Real and ideal transformers are both electrical devices used for transforming electrical energy from one voltage level to another. However, they differ in their theoretical models, assumptions, and characteristics. Here's how they are different from each other:

Ideal Transformer:

1. Model: An ideal transformer is a theoretical concept used in electrical engineering analysis and calculations. It is an idealized representation of a transformer that assumes no losses and perfect efficiency.

2. Assumptions:

   • No losses: An ideal transformer assumes no losses in the core, windings, or magnetic circuit. This means there are no copper losses (resistive losses) or iron losses (hysteresis and eddy current losses).
   • Perfect coupling: Ideal transformers assume perfect magnetic coupling between the primary and secondary windings, with no leakage flux or stray losses.
   • No magnetizing current: Ideal transformers neglect the magnetizing current required to establish the magnetic flux in the core.

3. Characteristics:

   • Voltage transformation: An ideal transformer provides perfect voltage transformation between the primary and secondary windings according to the turns ratio. The ratio of primary turns to secondary turns equals the ratio of primary voltage to secondary voltage.
   • Current transformation: An ideal transformer also provides perfect current transformation, where the ratio of primary current to secondary current equals the inverse of the turns ratio.
   • Efficiency: Since ideal transformers have no losses, they are 100% efficient, meaning all the input power is transferred to the output without any losses.

Real Transformer:

1. Model: A real transformer is a practical device used in real-world applications. It includes losses and imperfections that are not accounted for in the ideal transformer model.

2. Characteristics:

   • Losses: Real transformers have losses associated with them, including copper losses (I²R losses) in the windings due to resistance and iron losses (hysteresis and eddy current losses) in the core material.
   • Efficiency: Real transformers have efficiency less than 100% due to these losses. Efficiency is the ratio of output power to input power, and it accounts for losses in the transformer.
   • Leakage flux: Real transformers have leakage flux, which occurs when not all of the magnetic flux generated by the primary winding links with the secondary winding. This results in stray losses and reduced efficiency.
   • Magnetizing current: Real transformers require magnetizing current to establish the magnetic flux in the core. This current contributes to losses and reduces the overall efficiency of the transformer.

In summary, while ideal transformers are theoretical concepts with perfect efficiency and no losses, real transformers are practical devices with losses and imperfections that affect their performance and efficiency. Real transformers are used in real-world applications where accurate modeling of losses and performance is necessary.