Transformer Losses-all types

An
Ideal transformer  have no energy losses i.e zero losses, and 100% efficient. but in real (In practical) transformers, energy is dissipated in the windings, core, and surrounding structures. Larger transformers are generally more efficient, and those of distribution transformer usually perform better than 98%.

Experimental transformers using superconducting ( Super conductor is one that in which zero losses occur) windings achieve efficiencies of 99.85% but it will be available in coming years.

The different losses in the transformer

 

1.copper losses (Winding resistance)

Current flowing through the windings causes resistive heating of the conductors. At higher frequencies, skin effect and proximity effect create additional winding resistance and losses.

Total cupper losses = I₁²_. R₁+ I₂²R₂ = I₁²_. R ₀₁+ I₂²R ₀₂

2.Core or Iron Losses

There are two types of core or iron losses as follows:

2.1)  Hysteresis losses

Each time the magnetic field is reversed, a small amount of energy is lost due to hysteresis within the core. For a given core material, the loss is proportional to the frequency, and is a function of the peak flux density to which it is subjected.

 We can find Hysteresis losses by this formula.

W_h = ηB^1.6_maxf.v  watt

2.2)  Eddy currents

Ferromagnetic materials are also good conductors, and a core made from such a material also constitutes a single short-circuited turn throughout its entire length.
Eddy currents therefore,

circulates within the core in a plane normal to the flux, and are responsible for resistive heating of the core material.The eddy current loss is a complex function of the square of supply frequency and inverse square of the material thickness. Eddy current losses can be reduced by making the core of a stack of plates electrically insulated from each other, rather than a solid block; all transformers operating at low frequencies use laminated or similar cores.

We can find Eddy currents losses by this formula. 

       W_e = PB²_max.f²t²   Watt

3.Magnetostriction

Magnetic flux in a ferromagnetic material, such as the core, causes it to physically expand and contract slightly with each cycle of the magnetic field, an effect known as magnetostriction. This produces the buzzing sound commonly associated with transformers, and can cause losses due to frictional heating.

Mechanical losses

In addition to magnetostriction, the alternating magnetic field causes fluctuating forces between the primary and secondary windings. These incite vibrations within nearby metalwork, adding to the buzzing noise, and consuming a small amount of power.
 

Stray losses (leakage Flux)

Leakage inductance is by itself largely lossless, since energy supplied to its magnetic fields is returned to the supply with the next half-cycle. However, any leakage flux that intercepts nearby conductive materials such as the transformer’s support structure will give rise to eddy currents and be converted to heat. There are also radiative losses due to the oscillating magnetic field, but these are usually small.