Energy Savings with Thin Gage

Energy Efficiency with Thin Gage Silicon Iron

Approximately 57% of electric energy generated in the USA is consumed by industrial electric motors. Additional amounts are lost in the distribution system (transmission lines and transformers). In an effort to meet increasing electric demand without destroying the environment, the USA now has the largest installed base of wind power generation and is investigating sea power, revitalization of nuclear, increased use of geothermal and hydroelectric generation.

Motors, generators, transformers and inductors are being designed to be more energy efficient by utilizing thin gage silicon-iron. Heat build-up in electrical devices is symptomatic of eddy current and hysteresis loss and requires strategies for minimization of loss and removal of heat. Some old and many new applications use the advantages of thin gage laminations, both oriented and non-oriented. This paper discusses how thin gage silicon iron is beneficial, explains the theory in lay terms and shows the reader how to estimate an optimum lamination thickness.