Core type Transformer
In core type transformers, winding is positioned on two limbs of the core and there is ONLY one flux path and windings are circumventing the core.
These transformers are quite favorite in High voltage practical applications like Distribution, Power, and Auto-Transformers.
Shell Type Transformer
In shell type transformers, winding is positioned on the middle limb of the core while other limbs are utilized as the mechanical support.
These transformers are quite favorite in Low voltage practical applications such as transformers employed in electronic circuitry as well as in power converters.
- You May Also Read: Difference between Current Transformer and Potential Transformer
This article is intended to cover the key differences between Core type and Shell type Transformers on the basis of many practical factors such as Windings, Limbs, Copper Requirement, Lamination, Flux Distribution, Windings Position, Cooling, Repair, Out, Design, Efficiency, Mechanical Strength, Leakage Reactance, Heat Dissipation, and Application. The following table keys out the main differences between Core and Shell type Transformers.
Difference between Core type and Shell type Transformer
Characteristics | Core type transformer | Shell type transformer |
---|---|---|
Winding | In this type, winding surrounds the core | In this type, core surrounds the winding |
Limbs | It has two limbs | It has three limbs |
Copper requirement | Requires less | Requires more |
Lamination | Laminations are usually in the form of alphabet letter L | Laminations are usually in the form of alphabet letter E and L |
Flux distribution | Flux is equally distributed on the side limbs | Side limbs carry the half of the flux while the central one carries the whole flux |
Windings position | Primary and secondary both windings are wound on the side limbs | Both windings are wound on the central limb |
Magnetic circuit | Only one magnetic circuit | There are two magnetic circuits |
Types | Cylindrical | Multilayer and Sandwich type |
Cooling | Better cooling because more surface is exposed to external atmosphere | Natural cooling is not very effective so fans are used |
Repair | Easy to repair because assembly can be dismantled easily | Difficult to repair because both windings are on the same limb |
Output | Output is less because of more losses so less efficiency | Output is high because of less losses so efficiency is high in this type |
Design | Easy in design and construction | Comparatively complex |
Mechanical strength | Low because of non-bracing | Possesses high mechanical strength |
Leakage reactance | Leakage reactance is not easily possible | In this type, leakage reactance is highly possible |
Heat dissipation | Better heat dissipation from windings | Windings are surrounded by core so heat dissipation is not easy |
Application | Used for high voltage application like power transformers, autotransformers | Used for low voltage application like transformers in an electronic circuits |