Skip to main content

Section 44.8 Coupled Circuits

Subsection 44.8.1 Transformers

A transformer is a device that usually consists of two coils of wires known as the primary and the secondary. A transformer is used to either step up or step down the EMF in the primary. We will see how that happens.

The coils of primary and secondary are either interwoven or wound around a soft iron core made up of laminated thin iron sheets to reduce the Eddy currents as shown in Figure 44.8.1. The magnetic fields of the currents in the the coils are guided through a magnetic core so that the two coils have a mutual inductance \(\mathcal{M}\text{.}\)

Figure 44.8.1. In a transformer, two circuits are coupled. The changing currents in the two circuits induce currents into each other through mutual inductance. The circuit with the generator is called the primary and the other circuit is called the secondary of the transformer. The EMF in the generator is generated by the changing magnetic flux and is shown schematically as a rotating magnet. The EMF could be also generated by rotating the coil in the generator while keeping the magnetic fixed.

The changing currents in the two circuits will influence each other as we can see by writing the Faraday's loop rule for the two circuits. Let \(I_1(t)\) and \(I_2(t)\) be the currents in the two circuits and \(L_1\) and \(L_2\) be the self-inductance of the two coils. Then, we get the following equations for the two circuits by taking into account the effects of the self and the mutual inductances of the two circuits.

\begin{align} \amp L_1\frac{dI_1}{dt} \pm M \frac{dI_2}{dt} = \mathcal{E}_0\; \cos(\omega t)\ \ \text{(Primary)}\label{eq-primary-eqn-1}\tag{44.8.1}\\ \amp L_2\frac{dI_2}{dt} \pm M \frac{dI_1}{dt} = 0\ \ \text{(Secondary)}\label{eq-seondary-eqn-1}\tag{44.8.2} \end{align}

The signs of the terms depend on the directions of the currents. For concreteness we will pick the negative sign for the term containing the mutual inductance. Let us now examine these equations for an ideal transformer. Suppose the two coils are coupled so that the same magnetic field lines pass through both the coils. The iron core helps with this coupling. We have determined the mutual inductance of one coil inside the other in inductance chapter. Suppose the two coils have the same radius \(a\text{,}\) and let \(l_1\) and \(l_2\) be the lengths of the two coils, and \(N_1\) and \(N_2\) be the total number of turns of the two coils. The formulas for the inductances would be

\begin{align*} \amp L_1 = \mu \pi a^2 \frac{N_1^2}{l_1}, \\ \amp L_2 = \mu \pi a^2 \frac{N_2^2}{l_2}, \\ \amp \mathcal{M} = \mu \pi a^2 \frac{N_1N_2}{l_2}. \end{align*}

Here \(\mu\) is the magnetic permeability of the material over which the coils have been wound and I have assumed that \(l_2\lt l_1\text{.}\) Using these inductances in the equation, Eq. (44.8.2) with the negative sign for \(\pm\) chosen for concreteness, for the circuit for the secondary gives

\begin{equation*} L_2\frac{dI_2}{dt} - M \frac{dI_1}{dt} = 0\ \ \Longrightarrow\ \ \frac{d}{dt}\left(N_1I_1 - N_2I_2 \right) = 0. \end{equation*}

Therefore,

\begin{equation*} N_1I_1 - N_2I_2 = \text{constant}. \end{equation*}

The constant can be set to zero if the zero current in one circuit coincides with the zero current in the other circuit. This gives us the following relation between the currents in the two circuits.

\begin{equation} N_1I_1 = N_2I_2.\label{eq-transformer-current}\tag{44.8.3} \end{equation}

Therefore, the coil with more loops will have less current. That is, if the primary has 100 loops and the secondary 50 loops, then the secondary will have twice as much current as the primary.

The ideal circuit shown in Figure 44.8.1 has no place energy can be used up. Any work done by the external agent in the generator goes towards building up the current in the circuits. Every circuit has some resistance where energy is dissipated. To include the dissipation of energy let us add a resistive load such as an electric light bulb or a heater in the secondary as shown in Figure 44.8.2. In this case, the work done by the agent in the generator will be expended in the load.

Figure 44.8.2. Same circuit as given in Figure 44.8.1 but now I have included a resistive load in the secondary. The voltage differences are also indicated on the two sides.

