No-load losses (iron losses)
The constant losses in the core: hysteresis and eddy currents.
Definition
No-load losses, also called iron losses, are the losses a transformer dissipates as soon as it is energised, even without a load. They occur in the magnetic core and combine two phenomena: hysteresis losses and eddy-current losses.
Their particularity is to be almost constant, whatever the load level: they depend on the voltage and frequency, not on the current delivered. On a transformer that remains energised permanently, they therefore represent a continuous consumption, present around the clock.
Reducing iron losses relies on choosing quality magnetic sheets, thin and low-loss, and on a controlled working flux density.
The ABL tip
For a transformer permanently energised but lightly loaded, no-load losses dominate the energy bill. ABL Transfo can select very-low-loss laminations to reduce this baseline consumption.
