Yes, amorphous alloy transformers typically use copper windings, though aluminum is sometimes used as a costeffective alternative. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on industry practices and technical considerations:

　　1. Core vs. Winding Materials

　　Amorphous Alloy Core:

　　The core is made of ironbased amorphous metal (e.g., Metglas®), which reduces core losses by 70–80% compared to traditional silicon steel . This material is optimized for low hysteresis and eddy current losses.

　　Windings:

　　The windings (both primary and secondary) are typically made of copper due to its superior electrical conductivity, which minimizes copper losses (I²R losses) under load. However, aluminum is occasionally used in costsensitive applications .

　　2. Why Copper is the Standard

　　Low Resistance:

　　Copper has lower resistivity than aluminum, reducing energy waste during power transmission. For example, a 10 kV amorphous transformer with copper windings may achieve 99.5% efficiency at full load .

　　Mechanical Strength:

　　Copper windings are more durable, especially in highvibration environments like mining or industrial settings .

　　Overload Capability:

　　Copper’s thermal stability allows transformers to handle shortterm overloads (e.g., 150% load for 30 minutes) without significant degradation .

　　3. Aluminum as an Alternative

　　Cost Savings:

　　Aluminum windings can reduce material costs by 20–30% compared to copper, making them attractive for budgetconscious projects .

　　Weight Reduction:

　　Aluminum is lighter, which may simplify installation in overhead or mobile applications (e.g., polemounted transformers) .

　　Tradeoffs:

　　Aluminum’s higher resistivity increases copper losses by ~30%, slightly reducing overall efficiency. For example, an aluminumwound transformer might achieve 99.2% efficiency at full load, compared to 99.5% for copper .

　　4. Manufacturing Practices

　　Foil Winding Technology:

　　Many amorphous transformers use copper foil windings for lowvoltage (LV) coils. This design minimizes the skin effect and improves thermal distribution, especially in highcurrent applications (e.g., 400 V secondary) .

　　Customization Options:

　　Manufacturers like Wilson Power Solutions offer both copper and aluminum windings as configurable options, allowing customers to balance cost and efficiency .

　　Specialized Applications:

　　In explosionproof mining transformers, copper is preferred due to its reliability in harsh environments, even though aluminum could theoretically be used with additional safety measures .

　　5. Efficiency and Cost Balance

　　Energy Savings:

　　Amorphous cores drastically reduce noload losses, but copper windings ensure minimal load losses. This combination is ideal for distribution transformers that operate 24/7 at low load factors (e.g., residential grids) .

　　ROI Considerations:

　　While copper transformers have higher upfront costs, their lower lifetime energy losses often result in shorter payback periods (3–5 years) compared to aluminum alternatives .

　　6. Industry Standards and Certifications

　　IEC 600761:

　　Requires compliance with winding material specifications, but does not mandate copper over aluminum.

　　Regional Preferences:

　　China and India: Copper is dominant due to energy efficiency priorities .

　　Europe: Aluminum is more common in lowcost, lowpower applications .

　　Conclusion

　　Amorphous alloy transformers almost always include copper windings to maximize efficiency and reliability, especially in energycritical applications. Aluminum is an option for costsensitive projects but sacrifices some performance. When selecting a transformer, prioritize copper for longterm energy savings and aluminum only if upfront costs are a strict constraint. Always consult the manufacturer’s datasheet for exact specifications (e.g., Unisun Electric explicitly lists pure copper windings for their amorphous models) .