Step Up Transformer: Exploring Conservation of Energy

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In summary: But if you don't want to go to that much trouble, you can just say that the 1:2 step-up transformer outputs twice the voltage and current as the 1:1 transformer.
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It is understood that you cannot have something from nothing, but how is this the case with a step up transformer? It seems that stepping up the voltage is stepping up the potential energy and since more windings actually increase the resistance there will be lower current which is how most people explain the conservation of energy in this situation, however what would happen in the case of a superconducter?
 
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You step up voltage not energy. Energy out is always less than energy in.
 
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XPTPCREWX said:
It is understood that you cannot have something from nothing, but how is this the case with a step up transformer? It seems that stepping up the voltage is stepping up the potential energy and since more windings actually increase the resistance there will be lower current which is how most people explain the conservation of energy in this situation, however what would happen in the case of a superconducter?

Just to add a little to Pumblechook's answer... In the case of the step-up transformer, the signal source driving the transformer "sees" the output load impedance attached to the transformer, but it sees it through a ratio related to the transformer turns ratio.

So say you have a 1:1 transformer, with a signal source (and source impedance) connected to the input of the transformer, and a load impedance Z connected to the transformer output. The signal source is driving the magnetizing inductance of the transformer, in parallel with the load Z, because for the 1:1 transformer, the output load is transformed to an equivalent input parallel load directly by that 1:1 ratio.

But if you use a 1:2 step-up transformer, the load impedance Z is transformed across to an equivalent load of Z/4 in parallel with the input of the transformer (the load transforms across by the square of the turns ratio). So if the signal source has a low enough output impedance compared to that load impedance, it will drive about 4X the current through that equivalent load, in order to be able to support twice the output voltage at twice the output current (4X the power). So if you want to get twice the voltage out of a transformer (which also doubles the current through the load Z), you need to drive more input current, and hence the input and output powers are the same (actually less at the output for a real transformer with losses).

The more traditional way of stating all of this is to make the load lighter for the 1:2 step-up case (Z --> 4*Z) , and then you can say that you have twice the output voltage (compared to a 1:1 transformer), and half the current. That is the equivalent power case.
 
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1. What is a Step Up Transformer?

A step-up transformer is a type of electrical transformer that is used to increase the voltage of an alternating current (AC) power supply. It works by using the principle of electromagnetic induction to transfer energy from one circuit to another through the use of a magnetic field.

2. How does a Step Up Transformer work?

A step-up transformer has two sets of windings, known as the primary and secondary windings. The primary winding is connected to the power source, while the secondary winding is connected to the load. When an alternating current flows through the primary winding, it creates a changing magnetic field. This changing magnetic field induces a current in the secondary winding, which results in an increase in voltage.

3. What is the conservation of energy and how does it relate to a Step Up Transformer?

The conservation of energy is a fundamental law in physics that states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. This law applies to a step-up transformer as it does not create or destroy energy, but rather transforms it from a lower voltage to a higher voltage.

4. What are some practical applications of Step Up Transformers?

Step-up transformers are commonly used in power distribution systems to increase the voltage for long-distance transmission. They are also used in electronic devices such as televisions and computers to convert the low voltage from an outlet to the higher voltage needed for operation. Additionally, step-up transformers are used in renewable energy systems, such as wind turbines and solar panels, to increase the voltage for efficient power generation.

5. Are there any limitations or drawbacks to using Step Up Transformers?

One limitation of step-up transformers is their size and weight, which can make them difficult to transport and install. They also require proper maintenance and insulation to prevent overheating and electrical failures. Additionally, step-up transformers can introduce some power loss due to resistance in the windings, so they are not 100% efficient in energy transfer. However, advancements in technology have helped to minimize these limitations and make step-up transformers a reliable and efficient tool for energy transformation.

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