News Releases

TARRYTOWN, New York, October 28, 2009 – Hitachi America, Ltd. today announced that it has introduced amorphous metal distribution transformers in the United States. Hitachi has actively promoted amorphous metal distribution transformers in Asia for over 20 years and it has over 90% market share for amorphous metal distribution transformers in Japan.

The amorphous alloy is a non-crystal substance created by rapidly freezing liquids at a high temperature. Because there is no rule of atomic arrangement, the energy loss (hysteresis loss) is small when the flux of magnetic induction passes the iron core. In addition, eddy current loss is decreased because the thickness is approximately 0.03 mm, which is about 1/10 compared to conventional grain oriented silicon steel. Therefore, the no load loss (eddy current loss and hysteresis loss) can be decreased by about 1/5 of the grain oriented silicon steel.

By using Hitachi’s Amorphous Metal Distribution Transformer, users (typically utilities) are capable of reducing no load loss, the constant loss that always occurs regardless of whether or not the transformer is loaded, as well as reducing CO2 emissions. For example, with a 1,000kVA, 6,600V/210V, 60Hz, 3 phase, oil-immersed type transformer, utilities have the ability to reduce at least 65% of no load loss per year and save an average of 116t of CO2 emissions per unit compared to traditional U.S. electricity sources.

On Oct. 12, 2007, the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) issued in the Federal Register, 10 CFR Part 431, Energy Conservation Program for Commercial Equipment, Distribution Transformers Energy Conservation Standards; Final Rule. This regulation covers all distribution transformers manufactured after Jan. 1, 2010, and defines the minimum efficiency standards in the design of distribution transformers under federal law. Amorphous metal distribution transformers will easily meet the new DOE standard and maximize the distribution of the energy efficiency along with minimizing the greenhouse gas effect.

Hitachi has also started promoting Amorphous Metal Cores and its manufacturing know-how for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to utilize and manufacture their own Amorphous Metal Distribution Transformers.

Many years of R&D efforts went into producing the lowest loss transformers. The combination of high technology and years of experience have brought Hitachi transformers to the highest level of quality and performance in the world.

For more information, please visit www.hitachi-america.us/transformer or contact AMTinfo@hal.hitachi.com