3 ms·
Actually, required size of the transformer drops with the frequency. Mains switching power supplies still use regular transformer for isolation which run on com
by dfox 14y ago
Actually, required size of the transformer drops with the frequency. Mains switching power supplies still use regular transformer for isolation which run on comparatively high frequency and thus can be very small.
50/60Hz mains is motivated by compromise between visible flicker from lightbulbs and required frequency for practical synchronous motors with useful rotational speeds (some electrified rail systems use lower AC frequencies because they are better match for motors). Also, significantly higher frequencies will cause even relatively short mains runs to behave like a (RF) transmission line and also cause more significant skin effect.
- theanalyst 14y agoAgree on that generally for electical equipments size falls off as square of frequency, the main motivation was the light bulb flickering 50/60 times was close to human persistence of vision which allowed the light bulb to appear constant.