Electromagnetism
187
a common iron core, but are not electrically connected to each other. The
purpose of the iron core is to reduce the reluctance of the magnetic circuit.
This ensures that the fl ux linkage between the coils is almost 100%.
V
1
I
1
I
2
E
1
N
1
N
2
E
2
R
L
V
2
Φ
Fig. 5.41
Since it is an a.c. machine, an alternating fl ux is produced in the core.
The core is therefore laminated, to minimise the eddy current loss.
Indeed, the transformer is probably the most effi cient of all machines.
Effi ciencies of 98% to 99% are typical. This high effi ciency is due
mainly to the fact that there are no moving parts.
The general arrangement is shown in Fig. 5.41 . One winding, called the
primary, is connected to an a.c. supply. The other winding, the secondary,
is connected to a
load . The primary will draw an alternating current I
1
from the supply. The fl ux, , produced by this winding, will therefore
a.c. means alternating current, i.e. one which fl ows alternately, fi rst in one direction, then
in the opposite direction. It is normally a sinewave
A load is any device or circuit connected to some source of emf. Thus, a load will draw
current from the source. The term load is also loosely used to refer to the actual current
drawn from a source
also be alternating; i.e. it will be continuously changing. Assuming
100% fl ux linkage, then this fl ux is the only common factor linking the
two windings. Thus, a mutually induced emf, E
2
, will be developed
across the secondary. Also, there will be a back emf, E
l
, induced across