What are amorphous metal core transformers?

The cores of conventional transformers consist of stacks of laminations that are made from silicon steel with an almost uniform crystalline structure (CRGO). In transformers with amorphous cores, a ribbon of steel is wound forming the core.

The big benefit of amorphous metal core transformers is that amorphous steel has lower hysteresis losses. Simply put this means that less energy is wasted in magnetising and demagnetising it during each cycle of the supply current.

Amorphous transformers are hence reducing energy losses that occur when electricity is distributed from power plants through substations to factories and homes.

How much energy can be saved?

The core of the majority of today’s transformers is made of CRGO steel. When this is replaced by amorphous metal, the core loss of the transformer is reduced by as much as 75%. For an overview please see CRGO vs Amorphous core losses.pdf.

Advantages of Amorphous metal core transformers:

• Up to 75% energy saving over conventional silicone steel (CRGO)

• Reduced carbon dioxide emissions

• Reduction in fossil fuel consumption

• Reduced magnetising current

• Reduced temperature rise of core

What are amorphous metals?

Also known as metallic glass alloys, they differ from traditional metals in that they have a non-crystalline structure and possess unique physical and magnetic properties that combine strength and hardness with flexibility and toughness.