J & P Transformer Book, 13th Edition

1 Transformer theory

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The invention of the power transformer towards the end of the nineteenth century made possible the development of the modern constant voltage AC supply system, with power stations often located many miles from centres of electrical load. Before that, in the early days of public electricity supplies, these were DC systems with the source of generation, of necessity, close to the point of loading.

Pioneers of the electricity supply industry were quick to recognise the benefits of a device which could take the high current relatively low voltage output of an electrical generator and transform this to a voltage level which would enable it to be transmitted in a cable of practical dimensions to consumers who, ...