Does an Amorphous Alloy Transformer Contain Copper?

　　Direct Answer: Yes, amorphous alloy transformers typically contain copper, though the amount and location of copper usage differ from those in traditional silicon steel transformers. Below is a detailed analysis:

　　I. Core Structure and Copper Usage in Amorphous Alloy Transformers

　　Amorphous alloy transformers primarily consist of the following components, with copper playing a critical role:

　　1. Core Material

　　Amorphous Alloy Strip: A thin metallic ribbon (approximately 20-30μm thick) composed of iron, boron, silicon, and other elements, replacing traditional silicon steel sheets. It contains no copper.

　　Function: The high magnetic permeability and low losses of the amorphous alloy are the core of its energy-saving capabilities, but they are unrelated to copper.

　　2. Winding Materials

　　High-Voltage Windings: Typically use copper conductors (though some models may use aluminum, copper remains the mainstream choice) for transmitting high-voltage electrical energy.

　　Low-Voltage Windings: Also predominantly use copper conductors, with copper foil (e.g., foil-type windings) used in some scenarios to reduce resistive losses.

　　Conclusion: The windings are the primary area where copper is applied, similar to conventional transformers.

　　3. Other Components

　　Leads and Connection Bars: Made of copper to ensure excellent conductivity and reliability.

　　Tank, Clamps, etc.: Usually steel structures, unrelated to copper.

　　II. Summary of the Relationship Between Amorphous Alloy Transformers and Copper

　　III. Why Do Amorphous Alloy Transformers Require Copper?

　　1. Superior Electrical Conductivity

　　Copper's resistivity (1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m) is significantly lower than aluminum's (2.82×10⁻⁸ Ω·m), dramatically reducing resistive losses (I²R losses) in windings.

　　Example: Copper windings reduce losses by approximately 40% compared to aluminum windings of the same cross-sectional area.

　　2. Enhanced Energy Efficiency

　　While the amorphous alloy core already significantly reduces no-load losses, copper windings further optimize load losses, achieving full-lifecycle energy savings.

　　3. Improved Heat Dissipation and Reliability

　　Copper's superior thermal conductivity compared to aluminum aids in winding heat dissipation, extending the transformer's lifespan.

　　IV. Special Cases: "Copper-Free" Designs in Amorphous Alloy Transformers?

　　1. All-Aluminum Winding Transformers

　　A small number of amorphous alloy transformers may use aluminum windings to reduce costs, but this sacrifices some energy efficiency and reliability.

　　Drawbacks: Aluminum's lower mechanical strength and susceptibility to oxidation require larger cross-sectional areas to compensate for resistance, increasing size and weight.

　　2. Industry Mainstream

　　Copper windings remain the dominant choice, especially in high-efficiency (e.g., Tier 1) products.

　　V. How Can Users Determine if an Amorphous Alloy Transformer Contains Copper?

　　1. Check Product Nameplates or Technical Specifications

　　Look for explicit labeling of winding materials (e.g., "Copper Windings" or "Aluminum Wound" for aluminum).

　　2. Consult the Supplier

　　Request winding material certificates or energy efficiency test reports.

　　3. Price Reference

　　Copper-wound transformers are typically more expensive than aluminum-wound ones but offer lower long-term operating costs.

　　VI. Summary

　　Amorphous alloy transformers do contain copper, primarily in windings, leads, and other conductive components, to optimize energy efficiency and reliability.

　　The core does not contain copper, with its energy-saving properties stemming from the amorphous alloy material itself.

　　User Selection Recommendation: Prioritize copper-wound amorphous alloy transformers to ensure the lowest full-lifecycle costs and optimal performance.

　　This analysis clarifies the relationship between amorphous alloy transformers and copper, providing a scientific basis for practical selection.