EVALUATION OF AGING CHARACTERISTICS OF AMORPHOUS DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS Although amorphous distribution transformers are low-loss equipment, they tend to be somewhat larger, higher in initial cost, noisier than the grain-oriented steel distribution transformers generally used today. In this study, we considered use of a new amorphous alloy having a higher magnetic induction in the cores of distribution transformers. We successfully produced smaller and lighter transformers similar in size to grain-oriented steel distributeion transformers. In addition, results of long-term stability study of these transformers are presented. AMTs have been used for 18 years since their initial adoption in Japan, but no investigation has been conducted concerning the aging characteristics of such products after long-term use. Thus, we removed from the distribution lines 30 AMTs, which had been in service for ten years or longer after manufacture; their no-load characteristics and the condition of the amorphous alloy-based cores were examined. Figures 1 and 2 show the results which compare the no-load loss and no-load current between the aged items and items shipped from the factory. The rate of no-load loss change was within about 5% or less for those removed compared to those shipped. Aged items had no-load loss of as low as about 16W, with the change being 1W or so after aging. The rate of change of the no-load current was at most 15% or less, which was at the level of 0.1% or lower of the rated current.
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