Amorphous Core – Low Loss Transformers

Here at FT Transformers UK Ltd we have been working extensively with Amorphous core transformers since 2014- with our knowledge-base going back even further! During this time we have developed techniques to utilise this special type of core to its full potential. Some manufacturers say you need “voltage optimisation” to get the full effect- in reality you do not.

A full understanding of the site, load and duty cycle is required, which will then indicate the optimum output voltage. This keeps the site working effectively with no painful dropouts, but still saving huge energy costs.

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We can manufacture both dry types and fluid cooled units- each will produce huge electricity cost savings based around No-load losses. These losses are present 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, forever-even if the unit is not supplying a load.

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As a typical 1980’s 1MVA transformer would have between 1600-1800 watts of “No load” losses. An amorphous variant would significantly reduce these losses to 320 watts. That means you receive a saving of 1280 watts – every time the transformer is energised- forever.

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We have now developed an even lower no load loss transformer (2024) We recently conducted tests on a standard 1PH transformer used on the rail network. The losses compared to a standard LoSil material core-reduced the no load losses from 240 watts to 5.7 watts. This alone could save circa £80M on signalling transformers across the UK Rail network. This in principle works throughout the KVA ratings, however have limited this to 2500KVA for the time being.