Losses in Transformers

There are two types of losses occurs in a transformer:

1. Iron loss or Core loss P_i
2. Copper loss or I²R loss P_c

Iron loss or core loss (P_i)

Iron loss in transformers is the combination of hysteresis loss (P_h) and eddy current loss (P_e). This type of loss mainly occurs in the magnetic core of the transformer, and depends on magnetic properties of core material.

The formula for hysteresis and eddy current losses is as follows:

Where,

k_h = It is a constant which is proportional to the volume, quantity of the core material and the units used.

k_e = It is a constant which is proportional to the volume, resistivity of the core material, thickness of laminations and the units used.

B_m = maximum flux density in the core.

f = frequency of the alternating flux.

The exponent 'x' is called Steinmetz constant. Depending upon the magnetic properties of the core material its value varies from 1.5 to 2.5.

Therefore the total core loss in the transformer is

As we know that the voltage applied is approximately equal to the induced voltage in the transformer.

The above relation shows that the hysteresis loss depends upon both the applied voltage and frequency.

P_e = k_ef² B²_m = k_ef² ()² = k_e V²₁

The above relation shows that the eddy current loss is proportional to the square of the applied voltage and is independent of frequency.

Which means for any voltage if f decreases, B_m increases. Similarly, if f increases, B_m decreases.

The total core loss can be written as

Copper loss or I²R loss (P_c)

The loss which takes place in the primary and secondary winding of the transformer because of the winding resistance is called the Copper loss or I²R loss.

Total copper loss in the transformer = Primary winding copper loss + Secondary winding copper loss

Therefore copper loss varies as the square of the load current.

Stray Loss

Eddy current in the conductor, tank, etc., produced by the leakage flux in a transformer is known as stray losses. We can neglect these losses, as the percentage of these losses is very less as compared to iron and copper loss.

Dielectric loss

The losses that occur in insulating materials, i.e., in the transformer oil and the solid insulation of the transformer, are known as a dielectric loss. This loss occurs only in high voltage transformer, and is very small so that we can neglect these losses.