Study on the Computation of Power Transformer Reactance Using Finite Element Method

The leakage impedance of a transformer comprises of resistive and a reactive component is one of the most significant details that have a substantial impact on the overall design. The reactance of the transformer windings is an important component of the design which has a direct effect on its operation. Reactance is used for the computation of not only the transformer equivalent circuit parameters but also for designing its protection. Roth’s method, Rabin’s method, method of images, and classical methods are the traditional methods used for its calculation. In Rabin’s method, we assumed that current density depends on the axial position. Roth’s methodis used for calculating the leakage reactance of windings that have asymmetrical arrangement. The method of images used the coordinate system. The finite element method can be used for the calculation of transformer reactance. In the industrial revolution, all manufactured transformers would be evaluated through their 3D design and performance analyzed by computational methods. In this work, the reactance calculated by the finite element method has been compared to that calculated by the classical method. The calculated values of energy stored in the windings and other parts and the reactance can be found.