1. What is Transformer Power Loss?

Transformer power loss refers to the energy dissipated as heat in a transformer during operation. It consists of copper losses (I²R losses) in the windings and core losses (iron losses) in the magnetic core.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the transformer power loss formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current flowing through the transformer (amps)
• \( R \) — Resistance of the transformer windings (ohms)
• \( Core\ Losses \) — Iron losses in the transformer core (watts)

Explanation: Copper losses vary with the square of the current and are dominant at full load, while core losses are relatively constant and occur due to hysteresis and eddy currents.

3. Importance of Power Loss Calculation

Details: Accurate power loss calculation is crucial for transformer efficiency analysis, thermal management, energy cost estimation, and proper transformer sizing for electrical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amps, resistance in ohms, and core losses in watts. All values must be positive numbers (current > 0, resistance > 0, core losses ≥ 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are copper losses in transformers?
A: Copper losses (I²R losses) are the power dissipated as heat in the transformer windings due to electrical resistance when current flows through them.

Q2: What causes core losses in transformers?
A: Core losses are caused by hysteresis (energy loss due to magnetic domain realignment) and eddy currents (circulating currents in the core material).

Q3: How do transformer losses affect efficiency?
A: Power losses reduce transformer efficiency. Efficiency = (Output Power) / (Output Power + Total Losses) × 100%. Lower losses mean higher efficiency.

Q4: Can core losses be reduced?
A: Yes, by using high-quality silicon steel laminations, proper core design, and reducing core thickness to minimize eddy current losses.

Q5: Why do copper losses vary with load?
A: Copper losses are proportional to the square of the current (I²R), so they increase significantly as the transformer load increases.