There are such things as dc transformers if you are willing to push the envelope of the definition. In my old age, I have preferred to think of a transformer as an *impedance* transformer rather than a voltage/current convertor per se.
Extend the concept of transformer to mechanics and a gear box is a mechanical impedance transformer that works down to dc.
Bill
Yes impedance or reactance comes into play with a change in the magnitude of the current in a conductor and it's associated magnetic field. Direction of current flow isn't the important factor.
And - you sre quite correct - "there are such things as dc transformers ". For example, the high (multi kv) voltages used in devices such as insulation testers and electronic air purifiers are derived from inputting pulsed square wave DC into the primary of a step up transformer (with a rather larger turns ratio). All that's involved is a change in the magnitude of the current flowing in the primary winding conductor - not the direction.
Yep... that's an interesting analogy, fer sure :-) And of course, the gear ratio is directly analogous to the turns ratio since we're essentially dealing with the same physics of energy conversion and coupling mechanisms under the constraints of the conservation of energy dictum in both examples. The power in/power out (where losses are considered part of the power out) remains constant in both for the same essential reasons as well. There are many other interesting analogies in these two devices.
Perion
in article snipped-for-privacy@comcast.com, Perion at snipped-for-privacy@hotmail.com wrote on 9/19/04 6:49 AM:
Pulsed square waves are not ac free. The overall inverter may act as a dc transformer but the ac restriction is in there and buried within a black box.
Bill
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