As electricity continues to be an integral part of many peoples daily lives, transformers have evolved to take up an important role in the generation and distribution of electrical power. Transformers regulate electricity by modifying current to run from one electric circuit to another. Each electric circuit has a certain amount of windings that are present around an iron core. The number of windings either increase or decrease the incoming electric voltage.

The electric coils can be categorised as primary or secondary coils, depending on the magnetic field and the level of electrical induction. Based on the operation of the coils, there are many different types of transformers in the market. They all serve a common set of purposes in regulating electric current.

Applications of transformers

Regulating alternating current

All transformers have one basic function: increasing or decreasing alternating current within the electrical system. By regulating the flow of current, the transformer allows for increased energy efficiency, which regulates and ultimately lowers electricity bills.

Stopping and starting the flow of electricity

Transformers are also useful in stopping the flow of electricity and interrupting an electric current. Transformers are commonly present in circuit breakers, where they utilize a switch to automatically interrupt the flow of electricity and to prevent damage that can occur as a result of high voltage.

Battery charging

The concept of battery charging is fuelled by the functioning of generators. Transformers are used to control the voltage that enters the battery during the charging process in order to prevent any damages that can occur to the internal battery components. This is important because an unregulated voltage can result in high surges during charging of batteries.

Steel manufacturing

Steel manufacturing plants rely on the functioning of high voltage transformers to provide a range of voltages for the manufacturing process. High currents are required during melting and welding of steel, and lower current are required during the cooling process. In order to provide this range of voltages, transformers are necessary for regulating currents within the system.

Electrochemicals

In chemical engineering and manufacturing processes, electrolysis is normally fuelled by the functioning of transformers. Metals such as copper, zinc, and aluminum are normally used for the purposes of electroplating. During the process, transformers provide a regulated electrical current that is used to drive the chemical reaction from the beginning stages until completion. The current can be therefore be regulated as the reaction proceeds.