Transformer input Voltage question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of input voltage at a transformer's primary terminals when supplied with a specific voltage from a generator, considering the effects of load, resistance, and reactance in the circuit. The scope includes technical explanations and conceptual clarifications related to electrical engineering principles.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the input voltage at the transformer primary should remain at 100V regardless of downstream effects, as losses have not yet impacted the primary terminals.
  • Another participant counters that real-world conditions, including non-ideal generators and transmission lines, create voltage drops that affect the input voltage, suggesting a voltage divider effect.
  • A subsequent post reiterates the idea that the generator's output voltage may not reflect the input voltage at the transformer due to losses in the connecting cables.
  • Another participant notes that the voltage at the transformer will be slightly less than at the generator, depending on the length and type of wire used, and emphasizes that load changes on the secondary side will also affect the primary side and the generator.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between the generator output voltage and the transformer input voltage, with no consensus reached regarding the impact of losses and load on the voltage readings.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various factors such as cable losses, load conditions, and generator characteristics that may influence voltage measurements, but these factors remain unresolved in the discussion.

Physicist3
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Hi, Just to clarify, If a real transformer is being supplied with let's say 100V rms from a generator, and a load is connected to the secondary via a line containing both reactance and resistance, the input voltage at the transformer primary terminals should always be 100V, no matter what is happening after this point, as all the voltage drops associated with losses etc will not have been reached yet. Am i correct?
 
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Not really - as the generator and the leads from the generator to the transformer is not ideal ( in the real world) -- so the total V drop at each point of the system still affected by what is effectively a voltage divider - each element has losses and has a voltage drop. A generator with light load and good voltage control - can compensate for this however.
 
Windadct said:
Not really - as the generator and the leads from the generator to the transformer is not ideal ( in the real world) -- so the total V drop at each point of the system still affected by what is effectively a voltage divider - each element has losses and has a voltage drop. A generator with light load and good voltage control - can compensate for this however.

Thanks for the reply. So in simple terms, if the output terminals if the generator show 100v, the input if the transformer would be 100v - losses in cables connecting generator to transformer
 
well the voltage on the transformer will be a little less than that at the generator but it solely depends on the length and wire used.

Now if you will put load on the transformer secondary that load will be reflected also in the pirmary side and felt at the generator too. As long as that load is within the limits of the generator and transformer you will not see any considerable change but if the load will get bigger you will probably see a voltage drop at the primary terminals and also at the generator because they are connected and all are affected.
 

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