International Journal on ISSN 2077-3528

“Technical and Physical Problems of Engineering” IJTPE Journal

(IJTPE) www.iotpe.com
Published by International Organization of IOTPE [email protected]

December 2020 Issue 45 Volume 12 Number 4 Pages 57-62

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER

USING ANSYS MAXWELL
H.A. Ariani 1 I. Iskender 2 M. Karakaya 1
1. Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey,
[email protected], [email protected]
2. Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Cankaya University, Ankara, Turkey, [email protected]

Abstract- The purpose of this study is to verify the Finite Elements Method (FEM), which is the most
theoretical calculations of a three-phase transformer by popular method for solving electromagnetic field
analyzing its magnetic field behaviors and losses under no- problems, is preferred among various numerical solution
load and full-load working conditions using an advanced methods [2]. The Finite Elements Method (FEM) can offer
simulation program that runs based on finite elements solutions of differential equations in different disciplines
method (FEM). This paper presents detailed explanations such as electromagnetic, magneto static, heat transfer,
on defining the parameters and obtaining the results, and structural mechanics, fluid dynamics and acoustic waves
also the calculation method for determining the magnitude [3]. The biggest advantage of the Finite Elements Method
of the magnetic field and the core and ohmic losses of the (FEM) is its ability to analyze complex models. The logic
transformer. The reliability of the analysis is confirmed by of the Finite Elements Method (FEM) can be summarized
theoretical calculation results. as following [4];
1) Reducing the number and size of solution regions to
Keywords: Electrical Motor, Transformer, Finite sub-regions with limited value
Elements Method, FEM, Magnetic Field. 2) Deriving the obtained equations using relevant
technique
1. INTRODUCTION 3) Combining the sub-regions
The developments of technology and the growth of 4) Solving the system equations
human population are key contributors to the rising The solution region consisting of sub-regions is called
electricity demand. Transformer as one of the most mesh. Figure 1 shows mesh elements created in this
important elements in power system also needs to keep up analysis. For a better and more precise solution the sub-
with the rapid changes in the industry. The transformer regions can be divided into smaller sub-regions or smaller
loss has an important role in the analysis of product mesh regions. The solution becomes more precise as the
reliability. These losses are generated by the windings, the mesh elements created are smaller and finer. Accuracy and
magnetic core, the tanks and other metallic components in simulation time depend on the number of mesh elements.
the transformer. Many optimizations are done to reduce the The accuracy increases as the number of mesh element
losses of transformer. With the advanced of numerical increases, however the simulation time is also increasing
software analysis, transformer design optimization is able and the time needed to finish the analysis is getting longer
to be done without prototyping the product. Computer- [3].
based analysis helps understanding the behavior of the
transformer as efficient as possible.

2. FINITE ELEMENTS ANALYSIS

Numerical method solves mathematic problems such
as partial differential equations that cannot be solved with
analytical method using arithmetic operations [1]. The
advance of digital computer makes a faster and more
accurate solution of electromagnetic problems with
complex structures and boundary conditions possible.
Numerical method uses a different linear equation system
although having the same concepts with analytical method
[1]. Each method has its own advantages and
disadvantages. Figure 1. Mesh elements created in the analysis

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International Journal on “Technical and Physical Problems of Engineering” (IJTPE), Iss. 45, Vol. 12, No. 4, Dec. 2020

