What Causes Back EMF in Transformers?

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Back EMF in transformers occurs when the electromagnetic field collapses, releasing stored energy as a high-voltage spike when the coil is de-energized. This phenomenon is linked to the low-frequency collapse of the coil when a transistor turns off. The energy stored in the electromagnetic field is responsible for generating this spike, which can be hundreds of times the supply voltage. Additionally, the power factor of the back EMF is slightly less than that of the original energy input. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for managing voltage spikes in electrical systems.
len legare
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I have always wondered if anyone has ever developed an understanding of why Back EMF happens?

All I know is it happens when the the field inside of a transformer collapses at some low frequency during the collapse of the coil when the transistor shuts off creates a huge spike hundreds of times the supply voltage is created within the coil. is there a new understanding of why this happens?

I appreciate any help in in expanding my knowledge of this phenomena.

Thanks.
 
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len legare said:
I have always wondered if anyone has ever developed an understanding of why Back EMF happens?

All I know is it happens when the the field inside of a transformer collapses at some low frequency during the collapse of the coil when the transistor shuts off creates a huge spike hundreds of times the supply voltage is created within the coil. is there a new understanding of why this happens?

I appreciate any help in in expanding my knowledge of this phenomena.

Thanks.

If I'm not mistaken, it is because the electromagnetic field of the transformer actually stores energy, and when you shutoff the transformer, the electromagnetic field collapses, sending that energy back as a spike of power.
 
Remember also, that back EMF collapse, regardless of high voltage or not, has a power factor slightly less than that which created it.
 
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