What is the Function of Transformer?

By R.W. Hurst, Editor

Transformers are essential electrical devices that play a crucial role in the transmission and distribution of electrical energy. By converting AC and adjusting voltage levels, they ensure efficient and safe delivery of power over long distances.

A transformer is an electrical device designed to change the voltage levels of alternating current (AC) in electrical systems. Its primary function is to convert AC from one voltage level to another, either by increasing the voltage (step-up) or decreasing it (step-down). This voltage transformation is achieved through electromagnetic induction, allowing for efficient energy transfer and minimizing losses during transmission.

The primary function of a transformer is to convert AC voltages from one level to another. It can either increase (step-up) or decrease (step-down) the voltage, depending on the specific requirements of the electrical system. This ability to manipulate voltage levels is the cornerstone of efficient power transmission and distribution.

Why Do We Need to Change Voltage Levels in Electrical Systems?

Changing voltage levels in electrical systems is necessary for several reasons:

Transmission Efficiency: High voltage is used to transmit electrical energy over long distances because it reduces the current, thereby minimizing energy losses due to resistance in the transmission lines.
Safety and Compatibility: Electrical devices and appliances require specific voltage levels to operate safely. By stepping down high voltage to lower, safer levels, transformers ensure that the electrical energy is compatible with end-use devices.
Grid Management: Different parts of the electrical grid operate at various voltage levels. Transformers enable the seamless integration of different sections of the grid, ensuring stable and reliable power supply.

How Does a Transformer Achieve Voltage Transformation?

A transformer achieves voltage transformation through the principle of electromagnetic induction. The device consists of two coils of wire, known as the primary and secondary coils, wound around a common iron core. When an input voltage is applied to the primary coil, it creates a magnetic field in the iron core. This changing magnetic field induces an output voltage in the secondary coil. The voltage levels are determined by the ratio of the number of turns in the primary coil to the number of turns in the secondary coil. For instance, if the secondary coil has more turns than the primary coil, the voltage is increased, resulting in a step-up transformer. Conversely, if the secondary coil has fewer turns, the voltage is decreased, creating a step-down transformer.

What Are the Different Types of Transformers and Their Applications?

There are various types of transformers, each serving specific applications:

Step-Up Transformer: Increases the input voltage to a higher output voltage. Commonly used in power plants to elevate the voltage for long-distance transmission.
Step-Down Transformer: Decreases the input voltage to a lower output voltage. Used in distribution networks to reduce high transmission voltages to safer levels for residential and commercial use.
Isolation Transformer: Provides electrical isolation between the primary and secondary coils without changing the voltage levels. Used for safety and noise reduction in sensitive electronic equipment.
Auto-Transformer: Has a single winding that acts as both the primary and secondary coil, providing variable voltage levels. Often used in applications requiring slight adjustments in voltage levels.
Current Transformer: Measures high current levels by producing a lower, proportional current. Essential for monitoring and protection in power systems.

What Are the Key Advantages of Using Transformers in Electrical Systems?

Transformers offer several key advantages in electrical systems:

Efficient Power Transmission: By stepping up voltage, transformers significantly reduce power losses during transmission over long distances.
Safety: Transformers provide electrical isolation, protecting users from high voltages and ensuring electrical safety.
Flexibility: They allow for the use of different voltage levels in various parts of the electrical system, optimizing efficiency and safety.
Cost-Effectiveness: Transformers are relatively simple devices with no moving parts, making them reliable and cost-effective to operate.
Voltage Regulation: Transformers can help maintain a stable voltage level even when the load or power source fluctuates.

The function of a transformer is to convert AC and adjust voltage levels to ensure efficient, safe, and reliable transmission of electrical energy. By utilizing the principles of electromagnetic induction and incorporating different types of transformers, electrical systems can achieve optimal performance and meet the diverse needs of modern society. Whether it’s increasing the voltage for long-distance transmission or decreasing it for safe usage in homes and businesses, transformers play a pivotal role in the electrical landscape.

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Evluma Launches Line of Post Top Globes to Complement LED OmniMax

March 12, 2020, Renton, WA…Street and area lighting manufacturer Evluma, announces the release of a new globe accessory line, OmniMax Lighting Solutions (OLS) to complement their OmniMax family of LED replacement lamps. OLS is a custom, curated selection of spherical and acorn style globes for decorative streetlights. The OmniMax is a Bluetooth-connected, screw-in replacement lamp for use in decorative post top globe and acorn lights. The release of a globe line to complement the OmniMax is designed to make the HID to LED conversion and maintenance process easier for Evluma customers.

Customers executing a retrofit project can conveniently purchase a replacement globe at the same time they purchase the OmniMax. “The wide variety of styles and materials offered means that we can typically provide a customer with a globe that matches an older style,” said Marketing Director, Cathleen Shattuck. “Customers can refresh globes simultaneously with OmniMax installation to save on labor, or if they suddenly discover damage to individual light fixtures, we can quickly provide them with a solution. Our high level of customer service means we are well-adapted to quick turnaround on orders of any size, keeping the process convenient and low cost.”

Using OmniMax, municipalities, utilities and electric departments converting post top fixtures from HID to LED can do so in under 5 minutes a fixture. The OmniMax is available in both Premium and Standard models. Premium models are Bluetooth-enabled and are compatible with Evluma’s wireless control application, ConnectLED. Both models carry a ten-year warranty and offer Evluma’s signature low-glare illumination.

About Evluma

Formed in 2008, Evluma is committed to developing affordable, long-lasting and environmentally low-impact LED lighting solutions that fundamentally change the landscape of the outdoor utility lighting market. Evluma’s high standard of customer service and background in innovative lighting technologies, automation and software design creatively ideate and inform its utility-grade products. Evluma is located in Renton, WA, USA.

