Electrical steel, also known as silicon steel or transformer steel, is a specially engineered alloy designed to provide superior magnetic properties for electrical and magnetic applications. It is essential in devices that efficiently transmit or convert electrical energy, such as transformers, electric motors, generators, and inductors.
Main Features
- High Silicon Content: Electrical steel typically contains 1–6.5% silicon, which enhances magnetic performance and reduces electrical losses from eddy currents by increasing electrical resistivity.
- Magnetic Permeability: The steel is designed for high magnetic permeability, allowing it to be easily magnetized and demagnetized — a requirement for efficient cores in transformers and motors.
- Low Core Losses: The addition of silicon and thin sheet lamination minimizes core losses due to hysteresis and eddy currents, making these steels highly efficient for electromagnetic energy conversion.
Types
- Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES): Features grains aligned for optimal magnetic performance in a specific direction, used primarily in power transformers.
- Non-Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (NGOES): Has a random grain structure, suitable for applications where the magnetic field changes its direction, such as in motors and small transformers.
Applications
- Transformers
- Electric motors
- Generators
- Inductors
Electrical steels play a vital role in increasing the efficiency and performance of electrical machines by minimizing energy losses and enabling strong magnetic fields where required.