Electromagnetic–Structural Finite Element Analysis of Copper and Aluminum Windings in Power Transformers under Short-Circuit Conditions

Richard Gonçalves Cornelius (), Betina Luísa Lenhard, Leonardo Hautrive Medeiros (), Herber Cuadro Fontoura, Cristian Hans Correa, Rodinei Carraro, Rafael Concatto Beltrame, Tiago dos Santos, Tiago Bandeira Marchesan and Vitor Cristiano Bender
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Richard Gonçalves Cornelius: Smart Grids Institute, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
Betina Luísa Lenhard: Smart Grids Institute, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
Leonardo Hautrive Medeiros: Smart Grids Institute, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
Herber Cuadro Fontoura: Companhia Paulista de Energia, Porto Alegre 90230-181, Brazil
Cristian Hans Correa: Companhia Paulista de Energia, Porto Alegre 90230-181, Brazil
Rodinei Carraro: Companhia Paulista de Energia, Porto Alegre 90230-181, Brazil
Rafael Concatto Beltrame: Smart Grids Institute, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
Tiago dos Santos: Smart Grids Institute, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
Tiago Bandeira Marchesan: Smart Grids Institute, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil
Vitor Cristiano Bender: Smart Grids Institute, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria 97105-900, Brazil

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 16, 1-16

Abstract: Electromagnetic forces can lead to the structural failure of power transformers due to extreme loading conditions, vibration, and/or fatigue. Therefore, studying the nature and the magnitude of these forces is a key task in the design and failure analysis of such important equipment. Keeping this issue in mind, this work aims at conducting a numerical analysis in order to evaluate the mechanical stresses and displacements of windings in power transformers due to the action of electromagnetic forces. With this purpose, a finite element model is developed considering electromagnetic and mechanical effects assuming short-circuit conditions. The study compares the cases employing copper and aluminum windings with header tap, in different temperatures. The model developed in this work is verified against analytical solutions. The numerical calculations allow for performing a detailed analysis in terms of the distribution of both displacements and stresses along the windings, which is of great relevance for identifying critical structural points and avoiding structural failure. Overall, the obtained results demonstrate that the finite element model is a useful tool for the structural design of power transformers that allow for investigating and optimizing key aspects before manufacturing.

Keywords: electromagnetic forces; mechanical stresses; finite element analysis; power transformers; short-circuit conditions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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