History and Development of Transformers

As the core equipment of modern power systems, transformers realize voltage conversion, electric power transmission and distribution based on the principle of electromagnetic induction. Their century-long evolution has driven the advancement of humanity’s electric power civilization.
 
In 1831, British scientist Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction. This breakthrough unveiled the mystery of mutual conversion between electricity and magnetism, laying the core theoretical foundation for the subsequent development of transformers and rendering controllable voltage transformation theoretically feasible. Over the following decades, scientists across the globe carried out continuous exploratory experiments and developed various induction coil devices, which served as the early prototypes of transformers. Nevertheless, such primitive equipment featured simplistic structures and extremely low efficiency, making them unfit for practical operation.
 
The 1880s marked a pivotal era in transformer development. In 1884, the world’s first single-phase transformer with a closed iron core was successfully developed, boasting a relatively sophisticated structure and signifying the official birth of practical transformers. Commercial transformers and three-phase transformers were invented shortly afterwards, fueling the popularization of AC power transmission technology and enabling long-distance power supply.
 
Throughout the 20th century, transformer technology underwent continuous iterative upgrades. Researchers persistently optimized iron core materials, winding configurations and manufacturing processes. The resulting transformers featured reduced size, lower energy loss and superior stability, gradually moving toward standardized and mass production. They were widely deployed in power grids, industrial manufacturing, residential power supply and numerous other sectors.
 
In the contemporary era, spurred by the growth of new energy and smart grids, transformers have advanced toward high efficiency and energy conservation, miniaturization, light weight, intelligence and digitalization. Modern transformers not only fulfill basic functions including precise high-low voltage conversion and stable long-distance power transmission, but are also equipped with intelligent monitoring, fault early warning and data transmission systems. Compatible with wind power, photovoltaic and other new energy power generation scenarios, they act as a crucial pillar for grid integration of clean energy and smart grid operation, consistently safeguarding the stable power supply of modern society.