Fe-Based Amorphous Alloy Composition for Low-Loss Transformer Ribbons

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fe-based amorphous alloys used in iron cores for power and high-frequency transformers face challenges in achieving low iron loss and high magnetic flux density, as existing compositions do not adequately optimize the balance of elements for improved soft magnetic properties.

Innovation Solution

The development of an Fe-based amorphous alloy with specific compositions, including varying ranges of B, Si, C, Al, P, and Fe, along with optional inclusion of Ni, Cr, and Co, to optimize the amorphous structure and magnetic properties, allowing for low iron loss and high saturation magnetic flux density without the need for additional elements like Mo.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional Fe-based amorphous alloy compositions are used, then basic magnetic properties are achieved, but iron loss is high and saturation magnetic flux density is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveiron lossVSAvoidmagnetic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the composition ratios of alloying elements (B: 8-18 atom%, Si: 2-9 atom%, C: 0.1-5 atom%, Al: 0.005-1.5 atom%, P: 0-1 atom%, Mn: 0-0.3 atom%, Fe: 78-86 atom%) to optimize the amorphous structure. This compositional parameter optimization reduces iron loss while maintaining high saturation magnetic flux density of 1.60 T or more, resolving the contradiction between energy loss and magnetic performance reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If additional elements like Mo are added to improve magnetic properties, then soft magnetic properties are enhanced, but alloy complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoft magnetic propertiesVSAvoidalloy composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for additional elements like Mo by optimizing the Fe-B-Si-C-Al-P-Mn system. The invention achieves excellent soft magnetic properties (iron loss ≤0.095 W/kg, saturation magnetic flux density ≥1.60 T) using only these seven elements, thereby reducing alloy composition complexity while maintaining or improving magnetic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies multi-functionality by having the Fe-B-Si-C-Al-P-Mn system perform multiple functions simultaneously: Fe provides the base magnetic properties, B and Si form the amorphous structure, C and Al optimize magnetic performance, P and Mn further enhance soft magnetic properties. This universal element combination replaces the need for specialized elements like Mo, reducing complexity while achieving superior magnetic properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The optimized alloy achieves a saturation magnetic flux density of 1.60 T or more and an iron loss of 0.095 W/kg or less at 1.3 T and 50 Hz, enhancing soft magnetic properties and workability, particularly in the form of an Fe-based amorphous alloy ribbon suitable for transformer applications.

Implementation Method 1

The melt was ejected through a slot nozzle onto a water-cooled copper wheel rotating at a linear speed of 20 m/s to thereby quench and solidify the melt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRapid cooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 2

Fe: 78.00% or more and 86.00% or less, and balance: impurities and having an amorphous structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic property optimization:

Data Source

PatentUS20240229206A1Fe-based amorphous alloy and fe-based amorphous alloy ribbon
Publication Date: 2024.07.11 NIPPON STEEL CORPORATION

AI summary

The present invention has as its object the provision of an Fe-based amorphous alloy and Fe-based amorphous alloy ribbon excellent in soft magnetic properties having a low iron loss and a high saturation magnetic flux density. The Fe-based amorphous alloy excellent in soft magnetic properties of the present invention comprises, by atom %, B: 8.0% or more and 18.0% or less, Si: 2.0% or more and 9.0% or less, C: 0.10% or more and 5.00% or less, Al: 0.005% or more and 1.50% or less, P: 0% or more and less than 1.00%, Mn: 0% or more and 0.30% or less, Fe: 78.00% or more and 86.00% or less, and balance: impurities and has an amorphous structure.