Calculations of eddy currents in electrical steel sheets taking into account their magnetic hysteresis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the method which relatively easily allows to approximate the hysteresis loop of the dynamo or transformer steel sheets. The paper also looks into the formulation of an equation allowing determination of distribution of the flux density and eddy currents in cross-section of these sheets. Design/methodology/approach An exponential function was applied in the presented method relating to the approximation of the hysteresis loop. When the field strength changes its value, then, the flux density are the sum or difference of a function, describing the lower or upper hysteresis curve and some "ransient" component. On the basis of Maxwell's equations and Amper's law, one non-linear differential equation was formulated which allows to calculate the flux density and eddy currents in a cross-section of a transformer sheet. Findings The method which relatively easily allows approximation of the hysteresis loop of ferromagnetic material is presented in the paper. The paper presents the derivation of one non-linear differential equation, allowing calculation of the flux density and eddy currents in the cross-section of the transformer sheets, taking into account the hysteresis phenomenon. Practical implications - The paper presents the method that can be used in modeling of the hysteresis loops of dynamo or transformer sheets, and the final non-linear differential equation can be applied in calculations of the magnetic field and eddy currents in cross-section of the transformer sheets. Originality/value The paper refers to important issues of modeling and calculations of the magnetic and eddy current field distribution in transformer steel sheets.