An electrical transformer is an ac machine which steps the ac electricity from one voltage level to another. There are hundreds of different types of transformers, that can be utilized for different applications. Watch the video below or skip to text.
Given below is a list of 50+ different types of transformers and their practical applications:
Contents
- 1 Power Transformers
- 2 On the Basis of Stepping
- 3 Instrument Transformers
- 4 On the Basis of Insulation Medium
- 5 On the Basis of Core Construction
- 6 On the Basis of Type of Core Used
- 7 On the Basis of Cooling Methods
- 8 On the Basis of Phase Number
- 9 Special Purpose Transformers
- 9.1 Auto-transformer
- 9.2 Auxiliary Transformer
- 9.3 Capacitive Coupled Voltage Transformer (CCVT)
- 9.4 Ferroresonant Transformers (CVT)
- 9.5 Grounding or Earthing Transformers
- 9.6 High Frequency Transformers
- 9.7 Impedance Matching Transformers
- 9.8 Linear Variable Differential Transformer
- 9.9 Rotary Variable Differential Transformer
- 9.10 Pad Mounted Transformer
- 9.11 Power Supply Transformer
- 9.12 Center Tapped Transformers
- 9.13 Saturable Reactors
- 9.14 Scott-T Transformer
- 9.15 Tesla Coil Transformer
- 9.16 Multiple Winding Transformers
- 9.17 Tapped Transformers
- 9.18 Welding Transformers
- 9.19 Zigzag Transformers
Power Transformers
Unit Transformers
Unit transformers are transformers used to step voltage up voltage. These are large sized transformers installed at power substations and they serve to step up the generated power for transmission at large distances.
Substation Transformers
Substation transformers are transformers used in electrical substations to either step up or step down voltage levels for the purpose of transmission or distribution of electrical power. They play a crucial role in the electrical grid by facilitating the transfer of power from generating stations to distribution networks and ultimately to consumers.
Distribution Transformers
Distribution transformers are transformers specifically designed for the distribution of electrical power to end-users. They typically step down high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower voltage levels suitable for use in homes, businesses, and other facilities.
On the Basis of Stepping
Step-up Transformers
Step-up transformers are transformers that increase voltage levels from the input to the output. They are commonly used in power transmission to raise voltage levels for efficient long-distance transmission, reducing power loss.
Step-down Transformers
Step-down transformers are transformers that decrease voltage levels from the input to the output. They are widely used in power distribution systems to reduce high-voltage electricity from transmission lines to lower levels suitable for consumption by end-users.
Isolation Transformers
Isolation transformers are transformers that electrically isolate the input and output circuits, preventing direct current flow between them. They are commonly used to provide electrical safety and to protect sensitive equipment from power surges and electrical noise.
Instrument Transformers
Instrument transformers are transformers used in measurement and protection circuits. They are designed to accurately transform high voltage or high current levels to levels suitable for measurement by instruments or for operation of protective devices such as relays.
Potential Transformers
Potential transformers, also known as voltage transformers, are instrument transformers used to step down high voltage levels to lower, safer levels for measurement and protection purposes.
Current Transformers
Current transformers are instrument transformers used to step down high current levels to lower, manageable levels for measurement and protection purposes.
On the Basis of Insulation Medium
Oil Immersed Transformers
Oil-immersed transformers are transformers where the core and windings are immersed in transformer oil, which serves as both a coolant and insulating medium. They are commonly used in power distribution and transmission applications.
Dry Type Transformers
Dry type transformers are transformers where the core and windings are not immersed in oil but instead are insulated with materials such as epoxy resin. They are often used in indoor applications where flammability and environmental concerns are factors.
On the Basis of Core Construction
Core Type
Core-type transformers have the windings surrounding the core, which is typically made of laminated steel. They are commonly used in distribution transformers.
Shell Type
Shell-type transformers have the core surrounded by the windings. They are often used in high-voltage and high-power applications where efficiency and performance are critical.
Berry Type
Berry-type transformers have a combination of both core and shell structures, offering advantages such as reduced leakage flux and improved efficiency.
On the Basis of Type of Core Used
Air Core
Air-core transformers have no iron core and instead use air as the medium for magnetic flux. They are used in applications where low coupling between windings and low core losses are desired.
Ferrite Core
Ferrite-core transformers use ferrite material for the core, which offers high magnetic permeability and low electrical conductivity. They are commonly used in high-frequency applications such as RF circuits and switch-mode power supplies.
