A power transformer is an electrical component used to transform voltage, current, or impedance, and is the main equipment for transmitting and distributing electricity in the power system. Its main functions include voltage conversion, impedance conversion, phase conversion, and safety isolation.
Voltage conversion
The most basic purpose of a power transformer is to perform voltage conversion, whether it is boosting or lowering. For example, when transmitting electricity over long distances, transformers can increase the voltage sent out by power plants to reduce losses during the power transmission process; In places where electricity is used, transformers lower the high voltage to supply electrical equipment and users. The ability to convert this voltage makes transformers play a crucial role in the power system.
Impedance transformation
Power transformers also have the function of impedance transformation. Impedance transformation is the process of maximizing signal power transmission by changing the impedance matching at both ends of a circuit. For example, in the output of a television antenna, a balanced 300 Ω television signal is transformed into an unbalanced 75 Ω signal through a transformer to match the input impedance of the high-frequency head. This impedance transformation capability makes signal transmission in circuits more efficient.
Phase transformation
Power transformers can also perform phase transformation by changing the phase of the signal voltage by exchanging the connections of the transformer coils. In certain specific circuit designs, such as push-pull power amplifiers, phase transformation can alternately amplify positive and negative half cycle signals, thereby achieving signal processing and amplification.
Safe isolation
Power transformers also play a role in safety isolation in the power system. When there is an abnormality in the primary or secondary side of the transformer, due to the isolation effect of the transformer, it will not affect the normal power consumption of the other side, thus ensuring electrical safety.
In summary, power transformers play a crucial role in the power system through their functions of voltage transformation, impedance transformation, phase transformation, and safety isolation, ensuring the efficiency, safety, and normal operation of equipment in power transmission.