wound with double-filament insulated flat copper wire or enameled round copper wire. The basic principle of step down transformer is the principle of electromagnetic induction. Now take a single phase dual winding transformer as an example to illustrate its basic working principle: When the voltage U1 is applied to the primary winding, the current I1 flows, and alternating magnetic flux O1 is generated in the iron core. These magnetic fluxes are called the main magnetic flux. Under its action, the windings on both sides induce electric potential respectively. Finally Drive the transformer control device.
The applications of Step Down Transformer
- Fast Train Switch Board
- Inverters
- Medical Equipment
- Industrial Automation
- Electrical Isolation
- Metering Devices
- Voltage Stabilizers
- TV Sets
- Home Appliances
- Adapters
- CD Players
- Doorbells
- Chargers
- Power Plants
- Substations
- Musical/Entertainment
- Rectifier Circuits
- PCB Circuit Modules
- Electrical and Electronic Equipment
- Power Distribution Network
The Factors Consideration in Manufacturing Step Down Transformers
Core
The step down transformer completes the regulation of current value and voltage value by means of the principle of electromagnetic induction, and the core is the core component of the transformer, and its material condition determines the regulation function of the step down transformer. It is best to add silicon to the core material in order to reduce the electrical and thermal conductivity of the low steel plate and avoid higher energy consumption after the device is in use.
Insulation Materials
Considering the safety issues related to step down transformer installation, the rate of transformer accidents has continued to spike in recent years, we should select insulating materials carefully to protect the normal operation of other components in the system. Insulation performance of step down transformers should be enhanced in terms of isolation between coil frame layers and isolation between winding.
Impregnated Material
Dipping treatment is the final process of winding material processing, the main purpose is to improve the mechanical properties, electrical properties, and insulation properties of the material to avoid various safety accidents in later use. After selecting the winding material, paint the impregnating material and set an insulating layer on the surface of the material. Cresol varnish is the more commonly used lacquer, which provides better safety after painting and increases step up transformer service life.
The factors that may lead to step up transformer failure
1. Circuit failure
Step up transformer circuit failure is usually caused by a short circuit at the outlet, and there is a short circuit to ground between the leads wire or windings inside the step up transformer. For the short-circuit problem of the step up transformer at the low-voltage outlet, to solve the problem you generally need to replace the winding at the fault.
2. Winding failure problem
The following are possibilities for winding failure:The weld of the joint is extremely prone to cracking
- The weld of the joint is extremely prone to cracking
- Phase to phase short circuit problem
- Short circuit in turn
- Ground fault of winding
3. Step down transformer oil leakage fault
Transformer oil leakage fault is the most common fault in the entire power transformer fault. As a hidden safety hazard, this problem will greatly affect the safe and stable operation of power transformers, and in severe cases, it may cause the inoperability of machinery and equipment.
4. The temperature at the joint, how high is the fault
The temperature at the joint and how high the fault joint refers to the current-carrying joint of the transformer. Throughout the design of the step down transformer, the current-carrying joints of the transformer have always assumed extremely important responsibilities. The analysis and summary of the power accident can be obtained: The unstable connection of the current-carrying connector of the transformer causes the temperature at the connector to rise rapidly, even exceeding the ignition point of the connector, causing the connector to burn out, which seriously affects the safe and stable operation of the power transformer.
