3D simulation of a power transformer considering lamination effects

Abstract

In this paper the effect of the lamination of the magnetic core of an EI transformer is analyzed using a 3D finite elements model, and it is compared with traditional 2D models. It is shown, both in the simulation and in the experimental validation, that the presence of constructive air-gaps gives rise to a zig-zag flux in the z dimension that reduces the magnetic flux in the I-cores and increases substantially the magnetic flux in the E-cores, giving rise to saturated points that traditional 2D analysis cannot reproduce. The requirements oft this 3D laminated model of the transformer in terms of computational resources are evaluated also in this work.