Question

Write down the energy losses in a transformer.

Hint:

A well-designed transformer can achieve an efficiency of about 95–99%. Use laminated silicon steel cores to reduce eddy current losses.

Answer 1

Step 1: In a practical transformer, when electrical power is transferred from the primary coil to the secondary coil, some energy is inevitably lost due to non-ideal conditions.
Step 2: The main causes of energy loss in a transformer are:

Copper losses: These arise due to the resistance of the copper wire windings, causing heat dissipation when current flows through them.
Core losses: Also called iron losses, these include hysteresis loss (due to continuous magnetization and demagnetization of the core) and eddy current loss (circulating currents induced in the core).
Leakage flux: Not all magnetic flux produced by the primary coil links with the secondary coil, leading to energy loss.

Step 3: To improve transformer efficiency and reduce these losses, several methods are employed:

Using laminated cores to reduce eddy current losses by increasing electrical resistance in the core.
Utilizing soft iron or silicon steel cores with low hysteresis loss.
Employing thick copper wires with low resistance to minimize copper losses.
Designing the transformer to maximize magnetic coupling, thus reducing leakage flux.

Step 4: Despite these losses, modern transformers achieve efficiencies above 95%, making them highly effective for power transmission and distribution.