3. TECHNICAL PARAMETERS AND THE DESIGN 4. EXCITATION CIRCUIT DESIGN

OF THE MODEL Feeding system of a transformer in Maxwell Transient
The parameters of the transformer examined in this analysis is done by connecting the transformer to an
study and also the data considered in designing the 3D external excitation circuit. This method is carried out by
model of the transformer are shown in Tables 1 and 2. another electrical circuit design program. In this study,
Twin Builder, software from ANSYS, is used to build the
Table 1. Parameters of the 250 kVA transformer feeding system for the transformer. Maxwell and Twin
Model Hermetic Builder are connected through co-simulation.
Power 250 kVA The external excitation circuit shown in the Figure 2 is
Input Voltage 11 kV
designed according to the connection group of the
Output Voltage 0.4 kV
Primary Current 13.12 A transformer. The transformer analyzed in this study is
Secondary Current 360.84 A connected in delta-star connection.
Frequency 50 Hz
Number of Phase 3
%I0 1.75%
Connection Group Dyn11
No-Load Losses 288-300 W
HVDC 1 202 W
Load Loss LVDC 961 W
ACloss 109 W
Magnetic Flux Density 1.49 T
Environment 40 °C
Temperature Oil 60 °C
Windings 65 °C
Cooling Type ONAN
Figure 2. Delta-star connected external excitation circuit
Table 2. Parameters of the transformer core and windings
HV Winding 5. SIMULATION ANALYSIS
Material Aluminum
Number of Turns 1810 5.1. Analysis Steps
Winding Height 462 mm In this study, a 250 kVA distribution transformer is
Layer Width 33 mm modeled and analyzed with ANSYS Electronics Desktop.
LV Winding Maxwell is one of the features of ANSYS Electronics
Material Aluminum Desktop and is a computer-based simulation program
Number of Turns 38 widely used for analyzing electrical machines. ANSYS
Winding Height 540 mm Maxwell is a software package that runs analysis using
Layer Width 26 mm Finite Elements Method (FEM) [5]. ANSYS Maxwell
Core provides information about behaviors of a system by
Thickness 0.23 mm creating 2 or 3 dimensional models in digital environment.
Cross-Sectional Area 18.360 mm2 Modeling and analysis of a transformer with ANSYS
Core Length 596 mm Maxwell are generally performed according to the flow
Core Height 700 mm chart in Figure 3 [5].
In this study, a 3-dimensional transient analysis is
The material of the transformer core is M3-Type performed on a transformer. A 3D model analysis gives
electrical steel. Hysteresis curve is one of important issues better results than a 2D model. It is determined that losses
in defining a core material. The Hysteresis curve shows the result obtained from a 3D analysis is closer to its values
relationship between magnetic field density (B) and obtained from real measurement [6]. Another advantage of
magnetic field intensity (H). In Maxwell, the curve is doing analysis in 3D is the ability to examine
created automatically by writing the B and the H values in electromagnetic forces from different angles. However,
the given table or by importing the .txt file holding the B 3D analysis has one major disadvantage. 3D model uses
and the H values. more mesh elements in its analysis. For this reason, it takes
For iron loss calculation, parameters such as B-P curve, so much time to only run a 1 seconds-long 3D analysis [7].
mass density, frequency, material thickness and In transient analysis, solution and sampling time need to
conductivity need to be specified. The B-P curve shows the be determined carefully. A smaller sampling time will
iron loss characteristics [8]. Hysteresis loss factor (Kh) and result in more precise waveform and a more accurate
Eddy Current loss factor (Kc), which are used in no-load analysis. Sampling time is selected depending on the
loss calculation, are calculated automatically based on the period of the system. In this study, sampling is taken at
specified parameters. every 0.2 milliseconds. Thus, 100 samples are taken in one
period.

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International Journal on “Technical and Physical Problems of Engineering” (IJTPE), Iss. 45, Vol. 12, No. 4, Dec. 2020

Defining the Designing the

In this simulation analysis, the no-load current is taken
Solution Type Model from the primary side or the high voltage winding. Since
the no-load current is often represented as percentage,
there will be no different whether it is obtained from the
low or the high voltage side of the transformer. The
Defining the Defining the
Parameters Material waveform of the current under no-load condition is given
in Figure 7. The no-load current of each phase of three
phase three-legged transformer is not exactly the same. A
Defining the
three-phase three-legged transformer is imbalanced by the
Generating the reason than the middle leg is magnetically shorter than the
Simulaion
Mesh
Region
other two outer legs [9]. Considering the path taken by the
flux is shorter, the flux from the middle leg is shorter than
that of the left and right leg. Thus, the effective (RMS)
Designing the
Analysis Setup Excitation value of the current passing through the middle leg is lower
Circuit than the one passing through the left and the right leg [9].
Figure 3. A basic flow chart of a transformer analysis

5.2. No-Load Analysis

The applied input voltage waveform of the no-load
analysis is given in Figure 4. The input voltage of each
phase starts from zero and gradually rises to its steady-state
condition. The effective (RMS) value of the applied input
voltage is 11 kV.
Figure 7. No load current of the three-phase transformer

RMS value of the no-load current is found to be 23 mA.

