Ideal Transformer with Superconductors?

AI Thread Summary
Creating a transformer entirely from superconducting materials could significantly enhance its efficiency by eliminating resistive losses in the windings. However, core losses due to hysteresis and eddy currents would still persist, limiting the overall performance. Magnetic flux confinement remains a challenge, as leakage inductance between the primary and secondary coils would still occur, preventing perfect coupling. While the proposed design would improve efficiency, it would not achieve the ideal transformer status due to these inherent limitations. Overall, the concept presents a promising advancement in transformer technology.
Physt
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Just had an idea that raised a few questions and I can't find any relevant data on after a bit of searching so thought I'd ask here. If you were to make a transformer entirely encased in superconducting material would it result in a significant step toward and ideal transformer or is magnetic flux confinement not that much of an issue? Would it have any noticeable change? What if you were to make everything out of insulated superconducting materials (the core, the windings and a case to ensure none of the magnetic flux escaped)? If it makes a difference, please assume the casing would be deposited directly against the windings and core insulation so all that actually exists between the different components would be insulation of negligable thickness (just enough to avoid arcing).
 
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Such a design would eliminate loss due to I2R in the windings. But the core material would still incur hysteresis & eddy current losses. Another issue is that of leakage flux. Since the 2 windings cannot perfectly couple, there will still be some leakage inductance, i.e. not all primary coil flux links the secondary coil, & vice-versa.

But it is definitely an improvement.

Claude
 
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