Electromagnetic Finite Element Analysis of Electrical Steels Combinations in Lamination Core Steps of Single-Phase Distribution Transformers (original) (raw)

Reduction of cost and losses of transformers by using composite magnetic cores

Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Electrical Machines ICEM 2014, Berlin, Germany, 2014

Even though, the transformer is the most efficient of electrical machines, with efficiencies typically in the high 90s, it is possible to reduce transformer costs and losses by using composite magnetic cores. This paper presents a new composite magnetic core that can be used effectively for manufacturing single–phase and three–phase wound core distribution transformers. The new composite wound core concept is based on experimental evidence concerning the flux density non–uniformity of conventional single–phase and three–phase magnetic wound cores and the losses and magnetization properties of conventional and high permeability Si–Fe grain–oriented steels. A systematic experimental losses and flux distribution analysis of single phase and three–phase magnetic wound cores is undertaken as well as finite element (FE) analysis considering the bulk anisotropic characteristics of laminated wound cores.

Loss reduction by combining electrical steels in the core of power transformers

This paper analyzes a practical methodology to assemble/combine commercial electrical steels in a singlephase core-type power transformer. The main advantage of these electrical steel combinations is the reduction of core losses and their associated cost, without compromising the integrity of the transformer. An explanation of the improved performance with a combination of electrical steels in core-type power transformers is presented in this paper. The steel combinations are studied using transient, nonlinear, 3D finite-element simulations, with proper calculation of core losses. Electrical steels in the core are modeled using their magnetization curves. Five commercial electrical steels are considered: four conventional steels (M-6, M-5, M-4, and M-3) and a laser-scribed electrical steel (TRAN-COR H0). From the simulations, the attainable reduction in core losses by means of steel combinations is determined. Results from the simulations are compared with laboratory tests. Finally, 3D finite element static thermal formulations are used to rule out hot spots in the cores made of electrical steel combinations.

Core lamination selection for distribution transformers based on sensitivity analysis

Electrical Engineering (Archiv fur Elektrotechnik), 2013

In this paper, the sensitivity analysis is used to select the core lamination thickness of single-phase distribution transformers rated from 5 to 50 kVA. Three different magnetic materials (M2, M3 and M4) with thicknesses of 0.18, 0.23 and 0.27 mm are considered. Transformer designs are compared based on the total owning cost as well as on the transformer bid price. The impact of the different laminations on total owning cost and bid price is calculated for a total of 144 transformers (72 for each criterion). All transformers fulfill all the operating and construction constraints. The paper considers the impact on core losses of the space factor (core-assembling pressure) and of the building factor and also describes howcore losses are affected by core design parameters such as the number of laminations per step, air gap and overlap. It is concluded that for the analyzed power range, M3 lamination is the best choice since all of the studied cases have smaller bid price and 79% of the studied cases have lower total owning cost. This paper gives guidelines to select the appropriate thickness and can help transformer manufacturers to select the optimal thickness for distribution transformers.

A Novel Octagonal Wound Core for Distribution Transformers Validated by Electromagnetic Field Analysis and Comparison With Conventional Wound Core

IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, 2010

This paper analyzes a novel configuration of transformer core, called octagonal wound core (OWC), and shows the minimization of the excitation current and the reduction of the eddy-current losses. The OWC is compared with the conventional wound core (CWC) configuration. The comparison is based on two-dimensional and three-dimensional finite-element method (FEM) simulations, taking into account the nonlinear properties of the magnetic material of the core. The results show that the OWC reduces the excitation current and the eddy-current losses when compared with CWC. Moreover, several combinations of grades of the grain-oriented silicon steel (GOSS) were investigated so as to further reduce the eddy-current losses and the excitation current.

Development of Distribution Transformers Assembled of Composite Wound Cores

IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, vol. 48, no. 2, pp. 775-778, 2012

This paper proposes the manufacturing of distribution transformers using a novel type of magnetic core which is called composite wound core. A composite wound core is constructed of a combination of conventional and high magnetization grain-oriented steel. The main advantage of transformers assembled of composite wound cores over conventional transformers is the significant reduction of the manufacturing and operating cost. For the analysis of composite wound core transformers, a FE model considering anisotropy and high saturation conditions, and an advanced 3D hybrid FE-BE model have been developed.

Transformers Made of Composite Magnetic Cores: An Innovative Design Approach

Journal of Recent Patents on Electrical Engineering, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 1-12,, 2009

Nowadays, transformers are made of conventional magnetic cores which are constructed of a single grainoriented or amorphous, magnetic steel. Even though, the transformer is the most efficient of electrical machines, with efficiencies typically above 90%, it is possible to improve transformer performance by using composite magnetic cores. Patents related to this simple and effective technique can be traced back to 1929. The specific technique can be applied to wound core distribution transformers. By using wound cores constructed with a combination of conventional and high permeability grain-oriented steel the total owing cost (TOC) of the transformer can be reduced effectively. This paper presents a brief review of patents on wound and composite magnetic cores and introduces a generalized technique for the determination of the optimum design variables of a new composite wound core design.