Question

What are four different types of energy losses in a transformer? State how to minimize any one of them.

Answer 1

Hint: A transformer is a device which is used to transfer electrical energy from one circuit to another. Its working is based on the mutual induction between the two coils placed in vicinity of each other.

Complete step-by-step solution -
A transformer is an electrical device which is used to couple one circuit to another. The transformer transforms the electrical energy from one circuit to another.
There can be many types of energy losses in the transformer due various reasons:
1. Copper loss: It is also called ohmic loss. It is the energy loss occurring in the material due to resistance faced by the current flowing through it. The resistance in a conductor is given by the ohm’s law.
$V = IR$
The energy loss in a conductor is given as
$P = {I^2}R$
2. Eddy current loss: Eddy currents are currents produced on the material surface due to changing magnetic fields in the transformer. These currents are not useful to the transformer and waste energy of magnetic fields.
3. Hysteresis loss: The changing magnetizing force continuously magnetizes and demagnetizes the core of the transformer leading to many hysteresis loops which cause loss of energy in heat.
4. Flux loss: The changing magnetic fields also lead to changing flux in the core of the transformer leading to energy loss. It is also called iron loss or core loss.
5. Stray loss: There can be leakage of fields leading to stray loss.

Note: 1. The eddy currents depend on the surface area of the metal. They can be reduced by thinly laminating the core of the transformer.
2. Hysteresis loss can be reduced by using the core made of silicon steel material.
3. Stray loss can be reduced by properly packing the transformer in a conducting container.