What Is an Amorphous Transformer?
An amorphous transformer is a transformer that uses an amorphous alloy in the internal structure, mainly for voltage conversion of electric power.
A transformer is a device that converts high-voltage power from power plants. It changes this power into usable voltage values for homes, factories, buildings, and other businesses.
In silicon steel plates normally used in transformers, the atoms are arranged in a regular structure. In contrast, amorphous alloys have a random atomic structure. This structure gives amorphous alloys the advantage of high strength, soft magnetic properties, and corrosion resistance.
Uses of Amorphous Transformers
Like ordinary transformers, amorphous transformers are used to convert the voltage values of high-voltage power produced at power plants and substations for use in homes, apartments, buildings, factories, and other business establishments.
Ordinary transformers generally use silicon steel plates for their cores, which results in standby power losses and energy dissipation. These standby power losses are extremely burdensome and are not environmentally friendly.
In contrast, amorphous transformers minimize energy consumption loss and significantly reduce standby power by taking advantage of the properties of the alloy. However, the disadvantage is that the size of the transformer is larger and heavier than conventional transformers. Also, the mechanical noise is louder than conventional transformers.
Principle of Amorphous Transformers
The principle of the amorphous transformer involves using an amorphous alloy in the inductor (Coil), which corresponds to the iron core in ordinary transformers. This improves electron mobility and reduces power loss, particularly standby power. In a transformer, the voltage is adjusted by the ratio of the number of turns of the coils inside the transformer to the current that flows through it. The voltage value is raised or lowered depending on the ratio of the number of turns of the coils on the primary and secondary sides inside the transformer.
The higher the number of coil turns, the higher the voltage, and conversely, the lower the voltage. Power plants and substations supply electricity with high-voltage AC power because it is necessary to reduce transmission losses in the wire cables as much as possible.
The transformer, which ultimately converts the AC voltage values of 100V/200V in ordinary homes and offices, is an indispensable piece of equipment for electric utilities. The presence of these transformers allows us to safely use electricity in our daily lives.
Other Information on Amorphous Transformers
1. Precautions for Using Amorphous Transformers
Although amorphous transformers are highly effective in reducing standby power when there is no load, it is also necessary to pay attention to their load loss reduction rate when the load is large. In general, amorphous transformers are characterized by load losses that vary little with the state of the load (i.e., the rate at which power is used).
This means that a very large power-saving effect can be obtained in low-load equipment with long standby time, but the power-saving effect is reduced in high-load equipment that is always in operation. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the power load status of transformer equipment installation.
For example, in emergency power generation facilities and solar power substation applications, the average power load condition is small, so a very high power saving effect can be expected.
2. Volume and Weight of Amorphous Transformer
Compared to transformers made of ordinary silicon steel sheets, amorphous transformers require 1.5 to 2 times the volume due to limitations in the physical properties of the alloy. As this affects the transformer’s weight, ensure the installation site’s structural floor load limit is not exceeded. For example, an oil-filled transformer may have a mass of about 3,000 kg, depending on the thing.