Computational investigation of amorphous core materials in electromagnetic induction systems using power transformers

Three-phase electromagnetic induction motors are extensively used in industrial applications because of their robustness, simple design, ease of manufacturing, and low maintenance requirements. Consequently, they power more than 90% of industrial mechanical systems. Recent research increasingly applies artificial intelligence techniques to improve motor design, efficiency, and performance analysis. A key focus of these efforts is reducing energy losses, including copper, mechanical, and electromagnetic core losses. This study examines electromagnetic iron losses in a three-phase power transformer, which serves as a representative electromagnetic induction system. The transformer is selected because its equivalent circuit closely resembles that of the induction motor. To isolate core-loss mechanisms, copper losses in the windings are excluded from the analysis. Although transformers transfer electrical energy between circuits while induction motors convert electrical energy into mechanical power, both operate on the same electromagnetic induction principles. As a result, their core losses arise from similar physical effects, primarily hysteresis and eddy currents. The investigation employs ANSYS Finite Element Analysis software to develop an accurate computational model of the transformer. Simulation results are validated through experimental data obtained from a transformer meeting the specifications at Østfold University College in Norway. The study compares the efficiency and iron losses of an amorphous-core transformer made of Metglas-2605HB1M operating at 50 Hz with those of a conventional M19 silicon steel core transformer across different frequencies. In addition, a newly designed high-frequency transformer is presented. The results show that amorphous-core transformers achieve lower core losses and higher efficiency than M19 silicon-steel core transformers, supporting cleaner, more energy-efficient electromagnetic induction systems with reduced CO₂ emissions.