The percentage value of the no-load current is calculated
by the equation down below:
No Load Phase Current 23.004210-3
I0 % = =  100% = 0.175% (1)
Nominal Phase Current 13.12
Since the no-load current is obtained from the high
Figure 4. Input voltage of the transformer voltage or the primary side, the nominal value of the
primary current is used in the formula above. The
Since the primary side is delta connected, the values of percentage value of the no-load current given in the
its phase and line voltage are the same. According to the transformer’s nameplate is calculated to be 0.177%.
analysis result, the effective (RMS) value of the primary Magnetic flux is directly related and proportional to no
induced voltage is 11 V and the line voltage of the load current, since the flux is produced in response to the
secondary side of the transformer is 399.98 V. The current. Therefore, the magnetic flux and the no load
voltages of the primary and secondary windings are shown current waveforms are the same. The relationship between
in Figures 5 and 6, respectively. magnetic flux and current is shown in the equation down
below.
N i = RΦ (2)
In order to find the maximum value of the magnetic
flux density, the cross-section area of the core must be
known [4]. The magnitude of the magnetic flux density is
calculated by using equation below.
Φ 0.0273 Wb
Bmax = max =  1.46 T (3)
Figure 5. Phase voltage of the primary winding A 0.0187 m 2
In three phase transformers, there is a 120-degree phase
difference between each leg of the transformer [10]. Under
no load condition, the magnetic flux distribution and
magnetic flux vector in the core of transformer at the time
instant of 92 ms are shown in Figures 8 and 9, respectively.
As shown in the figures, each leg of the transformer has
different distribution due to the phase difference.
Conclusions can be made from the figures as follow;
1. At 92 ms, the magnetic flux density of the left leg of
the transformer is higher than the other two legs.
Figure 6. Line voltage of the secondary winding

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International Journal on “Technical and Physical Problems of Engineering” (IJTPE), Iss. 45, Vol. 12, No. 4, Dec. 2020

2. At 92 ms, the flux of the left leg of the transformer

flows upward to the positive direction. Thus, the
instantaneous value of the magnetic flux is positive.
3. At 92 ms, current passes through the left leg of the
transformer is higher than the other two legs.

Figure 11. Waveform of the primary voltage under full load condition

Figure 8. Magnetic Flux Distribution (at 92 ms) Figure 12. Waveform of the secondary voltage under full load condition

The transformer used in this simulation study is a 250

kVA transformer. This transformer changes the line
voltage from 11 kV to 400 V. The nominal currents can be
calculated as follows.
S = 3 I line Vline (4)
S 250 000
I line ( prim ) = = = 13.12 A (5)
3 Vline ( prim ) 3 11000
13.12
Delta connected → I phase ( prim ) = = 7.57 A (6)
3
S 250 000
I line ( sec ) = = = 360.84 A (7)
Figure 9. Magnetic Flux Vector (at 92 ms) 3 Vline ( sec ) 3  400
Star connected → I phase ( sec ) = 360.84 A (8)

Figure 10. Waveform of the input voltage under full load condition

5.3. Full-Load Analysis

When determining the maximum load of a transformer, Figure 13. Waveform of the primary current under full load condition
the connection group of the transformer must be taken into
consideration. In this analysis, the load is star-connected to
the secondary side of the transformer.
Similar with the no-load analysis, the input voltage and
current of each phase starts from zero and gradually rises
to its steady-state condition. The waveform of the input
voltage under full load condition within 400-500 ms time
range is shown in Figure 10. The induced primary and
secondary voltages obtained as result of the simulation are
shown in Figures 11 and 12. The waveforms of the primary
and secondary currents under full load condition are shown Figure 14. Waveform of the secondary current under full load condition
in Figures 13 and 14, respectively.

