Optimization of Core Loss Of Power Transformer Simulated With ANSYS Maxwell Using Taguchi Method

Abstract

Power Transformer plays a vital role in today’s electric power system. As they are operated continuously, the losses in the transformer need to be minimized, especially No-load loss. Further these losses can raise the temperature of the oil necessitating to provide increased cooling arrangements. Utilities normally specify maximum limits for the losses. Therefore, the losses need to be addressed at the design stage itself.

The applied voltage, core cross section area and core material influence core loss. Effect of these three variables on the core loss are studied, by simulating models with different combination of these variables. Taguchi method with orthogonal array is used to simulate minimum number of studies, consisting of core and coil assembly.

In this paper, core and coil assembly of an 8MVA, 33/11KV, 3 Phase Transformer is simulated in ANSYS MAXWELL software. The core loss computed from the software for all the models, is analyzed using MINITAB statistical software and the optimum combination of the three variables is obtained.