Wound Core Power Transformer Design: Classical Methodology and Advanced Magnetic Field Analysis Techniques

The present paper describes an overview of the classical design methodology of three phase, wound core power transformers. Moreover, advanced numerical techniques, based on the two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) finite element method (FEM), have been applied for the calculation of the power transformer equivalent circuit parameters (leakage inductance, short-circuit impedance). The generalization of the 3D FEM results proves its enhanced accuracy in the prediction of the wound core transformer characteristics. Experimental validation of the proposed methodology is also provided, along with the presentation of the benefits resulting from the adoption of numerical techniques in the design process.