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International Journal on “Technical and Physical Problems of Engineering” (IJTPE), Iss. 45, Vol. 12, No. 4, Dec. 2020

5.4. Loss Analysis the transformer design, the windings are drawn in one
The power losses are found with the help of the field piece, not in layers, and defined as a stranded material.
calculator function in Maxwell. The losses of a transformer Because of this reason, the eddy current effect cannot be
are divided according to its operation condition; no-load applied to the windings. Thus, losses reflected on the
and full-load working condition. Determining the losses of windings due to the eddy current effect are not calculated
a transformer is an essential task that must be performed in this study. The total Ohmic Loss for each phase in the
because they are one of the main causes of losing time and transformer is calculated using equations as follows.
money in the industry. The general classification of the PCU = I ( pr )2 R( pr ) + I 2( sec ) R( sec ) = 401.13 + 320.33 = 721.46 W (12)
transformer losses is shown in Figure 15.
→ PHV ( DC ) = 3  401.13 = 1203.39 W (13)

Total Loss → PLV ( DC ) = 3  320.33 = 960.99 W (14)

Figure 17 shows the total Ohmic Losses calculated in
Losses under Losses under each phase. Stranded Loss refers to the Ohmic Losses in
no-load load operation
operation the external excitation circuit. On the other hand, the
StrandedLossR shows the Ohmic Losses calculated using
DC (ohmic) Stray
Hysteresis Losses Losses Losses direct excitation StrandedLossR is zero since this
simulation study is done with an external excitation circuit
Eddy Curent Eddy Current [4].
Losses Losses
(%50.95)

Figure 15. General classification of the transformer losses

Transformer under no-load operation produces core

loss. The core loss of a transformer includes two main
components; Eddy Current and Hysteresis Losses. The
core losses obtained from the simulation for the
transformer considered in this are shown in Figure 16.
Generally, Hysteresis Losses are responsible for more than
half of the total core loss [11]. The core loss is calculated
as [4]. Figure 17. Ohmic Loss obtained from the simulation with total value of
Pe = kc f 2 Bmax
2
V = 56.612 W (9) 721.6 Watts

Ph = kh f Bmax
n
= 234.855 W (10) The Ohmic loss for high and low voltage winding can
Pcore = Pe + Ph = 291.467 W (11) also be obtained separately for a more detailed analysis
result. Figure 18 shows that the Ohmic loss for each phase
Losses obtained under load operation generally consist of the high and low voltage is 400.8 W and 322.4 W,
of Ohmic Losses and losses reflected on the windings due respectively.
to the eddy current effect [10]. In Maxwell, eddy current
effect can only be applied to a solid material [4]. For
example, since the core is defined as a solid material, eddy
current losses in the core can be calculated for the no-load
analysis. The turns number of primary and secondary
winding is 1810 and 38, respectively.

Figure 18. Ohmic Loss obtained for each phase

6. CONCLUSION
The results obtained from the simulation analysis and
the information given on the transformer’s nameplate are
compared in the table below. The accuracy of the analysis
Figure 16. Core loss obtained from the simulation with average value of
294.36 Watts is also calculated and included in the table as percentages.
This study validates designed transformer and the results
Since the winding numbers are high, it is not possible obtained help understanding the behavior of transformer
to draw the conductor 38 or 1819 times. When modeling for future analysis, optimization and developments.

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 International Journal on “Technical and Physical Problems of Engineering” (IJTPE), Iss. 45, Vol. 12, No. 4, Dec. 2020

