Difference Between Iron Loss and Copper Loss

When the primary winding of the transformer receives alternating voltage, the core undergoes a process of magnetization and demagnetization. The magnetic core loses heat as a result of its cyclic reversal. Hysteresis loss is the term for the heat loss occurring in the core as a result of repetitive magnetization demagnetization.

Factors affecting hysteresis loss include

• Flux Density

• The Volume of Core Material

Formula for Hysteresis loss can be shown as follows:

$P_{h}= \eta B_{m}^{1.6}fV$

Where, Ph=Hysteresis loss

\eta=Steinmetz hysteresis coefficient

Bm=Maximum flux density

What does a Transformer's Eddy Current Loss Mean?

The magnetic core is traversed by the flux generated by the primary winding, which connects to the secondary winding. A portion of the flux interacts with the core and causes various levels of voltage there. Current flows between two sites in the core when there is a voltage differential between those two points. It is called the eddy current. Energy lost in the core is limited by the resistance of the core material.

Formula for Eddy current loss is as follows:

$P_{e}= K_{e}B_{m}^{2}f^{2}t^{2}V$

Where, Pe= Eddy current loss(watt)

              Ke= Eddy current constant

              Bm= Maximum flux density

              f= frequency of supply

              t= thickness of lamination(m)

              V= volume of the material (m3)

Iron loss thus becomes the total of hysteresis loss(Ph) and eddy current loss(Pe).

What is Copper Loss: An in Depth Analysis

Copper Loss is the amount of volume lost over a specific time frame. Either fixed weighing or electronic weighing can be used to quantify volume. The copper loss would be zero in a perfect world, but most people are aware that there are numerous reasons why this is never the case. There are numerous ways to quantify it, depending on the requirements.  How frequently you open the valve over the course of a given amount of time is one of the primary factors in copper loss. Your losses will increase as you open it more. Frequent opening and closing of valves causes them to wear out and degrade in quality more quickly than valves that are opened less frequently. 

Copper Loss in the primary winding of the transformer is given as follows:

$P_{cup}=I_{1}^{2}R_{1}$

Where, Pcup= Copper loss in transformer primary winding

I1= Current in transformer primary winding

R1= Resistance of transformer primary winding

Copper loss in the secondary winding of the transformer is given as follows:

$P_{cus}=I_{2}^{2}R_{2}$

Where, Pcus= Copper loss in transformer secondary winding

I2= current in transformer secondary winding

R2= resistance of secondary winding

Total copper losses in a transformer is the sum total of copper losses in primary winding(Pcup )and secondary winding(Pcus).

Characteristics of Iron Loss and Copper Loss: 

Ohmic resistance of the transformer windings is the cause of copper loss. The relationship between Copper loss and square of current, which depends on the load, is obvious. As a result, the load affects the copper loss in the transformer. The alternating magnetic flux that passes through the transformer's magnetic core causes iron loss. Because of this, the iron loss is also known as core loss. Although iron loss and copper loss are two distinct entities, understanding the distinctions between them is essential to understanding the bigger picture. 

Many people who are unaware of the distinction frequently mistake copper loss for iron loss. It's necessary to be aware of this difference and keep track of it occasionally since it's essential to comprehend it in order to comprehend how your system functions. When they don't know how to measure it, a lot of individuals become perplexed. While copper loss is often assessed by volume, iron loss is typically measured by weight. They are significantly different in terms of how they are measured even though they are both parts of a machine.

Iron Loss and Copper Loss Difference:

Summary

Knowing how iron loss and copper loss are monitored and used in your machine is crucial since there is a significant difference between the two. It's necessary to be aware of this difference and keep track of it occasionally since it's essential to comprehend it in order to comprehend how your system functions. Moreover, by leaving liquids within the machine for an extended period of time, you may check for iron loss.