Copper loss, or I²R loss, refers to the power loss caused by the resistance of copper windings in the electrical equipment such as
• Transformers,
• Motors, and
Copper Loss Formula
It is calculated using the following formula:
Copper loss = I2 x R
Where,
I - Current flowing through conductor (A), and
R - Conductor’s Resistance (in ohms).
Steps for Calculating Copper Loss
Step-1: Measure or get the current that flows through the copper winding.
Step-2: Measure the resistance (R) of the copper winding. This can be measured using an ohmmeter or estimated using copper’s length, cross-sectional area, and resistivity.
Step-3: To calculate copper loss, use the following formula and substitute current and resistance values.
Solved Example
Consider a transformer winding with resistance of 0.5Ω & a current of 10 amps flowing through it.
Current (I): 10A.
Resistance (R): 0.5 Ω.
Copper loss = 10 x 10 x 0.5
Copper loss = 100 x 0.5.
Copper loss = 50 watts.
Thus, the copper loss is 50W
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