Iron Core
Iron-core transformers use iron or steel as the core material, providing high magnetic permeability and low core losses. They are widely used in power distribution and transmission systems.
On the Basis of Cooling Methods
Dry Type Transformers
Dry-type transformers utilize air as the cooling medium and do not require additional cooling fluids such as oil. They are often used in indoor applications where environmental concerns and fire safety are priorities.
Liquid Immersed Transformers
Liquid-immersed transformers use a liquid coolant, such as transformer oil, for cooling purposes. Various cooling methods can be employed depending on the specific application and cooling requirements.
On the Basis of Phase Number
Single Phase Transformers
Single-phase transformers have only one primary and one secondary winding, suitable for single-phase electrical systems.
Three Phase Transformers
Three-phase transformers have three primary and three secondary windings, designed for use in three-phase electrical systems commonly used in industrial and commercial applications.
Wye to Wye
Wye-to-wye transformers are three-phase transformers with both primary and secondary windings connected in a wye configuration.
Delta to Wye
Delta-to-wye transformers are three-phase transformers with the primary winding connected in a delta configuration and the secondary winding connected in a wye configuration.
Wye to Delta
Wye-to-delta transformers are three-phase transformers with the primary winding connected in a wye configuration and the secondary winding connected in a delta configuration.
Delta to Delta
Delta-to-delta transformers are three-phase transformers with both primary and secondary windings connected in a delta configuration.
Special Purpose Transformers
Special-purpose transformers are transformers designed for specific applications beyond standard power distribution and transmission.
Auto-transformer
Auto-transformers are transformers where part of the winding serves both as the primary and secondary winding. They are often used for voltage regulation and to adjust voltage levels in electrical systems.
Auxiliary Transformer
Auxiliary transformers are transformers used to supply power to auxiliary equipment or systems within a larger electrical system.
Capacitive Coupled Voltage Transformer (CCVT)
Capacitive-coupled voltage transformers are used for measuring high voltages in power systems. They provide isolation and accurate voltage measurements for monitoring and control purposes.
Ferroresonant Transformers (CVT)
Ferroresonant transformers, also known as constant voltage transformers, are used to provide a stable output voltage despite fluctuations in the input voltage. They are commonly used in applications where a steady voltage supply is critical.
Grounding or Earthing Transformers
Grounding or earthing transformers are transformers used to establish a connection between the electrical system and the earth, providing a path for fault currents to safely dissipate.
High Frequency Transformers
High-frequency transformers are designed to operate at frequencies higher than the standard power frequency (typically 50 or 60 Hz), commonly used in electronic and telecommunications applications.
Impedance Matching Transformers
Impedance matching transformers are used to match the impedance of the source with that of the load to maximize power transfer efficiency.
Linear Variable Differential Transformer
Linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs) are transducers used for measuring linear displacement. They consist of a primary winding and two secondary windings, providing accurate and reliable position measurements.
Rotary Variable Differential Transformer
Rotary variable differential transformers (RVDTs) are similar to LVDTs but are designed to measure rotary displacement instead of linear displacement.
Pad Mounted Transformer
Pad-mounted transformers are transformers installed on concrete pads above ground level, commonly used in urban areas for power distribution.
Power Supply Transformer
Power supply transformers are transformers used to convert electrical power from one voltage level to another for the purpose of supplying power to electronic devices and equipment.
Center Tapped Transformers
Center-tapped transformers have a center tap on one of the windings, providing two output voltages with opposite polarities. They are commonly used in power supplies and voltage regulation circuits.
Saturable Reactors
Saturable reactors are devices used to control the flow of alternating current by saturating the core material with magnetic flux, altering the impedance of the circuit.
Scott-T Transformer
A Scott-T transformer is a special type of transformer used to convert three-phase power to two-phase power or vice versa.
Tesla Coil Transformer
A Tesla coil transformer is a type of resonant transformer used to produce high-voltage, low-current, high-frequency alternating-current electricity.
Multiple Winding Transformers
Multiple-winding transformers have more than two windings, allowing for various voltage configurations and applications.
Tapped Transformers
Tapped transformers have multiple taps on one or more windings, providing flexibility in voltage adjustment and regulation.
Welding Transformers
Welding transformers are transformers specifically designed for welding applications, providing the necessary power and voltage levels for welding operations.
Zigzag Transformers
Zigzag transformers are transformers with a zigzag configuration of windings, providing a neutral connection in ungrounded electrical systems and mitigating harmonic currents.