Improving Understanding of Single Phase Transformer Behaviour through a Multimedia Tool

Abstract

Many civil engineering students may show little motivation for a course in electrical machinery, because they consider it unexciting and of little importance to their professional practice. Therefore, the use of interactive computer graphics and animations can be a complementary tool for teaching these topics. This paper describes the use of Multimedia MATLAB Graphical User Interface (GUI) for studying the electric single phase transformer at undergraduate level. This Multimedia tool integrates: a description of its structural features; a video recorded in the laboratory showing the open circuit and short circuit tests; and a simulation module that allows us to perform these transformer tests and to analyse voltage regulation and the efficiency of the transformer. This GUI helps students not only to get a better understanding of the advantages and limitations of computer simulation, but also to get a better feel for the physical concepts they study in the lecture and laboratory parts of the course.