How does KVL work in transformers?

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SUMMARY

This discussion clarifies the application of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL) in transformers, specifically addressing the secondary coil. It establishes that power loss calculations using formulas IV and V^2/R are valid only when V represents the drop voltage across the resistance in the secondary coil. The conversation emphasizes that KVL applies to the entire closed loop, and the supply voltage does not factor into the KVL analysis of the secondary coil when a load is present.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ideal transformers and energy transfer
  • Knowledge of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law (KVL)
  • Familiarity with electrical power formulas (IV and V^2/R)
  • Basic circuit analysis skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Kirchhoff's Voltage Law in various circuit configurations
  • Learn about power loss calculations in resistive circuits
  • Explore the principles of transformer operation and efficiency
  • Investigate the differences between primary and secondary coil voltage behavior
USEFUL FOR

Electrical engineers, physics students, and anyone involved in circuit design or analysis, particularly those focusing on transformer functionality and voltage laws.

physicist_kido
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I have studied ideal transformers (transfer 100% of energy) and that the power loss in the secondary coil is I^2*R..
Then I asked myself, why can't we use these equivalent formulas for power (IV and V^2/R)??
I tried to use them but they gave me different values for power loss
I searched for an answer here and I discovered that the supply voltage is not equal to the drop voltage through the resistance in the secondary coil.
So IV and V^2/R works when V is the drop voltage..

After that I had another question, How can we apply Kirchhoff's voltage law in the secondary coil?
Due to KVL the sum of voltages must equal zero.
But appearantly, that doesn't exist in the secondary coil as long as the drop voltage is not equal to the supply voltage..

Any one has an explanation?
 
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physicist_kido said:
So IV and V^2/R works when V is the drop voltage..
Congratulations. You must have missed that point in a circuits lesson. But you reasoned yourself to the correct conclusion.

physicist_kido said:
Due to KVL the sum of voltages must equal zero.
But appearantly, that doesn't exist in the secondary coil as long as the drop voltage is not equal to the supply voltage..
In this case, you're reasoning yourself to the wrong conclusion. KVL applies to an entire closed loop. Put a load across that secondary, then sum all the V drops around the loop and KVL works just fine.

:welcome:
 
I think one point you have missed for sure is that the supply voltage is applied to the primary coil therefore when we want to deal with KVL for the secondary coil the supply voltage does not appear anywhere...
 

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