1
\$\begingroup\$

I'm trying to design a step up transformer that can run my 220V heating element on 110V outlet. I've looked for such transformers through retail, but most of them are bulky and heavy.

Is there a way to design a smaller version of this bulky transformer, that will be able to provide 2000W of power to my 220V heating element running from 110V outlet?

\$\endgroup\$
8
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ 2000W is a large amount of power. Such a device is never going to be small (depending on your reference point for what is big). \$\endgroup\$
    – Tom Carpenter
    Commented Apr 26, 2016 at 12:40
  • \$\begingroup\$ You can use switching technology. It uses several IGBTs to convert low frequency voltage into 10-50 kHz voltage. Then you use high frequency transformer to add the voltage. It gives much more compact designs. However, the switching power supply for 2000 W is not an easy design. \$\endgroup\$
    – Master
    Commented Apr 26, 2016 at 12:57
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Depending on the heating element, it may be simpler and cheaper to run 4 of them in parallel... \$\endgroup\$
    – user16324
    Commented Apr 26, 2016 at 13:10
  • \$\begingroup\$ 2kW tratsformer weights approx 25kg, not small indeed. \$\endgroup\$
    – Marko Buršič
    Commented Apr 26, 2016 at 13:13
  • \$\begingroup\$ Alternatively, most houses with 110VAC also have at least 1 220VAC circuit somewhere. You may be able to have a 220V outlet installed, or maybe there's an outlet close enough for use. You would need to have a new plug put on the heater, though. I've never seen an adapter from European 220VAC to American style 220VAC. \$\endgroup\$
    – JRE
    Commented Apr 26, 2016 at 13:15

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3
\$\begingroup\$

A two thousand Watt transformer is going to be big and heavy. For AC conversion the transformer is a good way to go though. They are efficient and produce real AC waveform outputs.

It is possible to envision a design that would convert the voltage by rectifying the input AC to DC. That would then be converted to a different voltage using a high frequency switcher design and then synthesize a fake AC output. Such device would not be trivial to build however but it could be smaller due to the smaller magnetics required.

Personally I think you would be way better off to set your 220 volt heater aside and get a replacement product that is designed from the outset to work on 110V. And surprisingly that may even cost less.

\$\endgroup\$
1
  • \$\begingroup\$ Or convert the appliance to 110V. It depends what type of heater it is precisely. \$\endgroup\$
    – Ian Bland
    Commented Apr 26, 2016 at 14:30

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.