Lowest frequency of a transformer

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Crazymechanic
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Frequency Transformer
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the lowest frequency at which a transformer can operate effectively, exploring the relationship between frequency, voltage change, and transformer functionality. Participants consider both theoretical and practical aspects, including the implications of using direct current (DC) and the limits of transformer size in relation to frequency.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the lowest frequency at which a transformer can still function, considering the effects of voltage amplitude and periodic polarity reversal.
  • Another participant raises the issue of the lowest rate of change in voltage/current that a transformer can work with, suggesting a theoretical exploration of size limits for transformers in relation to frequency.
  • A different participant posits that a transformer could theoretically operate on DC until the core reaches saturation, although they express uncertainty about whether a static magnetic field can induce current.
  • One participant references the 'ideal' transformer model, indicating a theoretical framework for understanding transformer behavior.
  • Another participant states that the minimal frequency of transformation is theoretically zero, but acknowledges that this is nonsensical in practical terms, emphasizing the importance of carefully choosing parameters for optimal transformer performance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the theoretical limits of transformer operation, with some suggesting that zero frequency is a possibility while others emphasize practical constraints. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of frequency limits and the implications of using DC.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the theoretical nature of the questions posed, and there is an emphasis on the need for careful consideration of transformer parameters for practical applications. Unresolved assumptions about the behavior of transformers under different conditions are present.

Crazymechanic
Messages
831
Reaction score
12
Hi , I've been wondering about this one thing.
Well a transformer works on indcution , so a increase/decrease in voltage amplitude and/or periodical polarity reversal is needed to induce a current and voltage in the secondary.

Now if we leave the current reversal aside for a bit and look at the increase then highest point and then decrease of a waveform that " feeds" the transformer primary , I wonder what's the lowest frequency a transformer can still be able to work ?
The bigger the wavelength the longer it takes for the voltage to reach and then drop drom a certain level in one half period, but since we can also say that AC is just DC if looked at from a " point in time" perspective then since the time it takes for a very low frequency half wave to change is pretty long does the transformer secondary can still sense that?

Or maybe I should ask , what is the lowest rate of change in voltage/current that a transformer can still work with ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Crazymechanic said:
Or maybe I should ask , what is the lowest rate of change in voltage/current that a transformer can still work with ?

What are the size limits of the transformer for the working frequency, house size, planet size or known universe size?
http://www.atltransformers.co.uk/pages/frequency.htm
http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/transformer/transformer-basics.html
 
Last edited:
there are no limits of size , this is a theoretical question , I'm theoretically interested.

So if i get it right from the article you gave me , a transformer could work on dc if only for one thing , after a given amount of time , or the time it took for a given material and size transformer core to reach saturation , so if the core won't saturate then the transformer could transfer usable power , but I guess it's just late nad I got something wrong because a static magnetic field can't induce current can it ..?
 
Theoretically, the minimal frequency of transformation is zero. Which is, of course, nonsensical in practice.

Practically, it is one the many parameters of a transformer that must be very carefully chosen for optimal performance. It is in the domain of electrical engineering, not theoretical physics.
 

Similar threads

High School Melting a nail with high currents
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Undergrad Can a One Direction Transformer Prevent Reverse Induction in Primary Coil?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Undergrad Mutual inductance in a transformer
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
Undergrad What happens when the frequency of AC is very high?
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
8K
Undergrad Step Up Transformer: Current AND Voltage Increased?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
Graduate Transformer equation: Using Faraday's law "the wrong way"?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Undergrad DIY Electromagnetic Induction Experiment
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Graduate Why do transformers use AC currents in the primary coil?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Maximum power from a transformer
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Motor / transformer variable frequency control
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K