Amorphous Steel Cores vs. Traditional Silicon Steel Cores: Which is Better?

Amorphous Steel Cores vs. Traditional Silicon Steel Cores: Which is Better?

In the world of electrical transformers, there has always been a debate between using amorphous steel cores and traditional silicon steel cores. Each type of core comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, it is essential to understand both types of cores to determine which one is better. In this article, we will have a detailed look at the differences between amorphous steel cores and traditional silicon steel cores.

What are Amorphous Steel Cores?

Amorphous steel cores are type of metallic glasses with a disordered structure. Technically speaking, amorphous steel is an alloy of metal that contains 80% to 90% of iron and a small fraction of other metallic elements such as nickel, cobalt, silicon, and boron. The key feature of amorphous steel is its disordered structure that gives it better magnetic properties.

Advantages of Amorphous Steel Cores

1. Reduced Core Losses

The unique disordered structure of amorphous steel cores provides an excellent magnetic pathway that reduces the core losses, and energy is efficiently converted through the transformer.

2. Improved Efficiency

Amorphous steel cores are more efficient as compared to traditional silicon steel cores because they experience fewer losses during the process of magnetization and demagnetization.

3. Reduced Electromagnetic Interference

Amorphous steel cores have significantly lower electromagnetic interference as compared to traditional silicon steel cores. This significant reduction in electromagnetic interference leads to better performance, particularly in applications where minimal noise is essential.

What are Traditional Silicon Steel Cores?

Traditional silicon steel cores are made up of silicon electrical steel, which is an alloy of iron and silicon, with a few other metals such as aluminum, carbon, and manganese. These steel cores have a laminated structure consisting of thin iron-silicon alloy sheets that are stacked together for magnetic purposes.

Advantages of Traditional Silicon Steel Cores

1. Lower Magnetization Cost

Traditional silicon steel cores have a relatively lower magnetization cost as compared to amorphous cores, as they have a lower coercivity value.

2. Durable

Traditional silicon steel cores have greater durability than amorphous cores, which makes them more reliable for long-term use and applications.

3. Easier to Manufacture

Silicon steel cores are easier to manufacture than amorphous cores, and assembling them into the transformer requires less energy and time.

4. Low Cost

Traditional silicon cores are cheaper than amorphous cores, which makes them ideal for applications that do not require high-efficiency performance.

Which is Better Amorphous or Silicon Steel Core?

The answer to this is, it depends. While amorphous cores are more efficient and provide low electromagnetic interference, they are expensive and less durable as compared to traditional silicon steel cores, which provide low magnetization cost, durability and are cheaper.

Several factors contribute to choosing the type of core to use in a transformer. If efficiency is the priority, amorphous steel cores should be the preferred choice. But, if the transformer must last longer and be more cost-effective, silicon steel cores provide an excellent option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, amorphous steel cores are a newer type of core that delivers high efficiency, low core losses, and low electromagnetic interferences but require a higher cost. Older silicon steel cores provided sufficient magnetic properties and are more cost-effective but are not as efficient as amorphous cores. When selecting a core, you must consider the operating requirements of the transformer to determine which one to choose.