As you have known from your study of dynamic fields that voltage concept is not applicable when you have changing magnetic field, which you have in the transformer. To compare the “voltage” across the two coils in a transformer, we will make the assumption that there is no changing magnetic field outside the generator and the coils. As we have seen before, this assumption allows us to consider the electric field outside the generator and the coils a conservative field which can be used to define the potential difference across the primary and the secondary coils. Let the voltages across the primary and secondary be denoted by \(V_1\) and \(V_2\) as shown in Figure 44.8.2. The power dissipated in the secondary must equal the power produced in the primary. This gives

\begin{equation} I_1 V_1 = I_2 V_2. \label{eq-transformer-voltage-current}\tag{44.8.4} \end{equation}

Using Eq. (44.8.3) we find that the voltages on the two sides of an ideal transformer will be in proportion to the number of turns:

\begin{equation} \frac{V_2}{V_1} =\frac{N_2}{N_1}. \label{eq-transformer-voltage}\tag{44.8.5} \end{equation}

If \(N_2 \lt N_1\text{,}\) then \(V_2 \lt V_1\text{,}\) the voltage in the secondary would be less than the voltage in the primary. We call this type of transformer a step-down transformer. On the other hand, if \(N_2>N_1\text{,}\) then \(V_2>V_1\text{,}\) the voltage in the secondary would be more than the voltage in the primary. This transformer is called a step-up transformer. High voltage sources are constructed this way.

Equation (44.8.5) can also be deduced by assuming that the magnetic fields lines through each loop of the primary also pass through each loop of the secondary so that the rates of change of magnetic flux through primary and secondary per loop are equal. Then, the ratio of the EMF induced in the two circuits will be proportional to the number of turns.

\begin{align*} \amp \mathcal{E}_1 = N_1 \left( \frac{d\Phi_B}{dt} \right)_{\text{one loop}}\\ \amp \mathcal{E}_2 = N_2 \left( \frac{d\Phi_B}{dt} \right)_{\text{one loop}}\\ \amp \ \ \ \Longrightarrow\ \ \frac{\mathcal{E}_2}{\mathcal{E}_1} = \frac{N_2}{N_1}. \end{align*}

Transformers play important role in transmission lines. Usually power plants are located away from cities. To reduce the power loss in the transmission lines, the power companies send power at high voltage (often several kilovolts) and then use step down transformers to bring the voltage down to the \(120\text{ V}\) or \(240\text{ V}\) for delivery to homes and businesses.

The output voltage and input currents of a \(700\text{-W}\) transformer are \(9\text{-V}\) (rms) and \(2\text{ A}\) (rms).

(a) What are the input voltage and output current?

(b) What are the ratio of primary turns to secondary turns?

(c) Is this a step-up or step-down transformer?

Hint

(a) \(I_1 V_1 = I_2 V_2 = P\text{,}\) (b) \(\frac{V_2}{V_1} =\frac{N_2}{N_1}\text{,}\) (c) Definition.

Answer

(a) \(350\text {V}\text{,}\) (b) \(39\text{,}\) (c) Step-down.

Solution 1 (a)

(a) Let \(V_\text{in}\) be the rms-voltage at the input. Then equating the product of rms-voltage and rms-current at the input to the given power of the transformer we will get

\begin{equation*} V_{\text{in}}\times 2\:\text{A} = 700\:\text{W}\ \ \Longrightarrow\ \ V_{\text{in}} = 350\:\text{V}. \end{equation*}

Let \(I_{\text{out}}\) be the rms-voltage at the input. Then equating the product of rms-voltage and rms-current at the input to the given power of the transformer we will get

\begin{equation*} I_{\text{out}}\times 9\:\text{V} = 700\:\text{W}\ \ \Longrightarrow\ \ I_{\text{out}} = 77.8\:\text{A}. \end{equation*}
Solution 2 (b)

(b) Let \(N_p\) number of turns in the primary (input) and \(N_s\) number of turns in the secondary (output). Equating the ratio to the ratio of the voltages we get

\begin{equation*} \dfrac{N_p}{N_s} = \dfrac{350\:\text{V}}{9\:\text{V}} = 39. \end{equation*}
Solution 3 (c)

(c) Since \(V_s \lt V_p\text{,}\) the transformer is a step-down transformer.

A hairdryer is rated to work in a \(220\text{-V}\) AC line (i.e. \(V_\text{rms} = 220\text{ V}\)). It operates at \(1000\text{ W}\) power. To connect the hair dryer to \(120\text{-V}\) AC line, it has to be connected through a step-up transformer that will convert the \(120\text{-V}\) line to yield a \(220\text{-V}\) output to which the hair-dryer will be connected.

(a) What must be the turn ratio between the primary and the secondary? Which one must have higher turns?

(b) Determine the current that the hair dryer will draw from the \(120\text{-V}\) line.

Hint

(a) Definition, (b) \(I_1V_1= I_2V_2\text{.}\)

Answer

(a) \(2:1\text{,}\) (b) \(8.33\:\text{A}\text{.}\)

Solution 1 (a)

(a) Since we need to to step-up the voltage we will need \(N_s:N_p = 2:1\text{.}\)

Solution 2 (b)

(b) \(I_p\times V_p = 1000\:\text{W}\) with \(V_p = 120\:\text{V}\text{.}\) Therefore, \(I_p = 1000\:\text{W}/120\:\text{V} = 8.33\:\text{A}\text{.}\)

Many electronic devices work on 12-V DC. To get 12-V DC from a 120-V AC line (i.e. \(V_{\text{rms}}\) = 120 V), first the voltage is dropped to 12-V AC (i.e. \(V_{\text{rms}}\) = 12 V) by using a transformer, and then the 12-V AC is converted to 12-V DC by using diodes in a rectifier circuit. Consider a speaker of resistance 8 \(\Omega\) connected to the 12-V DC output of the rectifier.

