Transformer: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:25, 12 October 2001

Revision as of 17:32, 12 October 2001

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A transformer converts one [[voltage]] to another. It only works with alternating current, in which the direction of the electrical flow periodically changes. Since energy cannot be created or destroyed, the power passed by a transformer remains the same at the output. Since the voltage changes, the current must change so that the amount of power is the same, less the losses of the transformer.

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Power transformers are usually more than 98% efficient. The higher voltage transformers are bathed in high-temperaturenonconductive oil that's stable oil,at oftenhigh temperatures. These used to be polychlorinated biphenyls, the famous toxic waste, "PCB". Nowadays, nontoxic very stable fluorinated hydrocarbons should be used. The oil cools the transformer, and helps prevent shorts. It has to be stable at high temperatures so that a small short or arc will not cause a breakdown or fire.