The transformer core is a critical magnetic circuit component, and its performance directly determines the efficiency and stability of the transformer. Over prolonged operation, the core may experience aging due to factors such as high temperatures, magnetic forces, and environmental conditions. This aging can significantly affect the overall performance of the transformer.

The most common manifestation of core aging is the deterioration of magnetic properties, leading to increased hysteresis and eddy current losses. These heightened losses not only reduce the transformer's efficiency but also generate additional heat, potentially causing localized hotspots. The emergence of these hotspots can further degrade the core's physical structure, creating a vicious cycle.

Moreover, aging cores often suffer from reduced mechanical integrity, which decreases their clamping tightness, resulting in enhanced vibration and increased electromagnetic noise. This not only affects the operational environment but may also signal internal risks within the transformer. The degradation of magnetic circuit performance is another significant consequence of core aging. A decline in permeability can cause uneven magnetic flux distribution, reducing the transformer's dynamic response and operational reliability.

To effectively assess the impact of core aging on transformer performance, comprehensive analyses are typically conducted using methods such as loss testing, hotspot monitoring, and magnetic property evaluation. Monitoring changes in core losses helps identify trends in efficiency reduction; infrared thermal imaging can pinpoint hotspot locations, while magnetic performance testing evaluates the actual degradation of core materials. These diagnostic techniques provide scientific evidence for quantifying the degree of core aging and offer critical insights for maintenance and replacement decisions.

In conclusion, core aging is a major contributor to transformer performance decline. Scientifically assessing the extent of core aging and implementing appropriate maintenance measures are essential for ensuring the transformer's efficient and safe operation.