After using for some time, big transformers get heated up. This is due to the fact that
1. Current produces heat in transformers
2. Hysteresis loss occurs in transformers
3. Liquid used for cooling gets heated
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Question

After using for some time, big transformers get heated up. This is due to the fact that

1. Current produces heat in transformers

2. Hysteresis loss occurs in transformers

3. Liquid used for cooling gets heated

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Prepp Team · Accepted Answer

Understanding Transformer Heating

Transformers are essential devices in electrical systems, but like many electrical components, they generate heat during operation, especially larger ones. This heating is primarily due to energy losses within the transformer. Let's analyze the given statements about why big transformers get heated up.

Analysis of Statements on Transformer Heating

Statement 1: Current produces heat in transformers

This statement is correct. When current flows through the windings of a transformer (which are typically made of copper or aluminum), there is resistance. The flow of current through this resistance causes energy to be dissipated as heat. This phenomenon is known as Joule heating or copper loss. The amount of heat produced is proportional to the square of the current and the resistance (\(\text{Heat} \propto I^2 R\)). Since big transformers handle large currents, copper losses can be significant, leading to substantial heating.

Mathematically, the copper loss (\(P_{cu}\)) is given by:

\(P_{cu} = I^2 R\)

Where:

\(I\) is the current flowing through the winding.
\(R\) is the resistance of the winding.

Both primary and secondary windings contribute to copper loss.

Statement 2: Hysteresis loss occurs in transformers

This statement is also correct. Transformers operate based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which involves an alternating magnetic field in the core. The core is made of a ferromagnetic material. When the magnetic field repeatedly magnetizes and demagnetizes the core material, some energy is lost as heat due to hysteresis. Hysteresis loss is caused by the friction between the magnetic domains within the core material as they align and realign with the alternating magnetic field.

Another type of loss occurring in the core is eddy current loss. The alternating magnetic field in the core also induces circulating currents within the core material itself. These induced currents, called eddy currents, flow against the resistance of the core material, causing Joule heating. To minimize eddy current losses, transformer cores are typically made of thin laminations insulated from each other.

Hysteresis loss and eddy current loss together are known as core loss or iron loss. Both contribute to the heating of the transformer core.

Statement 3: Liquid used for cooling gets heated

This statement describes a consequence of the transformer getting heated, not a primary cause of the heating itself. Big transformers often use a liquid, such as oil, for cooling. This liquid absorbs the heat generated by the core and windings due to copper and core losses. The heated liquid then circulates (either naturally or pumped) to a cooling system (like radiators or heat exchangers) where the heat is dissipated to the surrounding environment. So, the cooling liquid gets heated because the transformer is generating heat, it's not the reason the transformer initially heats up.

Conclusion on Transformer Heating Causes

Based on the analysis:

Statement 1 (Current produces heat) is a correct reason for transformer heating (Copper loss).
Statement 2 (Hysteresis loss occurs) is a correct reason for transformer heating (part of Core loss).
Statement 3 (Cooling liquid gets heated) is a result of transformer heating, not a cause.

Therefore, the primary reasons for big transformers getting heated up from the given options are statements 1 and 2.

Type of Loss	Description	Where it Occurs	Dependency
Copper Loss (\(I^2R\) Loss)	Heat produced by current flowing through the resistance of windings.	Windings (Primary and Secondary)	Depends on load current. Proportional to the square of the current.
Core Loss (Iron Loss)	Sum of Hysteresis Loss and Eddy Current Loss.	Core (Laminated Iron)	Depends on frequency and voltage. Relatively constant with load.
Hysteresis Loss	Energy lost in repeatedly magnetizing and demagnetizing the core material.	Core	Depends on volume and type of core material, frequency, and flux density.
Eddy Current Loss	Heat produced by induced circulating currents within the core material.	Core	Depends on volume and resistivity of core material, frequency, flux density, and lamination thickness.

Revision Table: Key Transformer Losses

Additional Information: Managing Transformer Heat

Effective management of heat is crucial for the efficient and reliable operation of transformers. Excessive heat can degrade the insulation materials, reduce efficiency, and shorten the lifespan of the transformer. Several methods are used to cool transformers, especially big ones:

Air Cooling: Smaller transformers might use natural air cooling (AN - Air Natural) or forced air cooling (AF - Air Forced) using fans.
Liquid Cooling: Larger transformers typically use a liquid dielectric, most commonly mineral oil (ONAN - Oil Natural Air Natural, ONAF - Oil Natural Air Forced), to absorb heat. Other liquids like silicone oil or synthetic esters are also used. Forced oil circulation (OF) and forced cooling of the heat exchanger (AF or WF - Water Forced) further enhance cooling capacity.
Radiators: Large surface area radiators are attached to the transformer tank to dissipate heat from the oil to the surrounding air.

Minimizing losses through improved core materials, winding design, and efficient operation helps reduce the amount of heat generated in the first place, contributing to better overall performance and longevity of the transformer.