Structure design of 500 kVA HTS transformer and Joule loss in superconducting windings

Abstract

HTS transformers can provide lower loss and higher efficiency with smaller size and lighter weight compared with traditional transformers. In this paper, we designed a 500 kVA HTS transformer and developed its simulation using finite element software based on the H-formulation, and the simulation incorporates a heat model and E-J power law. The simulation shows that there is a large radial flux leakage at the end of the low-voltage (LV) windings (superconducting windings), leading to a reduction in critical current density and an associated increase in joule loss in the LV winding. In order to reduce joule loss, various LV winding structures were designed. The results demonstrate that either increasing the axial distance between the coils at the LV winding end or installing a flux diverter outside the LV windings can effectively diminish the radial flux leakage at the LV winding end, consequently reducing joule loss in the LV winding. The impact of the size, position and relative permeability of the flux diverter on radial flux leakage and joule loss are also studied. These structure optimizations and the corresponding effects have important significance to the design of HTS transformers.