Transformers basically consist of two windings, one that draws power directly from the source and the other that transfers it to the load. These windings, also called coils, typically use copper wire or aluminum wire. Depending on the environment in which the transformer will be used and the need, one may be preferred over the other. In this article, let’s try to briefly compare these two alternatives.
Reliability
Transformers basically consist of two windings, one that draws power directly from the source and the other that transfers it to the load. Also called coils, these windings are typically made of copper wire or alumina.
In low voltage transformers, copper and aluminum windings provide the same functions. However, aluminum windings have 62% of copper winding conductivity. Therefore, copper transformer windings come to the fore as a much more effective electrical conductor.
Proper insulation can help ensure that the energy dissipation factors of both winding types remain equal. The size of the windings also affects heat loss and aluminum can be easily sized to accommodate this. However, its physical strength and resistance to deformation make copper a more reliable long-term material.
Working Life
The operating life of transformers with copper and aluminum windings is generally equal. While design improvements have made aluminum resistant to fault current voltages, copper is often the more durable option.
Operating costs
Copper windings typically occupy a smaller cross-sectional area than aluminum windings in dry-type transformers. Compared to copper-wound transformers, wider aluminum windings result in lower current densities, resulting in a lower rate of heat loss. Coils in copper windings are generally tighter and can be optimized to operate at lower current densities. In modern designs, copper windings outperform in terms of long-term operational cost effectiveness. However, especially in budget-oriented projects, aluminum windings can also be preferred due to the low initial purchase cost. nium wire is used. Depending on the environment in which the transformer will be used and the need, one may be preferred over the other. In this article, let’s try to briefly compare these two alternatives.
Although both copper and aluminum windings are commonly used in transformer manufacturing, copper tends to be the industry standard for dry-type transformer applications.