How does transformer temperature relate to losses, BTUs and enclosures?
A. Transformers generate heat! They all do. There is no way of getting around it. Heat is a by-product of the transformation process and heat is due to losses in both the core and coils of the transformer. For most applications, the heat generated is of little concern. But it becomes a concern when determining how much cooling must be provided to compensate for the heat or when the temperature of the enclosure could become a problem. Transformer losses are dependent on loading. A transformer operating at its nameplate KVA generates maximum losses. This is considered to be 100% losses at 100% load, full load losses. A transformer loaded at less than 100% doesn’t generate as many losses, but it is not in direct proportion to the amount of the load as indicated in the table below. Transformer losses are expressed in watts.
