Functions of a transformer

1. Voltage transformation: Transformers are used to increase or decrease the voltage of an alternating current (AC) electrical system. This is essential for transmitting electricity over long distances and for matching the voltage of electrical equipment to the supply voltage.

2. Isolation: Transformers provide electrical isolation between the input and output circuits. This helps to protect equipment and personnel from electrical shocks and prevents ground loops.

3. Impedance matching: Transformers can be used to match the impedance of different electrical circuits, ensuring maximum power transfer between them.

4. Power distribution: Transformers are used in power distribution systems to step down the high voltage from power plants to a lower voltage suitable for residential and commercial use.

5. Signal processing: Transformers are also used in electronic circuits for signal processing, such as in audio amplifiers and radio frequency circuits.

6. Power conversion: Transformers can be used in power supply circuits to convert AC voltage to DC voltage or vice versa.

7. Voltage regulation: Transformers can be used to regulate the voltage in electrical systems, ensuring a stable and consistent supply of power.

8. Power factor correction: Transformers can be used to improve the power factor of electrical systems, reducing energy losses and improving efficiency.

9. Instrumentation: Transformers are used in various measuring instruments, such as current transformers and potential transformers, to accurately measure electrical parameters.

10. Induction heating: Transformers are used in induction heating systems to generate high-frequency currents for heating metal objects.

Electrical Isolation:
- Provides electrical isolation between the primary and secondary circuits, allowing connection of systems with different voltage levels and preventing electrical shorts.

Voltage Conversion:
- Steps up (increases) or steps down (decreases) voltage levels, making it suitable for various applications and device requirements.

Impedance Matching:
- Matches the impedance between the primary and secondary circuits, optimizing power transfer and minimizing losses.

Galvanic Isolation:
- Prevents the flow of current between the primary and secondary circuits, ensuring safety and preventing ground loops or other interference issues.

Harmonic Reduction:
- Some transformers incorporate features to filter out unwanted harmonics present in the input signal, improving power quality.

Phase Shift:
- Certain types of transformers (e.g., Scott-connected transformers) can introduce a phase shift between the primary and secondary terminals, used in applications such as power factor correction.

Voltage Stabilization:
- Regulating transformers can maintain a constant voltage output even with varying input voltage, ensuring stable power supply in sensitive applications.

Isolation for Instrumentation:
- Isolation transformers are used in instrumentation systems to protect sensitive equipment from surges, transients, and ground faults.

Audio Isolation:
- In audio applications, transformers provide electrical isolation and impedance matching between different audio components, improving sound quality and reducing interference.

Safety:
- Transformers provide isolation and prevent direct contact with high-voltage circuits, ensuring safety in electrical systems.

Power Distribution:
- Transformers play a crucial role in distributing power over long distances, minimizing power losses and maintaining voltage levels.