Transformers - Core Loss or Iron Loss
1 Answer
Transformers experience various types of losses during their operation, two of which are core losses and iron losses. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different aspects of energy loss in transformers.
Core Losses:
Core losses, also known as iron losses or magnetic losses, occur due to the constantly changing magnetic field in the transformer's core as alternating current (AC) passes through its windings. These losses are primarily categorized into two types:
Hysteresis Loss: This loss is a result of the repeated magnetization and demagnetization of the transformer's core material as the magnetic field reverses direction during each AC cycle. The energy required to change the direction of magnetization leads to the conversion of electrical energy into heat.
Eddy Current Loss: Eddy currents are induced circulating currents that flow within the core material due to the changing magnetic field. These currents generate resistive heating within the core material, resulting in energy loss.
Together, hysteresis loss and eddy current loss contribute to the core losses in a transformer.
Iron Losses:
Iron losses is a more general term that encompasses both hysteresis loss and eddy current loss. It refers to the total energy dissipation in the core due to the AC magnetic field. In this context, iron losses are a subset of the overall losses in a transformer, which also include other losses like copper losses (due to the resistance of the winding wires) and stray losses (caused by leakage flux and other factors).
In summary, "core losses" and "iron losses" are often used interchangeably to refer to the energy losses that occur in the core of a transformer due to the changing magnetic field associated with AC operation. They include hysteresis loss and eddy current loss. The broader term "iron losses" can also encompass other types of losses occurring in the transformer, but in the context of magnetic cores, it primarily refers to core losses.
Core Losses:
Core losses, also known as iron losses or magnetic losses, occur due to the constantly changing magnetic field in the transformer's core as alternating current (AC) passes through its windings. These losses are primarily categorized into two types:
Hysteresis Loss: This loss is a result of the repeated magnetization and demagnetization of the transformer's core material as the magnetic field reverses direction during each AC cycle. The energy required to change the direction of magnetization leads to the conversion of electrical energy into heat.
Eddy Current Loss: Eddy currents are induced circulating currents that flow within the core material due to the changing magnetic field. These currents generate resistive heating within the core material, resulting in energy loss.
Together, hysteresis loss and eddy current loss contribute to the core losses in a transformer.
Iron Losses:
Iron losses is a more general term that encompasses both hysteresis loss and eddy current loss. It refers to the total energy dissipation in the core due to the AC magnetic field. In this context, iron losses are a subset of the overall losses in a transformer, which also include other losses like copper losses (due to the resistance of the winding wires) and stray losses (caused by leakage flux and other factors).
In summary, "core losses" and "iron losses" are often used interchangeably to refer to the energy losses that occur in the core of a transformer due to the changing magnetic field associated with AC operation. They include hysteresis loss and eddy current loss. The broader term "iron losses" can also encompass other types of losses occurring in the transformer, but in the context of magnetic cores, it primarily refers to core losses.