Toroidal power transformers are considered one of the best design in transformers. Built for both small instruments and large, this design is preferred for its efficiency and light weight. Known for their shape, the toroidal transformer are used in many kind of electronic circuits, including inverters, amplifiers, radio, and computers.
When working with transformers, toroidal power transformer manufacturers must be selected carefully according to individual requirement, accreditation and certification. These transformers are the preferred choice where we need an efficient use of power with minimum loss in the magnetic field. Some of the applications of this transformer are:
- Stabilised power supplies
- Microprocessor units
- CNC machines
- Motor equipment
- Industrial equipment
The main reason for preferring a toroidal transformer is its efficient use of electricity. Whenever we need a transformer to fit Ito confined space with minimum flux leakage and EMI, a toroidal transformer is the most suitable type.
How Does The Toroidal Transfer Work?
The function of a transformer is to transfer electrical energy between circuits. It uses electromagnetic induction to do this job. When the current in one coil varies, it produces a magnetic field. This field produces a varying voltage in the secondary coil. In this way we transfer power between these two circuits without establishing any actual metallic connection. Transformers are hence, used in fluctuating voltages in an electric appliance.
The basic design of the transformer is quite simple and can be found in many electrical appliances, from massive power generating stations to small chargers. The usual shape of the transformer is cuboid or rectangular. The toroidal transformer stands out because of its different shape, like a donut. The shape also gives it some unique advantages. Toroidal power transformer manufacturers use it work with alternating current.
Core: The core is toroidal shape with wires wound around it. It is built of ferromagnetic material such as ferrite, laminated iron or iron powder. The wires around this core in a symmetrical fashion.
This specially made coil improves the building and contraction of the magnetic fields and helps them induce the voltage into the secondary, making the transformer more efficient because more voltage actually gets induced from the primary to the secondary. A solid ferromagnetic core in the shape of an “E” or square, and in a traditional transformer, would have far less efficiency.
Primary coil: This is the coil of wire that is wrapped around the ferromagnetic core. When the electricity passes through the coil, we get a positive magnetic field that peaks. When the voltage decreases, the magnetic field starts its collapse. We get a negative magnetic field as electricity in the coil passes in the opposite direction. This field collapses when the voltage reaches 0. This way we have magnetic fields that are peaking and then collapsing.
Secondary coil: The fluctuating magnetic field in the primary coil now pass through the secondary coil that is also wrapped around the core. This produces the output voltage. The voltage will depend on the number of wires. So, when you buy from a toroidal power transformer manufacturers, check the number of wires and voltage.
Advantages Of Toroidal Power Transformer
The toroidal power transformer has many advantages over the more traditional form of transformers. Some of these are:
Low Stray Magnetic Field: One of the best aspects of this design is how it contains the magnetic field. The stray field in the case of a toroidal transformer is almost 85-90% less when compared with a conventional transformer. This is because the toroidal shape does not create any air gaps. The windings are wounded uniformly and symmetrically, which results in a low radiated magnetic field. This means a more efficient performance and a significant energy saving.
Low mechanical hum: The loud hum we hear in a transformer comes from the vibrations in the windings of the wire and the core layers. With wear and tear of the transformer, the core lamination starts to loosen, increasing the vibration and its volume. The symmetrical and uniform wiring of the transformer core, reduces the effect of this vibration. The core is also annealed, spot welded with an epoxy resin coating. There are no air gaps, which means that there is less scope for forceful vibrations. Interestingly, the hum actually decreases in a few minutes after the transformer is switched on.
Lightweight and compact: The transformer has a compact design with its rounded shape that saves on space. In addition, it requires fewer materials, giving us a transformer that is almost half as light as a conventional shape. This also makes it easy to install.