Electrical Engineering - Transformers

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a homework problem related to transformers in electrical engineering, specifically focusing on calculating resistance and understanding magnetic properties of materials used in transformer design. Participants explore various aspects of the problem, including resistance calculations, magnetic permeability, and the implications of stacking factors in transformer laminations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) expresses uncertainty about how to approach part (b) of the homework problem, particularly regarding the calculation of wire length and resistance using the formula R = (rho * l_b)/A_w.
  • The OP calculates the wire bare area (A_w) as 15 cm² but is unsure about the resistivity (rho) and whether to assume copper as the conductor material.
  • The OP mentions a lack of information on voltage (V) and current (I), which complicates their ability to apply Ohm's law (V = IR) and calculate the necessary values.
  • One participant questions the magnetic permeability (μ) for the laminations and seeks clarification on the meaning of "S.F. = 0.90," suggesting that neglecting reluctance except in the gap can provide an approximate answer.
  • Another participant, Claude, explains that "S.F." refers to the stacking factor, which represents the percentage of the wound metal tape that consists of ferromagnetic material, and provides a detailed calculation of the stacking factor based on tape thickness and insulation.
  • Claude notes that thinner tape generally results in a lower stacking factor and offers insights into the implications of tape thickness on eddy current losses.
  • A later reply from another participant indicates that the OP has not responded to the information provided, highlighting a lack of engagement from the original poster.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the calculations and concepts involved in the transformer problem, but there is no consensus on the OP's approach or the specific values needed for the calculations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the OP's understanding and application of the concepts.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about material properties and calculations that may depend on specific definitions or additional context not provided in the original problem statement. There are also unresolved mathematical steps related to the OP's calculations.

YoshiMoshi
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Homework Statement



Please see the picture attached.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



I was able to solve part A correctly, at least I believe I was able to do so. I'm struggling with part (b) however. I'm not sure were to start on this. My test that has this problem doesn't have anything on MLT. I pulled out my Power Electronics book from my undergraduate and found that

R = (rho * l_b)/A_w

R -> Resistance of the winding
rho -> resistivity of the conductor material
l_b is the length of the wire
A_w is the wire bare area

I believe I need to find l_b? I don't understand exactly how I can go about this. I believe that for A_w

A_w = (5 cm)(3 cm) = 15 cm^2
I used 3 cm because it's a 3 cm stack as specified in the problem

Am I just supposed to assume for rho that I'm using copper winding?

I don't understand the hint and how I'm supposed to solve the problem using Ohm's law. The wire has a resistance R, and I found the MMF in part A, but not the voltage. Hence I'm stuck because

V = IR

I don't know V or I. and I know that

F = IN

Where I solved for F in part (a) but don't know I or N

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
 

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What is μ for the laminations? What does "S.F. = 0.90" mean?
You can get an approximate answer by neglecting reluctance everywhere except in the gap.
 
rude man said:
What is μ for the laminations? What does "S.F. = 0.90" mean?
You can get an approximate answer by neglecting reluctance everywhere except in the gap.
I used to design xfmrs. "S.F. = 0.90" means that the "stacking factor" value is 0.90. "SF" is the percentage of the wound metal tape that consists of ferromagnetic material. The tape is coated with an insulation layer on both sides. When the tape is wound some of the core volume is insulation and this contributes little to flux path. At high frequencies thinner tape is needed to keep eddy current losses low. But insulation thickness remains about constant. So for a 12-mil tape thickness, and a 0.4-mil insulation thickness on each surface of the tape, stacking factor can be computed as follows. The total tape thickness = 12 + 0.4 + 0.4 mils = 12.8mils. Of the 12.8 mils, 12 mils is actual ferrous material. So SF = 12/12.8 = 0.938. If the tape thickness was only 4 mils, needed for higher frequency operation, with 0.4-mil insulation thickness on each side, the stacking factor is 4 / (4 + 0.4 + 0.4) = 0.833.

In general the thinner the tape, the lower the SF. Did I help? Regards.

Claude
 
Thank you Claude for the information but the OP seems to have evanesced as usual. He/she did not respond with your info nor with a permeability number.
 

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