The significance of low losses in electrical transformers

Do you know the importance of the low losses in electrical transformers?

Electrical transformers play a pivotal role in power distribution systems, enabling the efficient transmission of electricity from power plants to homes, businesses, and industries. Among the key factors influencing their performance, losses incurred during the transformation process stand out as a critical consideration. The significance of minimizing losses in electrical transformers cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts energy efficiency, operational costs, and environmental sustainability.

Understanding losses in transformers:

Transformers facilitate the transfer of electrical energy by altering voltage levels. During this process, losses occur due to two primary mechanisms: winding losses (also known as ohmic losses) and core losses (commonly referred to as iron losses). Winding losses stem from the resistance of the transformer’s windings, leading to heat generation, while core losses arise from magnetic flux variations in the transformer’s core material.

Importance of low losses:

Enhanced energy efficiency: low-loss transformers operate more efficiently by minimizing energy dissipation in the form of heat. This directly translates to higher energy efficiency, reducing wastage and optimizing the utilization of electricity.
Cost savings: reduced losses result in lower energy consumption, which, in turn, leads to cost savings for both utility companies and end-users. Over the transformer’s operational lifespan, these savings can be substantial.

100kVA POLYLUX’s transformer cost comparison:

Environmental impact: lower losses contribute significantly to environmental conservation efforts by reducing the carbon footprint. Energy-efficient transformers align with sustainability goals, as they require less energy input for the same output, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Improved reliability: transformers operating at lower losses tend to experience less heating and connection peaks, reducing the risk of overheating and subsequent equipment failures. This enhances the reliability and longevity of the transformer, leading to fewer maintenance requirements and downtime.
Regulatory compliance and standards: many countries have established energy efficiency standards and regulations for electrical equipment, including transformers. Eco-design transformers are crafted to comply with the stringent efficiency standards outlined in the European Ecodesign Regulation, ensuring adherence to the directive’s rigorous environmental and energy efficiency criteria.

Strategies for achieving low losses:

1

Optimal design: efficient transformer design focusing on minimizing core and winding losses through proper material selection, improved core geometry, and optimized winding techniques.
2

Advanced materials: utilizing high-grade materials, such as grain oriented electrical steel in the construction of transformer cores can significantly reduce core losses.
3

Regular maintenance: conducting timely inspections, maintenance, and testing to ensure the transformer operates at peak efficiency, identifying and rectifying any potential issues promptly.

ECO TRANSFORMERS

In POLYLUX’s strong commitment to the environment and to long-term customer satisfaction, the TTG series represents a set of key innovations, engineered to significantly reduce losses in transformers, promoting energy efficiency and sustainable power distribution across various applications.

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Summary

According to the European commission of energy, cmilate change and environment, using more energy efficient transformers should lead to energy savings of an estimated 16 TWh per year after 2020. This is equivalent to 3.7 million tons less of CO2 being emitted each year, or half of Denmark’s total annual electricity consumption (32 TWh).

The importance of low losses in electrical transformers extends far beyond mere operational efficiency. It directly influences energy conservation, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. Embracing and implementing technologies and practices that prioritize minimizing losses in transformers not only benefits the utility companies and end-users but also aligns with global efforts towards a greener and more sustainable future.