A Transformer handles electrical losses through several mechanisms. Electrical losses in a transformer can be broadly classified into two categories: copper losses and iron losses.

  1. Copper losses: Copper losses occur due to the resistance of the copper windings in the transformer. These losses are mainly caused by the flow of current through the windings and can be further divided into two types: ohmic losses and eddy current losses.

   - Ohmic losses: Ohmic losses, also known as I^2R losses, occur due to the resistance of the transformer's winding materials. When current flows through the windings, some energy is dissipated as heat. To minimize these losses, high-quality conductors with low resistivity are used, such as copper or aluminum. Transformers are often designed to ensure a low resistance path for the current, reducing the ohmic losses.

   - Eddy current losses: Eddy currents are induced currents that circulate within the conducting materials of the transformer. These currents are generated due to the changing magnetic field in the core. Eddy currents result in heat generation and thus energy losses. To minimize these losses, laminated cores are used in transformers. The laminations, made of thin insulated sheets, help to confine the eddy currents to smaller loops, reducing the energy dissipated as heat.

  2. Iron losses: Iron losses, also known as core losses, occur in the transformer's core and are caused by two main factors: hysteresis loss and eddy current loss.

   - Hysteresis loss: Hysteresis loss occurs due to the hysteresis effect in the transformer core material. The alternating magnetic field in the core causes the magnetic domains to constantly realign, resulting in energy losses. To reduce hysteresis loss, transformer cores are made from materials with low hysteresis coefficients, such as silicon steel or amorphous alloys.

   - Eddy current loss: Similar to the eddy current losses in the windings, eddy currents are induced in the core material due to the changing magnetic field. These currents circulate within the core and cause energy dissipation. To minimize eddy current losses, laminated cores with insulating layers are used. The thin laminations help to confine the eddy currents to small loops, reducing the energy loss.

  Transformers are designed with careful consideration of these losses to optimize their efficiency. The losses depend on factors such as the design of the transformer, the choice of materials, and the operating conditions. Manufacturers strive to minimize losses through proper design, material selection, and insulation techniques, resulting in efficient transformer operation.