Transformer Applications of Amorphous Alloys in Power Distribution Systems

The need for more efficient transformer core materials, due to increased recognition by electric utilities of the costs of system losses, has spurred the development of amorphous alloy usage in power transmission and distribution transformers. Amorphous alloy core fabrication, as it relates to single phase distribution transformer operating characteristics, is discussed. The effects of winding tension, a superior core annealing technique, and other annealing parameters are included. The potential use of POWERCORE¿ consolidated amorphous alloy strip in three phase stacked core transformers is also discussed in terms of the magnetic and physical characteristics of this newly developed amorphous core material. The most recent data on the thermal stability of amorphous core alloy magnetic properties are also summarized. These data confirm that core loss degradation is not expected to occur under typical transformer operating conditions and life.