Figure 1. Skin and Proximity effect
🔎 Let’s start with the Skin Losses!
Skin losses, also known as skin effect losses, are an important aspect of winding losses in Transformers and Inductors. When the alternating current flows through the wire, it tends to concentrate more on the outer surface due to the skin effect. This results in an underutilization of the inner part of the wire, that leads to energy losses. The current prefers the outer layers of the wire, leaving the inner layers unused.
📉 Minimizing skin losses is crucial for the optimization of these devices’ efficiency. We can reduce wasteful energy dissipation by ensuring a more even distribution of current across the wire.
When it comes to combating this effect, different winding designs come into play. One popular solution is the use of Litz wire, which is composed of multiple individually insulated strands woven together. This configuration helps to distribute the current more evenly across the wire, therefore reducing the skin effect and minimizing energy losses. It’s like giving each strand of spaghetti a fair share of the delicious sauce!
🔎 Proximity Losses
Proximity losses are another significant component of winding losses in Transformers and Inductors that deserves our attention. When multiple windings are in close proximity to each other, their magnetic fields interact, and this results in energy losses. It’s like neighboring windings interfering with each other’s magnetic moves, causing inefficiencies. To minimize these losses, proper insulation between the windings is crucial. By implementing insulation techniques, we can reduce the magnetic coupling between the windings, mitigating proximity losses.
🕺 Think of it as creating a barrier between dancers at a party, preventing their magnetic interactions from causing excessive energy dissipation. Understanding and addressing proximity losses is key to enhancing the efficiency and performance of our winding designs.
🤔 And what about the wires?
Different types of wire configurations have varying impacts on both skin and proximity losses in Transformers and Inductors. Let’s take a closer look at each:
⚡ Litz wire
As said before, it is composed of individually insulated strands woven together, which significantly reduces skin losses. Distributing the current more evenly across the wire mitigates the concentration of current on the outer surface, thereby minimizing energy dissipation. Additionally, proper insulation between the strands helps to reduce proximity losses by limiting magnetic coupling between adjacent windings.
