Title: Complete Interview Preparation Guide on Transformers, Power Distribution, and Final Year Project
Section 1: Basics of Transformers
Q: What is a transformer? A transformer is an electromagnetic device that transfers electrical energy
between circuits via mutual induction. It operates on AC (alternating current) without any mechanical
movement.
Answer: Transformers function using Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction. When an AC voltage is
applied to the primary winding, a varying magnetic flux is produced in the iron core. This flux links to the
secondary winding and induces a voltage proportional to the turns ratio.
Diagram: [Image: Basic Transformer Structure with Core, Primary, Secondary Windings]
Key Components: - Core: Laminated CRGO steel to reduce eddy current and hysteresis losses. - Primary
Winding: Receives AC input. - Secondary Winding: Delivers transformed output voltage. - Insulation:
Protects against short circuits and leakage. - Cooling Medium: Transformer oil or air (dry type). - Tank,
Conservator, Breather: Maintains and protects internal components.
Section 2: Construction and Materials
Q: How are transformers constructed? What materials are used?
Answer: - Core Material: Cold Rolled Grain Oriented (CRGO) steel for reduced losses. - Windings: Copper
(preferred for conductivity) or Aluminum (cheaper alternative). - Insulation: Kraft paper, pressboard, and
insulating oil. - Tank and Accessories: Steel tank filled with oil, conservator for oil expansion, and breather
for moisture absorption.
Diagram: [Image: Transformer Construction with Core, Windings, Tank, Conservator]
Section 3: Types of Transformers
Q: What is the difference between Step-Up and Step-Down Transformers? - Step-Up Transformer:
Increases voltage (e.g., 11kV to 220kV). Used in power stations. - Step-Down Transformer: Decreases
voltage (e.g., 11kV to 230V). Used near consumers.
Q: How is stepping up and down done? - It is done by changing the number of turns in the windings: -
Step-Up: More turns in secondary winding. - Step-Down: More turns in primary winding.
Formula: Vp/Vs = Np/Ns = Is/Ip
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Q: What are CT and PT? Where are they used? - CT (Current Transformer): Measures high current by
producing a proportional low current. Used in power stations, substations, and industries for metering and
protection. - PT (Potential Transformer): Measures high voltage by producing a proportional low voltage.
Also used in metering and protection.
Differences: | Feature | Current Transformer (CT) | Potential Transformer (PT) |
|---------------------|---------------------------|-----------------------------| | Connected in | Series | Parallel | | Measures |
Current | Voltage | | Output | Low current | Low voltage | | Used with | Ammeter, Relay | Voltmeter, Relay
| | Primary Input | High current | High voltage |
Diagram: [Image: CT and PT with their respective connections to meters]
Section 4: Power Distribution (KSEB to Home)
Q: How is electricity distributed from generation to homes?
Answer: 1. Generation: At 11-25kV at power stations. 2. Step-Up Transformation: Voltage increased to
220-400kV for efficient transmission. 3. Transmission Lines: Long-distance high-voltage lines. 4.
Substations: Step-down to 110kV/66kV/33kV. 5. Distribution Transformers: Further step-down to 11kV
and then to 415V/230V. 6. Service Lines: Supply homes and businesses with final usable voltage.
Diagram: [Image: Power Flow Diagram from Generation to Consumer]
Section 5: Key Terms and Equations
• Turns Ratio: Np/Ns = Vp/Vs = Is/Ip
• EMF Equation: E = 4.44 * f * N * Φ_max
• Efficiency (η): (Output Power / Input Power) * 100%
• Voltage Regulation: ((No-load Voltage - Full-load Voltage) / Full-load Voltage) * 100%
• Losses:
• Copper Loss: I^2 * R (due to winding resistance)
• Core Loss: Due to hysteresis and eddy currents in the core
Section 6: Common Interview Questions with Answers
1. What is a transformer?
2. A static device that transfers electrical power through magnetic induction.
3. Why is a transformer rated in kVA?
4. Because the losses depend on current and voltage, not on power factor.
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5. Explain vector group in transformers.
6. Indicates the phase relationship between primary and secondary windings. Used for paralleling
transformers.
7. What is voltage regulation?
8. It measures the change in voltage from no-load to full-load.
9. What is power factor?
10. It is the cosine of the angle between voltage and current. Represents efficiency.
11. Difference between auto and isolation transformer:
12. Auto uses a single winding; isolation uses separate windings for input and output.
13. What are the testing methods for transformers?
14. Open Circuit Test, Short Circuit Test, Insulation Resistance Test, Polarity Test.
15. What protection is used in transformers?
16. Buchholz relay, pressure relief devices, differential protection, overcurrent relays.
17. What are harmonics?
18. Voltages or currents at multiples of fundamental frequency. Causes overheating and inefficiency.
19. What is an earthing transformer?
◦ Used to provide grounding path in ungrounded systems.
20. What is a dry-type transformer?
◦ A transformer that does not use liquid for cooling. Suitable for indoor applications.
21. What is magnetic flux?
◦ The total magnetic field passing through a surface. Represented by Φ.
22. What is a load tap changer (LTC)?
◦ Device to regulate voltage by changing transformer tap settings without interrupting load.
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23. What are laminated cores used for?
◦ To minimize eddy current losses by restricting current paths.
24. What is leakage flux?
◦ Portion of flux that does not link both windings and results in leakage inductance.
Section 7: Final Year Project - Automatic Chapathi Maker
Q: What is your project about? An automatic system that flattens dough and cooks chapathis
automatically.
Working: 1. Insert dough ball into chamber. 2. Motor-driven plates flatten dough. 3. Flattened dough is
transferred to heating plate. 4. Heated and flipped automatically. 5. Buzzer indicates when ready.
Diagram: [Image: Block Diagram of Chapathi Maker - Motors, Controller, Heaters, Sensors]
Q: Which microcontroller did you use? Arduino Uno due to simplicity and support for servo control.
Q: How did you manage heat control? Using temperature sensors and relays for switching heaters.
Q: Major challenges? - Temperature uniformity - Servo timing coordination - Mechanical reliability
Q: Scope for improvement? - Automation of dough feeding - Speed optimization - Wi-Fi control
Q: Sensors and actuators used? - IR Sensors for detection - MG995 Servo Motor - Thermistor - Buzzer
Applications: - Home automation - Hostel kitchens - Mass canteens - Restaurants
Conclusion: This guide covers basic to advanced transformer concepts, power distribution mechanisms,
and includes detailed technical and project-based interview questions. Suitable for core electrical job
interviews and project presentations. Diagrams can be added visually upon request.
