Silicon electrical steel, also known as silicon steel, lamination steel, or transformer steel, is a special steel used in the cores of electromagnetic devices such as motors, generators, and transformers due to its excellent magnetic properties.
It is an iron alloy with silicon as the main additive element, replacing carbon. The silicon content in silicon electrical steel can range from 0.5% to 6.5%. The addition of silicon increases the electrical resistivity of iron, reducing power loss by decreasing the induced eddy currents and narrowing the hysteresis loop of the material, thereby lowering core loss by about three times compared to conventional steel.
1. According to the rolling direction, silicon electrical steel can generally be divided into two types:
Grain oriented silicon electrical steel (GOES): contains a level of 3% silicon. Grain-oriented silicon electrical steel is processed in the sort of way that the crystal structure is aligned in a particular path, resulting in stepped-forward magnetic properties in that direction. This kind of silicon electrical metal is normally used in transformers, generators, and different strength distribution systems.
Non grain oriented silicon electrical steel (NGOES): contains a level of 1.5%-3.5% silicon. Non-grain oriented silicon electrical steel does not have a preferred crystal orientation than GOES, making it easier to manufacture and extra cost-powerful. This kind of silicon steel is utilized in cars, home equipment, and different applications where magnetic properties in all instructions are required.
To sum up, GOES has a specific crystal structure alignment for improved magnetic properties, while NGOES does not have a preferred crystal orientation, making it easier to manufacture.
2. According to the shape, silicon electrical steel can be divided into:
Silicon Electrical Steel Sheet
Product | Silicon Electrical Steel |
Standard | AISI, ASTM, GB, JIS, DIN |
Thickness | 0.27mm-0.5mm |
Production | Raw material selecting, melting, casting, rolling, annealing, coating, examining |
Silicon Content | 0.5%-6.5% |
Supply Ability | 8,000 tons/month |
Silicon electrical steel is specifically designed to be used in various electrical and power applications due to its unique magnetic properties.
One of the key features of silicon electrical steel is its high magnetic permeability, which allows it to effectively conduct magnetic flux and decrease power losses in electrical devices.
Another essential feature of silicon electrical steel is its low core loss, which refers to the amount of strength that is dissipated as warmness while the material is subjected to an alternating magnetic subject. This low iron loss makes silicon electric metallic ideal to be used in transformers, motors, and other electric equipment wherein energy efficiency is crucial.
Moreover, silicon electrical steel also shows excessive electrical resistivity, which helps to lessen eddy current losses in electric devices. Eddy currents are circulating currents that can be caused within the cloth through converting magnetic fields and may result in extra power losses if now not well managed.
Furthermore, this material has superb magnetic saturation traits, allowing it to preserve its magnetic residences even at excessive magnetic flux densities. This property makes silicon electrical steel well-applicable for packages in which high magnetic fields are present, which includes in-strength transformers and electric cars.
Silicon electrical steel, also known as electrical silicon steel, is a crucial material in the electrical and power engineering industry due to its exceptional magnetic properties. It is used in a wide range of applications, primarily to reduce energy losses and improve the efficiency of electrical devices. Here are some key applications:
1. Transformers
Silicon steel is the primary material used in the cores of power and distribution transformers. It allows for efficient energy transfer by minimizing core losses, which include hysteresis and eddy current losses. The low hysteresis loss is due to the material’s high magnetic permeability, while the low eddy current loss is a result of its high electrical resistivity.
2. Electric Motors and Generators
In electric motors and generators, this material is used to create the laminations in the stator and rotor cores. This reduces energy losses and heat generation, leading to higher efficiency. The material’s low core losses and high magnetic permeability are particularly beneficial in these applications.
3. Inductors and Chokes
It is used in the construction of inductors and chokes in electronic circuits and power supply units. Its high magnetic permeability and low core losses make it ideal for these applications, where the goal is to store and release energy efficiently.
4. Rotating Machinery
In various types of rotating machinery, such as alternators and dynamometers, silicon electrical steel is used to create the laminations in the cores. This reduces energy losses and heat generation, leading to higher efficiency.
5. Cores of Magnetic Devices
Electrical steel is used in the manufacturing of magnetic devices like magnetic shielding, magnetic recording, and magnetic sensors. Its magnetic properties play a critical role in the performance and efficiency of those projects.
6. Public Uses
It can also used in home appliances (like air conditioning and refrigerators), automobiles (like alternators, starter vehicles, and other electrical systems), energy, PV industry, consumer electronics, etc.