Classification, characteristics and application of electrical steel
2023-04-01
What is Electrical Steel?
Electrical steel is a steel specially designed to have low iron loss and high magnetic permeability. Used in the production of magnetic cores for electrical equipment such as transformers, motors, generators, and magnetic bearings. Electrical steel is usually made of mild steel with a small amount of silicon added to improve its magnetic properties. Adding silicon reduces the electrical conductivity of the steel, which in turn lowers its core loss and increases its magnetic permeability. Electrical steel can further improve performance through special annealing processes such as decarburization and coating, reduce hysteresis loss, and increase magnetic induction. Overall, electrical steel is a key material for the efficient and reliable operation of electrical equipment, with properties carefully controlled and optimized to meet the specific requirements of each application.
What is electrical steel used for?
Some of the most common applications of electrical steel include:
Transformers: Electrical steel is used to make the cores of transformers, which are essential components in power generation, transmission and distribution systems. Transformers rely on the magnetic properties of electrical steel to efficiently transfer electrical energy from one voltage level to another.
Electric motors: Electrical steel is used to make the cores of electric motors, which are used in a wide range of applications, from household appliances to industrial machinery. Electric motors rely on the magnetism of electrical steel to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy.
Generators: Electrical steel is used to make the cores of generators, which convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The magnetic properties of electrical steels are critical to the efficient operation of electrical generators.
Magnetic Bearings: Electrical steels are also used in the manufacture of iron cores for magnetic bearings, which are used in high-speed mechanical equipment to reduce friction and wear. Magnetic bearings rely on the magnetism of electrical steel to maintain the stable and precise position of the rotor.
Classification of electrical steel
Electrical steels can be classified according to their crystal structure, magnetic properties and manufacturing process. Here are some common classifications:
Grain Oriented Electrical Steel (GOES): GOES is an electrical steel with a highly uniform crystalline structure, where the grains of the steel are aligned in specific directions. This orientation gives the steel excellent magnetic properties in the direction of the grain, making it ideal for use in transformer cores and other devices that require strong magnetic fields in specific directions.
Non-Grain Oriented Electrical Steel (NGOES): NGOES is an electrical steel with a random crystal structure where the grains of the steel are oriented in different directions. This lack of grain orientation makes NGOES less efficient than GOES at generating strong magnetic fields in specific directions, but it makes them more versatile and easier to manufacture. NGOES are used in a wide variety of electrical equipment including electric motors, generators and magnetic bearings.
Fully processed electrical steel: Fully processed electrical steel is an electrical steel that has been treated by special annealing processes, such as decarburization and coating, which help reduce hysteresis loss and increase magnetic induction. Fully machined electrical steels are used for high performance applications requiring the highest possible magnetic properties.
Semi-processed electrical steel: Semi-processed electrical steel is a partially annealed electrical steel that is typically used in lower performance applications where cost is a more important factor than magnetic properties.
High Magnetic Permeability Electrical Steel: High Magnetic Permeability Electrical Steel is an electrical steel optimized for high magnetic permeability, which makes it ideal for applications that require high sensitivity to magnetic fields, such as magnetic sensors and transformers.
Performance characteristics of electrical steel
Electrical steels have several performance characteristics that make them suitable for use in electrical equipment:
High Magnetic Permeability: Electrical steel has high magnetic permeability, which means it can easily conduct magnetic flux. This property makes electrical steels ideal for use in transformers, for concentrating magnetic flux and reducing energy loss.
Low hysteresis loss: Hysteresis loss occurs when a magnetic material is subjected to a changing magnetic field. Electrical steel has low hysteresis losses, which means it can easily change its magnetic orientation with minimal energy loss. This property makes electrical steel ideal for high-efficiency electric motors and generators.
Low Eddy Current Loss: Eddy current loss occurs when a changing magnetic field induces a current in a conductor. Electrical steel has low eddy current losses, which means it can conduct electric current with minimal loss of energy. This property makes electrical steels ideal for use in high-frequency applications such as transformers and inductors.
Good formability: Electrical steel has high formability, which means it can be easily formed into complex geometries without cracking or breaking. This property makes electrical steels ideal for use in electric motors and generators, which often require complex geometries.
Good Corrosion Resistance: Electrical steel has high corrosion resistance, which means it can be used in harsh environments without deterioration. This property makes electrical steel ideal for use in marine and other corrosive environments.
Our company offers a wide range of high-quality electrical steel products that are ideally suited for use in a variety of electrical applications including transformers, motors and generators. Manufactured using advanced manufacturing processes, our electrical steel products are designed to meet the highest industry standards for performance and quality. If you are in the market for high quality electrical steel products, we invite you to consider our company as your preferred supplier. With our advanced manufacturing processes, commitment to quality and exceptional customer service, we are confident we can meet your needs and exceed your expectations.