What is the difference between adding or not adding an iron core to the transformer?

Transformer is a device that converts AC voltage, current and impedance. When AC current flows through the primary coil, AC magnetic flux is generated in the iron core (or magnetic core), causing voltage (or current) to be induced in the secondary coil. A transformer consists of an iron core (or magnetic core) and a coil. The transformer core is the main magnetic circuit of the coupled magnetic flux in the transformer.

Working principle of transformer core

The function of the core of the transformer is to form a magnetic circuit of coupling flux with very small reluctance. Because the reluctance is very small, the working efficiency of the transformer is greatly improved.

Broadly speaking, transformers are divided according to the coupling material between coils, including air core transformers, magnetic core transformers, and iron core transformers. Air core transformers and magnetic core transformers are mostly used in high frequency electronic circuits.

Because silicon steel itself is a material with strong magnetic permeability, it can produce greater magnetic induction intensity in the energized coil, which can reduce the size of the transformer and improve the working efficiency of the transformer. The characteristic of silicon steel is that it has the highest saturation magnetic induction intensity (above 2.0T) among commonly used soft magnetic materials. Therefore, when used as a transformer core, it can work at a very high operating point (such as an operating magnetic induction value of 1.5T). However, silicon steel also has the largest iron loss among commonly used soft magnetic materials. In order to prevent the iron core from heating due to excessive losses, its frequency of use is not high and it generally can only work below 20KHz. Therefore, the frequency of power circuits is mostly Around 50Hz.

Our New-build transformer core

Shunge Company not only provides first-hand silicon steel sheet raw materials, but also can customize finished transformer cores for customers. If you have any needs, please contact us.