Optimal design and experimental validation long-lasting, low loss transformer for low power renewable energy system

ABSTRACT

Dry type transformers are widely used in medium and low voltage distribution network such as renewable energy system. However, these transformers have some drawbacks related to dimension, cost and efficiency depending on it. Thus, the main aim of this study is to get the optimum transformer design based on winding size and efficiency that are related to transformer long lasting with low loss. Therefore, transformer manufacturers will produce more efficient and long lasting dry-type transformer. First of all, the mathematical model of the single-phase dry-type transformer is qualified in detail so the transformer parameters are obtained. Secondly, optimum efficiency depending on the winding sizes, C coefficient and losses are evaluated by Firefly algorithm (FA). Thirdly, the electromagnetic transient analysis of the dry-type transformer have done by ANSYS/Maxwell program. Fourthly, thermal analysis of the transformer windings and core are done by PLC measurement station. Finally, the theoretical results are validated by experimental results using a prototype set. The obtained results showed that the optimization based on windings size and efficiency is resulted by increasing the durability and reliability of the transformer. This article aims to provide a broad perspective to transformer designers, manufacturers and application engineers dealing with these issues.

KEYWORDS:

• Transformer
• optimization
• ANSYS/Maxwell
• renewable energy

Acknowledgments

The author would like to acknowledge the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK Project Number: 118E697)   for full financial support.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by  the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK Project Number: 118E697).

Notes on contributors

Tugce Demirdelen

Tugce Demirdelen was born in Adana, Turkey. She received the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degree in department of electrical and electronics engineering  from Cukurova University, Turkey, in 2013 and in 2016, respectively. In 2011, she worked the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Cukurova University as a research assistant. She has worked Adana Alparslan Turkes Science and Technology University as an assistant professor doctor since 2017. Her research interests include power quality, power electronics, renewable energy resources, artificial neural networks, multi-level inverters. Dr. Demirdelen has authored more than 25 technical published in journals and conference proceedings.