Energy efficient green transformer manufacturing with amorphous cores

Transformer is one of the most important and vital components in the power system. Distribution transformer with iron-based amorphous metal core is an energy efficient transformer. Core loss from that type of transformer is approximately 25-30% less than conventional type of cold rolled grain oriented silicon steel core (CRGO), namely amorphous core can slash the no-load losses by up to 70% and make possible to build very high efficiency distribution transformer. To reduce the losses of transformer means to contribute to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the production of energy loss. In EU network are about 5 millon distribution transformers and contributing approximately 30 million tons of CO₂ emissions. There are more than 2,5 million amorphous metal core distribution transformers (AMDT) in worldwide operations. This paper introduces a brief comparison between conventional distribution transformers and amorphous core distribution transformers. Investigation is carried out on the iron-based amorphous wound core distribution transformer production technology. Amorphous ribbon is relatively thin (22-30 μm), hard, stress-sensitive and requires annealing process under a magnetic field to achieve the optimum performance. Result from that the eddy current losses lower as compared to CRGO and ease of magnetization and demagnetization, also lower hysteresis losses. A case study is presented capitalized losses and the payback period over the lifetime. The evaluation states the difference between AMDT and conventional transformers with CRGO.