Energy efficient electrical steels: Magnetic performance prediction and optimization

Magnetic losses in electrical steel cores account for 5-10% of all electrical power generated, despite continuous improvements to their magnetic properties. This paper emphasizes the needs for greater appreciation of the limitations and oversights in present magnetic characterization and also in methods of loss prediction which do not take account of magnetization processes. Possible approaches which might lead to reduced losses in electrical steels exploiting our increasing understanding of relationships between magnetic properties and microstructure are discussed.