Table 3. Analysis results and the percentage of accuracy [7] K. Dawood, M.A. Cinar, B. Alboyaci, O. Sonmez,
Nameplate 11 “Efficient Finite Element Models for Calculation of the
V (primary)
Volt
Analysis Result 10.84 %98.58 No-load Losses of the Transformer”, International Journal
Calculation Result 11.023 of Engineering & Applied Sciences (IJEAS), Vol. 9, Issue
Nameplate 400
V (secondary)
Analysis Result 392.56 %98.14
3, pp. 11-21, 2017.
Volt [8] O. Tikhonova, I. Malygin, R. Beraya, N. Sokolov, A.
Calculation Result 400.85
Nameplate 13.12 Plastun, “Loss Calculation of Induction Motor Ring
I (primary)
Ampere
Analysis Result 12.88 %98.16 Windings by ANSYS Maxwell”, APEET, pp. 63-66, 2017.
Calculation Result 13.12 [9] C. Carrander, “Magnetizing Currents in Power
Nameplate 360.84
I (secondary)
Analysis Result 354.13 %98.14
Transformer - Measuremets, Simulations, and Diagnostic
Ampere
Calculation Result 360.84 Methods”, Doctoral Thesis, KTH Electrical Engineering,
Nameplate % 0.177 Stockholm, Sweden, 2017.
%I0 %98.87
Analysis Result %0.175 [10] A. Najafi, “Evaluation of Unbalanced Voltage Effects
Nameplate 1.49 in Distribution Transformers Using Finite Element
Bmax
Analysis Result 1.46 %97.99
Tesla Method and Thermal Modeling”, Ph.D. Thesis, Institute of
Calculation Result 1.49
A Nameplate 0.0184 Science and Technology, Gazi University, Ankara,
%98.37 Turkey, 2016.
m2 Analysis Result 0.0187
Nameplate 288-300 [11] A. Najafi, I. Iskender, B. Dokmetas, “Impacts of
Core Loss
Analysis Result 294.36 %99.01 Amorphous Core to Reduce the Losses in Distribution
Watt
Calculation Result 291.47 Transformer Based on Time Stepping Finite Element
Eddy Current Loss Analysis Result 51.07
Watt Calculation Result 56.61
- Method”, International Journal on Technical and Physical
Hysteresis Loss Analysis Result 243.2 Problems of Engineering (IJTPE), Issue 24, Vol. 7, No. 3,
-
Watt Calculation Result 234.85 pp. 53-57, September 2015.
Nameplate 1202
HV (ohmic) Loss Analysis Result
1202.4 BIOGRAPHIES
400.8 (each phase) %99.92
Watt
1203.4 Husnul Amalia Ariani was born in
Calculation Result
401.13 Balikpapan, Indonesia in 1997. She
Nameplate 961
967.2
finished her school early and graduated
LV (ohmic) Loss Analysis Result from Electrical and Electronics
322.4 (each phase) %99.35
Watt
961 Engineering Department, Gazi University
Calculation Result
320.33 (Ankara, Turkey) in 2018. Currently, she
is a Master student at Gazi University.
NOMENCLATURE Her research interests are in the area of electrical
Symbols / Parameters machinery, power electronics and transformer.
N : Number of turn i : Current (A)
V : Voltage (volt) R : Resistance (Ω) Ires Iskender received his Ph.D. degree
P : Electric Power (W) Φ : Magnetic flux (wb) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Bmax: Magnitude of the magnetic flux (T) from Middle East Technical University
S : Power rating of transformer (VA) (Ankara, Turkey) in 1996. Prior to joining
f : frequency (Hz) the Department of Electrical and
Kh : Hysteresis loss factor Kc : Eddy Current loss factor Electronics Engineering of Cankaya
University (Ankara, Turkey), he worked
REFERENCES as a Professor at Department of Electrical and Electronics
[1] M.N.O. Sadiku, “Numerical Techniques in Engineering in Middle East Technical University and Gazi
Electromagnetics”, Ch. 6, CRC Press LLC, 2001. University. His current research interests are energy
[2] P.S. Georgilakis, “Spotlight on Modern Transformer conversion systems, renewable energy sources, electrical
Design”, Springer Science & Business Media, p. 75, pp. machine and power quality. He participated in and
25-129, pp. 146-148, pp. 267-269, Greece, 2009. coordinated several research projects and he served as the
[3] G. Meunier, “The Finite Element Method for panelist and referee for many academic or industry
Electromagnetic Modeling”, 33rd ed., John Wiley & Sons, projects.
New Jersey, USA, 2010.
[4] M.N.O. Sadiku, “A Simple Introduction to Finite Mehmet Karakaya received his Ph.D.
Element Analysis of Electromagnetic Problems”, IEEE degree in Physic from Clemson
Trans. Educ., Vol. 32, No. 2, pp. 85-93, 1989. University (South Carolina, USA) in 2015
[5] “ANSYS Maxwell 3D Field Simulator User’s Guide”, and is presently an Assistant Professor at
Vol. 15, 2017. Electrical and Electronics Engineering
[6] M. Cecen, “2 & 3 Dimensional Design and Loss Analysis Department in Gazi University. He has
of Power Transformers Using Finite Element Method”, worked on storage device application,
Master Thesis, Institute of Science and Technology, Gazi nanotechnology, and nanomaterial production,
University, Ankara, Turkey, 2018 (in Turkish). characterization and application.

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