International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882

Volume 3, Issue 4, July 2014

Analysis of Distribution Transformer Design Using FEA

Mar Lar Myint1, Yan Aung Oo2
1

Department of Electrical Power Engineering, Mandalay Technological University, Mandalay

ABSTRACT
This paper summarizes a transformer design with
magnetic circuit theory and finite element analysis.
According to the type of transformer, distribution
transformer is designed for output rating of 100 kVA ,
11/0.4kV in this paper. Finite element analysis (FEA)
method is a useful and commonly used tool in the
electromagnetic problems that arise in the design of
transformer FEM techniques are providing engineers
with a valuable means of more accurately quantifying
the electric stress in the design. Finite element analysis
(FEA) method has been analyzed to check and ensure
the initial assumption data such as flux density and
current density which are assigning in the proposed
transformer design.
Keywords - Core form Construction, Designed Theory,
FEA, Winding Connection

I.

INTRODUCTION

In AC electrical supply system that is used in all

countries for supply to the consumers, the transformer is
an indispensable component. In the normal propagation
of power to consumers, the power is generated at about
11kV, then increase the voltage to the transmission level
somewhere between 132-230 kV. When it reaches the
end of the transmission route it is then transformed again
to the sub-transmission level. It is then sent to
distribution utility zone substations where it is again
transformed down to 11 kV and is then sent on its final
path to local street or pole transformers where it is
broken down again to the final voltage of 400/230 volts.
Transformers range in size from a thumbnail-sized
coupling transformer hidden inside a stage microphone
to huge units weighing hundreds of tons used to
interconnected portions of power grids. All operate on
the same basic principles, although the range of designs
is wide. While new technologies have eliminated the
need for transformers in some electronic circuits,
transformers are still found in nearly all electronic
devices designed for household voltage. Transformers
are essential for high-voltage electric power

transmission, which makes long-distance transmission

economically practical. Transformers are used
extensively by traditional electric utility companies,
power plants, and industrial plants.
Distribution transformers are used in the distribution
networks in order to transmit energy from the medium
voltage network to low voltage network of the
consumers. Distribution transformers are energized for
24 hours with wide variation in load; therefore they are
designed for low no-load losses. All electrical power that
is supplied to consumers has to pass through
transformers at some stage and in some cases the power
may pass through at least four or five transformers
between the generator and the user. Usually, at least two
of those transformers can be classed as distribution
transformers.

II.

DEFINATION OT TRANSFORMER

A transformer is a static device which works on the

principle of electromagnetic induction between two or
more coupled circuits. The primary winding is connected
to an alternating voltage source and alternating current
start flowing through turns. The alternating mmf sets up
an alternating flux which is confined to the high
permeability iron path. The alternating flux induces
voltage and in the secondary. If the load is connected
across the secondary, a load current starts flowing. The
above principle is used in all transformers. A
transformer is a static piece of apparatus used for
transferring power from one circuit to another at a
different voltage, but without change in frequency. It can
raise or lower the voltage with a corresponding decrease
or increase of current. A Current in the primary winding
produces a magnetic field in the core. The magnetic field
is almost totally confined in the iron core and couples
around through the secondary coil.

III.

www.ijsret.org

DESGN CALCULATION OF 100kVA

TRANSFORMER

773

International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
Volume 3, Issue 4, July 2014

In this paper, 100kVA three-phase, core type,

distribution transformer is designed. The specific of
transformer are: For three-phase core type, distribution
transformer, factor K=0.45~0.5
Average current density, = 1.8-2.5 A/mm2 , Maximum
flux density in the core, Bm= 1.4 ~1.5 Tesla(1.8~2.5
A/mm2 for l.v winding and 2.0~2.5 A/mm2 for h.v
winding)

winding and high voltage winding are 2.1 A/mm2 and

1.8 A/mm2. Total losses at full load are 1.98kW and
efficiency at full load is 97.58% by using finite element
method.

d=11.85cm

Do2

H=73.39cm

L=53.64cm

D=29.73cm
D=29.73cm
W=70.13cm

Fig.2.Designed 100kVATransformer (Dimensions are

Inches)

hy=9.88cm
W=70.13cm

Fig 1. Designed line drawing dimensions of window

IV.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Finite Element Analysis is a method used in calculation

and design of problems that cannot be solved by
classical methods due to the complexity of the geometry
and parameters involved in the design. In the field of
transformer design, FEA is well established method and
can generate accurate calculation of the transformer
parameters like flux and inductance. In FEA method, a
graphical tool is used to draw exact transformer
dimension. Every FEA consists of three sections. There
are preprocessing, solution and post-processing.
Figure (1) describes the drawing of 100kVA by using
finite element analysis based on magnetic circuit theory.
In figure (3) the flux lines circulate in three legs core and
yoke of transformer. In figure (4), the measured
magnetic flux density at iron core is maximum 1.5T.
Figure (5) shows the current density in the low voltage

www.ijsret.org

Fig.3. Post-processing Contour Plot

774

International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
Volume 3, Issue 4, July 2014

density of low voltage winding is about 2.1A/mm2 and

the maximum current density of high voltage winding is
about 1.8A/mm2. The values of flux density, field
intensity and current density are described by using
finite element method software.

REFERENCES
[1] BlackburnT R: Distribution Transformers: Proposal
to Increase MEPS Levels, Technical Report,
Equipment Energy Efficiency Program, (2007).
[2] Colonel, W.M.T. Mclyman.: Transformer and
Inductor Design Handbook, 3rd Ed., Revised and
Expanded, Marcel Dekker, Inc. Idyllwild, California,
U.S.A, (2004).
[3] Martin J.Heathcote: The J and P Transformer Book
12th Ed., Reed Education and Professional
Publishing Limited, (1998).
[4] Dr. Mittle, V.N. and Arvind Mittal:. Design of
Electrical Machine,5thEd., Standard Publishers
Distributors, (1996ished

Fig.4.Magnetic flux density plot

Fig.9.Current density plot

V.

CONCLUSION

To design a transformer, it should be known the basic

principles and theory of transformer.100 kVA, 11/0.4
kV, three-phase, delta-star connected, core type
distribution transformer is designed by finite element
analysis. For distribution transformer, the current density
should be chosen 1.8 to 2.5A/mm2. In this paper, the
current density was 2.1A/mm2 for low voltage winding
and 1.8 A/mm2 for high voltage winding. FEA can be
used to further verify or enhance a design. FEA
describes the contour plot of the flux in the transformer
core and yoke. In this design, the maximum current

www.ijsret.org

775