The transformer is designed to convert AC voltage, and is also used for the purpose of galvanic isolation. The device is used in radio engineering, electric power industry and electronics. Represents one or more tape or wire windings, which are affected by a magnetic field. They are wound around a small core, which is also a magnetic circuit.
Who invented the transformer?
In 1848, the Frenchman G. Rumkorf invented a special design induction coil. This invention was a prototype of a modern transformer. The mechanic got high voltage current fluctuations using this coil. There was a need to somehow turn direct current into alternating current. Guided by this, Heinrich Daniel Rumkorf used a special breaker, which included in series with the coil.
When a short circuit occurred, the voltage increased in the secondary winding. It exceeded the voltage in the primary as much as the number of turns on the secondary. A small spring plate served as a means of interruption. The more often it was used, the higher the voltage. In order for the plate to open the circuit, it was necessary to have a magnetic field that created the core. The Rumkorf coil was widely used in the 70s of the twentieth century.
Modern transformer
G. Rumkorf became the one who invented the transformer. His idea was brought to perfection by the scientist P.N. Yablochkov, who presented his creation in 1876. As a core, he used a special rod, on which windings were already wound. To interrupt the direct current, the scientist did not use a spring plate, but induction coils.
All primary windings were switched on in series and produced as much voltage as needed. The secondary used lamps that were powered by incoming energy. It was later noted that energy loss could be reduced. To do this, it is necessary to insert both coils on the core - primary and secondary.
It is important to know who and when the first transformer was invented in order not to mistakenly assume that it was invented by Yablochkov. The scientist brought to mind the development to make it more convenient to use.
The scientist’s development was an open-core device. Later, a new view is created - with closed ones, which the Hopkinsons brothers developed. The discovery helped greatly reduce energy costs. The principle of operation was that high-voltage and low-voltage coils were alternately placed on the core. The rod itself is made of wires and steel strips, which are separated by a special insulating material.
Types of Transformers
Thanks to the one who invented transformers, today there are various categories of these devices:
- Voltage boosting - low voltage increases significantly at the output.
- Lowering voltage - a large voltage comes in, but a small one comes out. Such a system is necessary in places with voltage drops. These are the most common designs.
- Single-phase and three-phase - and three single-phase transformers may well perform the work of a three-phase. Since one three-phase transformer, in fact, consists of three single-phase.
- Cooled forcibly and naturally.
What is the need for transformers?
In order to compensate for the heat radiation lost during current transmission, a very large voltage is generated at power plants, which most devices do not need in such quantities. In such cases, the transformer comes in handy. It regulates the voltage, increasing it during transmission, and then lowering it on the way to the user. Otherwise, all the equipment could not withstand the onslaught of such a huge power and would burn or explode.
Also, transformers are equipped with electrical appliances in everyday life, since they constantly need different voltages through several streams. Today, the device is used in computers and televisions. It is necessary to thank the one who invented the transformer, because without it, most of the devices could not work normally. In the best case, we would be surrounded by devices operating not at low (safe) voltage, but at high.
Many types of such tools are important in everyday life. In order not to be shocked, an isolation transformer is most often used, which reduces this risk. In order to measure a constantly changing voltage, this device is also used. This is necessary to ensure the safety of the population in case of power surges. Certain types (current transformers) are used to measure the amount of energy consumed.