Electrical steel, also known as silicon steel or transformer steel, is a special type of steel that is designed to exhibit specific magnetic properties. It is used primarily in the construction of transformers, electric motors, and other electrical devices where magnetic fields are involved.
The unique magnetic properties of electrical steel arise from its composition and processing. It typically contains silicon in the range of 2% to 3.5%, along with small amounts of aluminum and other elements. The addition of silicon helps to reduce the eddy current losses and increase the electrical resistivity of the material, making it more efficient for electrical applications.
There are two main types of electrical steel:
- Grain-Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES): This type of electrical steel is processed to have a preferred orientation of its crystalline structure, known as a grain orientation. This helps in minimizing the core losses in transformers operating with alternating current (AC). Grain-oriented electrical steel is commonly used in power transformers.
- Non-Grain Oriented Electrical Steel (NGOES or CRGO): This type of electrical steel is produced without a specific grain orientation. It is more isotropic in its magnetic properties and is suitable for applications like electric motors, where the magnetic field is constantly changing direction.
The magnetic properties of electrical steel make it ideal for efficiently transferring electrical energy between circuits, as it can be magnetized and demagnetized easily. This characteristic is crucial in transformers, where the core material needs to efficiently handle the alternating magnetic fields associated with AC power transmission.