Grain-Oriented Steel Sheet Magnetic Domain Refinement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for reducing iron loss in grain-oriented electrical steel sheets, such as those used in transformers, often result in increased hysteresis loss and noise due to excessive hardening of the steel sheet, which is caused by rapid thermal deformation and high irradiation energy during magnetic domain refinement processes like heat beam, light beam, or particle beam irradiation.

Innovation Solution

Reducing irradiation energy and extending irradiation time, using charged particles smaller than Fe, and scanning the beam at a slower rate to minimize hardening and improve magnetic domain refinement, thereby reducing both hysteresis and eddy current losses, and minimizing noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If rapid thermal deformation is applied for magnetic domain refinement, then eddy current loss decreases, but noise increases due to hardening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeddy current lossVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the thermal deformation parameter from rapid to slow heating rate (0.1°C/s to 10°C/s). This gradual heating approach refines magnetic domains effectively while minimizing hardening-induced noise, achieving low noise levels of 45 dBA or lower

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If high irradiation energy is used for magnetic domain refinement, then eddy current loss is reduced, but the steel sheet hardens excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeddy current lossVSAvoidhardness
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the irradiation energy parameter from high to low levels and extends the treatment time. This parameter transformation achieves magnetic domain refinement without excessive hardening, maintaining appropriate ductility while reducing eddy current loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses extended periodic irradiation at low energy levels rather than a single high-energy application. This approach allows gradual magnetic domain refinement without creating excessive hardening in the steel sheet

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Achieves a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet with reduced iron loss (less than 0.80 W/kg) and noise (45 dBA or lower) by minimizing hardening and optimizing magnetic domain refinement, enhancing energy efficiency and transformer performance.

Implementation Method 1

rapid thermal deformation of the steel sheet caused near the irradiated portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal deformation: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

magnetic domain refinement which reduces eddy current loss

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic domain refinement:

Implementation Method 3

exhibit an increase in hardness of the steel sheet surface due to work hardening by 5 % or more

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWork hardening:

Data Source

PatentEP2799572B1Method for manufacturing a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 JFE STEEL CORP
  • EP2799572B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2799572B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2799572B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed is a grain-oriented electrical steel sheet exhibiting reduced iron loss and reduced noise. The present invention provides an electrical steel sheet that has magnetic domains refined by regions with a high lattice defect density being locally formed on the surface of or within the steel sheet, in which the regions with a high lattice defect density has a hardness, as measured by a micro Vickers hardness meter, equal to or lower than that of other regions.