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Raytron Technical Review RESEARCH ARTICLE WP-07-13

Industrial Motor and Transformer Windings

RAYTRON Technical Team1

1RAYTRON Group, China

Published: March 2026 Version: 1.0
DOI: 10.1000/raytron.WP-07-13

1. Introduction

1.1 Winding Importance

ComponentCopper ContentCost Contribution
Motor stator30-50% of weight40-60% of material cost
Transformer winding20-40% of weight30-50% of material cost

1.2 Cost-Performance Trade-off

FactorCuCCA
EfficiencyHighestSlightly lower
CostHighLower
WeightHeavyLighter
Heat dissipationGoodGood

Diagram placeholder

MEDIA TODO
Figure 1 Motor stator winding cross-section showing CCA conductor

2. Winding Requirements

2.1 Electrical Requirements

RequirementMotorTransformer
ConductivityHighHigh
Current density3-6 A/mm²2-4 A/mm²
InsulationClass F/HClass F/H

2.2 Thermal Requirements

ParameterTypical Value
Hot spot temp120-180°C
Insulation classF (155°C) or H (180°C)
Temperature rise80-125°C

2.3 Mechanical Requirements

RequirementImportance
Tensile strengthHigh (winding tension)
FlexibilityCritical (winding process)
Dimensional toleranceCritical
Bond strengthGood

3. CCA for Windings

3.1 Properties

PropertyCuCCA-80%
Conductivity100%80%
Density8.96 g/cm³3.4 g/cm³
Tensile strength220-250 MPa120-150 MPa
Elongation25-35%10-20%

3.2 Advantages

AdvantageValue
Weight reduction60%
Cost reduction25-35%
Lower inertiaBetter motor response

3.3 Considerations

FactorCCA Consideration
Slightly higher I²R lossSize appropriately
Different thermal expansionDesign consideration
Termination careProper techniques

Diagram placeholder

MEDIA TODO
Figure 2 CCA winding wire cross-section and properties

4. Motor Applications

4.1 Motor Types

Motor TypeCCA Suitability
Small motors (<1 kW)Good
Medium motors (1-100 kW)Good (evaluate)
Large motors (>100 kW)Limited

4.2 Efficiency Impact

Motor SizeCu EfficiencyCCA EfficiencyDifference
1 kW85%84%-1%
10 kW90%89%-1%
100 kW94%93%-1%

4.3 Sizing

Cu SizeCCA-80% Equivalent
1.0 mm1.2 mm
1.5 mm1.8 mm
2.0 mm2.4 mm

4.4 Application Guidelines

ApplicationRecommendation
Ceiling fansCCA acceptable
Appliance motorsCCA acceptable
Industrial motorsEvaluate per case
Premium efficiencyCu preferred

5. Transformer Applications

5.1 Transformer Types

TypeCCA Suitability
Small transformersGood
Distribution transformersEvaluate
Power transformersLimited

5.2 Performance

ParameterCuCCA-80%
No-load lossSameSame
Load lossBaseline+5-10%
EfficiencyBaseline-0.1-0.2%

5.3 Design Considerations

FactorCCA Design
Wire sizeIncrease 10-20%
Window fillCheck with larger wire
Thermal designSlightly higher loss

5.4 Application Guidelines

ApplicationRecommendation
Small control transformersCCA acceptable
Distribution transformersEvaluate cost-benefit
High-efficiency requiredCu preferred

Diagram placeholder

MEDIA TODO
Figure 3 Transformer winding with CCA conductor

6. Conclusion

6.1 Summary

ApplicationCCA Suitability
Small motorsGood
Medium motorsEvaluate
Small transformersGood
Distribution transformersEvaluate

6.2 Decision Factors

  • Efficiency requirements
  • Cost sensitivity
  • Weight importance
  • Size constraints

7. References

  1. IEC 60034. (2022). Rotating Electrical Machines.
  2. IEEE C57. (2020). Transformer Standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What motor sizes are suitable for CCA windings?

CCA is well-suited for small motors (<1 kW) such as ceiling fans and appliance motors. Medium motors (1-100 kW) require evaluation of efficiency requirements. Large motors (>100 kW) typically require copper for efficiency.

How does CCA affect motor efficiency?

CCA windings typically reduce motor efficiency by approximately 1% compared to copper. For example, a 90% efficient copper motor would be approximately 89% efficient with CCA windings when properly sized.

Can CCA be used for transformer windings?

Yes, CCA is suitable for small control transformers and can be evaluated for distribution transformers. Load loss increases by 5-10%, reducing efficiency by 0.1-0.2%. Premium efficiency applications typically require copper.

How do I size CCA magnet wire?

Increase CCA wire diameter by approximately 10-20% compared to copper equivalent. For example, 1.0 mm Cu becomes 1.2 mm CCA. Verify window fill factor with the larger wire size.

XU

Gaolei Xu

Senior Materials Scientist

Credentials & Honors

  • CTO, Raytron Group
  • Zhejiang Provincial High-level Talent Special Support Program - Young Talent
  • Shaoxing "Technology Vice President"
  • Shaoxing Science and Technology Commissioner
  • Member of National Technical Committee 243 on Heavy Metals (SAC/TC 243/SC2)

National Standards (Lead Author) View Official

Patents (Inventor) Search Patents

  • CN104959396A - Production Process of Copper Strip for Composite Contact Materials
  • CN106077125A - Production Process of Copper Profile for Magnetic Pole Coils
  • CN201410710206 - Conductive Material for High-speed Railway Traction Motors and Production Method
  • CN201310719717 - Method for Controlling Strip Shape of Copper Strip Blank by Continuous Extrusion
  • CN201310720126 - Device for Controlling Strip Shape of Copper Strip Blank by Continuous Extrusion
  • CN201310376884 - Five-in-one Copper Strip Edge Treatment Equipment for Transformers
  • CN201420184755 - Continuous Extrusion Die Flow Promotion Device
  • CN201320761640 - Continuous Extrusion Waste Cleaning Device

Areas of Expertise

Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) Technology Copper-Clad Steel (CCS) Manufacturing Bimetallic Composite Materials PV Ribbon for Solar Cells Battery Tab Materials for EV Applications Continuous Extrusion Technology

Selected Publications

  • Research and Application of Rolling Method for Manufacturing Metal Laminated Composites, Aluminum Processing Journal, 2008
  • Annealing Process Research of Copper-Aluminum Composite Strip
  • Research on Preparation Process of Copper/Aluminum Composite Strip for Cables
  • Interface Microstructure Evolution of Rolled Copper/Aluminum Composite Strip During Annealing

Mr. Xu Gaolei is a distinguished expert in non-ferrous metal processing with over 15 years of experience. He is recognized as a Young Talent under the Zhejiang Provincial High-level Talent Special Support Program. He leads R&D initiatives in bimetallic composite technologies and has contributed significantly to the standardization of copper and bimetallic materials in China.

Click standard/patent codes to view official documents

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Our technical team is the author of multiple Chinese national standards, with 30 years of industry experience and 34 patents, delivering professional bimetallic composite material solutions. Contact us for technical support and product quotes.

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