What Are the Advantages of Electrical Transformer？

There are many different applications for transformers in electrical distribution systems and circuits. An electrical transformer distributes, transmits, and controls electrical energy within a circuit or piece of equipment. Transformers come in a variety of different types that can be used for a variety of different purposes. When compared with other electrical components, there are many advantages and disadvantages of transformers.

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There are both advantages and disadvantages of transformers in electrical systems and networks. So let’s first look at what are the benefits of transformers.

Pros of Electrical Transformers

A transformer has a number of advantages that make it ideal for electrical distribution systems and circuits, including being simple to operate and durable.

Transformers are advantageous in electrical circuits and systems for the following reasons:

Simple Working Principle

A transformer’s working principle is simple to understand. They essentially consist of a winding, two windings, or more windings with different numbers of turns around a magnetic core. Step-up and step-down transformers are made possible by varying the number of turns across one winding. The transformer is one of the easiest electrical components to understand.

Step up or Step down Voltage

In electrical distribution systems, transformers are extremely important because they can step down high voltage levels at substations so voltage can be supplied to houses at a safe level. Transformers make it very easy to operate different components of a circuit with varying voltage levels.

The cost of transformers is relatively low

Voltage transmission, distribution, and electrical isolation are all carried out by transformers, which are relatively inexpensive components. Small transformers integrated into electrical circuits are low-cost components. However, transformers that are larger and used for electrical distribution are more expensive. This is the biggest pro of electrical transformers.

Multiply electrical tapping points

Different voltage levels can be drawn from multiple tapping points on some transformers. A circuit that includes components that operate at different voltage levels can benefit from this. Electrical tapping points are typically based on the incoming supply voltage or the primary winding voltage. Hence it is possible to adjust the voltage level for other components on a 230V primary winding by tapping points of 220V, 210V, and 100V.

Possible to Connect In Reverse

It is possible to use some transformers in two different ways. Some transformers can be reverse-connected, so they can be used as step-down or step-up transformers. You can always verify this information by asking the electrical transformer or, in some cases, by reviewing the supporting documentation.

There are no moving parts in Transformers

Electromagnetic induction transfers energy across the windings of transformers without any moving mechanical parts. Generally in machinery or electrical circuits, transformers typically feature no moving parts that can wear out over time and require little maintenance.

Efficient Components

A transformer is an energy-efficient electrical device around 97% of the time. It is high for an electrical component because there is often a variety of energy losses, including heat, sound, and vibration.

Transformers Are Crucial for Distribution Systems

Electrical distribution systems rely heavily on transformers. They are highly efficient electronic devices that transmit electrical power over long distances by boosting voltage. Increasing the power allows long distances to be covered with low losses. In our homes, offices, and places of work, the power can be stepped down once it arrives at the distribution side.

Multiple Applications

There is a wide range of applications for transformers.  A transformer supplies power to components, controls circuits, distributes electricity, and supplies power and current.

Electrical Isolation

A transformer transfers energy across its windings using electromagnetic induction. Additionally, a transformer has no physical electrical connections between its windings. This isolates its circuits electrically.

Electrical Transformer Cons

In electrical circuits and systems, transformers also have certain drawbacks and disadvantages. So let’s discuss some of the disadvantages transformers have.

Old Technology

There are many electrical machines and networks that use transformers. They still follow the old way of working. However future networks will require more intelligent transformers.

Bulky and Take Up a Lot of Space

In electrical panels and machinery, transformers tend to be quite large and bulky. Generally, they take up quite a bit of space.

Some Transformers Require Regular Maintenance

In addition, larger transformers require frequent maintenance due to their surroundings. Transformers can fail if exposed to water, oil, or dust. A good preventative maintenance program can extend the lifetime of a transformer. Contact your electrical transformer manufacturer to know more.

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Used With AC Voltage Only

Transformers are unable to pass DC. As a result, they support systems with AC voltage only. This is one of the major electrical transformer cons.

Final Word

In most electrical networks and equipment, transformers play an extremely important role despite their drawbacks. Transformers are essential to everyday tasks such as charging your cell and laptop. It is evident that the pros of electrical transformers outweigh the few electrical transformer cons. Electrical distribution systems will certainly continue to use transformers for many years to come.

Electric Power Inc. is a manufacturer of transformers with custom and standard designs. We build dry-type transformers which are up to 500kVA in voltages and belong to the 600V class. We are one of the foremost electrical transformer manufacturers in Mississauga, ON, Canada.

At Power Systems International, we market the best equipment and power solutions that our customers can expect to use. We know each of our products inside out and, sometimes, that’s easier said than done. The majority of our products, systems, and machines are made up of many other intricate, stand-alone systems.

And one of those individual systems is an isolation transformer. In today’s article, we’re going to take a closer look at the precise role of an isolation transformer, explaining why we bother to use them at all. You’ll learn about the advantages and disadvantages of isolation transformers, and how Power Systems International uses them as part of our UPS set-up.

What is an Isolation Transformer?

An isolation transformer is slightly different to your standard transformer in that its chief purpose is to isolate two different electrical circuits. Simply, it isolates the load from its power supply, and this can be extremely useful when engineers need to separate equipment from a power source. These transformers manage to do so while also transferring electricity from the source to the device.

As with all transformers, they’re constructed with a primary winding and a secondary winding. But where transformers normally use electromagnetic induction in the windings to transform the current or voltage (AC) from one level to another, the windings on an isolation transformer remain separated and ensure that faults aren’t transferred along the stages.

What Are the Advantages of Using One?

Ok, so now you know what isolation transformers are. What are their applications? And what are the advantages of using them?

Safety

Like so many other electrical devices, the most obvious advantage of using an isolation transformer is the safety aspect. Isolation transformers improve safety and protect crucial equipment that’s used in high-dependency applications.

Costly home appliances and, in particular, medical equipment always runs a risk of being damaged. Isolation transformers prevent a fault continuing down the line and risking electrical shock to both staff and patients.

Noise

Isolation transformers are also effective in reducing noise. Their intelligent design naturally filters noise, and they use shields to prevent electrical fields from interrupting the power flow. Although there is still some noise caused by running electrical equipment, there’s less electromagnetic noise.

Surge Protection

These transformers can also be used to reduce the likelihood of any power surges. The direct current (DC) signals from the power source are isolated (as explained earlier) and therefore the downstream electrical equipment can run smoothly without the risk of a surge.

Improved Quality of Power

Finally, isolation transformers improve power quality. The same Faraday shields that reduce noise also improve system efficiency by reducing the potential for current leakage. Electrical devices can therefore operate at a high level.

On top of that, isolation transformers are well suited for use on high-frequency operations and for high voltage isolation.

Are There Any Disadvantages?

But, despite all of the advantages mentioned above, there are still a few disadvantages of using isolation transformers.

On certain occasions, an isolation transformer will operate as a pulse transformer. When it operates at a low frequency, it can introduce distortion into the system and produce an undesirable secondary waveform. And, without getting into any more complicated details about the disadvantages of using isolation transformers, they’re also purpose-built electronic systems. This makes them a more expensive transformer to invest in.

Isolation Transformers and PSI

At Power Systems International, we use isolation transformers in applications where it’s essential that the load is isolated from the power source. Our designs minimise the risk of potential system damage and, in particular, with our Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Systems, isolation transformers operate like a voltage converter.

Sometimes, UPS output can differ to load voltage. Isolation transformers can rectify that, and can even be used to isolate the distribution bus from the UPS or load.