Date: Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:11:38 -0700
Subject: Re: [TCML] 50Hz = 'short end of the stick?'
From: davep@xxxxxxxx
To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
For example, a line frequency which is lower results in a less-efficient
transformer (weight:wattage)
Low frequency, if designed for, is higher efficiency in
the transformer. Hence (as noted) the past (and, indeed,
present) use of 25 Hz, 16 2/3, etc in specific applications.
First, I would like to ask for a reference on this subject; it seems that the opposite would be true. For example, do aeroplanes not use 400Hz transformers and 'line' frequency? Is this not because the weight of the transformers can be reduced, due to the higher frequency having a higher saturation-point in the laminations?
Or, is the type of efficiency you speak of purely electrical and in total neglect of materials expense? If that's the case, then if there are fewer voltage reversals in a given time, of course there's going to be a potential for a greater efficiency, as long as you are speaking in purely watts(in):watts(out) terms.
Thank you,
- Christopher Karr