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Types of Transformer Losses

Eddy current loss:

The eddy current losses refer to the dissipation of energy in the form of heat due to the
circulation of induced currents within conductive materials subjected to a changing
magnetic field.

When a conductive material, such as the core of a transformer, is exposed to a time-

varying magnetic field, Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction dictates that an
electromotive force (EMF) is induced within the material. This EMF drives the flow of eddy
currents, which circulate within the material in closed loops.

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 The presence of these eddy currents creates their own magnetic fields, which interact with
the original magnetic field that induced them. According to Lenz's law, the direction of the
eddy currents opposes the change in magnetic flux that induced them. As a result, energy
is expended to overcome the resistance within the material, leading to the conversion of
electrical energy into heat.

The magnitude of eddy current losses depends on various factors, including the frequency
of the alternating magnetic field, the conductivity and thickness of the material, and the
geometry of the conductor. To minimize eddy current losses in transformers and other
electromagnetic devices, materials with high electrical resistivity, such as laminated iron
or steel cores, are often used. Additionally, the core may be constructed from laminations
to reduce the size of the eddy current loops and mitigate energy loss.

Hysteresis loss:
In technical terms, hysteresis losses in a transformer are the energy losses associated
with the repeated magnetization and demagnetization of the transformer core material as
it is subjected to alternating magnetic fields during operation.
Magnetization and Demagnetization:
When the transformer core material, typically made of ferromagnetic substances like iron
or steel, is exposed to an alternating magnetic field generated by the current flowing
through the transformer windings, its magnetic domains align with the magnetic field. As
the direction of the magnetic field changes with alternating current, the magnetic domains
in the core material repeatedly reorient themselves to follow the changing field.
Hysteresis Loop:
Due to the physical properties of ferromagnetic materials, there is a lag or delay in the
alignment and realignment of the magnetic domains, known as hysteresis. This lag results
in a characteristic hysteresis loop on a magnetization curve, representing the relationship
between the magnetic flux density (B) and the magnetizing force (H). Energy is required
to move the material around this loop during each magnetization and demagnetization
cycle.

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Energy Dissipation:
The area enclosed by the hysteresis loop represents the energy dissipated as heat during
each cycle of magnetization and demagnetization. This energy loss occurs due to the
internal friction and molecular rearrangement within the core material as it repeatedly
switches its magnetization direction. The dissipated energy manifests as heat within the
core material, contributing to hysteresis losses.
Mitigation:
To minimize hysteresis losses, transformer cores are often constructed using materials
with low coercivity and remanence, such as silicon steel or other specialized alloys. These
materials exhibit smaller hysteresis loops, resulting in reduced energy loss during
operation. Additionally, operating transformers at lower frequencies can help decrease the
frequency of magnetization cycles per unit time, thereby reducing hysteresis losses.

Copper losses:
The copper losses in a transformer, also known as resistive losses or I²R losses, are a
type of energy loss resulting from the resistance of the transformer windings to the flow of
electrical current.
Electrical Resistance:
The windings of a transformer, typically made of copper or aluminum conductors, offer
resistance to the flow of electrical current. This resistance arises from the intrinsic
properties of the material and the geometry of the conductors.
Ohm's Law:

According to Ohm's law, the power dissipated as heat (P) in a resistor is proportional to
the square of the current (I) passing through it and its resistance (R). Mathematically, this
relationship is expressed as P = I²R.

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Load-Dependent:

Copper losses occur only when the transformer is supplying power to a load. As the load
current increases, the copper losses also increase, since they are directly proportional to
the square of the load current.
Significance:
Copper losses represent a significant portion of the total losses in a transformer,
particularly in smaller transformers and at higher load currents. Minimizing copper losses
is crucial for improving the overall efficiency and performance of the transformer.
Mitigation:
To reduce copper losses, transformer windings are typically designed with materials that
have low electrical resistance, such as high-purity copper or aluminum. Additionally,
increasing the cross-sectional area of the conductors reduces their resistance, thereby
lowering copper losses. However, increasing the conductor size also leads to larger and
more expensive transformers.