It is often very complicated and complex to choose the right component for a given electrical device or piece of equipment. Often it can become even more complicated than needed, so starting with the basics and understanding why one component is a better choice than anther is an essential first step.
Single phase transformers are a very basic electrical component with no moving parts. This isn’t to say they are a passive component as passive component do no change the flow of energy through the system.
The single phase transformers do change energy. They change the magnetic energy in the core into electrical energy that is used across the system. The core is typically made of a magnetic iron around which is wound copper wire.
As there are no moving parts in this transformation of energy, the transformer is very efficient and also a component that has a very long life cycle. They are used only on AC (alternating current) systems.
The Windings
While the choice of the magnetic material in the core is important, the windings on single phase transformers are critical to the effectiveness and efficiency of the transformer. There is a primary and secondary winding with the AC current coming in on the primary winding. This current, which is alternating, creates the electromagnetic field as it passes through the core of the transformer and to the secondary winding.
It can be used to step up or step down depending on the design and construction of the transformer. In this specific type of transformer, the winding cannot touch each other, and they also have to be isolated from the core.
The use of the single phase as opposed to the three-phase transformer means a smaller transformer, less cost and the ability to act as either a step-up or step-down transformer in the system.
