What is a step-up transformer? How does it work?

The step-up transformer, as its name suggests, is a device that increases or controls the output voltage more than its input voltage. However, it keeps the current constant without any variables. These devices are used primarily in power generation stations and power transmission.

1. What is a step-up transformer?

A transformer is an electrostatic device that converts electric energy (from the primary winding), into magnetic energy (in the transformer's magnet core), and back into electricity (on the secondary side).

A type of transformer that converts low voltage (LV), high current (HV) from the transformer's primary to high voltage(HV), and low current value (TSU) on the transformers' secondary sides.

2. Construction of the Step-up transformer

The windings, transformer enclosure and core are the components of the step-up transformer.

a. Core

The transformer core is constructed of highly waterproof material.

This material allows for a magnetic pass to flow through the material with fewer losses. The core material has a higher permeability than the surrounding air.

This material will reduce the magnetic field lines in the main material. This allows the transformer to perform better by minimising losses.

The magnetic core allows flux to flow within it, which can lead to root damage such as eddy current losses due to hysteresis.

To make the core comparable to silicon steel or ferrite, we used a low-conductivity and high-hysteresis metal.

To keep eddy currents at a minimum, the transformer core is laminated. This prevents core heating.

A significant amount of electric energy is lost when the core heats up. The transformer's performance may also be affected.

b. Winding

The cascading transformer's windings will transmit the current to it.

These windings have been specially designed to cool the transformer and withstand all conditions.

The gauge thickness is applied to the primary side. Its number of turns is less than the secondary.

Similar to the primary, the secondary uses a thin coil and turns more than it does the primary.

It is designed so that the primary supply voltage can be lower than the secondary.

Most often, the material used for transformer windings is copper or aluminium.

Copper is more expensive than aluminium, but copper can extend the life of a transformer.

Different types of coatings are available for transformers to reduce eddy currents.

3. The working theory of the Step-up transformer

Below is a symbolic representation of the step-up transformer. The input and output voltages of the step-up transformer are shown in the following illustration. V1 and V2 respectively are depicted. The turns on the windings are T1 and T2. The input coil is primary, while the output coil is secondary.

Because the primary winding has fewer turns than the secondary, the output voltage is greater than the input voltage. The alternating current in the transformer flows once, then it stops and flows in the opposite direction.

An electric current will create a magnetic field around the coil. Once the current direction changes, the direction of the magnetic poles can be altered.

The magnetic field is used to induce the voltage in the coils. The secondary coil will also generate the voltage in a magnetic field called mutual-induction. The secondary voltage is inducible by the moving magnetic field created by the alternating current from the primary coil.

This step-up transformer formula can show the primary relationship between voltage and the number of turns per winding.

V2 /V1 = T2/T1

Where V2 is the secondary coil's voltage

"V1" is the voltage of the primary coil.

The secondary coil is turned on by 'T2".

The primary coil turns on when 'T1" is turned

4. The advantages of the Step-up Transformer

These are some of the benefits of step-up transformers.

• They can be used in commercial and residential settings.
• Power Transmitter
• Maintenance
• Efficiency
• Continuous Working
• Quick Start

5. The disadvantages of the Step-up transformer

These are the disadvantages of step-up transformers:

• It needs a cooling system
• Works for Alternate Current
• These transformers are huge.

6. These are the benefits of Step-up Transformers.

These transformers are used to stabilize low-to-high voltage stability in electronic equipment, such as Inverters & Voltage Stabilizers.

• It is used for the distribution of electrical energy.
• This transformer is used for changing the voltage in power transmission lines that are generated by generators.
• This transformer can also be used to turn on electric motors, X-ray machines, microwave ovens and other devices.
• It is used to improve electrical and electronic equipment.

7. Consider these factors when selecting a step-up transformer

When choosing a step-up transformer, there are many things to consider.

• Transformers Efficiency
• There are many phases
• Transformers Rating
• Cooling Medium
• Material for Windings