Losses In A Transformer

Two types of losses occur in a transformer:

• Core loss or iron loss occurs in a transformer because it is subjected to an alternating flux.
• The windings carry current due to loading and hence copper losses occur.

1.32.1 Core or Iron Loss

The separation of core losses has already been introduced. The alternating flux gets set up in the core and it undergoes a cycle of magnetization and demagnetization. Therefore, loss of energy occurs in this process due to hysteresis. This loss is called hysteresis loss (P_h), which is expressed by

P_h=K_hB_m^1.6fV W       (1.59)

where K_h is the hysteresis constant depending on the material, B_m is the maximum flux density, f is the frequency and V is the volume of the core.

The induced emf in the core sets up eddy current in the core, and hence eddy current loss (P_e) occurs, which is given by

P_e=K_eB_m²f²t² W per model W       (1.60)

where K_e is the eddy current constant and t is the thickness of the core.

Since the supply voltage V₁ at rated frequency f is always constant, the flux in the core is almost constant. Therefore, flux density in the core remains constant. Hence, hysteresis and eddy current losses are constant at all loads. Thus, the core loss or iron loss is also known as constant loss. The iron loss is denoted by P_i.

Iron loss is reduced using high-grade core material such as silicon steel having very low hysteresis loop for reducing hysteresis loss and laminated core for reducing the eddy current loss.

1.32.2 Copper Loss

The loss of power in the form I²R due to the resistances of the primary and secondary windings is known as copper losses. The copper loss also depends on the magnitude of currents flowing through the windings. The total Cu loss is given by

Copper losses are determined on the basis of R₀₁ or R₀₂ which is determined from short circuit test. Since the standard operating temperature of electrical machine is taken as 75 °C, it is then corrected to 75 °C.

The copper loss due to full-load current is known as full-load Cu loss. If the load on the transformer is half, the Cu loss is known as half-load Cu loss, which is less than the full-load Cu loss. The Cu loss is also known as variable loss.

There are two other losses known as stray loss and dielectric loss. Since leakage field is present in a transformer, eddy currents are induced in the conductors, tanks walls and bolts etc. Stray losses occur due to this eddy currents. Dielectric loss occurs in insulating materials coil and solid insulation. These two losses are small and hence neglected.

Therefore, the total loss of the transformer = Iron loss + Cu loss = P_i + P_Cu