Amorphous core transformers are highly efficient electrical transformers which have a magnetic core comprised of ferromagnetic amorphous metal alloyed with a glass former.

This ribbon of steel is wound to form the transformers core. The materials used in amorphous core transformers have high magnetic susceptibility, low coercivity and high electrical resistance.

In comparison, conventional transformers use silicon steel within their core which is usually supplied in coil form and cut into lamination’s which are used to form the transformers core.

Improving Transformer Efficiency

Distribution transformers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during which time they undergo constant losses. These losses are divided into load losses caused when electricity is passed through the transformer, and no load losses caused irrespective of if electricity is being used. The key to improving transformer efficiency is to reduce no load losses.

Due to the high resistance in amorphous core transformers and the non-crystalline structure allowing for easy and quick magnetisation, both load losses and crucially no load losses are significantly reduced.

Powerstar HV MAX is the only system which utilises an amorphous core transformer complete with integrated electronic-dynamic (MAX) voltage optimisation technology, thus providing a combined energy saving solution offering efficiency savings on the HV side and energy consumption and carbon reduction savings at the LV side.

Exceeding Eco Design 2021 (Tier 2) Requirements

In 2015, new regulations were introduced to ensure all HV transformers meet minimum efficiency specifications. The purpose of this is to stop the installation of inefficient transformers, with stricter regulations coming into place in 2021 (tier 2).

The amorphous core transformer used in the Powerstar HV MAX system has always been manufactured to the highest specification levels, meaning it already exceeds the stricter 2021 tier 2 efficiency levels.

As a result, the Powerstar HV MAX transformer is much more efficient and provides greater levels of savings over a standard transformers lifespan, ultimately providing higher savings and a greater return on investment.