Transformers are used to convert power voltage to the levels required for various applications. Usually, the classification of building your own or are renting will determine the type of transformer phases you have.
Single Phase Power
With single phases, the power lines are the power input source. You need only one primary and one secondary winding to convert the power voltage.
As with all things, different single phase transformers have different ranges (with regards to their horsepower, tap and type of mounting). With single phases however, you can generally expect to power a residential building, because most homes don’t require lots of energy – compared to factories for example.
When you need a lot of power, Phoenix Phase Converters states that three phase transformers work best. That’s because they generate more power, and work differently – usually by spinning three different coils or windings through a magnetic field that’s located within the generator. These three windings have a 120 degree spacing to give each winding room to generate sufficient power while rotating through the field.
The power generated by these three coils is then sent through three different lines – hence why its called a 3 phase transformer. Note that for a three phase transformer to work properly, all three lines must be connected in accordance to the amount of power generated by each coil – i.e the voltage being released by each coil must match the capability of the line it’s passing through.
You get better energy usage when you use a three phase transformer to get a single phase transformer. To understand this better, a single phase transformer being powered by a three phase transformer – which has more conductors – is like getting high speed internet.
Using Three Phase Transformers In Industrial Settings
If you’ll be working with a ton of heavy duty machinery, you can’t do without a three phase transformer. That’s because these machines demand a lot of power to work efficiently. That’s why most factories use three and not single phases. Even when you find single phases in a factory setting, those single phase transformers can usually be traced to a three phase transformer.
The amount of power generated by a three phase transformer, with 3 conductors, is about 170 times the power generated by a single phase – which has just 2 conductors.
How Do Three Phase Transformers Work?
Each three phase transformer comes with a 3 section iron winding, with each section having its own primary and secondary coil.
These three primary windings have “Delta” configuration – which is a connection of all three windings to ensure that they have the proper sequence. The secondary windings also have a Delta or Wye configuration, depending on the voltage required of them.
Like single transformer phases, there are different models of three phase transformers – each with a different horsepower, KVA, dimension and type of mounting.
Loads vs. Transformers
Usually the type of transformer phases used will depend on the load. If you require a 3 phase load, then you need to have a 3 phase transformer and supply.
Because of the high efficiency of three phase transformers, some residential homes opt for them, instead of single phase transformers. So make more enquiries before deciding on the type of transformer you’ll be installing for your building.