(a) What must be the ratio of turns in the primary to secondary of the transformer?

(b) How much power is delivered to the device?

(c) Assuming no power loss anywhere else, what is the rms-current in the secondary?

Hint

Use tranaformer equations.

Answer

(a) 10:1, (b) 18 W, (c) 1.5 A.

Solution 1 (a)

(a) We need a step-down transformer. The ratio of primary to secondary turns will be 10:1 since we need one-tenth the voltage at the output.

Solution 2 (b)

(b) The power in the \(8\:\Omega\) resistor will be \(\dfrac{V_{\text{rms}}^2}{R} = \dfrac{ (12\:\text{V})^2}{8\:\Omega} = 18\:\text{W}\text{.}\)

Solution 3 (c)

(c) \(I = P/V = 18\:\text{W}/12\:\text{V} = 1.5\:\text{A}\text{.}\)

Consider a power plant located \(2.5\text{ km}\) outside a town delivering \(50\text{ MW}\) of power to the town. The transmission lines are made of aluminum cables of \(7\text{ cm}^2\) cross-section area. Find the loss of power in the transmission lines if it is transmitted at (a) \(200\text{ kV}\) (rms) and (b) \(120\text{ V}\) (rms).

Data: resistivity of Al, \(\rho = 2.82\times 10^{-8}\:\Omega.\text{m}\)

Hint

(a) Find \(R\) first. Use Av. Power = \(I_\text{rms}^2R\text{.}\)

Answer

(a) \(12.6\: \text{MW}\text{,}\) (b) all.

Solution 1 (a)

The resistivity of Al from the table we have \(\rho = 2.82\times 10^{-8}\:\Omega.\text{m}\text{.}\) Using this value we find the resistance in the 2.5-km transmission line, which will consist of 2.5-km one way and 2.5-km back. Therefore, the reistance will be that of 5 km long wire. The area of cross-section of the wire is \(A = 7\times 10^{-4}\:\text{m}^2\text{.}\)

\begin{align*} R \amp = \rho\:\dfrac{L}{A}\\ \amp = 2.82\times 10^{-8}\:\Omega.\text{m}\times \dfrac{5,000\:\text{m}}{7\times 10^{-4}\:\text{m}^2}\\ \amp = 2014\:\Omega. \end{align*}

(a) When 50 MW of power is supplied at 200 kV (rms) the current in the wire will be, \(I_{\text{rms}}=50\times 10^6\:\text{W}/200\times 10^3\:\text{V} = 250\:\text{A}\text{.}\) Therefore the power dissipated in the supply line will be

\begin{equation*} P = I_{\text{rms}}^2\: R = 12.6\: \text{MW}. \end{equation*}
Solution 2 (b)

(b) When 50 MW of power is supplied at 120 V (rms) the current in the wire will be, \(I_{\text{rms}}=50\times 10^6\:\text{W}/120\:\text{V} = 417\:\text{kA}\text{.}\) Therefore the power dissipated in the supply line will be

\begin{equation*} P = I_{\text{rms}}^2\: R > 50\: \text{MW}. \end{equation*}

That is, all power will be dissipated and nothing will be supplied.

Neon signs require \(12\text{-kV}\) for their operation. A transformer is to be used to change the voltage from \(220\text{-V}\) (rms) AC to \(12\text{-kV}\) (rms) AC.

(a) What must the ratio of turns in the secondary to the turns in the primary?

(b) What is the maximum rms current the neon lamps can draw if the fuse in the primary goes off at \(0.5\text{ A}\text{?}\)

(c) How much power is used by the neon sign when it is drawing the maximum current allowed by the fuse in the primary?

Hint

Use trasformer equations.

Answer

(a) \(600:11\text{,}\) (b) \(9.17\:\text{mA}\text{,}\) (c) \(110\:\text{W}\text{.}\)

Solution 1 (a)

(a) \(N_s:N_p = V_s:V_p = 12000:220 = 600:11\text{.}\)

Solution 2 (b)

(b) Balancing the power in the primary to the power in the secondary we get \(V_p \times I_p = V_s \times I_s\text{.}\) Therefore,

\begin{equation*} I_s = \dfrac{V_p}{V_s}\: I_p = \dfrac{11}{600}\times 0.5 = 9.17\:\text{mA}. \end{equation*}
Solution 3 (c)

(c) \(P = I_{\text{rms}}V_{\text{rms}} = 110\:\text{W}\text{.}\)