09/24/20

Evluma's Build-Your-Own Acorn is an Affordable Answer to Decorative Streetlight LED Upgrades

Street and area light manufacturer Evluma announces the release of Build-Your-Own Acorn; a full-fixture, decorative streetlight replacement solution that includes the customer’s choice of acorn globe, finial and capital fitter. This solution is designed for utilities, municipalities, facilities and property managers looking to upgrade their existing decorative lighting from HID to LED and features the OmniMax™ LED lamp as its light source.

“Build-Your-Own-Acorn is a tailored solution that puts control in the hands of the customer,” said Evluma Product Manager Jason Dobbs. “With the value-driven OmniMax at the center of quality, cost-effective options, this is an affordable approach to complete head replacements. Build-Your-Own-Acorn offers the freedom to replace and repair fixtures without being locked into a proprietary OEM solution that may be hard to change later and typically costs more. It’s everything but the pole.”

Build-Your-Own Acorn includes multiple styles of acrylic and polycarbonate globes, in addition to a cast aluminum capital fitter. The capital fits 3 inch and 4 inch poles and is offered in black or green. The 70W OmniMax LED lamp is offered in six different color temperatures ranging from 2000K-5000K in either the Premium or Standard. OmniMax Premium includes Evluma’s patented, maintenance-saving Photocontrol Failsafe™ and compatibility with Evluma’s Bluetooth lighting app ConnectLED™. OmniMax Standard ships without connectivity features or Photocontrol Failsafe built-in.

“Photocontrol Failsafe means never having to replace a failed photocontrol ever again,” said Janine Soper, Evluma’s Regional Sales Manager. “With ConnectLED, the OmniMax Premium can be quickly dimmed or programmed with a dimming schedule, offering additional aesthetic and energy saving opportunities,” said Janine.

Both OmniMax models are supported by robust 20kV/10kA surge protection and the OmniMax’s four layers of thermal management for extended operation in enclosed environments. The capital has a 5 year warranty on the finish. Acrylic globes are warrantied for 5 years against yellowing. The OmniMax and all electronics, including the capital’s optional photocontrol are warrantied for 10 years.

About Evluma

02/22/21

Parallel Resonant AC Test Sets

High Voltage, Inc. is an American test equipment manufacturing company located in rural Copake, NY. We are known for high quality, easy to use equipment and for our commitment to providing the best customer and product support in the industry.

As we matured we expanded into larger products. Cable fault locators (thumpers) as well as higher power ac (HPA) dielectric testers as might be used in a factory environment. Our HPA line of ac testers are available with outputs up to 300 kV ac and power levels up to 40 kVA and can be customized with various levels of control sophistication.

Our new PAR line of ac dielectric testers are designed to meet the needs of those who need power levels up to 250 kVA, to be able to test their highly capacitive test loads. Using ac resonant technology outputs of 50 kV at 5A (for example) are possible with an input of only 230 v, 90 A. That is an input of 20 kVA for an output of 250 kVA. (Model PAR-50250FC5)

The PAR models consist of a control section and a high voltage section. While large, they are transportable by van or trailer for field work. The control section includes the input breaker, variable (motorized) input control, a PLC controller, and connections for controlling the hv section. The high voltage section is a steel tank with a phenolic output bushing. Inside this tank is a variable-core reactor in an insulating oil bath with an air space at the top to allow for thermal expansion.

The variable reactor looks similar to a transformer but has a moveable core that allows the inductance value to vary to match the capacitance of the load, thereby achieving resonance. This effectively cancels the load capacitance, as far as input power requirements are concerned. Once in resonance, the input voltage is increased until the desired output voltage level is achieved. For a capacitive load that must be tested at power frequency the PAR reduces power requirements, as well as test equipment size by one tenth to one thirtieth, compared to a test transformer.

The HVI PAR family of resonant as dielectric testers are perfect for power frequency testing of power cables, rotating machinery, bushings, instrument transformers, transformers, shunt reactors, and many other products.

For more info please contact sales@hvinc.com to discuss your application.
For more information on these and other high voltage test products, contact High Voltage, Inc. at www.hvinc.com, sales@hvinc.com, or call 518-329-3275.

03/07/22

Evluma Launches Low-Glare LED Roadway Luminaire

LED lighting manufacturer Evluma announces the launch of a new roadway lighting product RoadMaxTM. The RoadMax series will include three sizes: small, medium and large and a range of wattages designed to replace legacy HID 100w, 250w and 400w cobraheads. The first model in the series, the RoadMax RX1, with wattages ranging from 30W-70W and an estimated output range of 3,000 to 9,000 lumens, is estimated to start shipping at the end of April 2022.

This sleek and stylish luminaire was designed with RP-8-18 roadway requirements in mind. The unique optical design offers a combination of roadway performance and glare control unprecedented in the industry. “RoadMax is an advancement of Evluma’s reputation for low-glare, visually-pleasing outdoor lighting,” says Taisha Bezzo, National Sales Director. “RoadMax addresses contemporary concerns regarding disability glare and light trespass from roadway lighting while maintaining exceptional pole spacing.”

Multiple luminaire configurations for Type II, Type III and Type V, all with zero-uplight (U0), are offered. Additional features such as a field adjustable wattage selector (FAO), light trespass shields and a choice of photocontrol sockets are available. RoadMax can be customized to include Evluma’s Photocontrol FailsafeTM, a patented technology that solves photocontrol failures on street and area lights. Compatibility with ConnectLEDTM, Evluma’s Bluetooth app for wireless lighting controls, enables dimming and dimming schedules without the need for a network. Evluma’s comprehensive 10-year warranty and signature 20kV/10kA surge protection comes standard with every model.