Laser diode processing for reducing core-loss of grain-oriented silicon steels

At the usual electrical frequency (50/60 Hz), induction currents always suffer energy losses in electrical devices such as transformers. The consequence is heat dissipation and resultant decrease in efficiency. Over recent years, various processes have been developed to reduce core-loss in grain-oriented silicon steels (mechanical or thermal treatments). In the present paper, we consider a new process using high power laser diodes. We believe that current laser diodes are ideally suited for this application because of the advantages of miniaturization, adaptable wavelength in the near infrared, high powers available and good efficiency. We have carried out a study and developed a device for "scratching"dagger using a 4W QCW laser diode (quasi-continuous wave diode). Our results show that the losses can be reduced by 12% under certain conditions. We consider that the results will be reproduced in industrial conditions in the near future using more powerful diodes now available on the market.