Finite Element Analysis applied to Electromagnetic Forces calculation on Power Transformers

Abstract

High electromagnetic forces on power transformers windings may cause the equipment unavailability, resulting in technical and financial losses. To ensure its reliability, transformers must withstand the mechanical stresses demanded by the operation conditions. Once forces measurement and determination have a high degree of complexity, it is needed tools that support forces calculation and analysis accurately. This paper presents the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) applied to determine the electromagnetic forces and its distribution on transformer windings. A complete and close to the practice modeling is done, considering the magnetic core and lateral phases presence in a 3D and 3-phase configuration. The total, radial and axial forces over the windings, as well as its distribution around the core column and along its height are determined on the three phases. With precision and versatility, FEA may be widely applied by industry, contributing for more reliable transformers designs and in cost reduction.