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Related Concept Videos

Equivalent Circuits for Practical Transformers01:28

Equivalent Circuits for Practical Transformers

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The practical equivalent circuits of single-phase two-winding transformers exhibit significant deviations from their idealized versions due to the inherent properties of winding resistance and finite core permeability. These properties result in real and reactive power losses, affecting the transformer's performance. Understanding these deviations is crucial for designing more efficient transformers.
In a practical transformer, each winding exhibits resistance and leakage reactance. The...
877
Bridge rectifier01:24

Bridge rectifier

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The bridge rectifier is essential in electronics for efficiently converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). Comprised of four diodes configured in a bridge layout, this rectifier effectively processes both the positive and negative halves of the AC waveform, making it superior to half-wave and full-wave center-tapped rectifiers in terms of voltage regulation and output stability.
Operationally, the bridge rectifier allows current flow through two of its diodes during each...
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Types Of Transformers01:16

Types Of Transformers

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Transformers can provide desired voltages to a circuit by modifying the number of turns in the secondary windings.
If the ratio of the number of turns in the secondary winding to that of the primary winding is greater than one, then the transformer is said to be a step-up transformer. In a step-up transformer, the voltage at the secondary winding is greater than the voltage applied at the primary winding.
However, if this ratio is less than one, the transformer is said to be a step-down...
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Reducing Line Loss01:18

Reducing Line Loss

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In a three-phase circuit, line loss is an indicator of energy dissipated as heat due to the resistance of transmission lines. To address this, incorporating transformers into the system—a step-up transformer at the source and a step-down transformer at the load—is a strategic solution. Two three-phase transformers are introduced to improve this.
With a step-up transformer at the source, the voltage is increased, thereby reducing the current in the transmission lines since power loss...
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Transformers01:26

Transformers

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A device that transforms voltages from one value to another using induction is called a transformer. A transformer consists of two separate coils, or windings, wrapped around the same soft iron core. However, they are electrically insulated from each other.
The iron core has a substantial relative permeability. Therefore, the magnetic field lines generated due to the current in one winding are almost entirely confined within the core, such that the same magnetic flux permeates each turn of both...
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Instrument Transformers01:23

Instrument Transformers

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Instrument transformers, comprising voltage transformers (VTs) and current transformers (CTs), play crucial roles in power substations by providing isolated replicas of current or voltage for measurement and protection purposes. Voltage transformers reduce the primary voltage to levels suitable for relay operation and measurement, while current transformers scale down the primary current. The primary winding of a current transformer often consists of a single turn, achieved by threading the...
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A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
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High-performance photonic transformers for DC voltage conversion.

Bo Zhao1,2, Sid Assawaworrarit1, Parthiban Santhanam1

  • 1Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.

Nature Communications
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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Photonic transformers offer a near-noiseless alternative to conventional DC converters. Integrated photonic designs promise near-unity efficiency for miniaturized, high-performance power conversion.

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Area of Science:

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Optoelectronics
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Direct current (DC) converters are crucial in electronics, but conventional switching converters face miniaturization challenges due to bulky inductors and generate electromagnetic noise.
  • Photonic transformers, using light for voltage conversion, have shown lower efficiency compared to traditional methods.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To theoretically and experimentally demonstrate the potential of photonic transformers for high-efficiency, miniaturized DC-DC voltage conversion.
  • To address the limitations of conventional switching converters, including size and electromagnetic interference.

Main Methods:

  • Detailed balance analysis to theoretically predict near-unity conversion efficiency in integrated photonic transformers.
  • Experimental validation using off-the-shelf discrete components to construct and test a photonic transformer.

Main Results:

  • Theoretical analysis indicates that a monolithically integrated design can achieve near-unity conversion efficiency and high voltage conversion ratios.
  • Experimental results demonstrate near noiseless operation and significantly improved voltage conversion ratios compared to previous photonic transformer designs.

Conclusions:

  • Photonic transformers, with optimized integrated designs, present a viable high-performance optical solution for miniaturizing DC power converters.
  • This technology can enhance electromagnetic compatibility and the quality of electrical power, overcoming key limitations of current switching converters.