What types of losses does a transformer experience?

Transformers experience various types of losses during their operation, and among these, copper loss is a significant factor. Copper loss refers to the energy lost due to the resistance in the copper wire windings of the transformer when current flows through them. This loss is proportional to the square of the current (I²R), meaning that higher currents result in greater losses.

Copper loss is a normal occurrence in transformer operation and typically contributes to the heating of the winding material. Although transformers are designed to be efficient, some energy will inevitably be lost as heat due to this resistance in the windings. Understanding copper loss is crucial for assessing a transformer's efficiency and overall performance, as it impacts the amount of electrical energy converted into useful power versus the energy that is wasted as heat.

Other types of losses in transformers include magnetic losses, which occur in the core material due to hysteresis and eddy currents, but copper loss specifically pertains to the electrical resistance of the windings.