Towards short‐circuit proof design of power transformers

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to give a comprehensive description of various safety factors that need to be determined while assessing the short‐circuit strength of transformers.

Design/methodology/approach

Factors of safety are divided into two categories: radial and axial. Some of the latest approaches in assessing the strength are elaborated.

Findings

Six major sets of calculations are identified: three each for radial and axial electromagnetic forces. Corresponding factors of safety are defined and calculated for practical transformers. These factors are related to the strength and stability aspects of windings.

Research limitations/implications

The work gives pointers for further research at appropriate places while highlighting the challenges involved in the assessment of the short‐circuit strength.

Practical implications

The presented overview of the factors of safety can be a useful guide for the practicing transformer engineers.

Originality/value

The main contribution of the reported work is in highlighting the intricacies associated with the subject of short‐circuit strength of power transformers. It can serve as a reference document for future research works in the area since the procedures are outlined for calculating the factors of safety through six case studies.

Citation

Bakshi, A. and Kulkarni, S.V. (2012), "Towards short‐circuit proof design of power transformers", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 31 No. 2, pp. 692-702. https://doi.org/10.1108/03321641211200662