Verlustwinkels

Verlustwinkels, meaning "loss angles" in English, is a term used in the context of magnetic materials, particularly in transformers and other electrical devices. It quantifies the energy dissipated as heat within the magnetic core of these components during each magnetization cycle. This energy loss is primarily due to two phenomena: hysteresis and eddy currents.

Hysteresis loss occurs because the magnetic domains within the material require energy to reorient themselves as the magnetic field strength fluctuates. Even when the external magnetic field is removed, the material retains some residual magnetism, and reversing the field requires overcoming this resistance, leading to energy dissipation.

Eddy currents are circulating currents induced within the conductive core material by the changing magnetic flux. These currents flow according to Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law, and their passage through the material's resistance generates heat. To minimize eddy current losses, magnetic cores are typically constructed from thin laminations of the magnetic material, insulated from each other. This increases the overall resistance to the flow of eddy currents.

The Verlustwinkel is a measure of the inefficiency introduced by these losses. A higher Verlustwinkel indicates greater energy dissipation and reduced efficiency of the magnetic device. Selecting materials with low hysteresis loss and designing cores to minimize eddy currents are crucial for improving the performance and energy efficiency of electrical equipment.