Power factor of ideal transformer

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the power factor of an ideal transformer, exploring the theoretical implications of its characteristics in relation to real-world transformers and their loads. Participants examine the conditions under which the power factor can be considered equal to 1, as well as the differences between ideal and real transformers.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question why the power factor of an ideal transformer is considered to be 1, given that an ideal coil has a power factor of 0 due to a phase difference of -π/2.
  • Others argue that the power factor of a transformer depends on the load connected to it, suggesting that if a purely resistive load is applied, the power factor can approach 1.
  • A participant notes that in a real transformer, the magnetizing current affects the power factor, which can be zero without load, but approaches 1 as real power is transformed.
  • Some contributions clarify that an ideal transformer is a theoretical construct that does not account for real-world properties such as magnetizing current, leading to the conclusion that its power factor can be viewed as 1 under ideal conditions.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the power factor of an ideal transformer is essentially that of its load, stating that without load, there is no power factor to measure.
  • One participant introduces the idea that for the equation Pin = Pout to hold true in an ideal transformer, both resistive and reactive losses must be zero, reinforcing the notion of ideality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the power factor in ideal transformers, with some asserting that it is always 1 under ideal conditions, while others highlight the influence of load and real-world factors that complicate this assertion. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of these differing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the assumption that ideal transformers do not exhibit magnetizing current, and the dependence on the definition of ideality versus real-world behavior. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of how power factor is affected by load conditions.

Mr Genius
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Can anyone explain why the power factor of an ideal transformer cos (phi) is equal to 1??
A simple ideal transformer is formed of 2 ideal coils. The power factor of an ideal coil is 0 since phase difference between the current and the applied voltage is - π/2. Then how can the power factor of the transformer equal 1¿
 
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Mr Genius said:
Can anyone explain why the power factor of an ideal transformer cos (phi) is equal to 1??
A simple ideal transformer is formed of 2 ideal coils. The power factor of an ideal coil is 0 since phase difference between the current and the applied voltage is - π/2. Then how can the power factor of the transformer equal 1¿
The Power Factor will depend on the load placed at the output of the transformer. Can you post a copy of what you are reading?
 
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1487956092576.jpeg
 
Okay, it looks like they are talking about the transformer as part of a system. If you assume a purely resistive load at its output, then any deviation from a unity Power Factor would come from the transformer losses and parasitics. Does that make sense? Certainly if you connect a load to the transformer output that has a PF<1, the PF of the system will be <1 as well.

Here is a rotated and cleaned up copy of your attachment:
PF_PF.jpeg
 
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Mr Genius said:
A simple ideal transformer is formed of 2 ideal coils. T

That statement is adding to your confusion. A real transformer has coils and depends on magnetiic forces. An ideal transformer is an imaginary device that defines relationships between voltages and cuteness. The imaginary device makes no reference to magnetiic or coils. I could implement something close to an ideal transformer using only microprocessors and software, no coils needed.An ideal resistor had zero L and C, whereas real life resistors have both.

Stop trying to imagine real life properties to any ideal component. That is not helpful.
 
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The primary of the transformer has a magnetising current due to the “leakage inductance” of the primary that creates flux in the core. That reactive magnetising current is proportional to primary voltage, so it is quite independent of secondary current or load. Without load, the power factor of a real transformer is zero. As more real power is transformed, the magnetising current becomes less significant and the power factor approaches closer to 1 but never gets there.

An imaginary ideal transformer need not have any magnetising current, so the power factor can always be thought of as 1.
 
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Aha !
@Mr Genius
expanding on Baluncore's accurate statement above which is the heart of the matter,,,
Mr Genius said:
A simple ideal transformer is formed of 2 ideal coils.
Think a little harder. It's an ideal inductor with another winding. An ideal inductor has specified inductance edit: so it draws magnetizing current , as you've already said.
An ideal transformer edit: differs from an ideal inductor in that it has infinite inductance so there is no magnetizing current.
With no magnetizing current and no load current either there's nothing to measure the phase angle of, so power factor becomes moot.
Only when load current commences does an angle appear to take the cosine of.
So power factor of an ideal transformer is exactly that of its load. The power factor of an ideal coil is 0 since phase difference between the current and the applied voltage is - π/2.
Fine for a finite inductor ,
but not for one with infinite inductance because there's no current to measure the phase of.
( i know, I know, a preposition is a bad word to end a sentence with)

Then how can the power factor of the transformer equal 1¿
Ideal transformer just hands over the power factor of its load.

No load, no power factor.
 
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Mr Genius said:
Can anyone explain why the power factor of an ideal transformer cos (phi) is equal to 1??
We usually think of a transformer as a device which magnifies voltage or current, though (obviously) not both together. But if we think in terms of power, then a transformer is a device where Pin ≈ Pout.

If the device introduces some resistive losses, then Pin = Pout + Ploss∠0°

If the device itself introduces a reactive component, then Pin = Pout + ∆ ∠-90°

Only where both of these introduced terms are zero can the equation Pin = Pout hold.

i.e., only if it's ideal will we have Pin = Pout × 1.000000∠0°

If the proportionality factor (in blue) is not of unity magnitude, or the cosine of its angle is not unity, then it cannot be describing an ideal device.
 
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