In this article, you will discover What are special transformers?, What are special transformers?, What types of transformers are there?
What are special transformers?
Specialty transformers are designed for specific applications or to meet unique operational requirements beyond the capabilities of standard transformers. Examples include:
What are special transformers?
Isolation Transformers – Used to isolate circuits for safety and noise reduction.
Auto-transformers – feature a single winding that acts as both the primary and secondary winding, allowing voltage adjustment with a more compact design.
What types of transformers are there?
Phase Shifting Transformers – Used to control the phase angle between voltage sources, thereby contributing to load balancing and improving power quality.
Instrument transformers – Includes current transformers (CT) and potential transformers (PT), used for measurement and protection purposes.
Furnace Transformers – Designed to handle high currents and withstand harsh operating conditions in industrial furnaces.
The description of specialty transformers provided previously identifies unique designs to meet specific needs. These transformers often involve custom construction or additional features to meet particular operational challenges or performance criteria, which sets them apart from general purpose transformers.
Transformers are classified based on various criteria including construction, cooling methods and application. Key types include:
Dry Type Transformers – Use air for cooling and are typically used indoors due to their low fire risk and ease of maintenance.
Oil-immersed transformers – Use insulating oil for cooling and insulation, suitable for outdoor installations and higher capacities.
Submersible Transformers – Designed to operate submerged in water or in high humidity environments.
Distribution Transformers – Used to step down voltage from high transmission levels to lower distribution levels suitable for end users.
Transformers are divided based on their operational characteristics and applications. This division includes:
Power Transformers – Handle high voltage and large amounts of power, typically found in transmission networks.
Distribution Transformers – Reduce voltage to levels suitable for distribution to end users.
Instrument Transformers – Provides measurement and isolation for protection and monitoring, including current and potential transformers.
Special transformers – As described previously, designed for specific purposes or to meet particular requirements.
A three-phase transformer is designed to handle three-phase electrical systems, common in industrial and commercial applications due to their efficiency and balance. This transformer can be constructed as a single unit with three sets of windings or as three separate single-phase transformers connected in a specific configuration, such as Wye (Y) or Delta (Δ). It enables the transformation of voltages and currents in three-phase systems, supporting balanced loads and providing efficient power distribution.
We hope this overview of What are special transformers? has made things clearer.