Life cycle assessment and inrush currents measurement of amorphous transformers

This paper deals with EDF Research and Development work for ERDF needs in terms of energy efficiency, focused on Amorphous Metal Distribution Transformers (AMDT). The first part is dedicated to evaluate the life-cycle assessment (LCA) of amorphous technology compared to silicon steel technology. It is shown LCA of amorphous units, from raw materials till the recycling, is the most ecofriendly one compared to traditional technology. The second topic is about inrush currents. These currents, measured after re-energization, reach very higher values for amorphous technology than those of conventional technology. The reason for this difference is explained by analyzing magnetic properties of the core and the moment when the transformer is switched in.