A transformer’s efficiency is most adversely affected by:

The efficiency of a transformer is critically influenced by various factors, and one of the primary detrimental effects comes from magnetic leakage. Magnetic leakage occurs when part of the magnetic flux created by the current in the primary winding does not link with the secondary winding. Instead, this flux escapes into the surrounding environment, leading to power losses that affect the overall efficiency of the transformer.

When magnetic leakage occurs, not all the power in the primary winding is transferred to the secondary winding, resulting in lower output power. This leakage can cause additional losses in the form of heat and can impact the voltage regulation of the transformer. As a consequence, the efficiency of the transformer decreases, particularly at higher loads where the effects become more pronounced.

In contrast, capacitance, inductance, and load current also affect transformer performance to varying degrees, but their impacts are generally less direct when compared to magnetic leakage:

• Capacitance mostly relates to the parasitic effects in transformers, which can result in losses but are not the dominant factor.

• Inductance is inherently part of the operation of transformers, allowing them to function as designed.

• Load current primarily affects how efficiently a transformer operates under different loading conditions but is not typically a source of significant losses in the same way as magnetic leakage