Silicon Steel (GOES/CRGO)
Grain-oriented electrical steel with aligned crystal structure minimizing core losses in transformer magnetic cores.
Silicon steel (electrical steel) is the standard transformer core material. Grain-oriented (GOES/CRGO) variants have crystal structure aligned in the rolling direction, providing superior magnetic properties along that axis.
Grades: conventional GOES (CGO, 1.5–1.7 T), laser-scribed (LS, lower loss), domain-refined (DR, lowest loss), and HiB (high permeability). Amorphous metal is an alternative with 60–70% lower core loss.
Key properties: specific total loss (W/kg at 1.5T/1.7T), permeability, magnetostriction (noise). Core stacking: step-lap joints minimize air gaps.
QDTB selects optimal steel grade for each application—from standard CGO for cost-sensitive distribution to premium HiB/LS for ultra-low loss designs. See efficiency standards comparison.
Related Terms
Magnetic Core
The laminated silicon steel assembly providing a low-reluctance path for magnetic flux, backbone of transformer operation.
Core Loss
Power dissipated in the transformer magnetic core due to hysteresis and eddy currents, also called iron loss or no-load loss.
Hysteresis Loss
Energy lost in core steel from repeated reversal of magnetic domains each AC cycle, a component of core loss.
Amorphous Alloy Transformer
A distribution transformer using amorphous metal core material achieving 60-70% lower no-load losses than conventional silicon steel cores.
More Terms Starting with “S”
Step-Up/Step-Down Transformer
Transformers increasing (step-up) or decreasing (step-down) voltage levels based on the turns ratio.
Short-Circuit Impedance (%Zsc)
Transformer impedance measured with one winding short-circuited, determining fault current and regulation.
Substation
A facility housing transformers, switchgear, and protection for voltage transformation and power routing.
Shielded Winding
A transformer winding with shielding to reduce surge voltage stress and improve impulse distribution.
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