On Wed, Sep 19, 2018 at 2:57 PM Bill Degnan via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Really? Why wouldn't it do both? Do the nicer transformers also convert the Hz? This should not be a big issue? I have never done this though, who knows I suppose. b
A transformer is fundamentally, two copper windings, magnetically coupled together. In a perfect world, the current/voltage relationship is kept between both sides, such that the power remains the same. Hence, if you have a 2:1 transformer, 240V on the first side would result in 120V on the second. If a load drawing 2A at 120V is placed on the second side, you can expect 1A to flow on the first. Hence, power is conserved. Note that there is no circuitry or magic here to change the frequency from one side to the other. If you have 60 Hz on the input, you'll get the same frequency on the output. Transformers often have frequency ratings, as the core can saturate and become less efficient when lower frequencies are supplied. Hence, a 60 Hz transformer may not operate well at 50 Hz, but a 50 Hz transformer will be able to handle both 50 Hz and 60 Hz. In order to do any sort of frequency conversion, an inverter is required, which often consists of electronics to synthesize a new frequency, but could also be some sort of motor-generator arrangement, especially for power applications. Kyle