Understanding Transformers, Spark Ignition, and Power Distribution
Types of Transformers
Bipolar Transformer
This type of transformer performs a very important job in industry, generating high power and operating in integrated circuits at high temperatures.
Tripolar Transformer
Characterized by having three types of windings, designed to handle a very high load and working at very low temperatures, apart from excessive consumption.
Generic Transformer
A generic transformer performs a relatively poor job in the home. For example, one inside a microwave heats quickly but does not allow complete combustion.
Spark Ignition Engines
Spark ignition is a type of internal combustion engine that uses the explosion of a fuel, caused by a spark, to expand a gas, pushing a piston. There are two-stroke and four-stroke versions. The thermodynamic cycle utilized is known as the Otto cycle engine, also called a petrol engine or Otto engine. Next to the diesel engine, it is the most utilized in today’s automotive industry.
The fuel is injected and mixed with the gas (usually air and oxygen) inside a cylinder. The theoretical total combustion of 1 gram of gasoline requires 14.8 grams of air. However, since perfectly homogeneous mixing of both elements is impossible, it is common to introduce more than 10% of the necessary air (in a weight ratio of 1/16). Sometimes, more or less fuel is injected; this is determined by the lambda sensor (oxygen sensor), which sends a signal to the ECU. Once the mixture inside the cylinder is compressed, at the point of maximum compression (top dead center or TDC), a spark is produced by a spark plug, generating the explosion of the fuel. The enclosed gases in the cylinders expand, pushing a piston within the cylinder to slide (theoretically, adiabatic expansion of the gases). The energy released in this explosion is transformed into linear movement of the pistons, which, through a crank and the crankshaft, is converted into rotary movement. The inertia of this rotary movement prevents the engine from stopping, and the piston pushes the gas out through a valve that is now open. Finally, the piston moves back, allowing the entry of a new fuel mixture.
Obtaining and Distributing Electricity
Electricity is obtained on a large scale through hydroelectric or thermoelectric power plants, using thermal energy sources (fuels, geothermal, solar, nuclear) or mechanical energy sources (wind, hydraulic, tidal), which operate motor devices, for example, turbines. The turbines, coupled to alternators, convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, which is then distributed to the network. The current thermoelectric power plants are those that operate with fuels such as coal, oil, or gas, and hydroelectric power plants operate by using the force of water in large dams or at the tail end of rivers.
Electrical Distribution Network
The electrical distribution network is a subsystem of the power system that distributes energy from the supply substations to the end users (the customer’s meter).
Components of the Distribution System:
- Distribution Substations: These are sets of elements (transformers, switches, switchgears, etc.) that reduce the voltage from high-voltage transmission lines (or sub-transmission) to medium-voltage standards for distribution in multiple voltage outputs.
- Primary Circuit
- Secondary Circuit