Would a low maximum temperature rise in a transformer save energy?
To achieve a lower maximum temperature rise in a transformer, the core size and the wire size is increased. This means higher No-Load losses but lower full load losses. Therefore, if a lower maximum temperature rise transformer is lightly loaded (less than 45% typical), it uses more energy than a standard temperature rise transformer but when the load levels go over 50% of the rated capacity, the total losses start to decrease relatively. Also when these transformers are heavily loaded, they produce less heat than a standard transformer and therefore there is less need for cooling. Synergy Energy Inc. transformers are designed to provide NEMA TP-1 efficiency levels at 35% load.
