Reasons why transformer cores are assembled from separate plates

RE: Reasons why transformer cores are assembled from separate plates

abhijeetsav — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 20:24:55 GMT

Transformer core is engineered to reduce eddy current loss, since the wide cross-sectional area with lower resistance which causes the more eddy current with heat loss and unnecessary heat enables total output to be lower than customer planned. Such eddy currents are minimized by laminating the core and isolating the lamination with a coat of varnish. Here is an additional source on transformer cores which might help.

https://nicoreindia.com/transformer-core/

RE: Reasons why transformer cores are assembled from separate plates

genebren — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 20:48:39 GMT

The cores are constructed from thin laminated sheets (of silicon steel) to prevent circulation currents (eddy currents) which cause heating and energy loss within the core, decreasing the transformers efficiency. Here is a link to a good article on this subject:

https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/transformer/transformer-construction.html

Gene

RE: Reasons why transformer cores are assembled from separate plates

colporteur — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 17:06:22 GMT

Way back in technology when glass transistors (i.e. vacuum tubes) were the norm, I believe my instruction in electronic provided the reason for plates being used in transformer construction.

I can only speculate this because my mind has lost the memories but I can recall using a varnish to coat noisy television vertical flyback transformers to eliminate spurious sounds. I no doubt suggested the problem could be eliminated if the cores were solid and was told otherwise. I still use the varnish trick.

Great tutorial! I probably won't remember the details but always enjoy discovering the why.