Question

Explain the necessity of a transformer for power transmission and distribution.

Answer 1

Transformer is an electrical device which is commonly used in electrical power stations. We know there are broadly two types of current. One is alternating current known as AC which we get from electrical power stations and the other is direct current known as DC, which we get from inverters at our home. Also, there are devices like electric generators which also produce AC by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Complete answer:
The power that is generated at the power stations need to be transported to the electrical grids and from there to our homes. This process needs to be done so that there is minimal loss of energy and also the process is as cheap as possible. For that purpose, transformers are used.

At the power generation centers the transformers used are type of step up, which increases the voltage and the transformers that are used near our homes are step down which decreases the voltage and as such the electricity is transported from generation centers to our home efficiently and the model is viable and economic.

The working principles of transformers are Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction and mutual induction. The transformer consists of two coils, primary coil and secondary coil. The core laminations are joined in the form of strips. The two coils have high mutual inductance.

Note: When AC pass through the primary coil, forms a varying magnetic flux as per faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction and this change in magnetic flux induces an emf (electromotive force) in the secondary coil which is linked to the core having a primary coil. This is mutual induction.