A methodology for the optimized design of power transformer insulation system

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology based on an optimizer linked with electric finite element method (FEM) for automating the optimized design of power transformer insulation system structures. Design/methodology/approach The proposed methodology combines two stages to obtain the optimized design of transformer insulation system structures. First, an analytical calculation is carried out with the optimizer to search a candidate solution. Then, the candidate solution is numerically checked in detail to validate its consistency. Otherwise, these two steps are iteratively repeated until the optimizer finds a candidate solution according to the objective function. Findings The solutions found applying the proposed methodology reduce the inter-electrode distances compared to those insulation designs referenced in the literature for the same value of safety margin. Originality/value The proposed methodology explores a wide range of insulation system structures in an automated way which is not possible to do with the classical trial-and-error approach based on personal expertise.

Optimization design of insulation structure of multiwinding high-frequency transformer based on response surface method

“…The insulation medium is not only related to the electrical properties of the insulation material, but also closely related to the insulation structure. To achieve the softening of the electrical stress between the high-voltage side winding and the low-voltage part, the insulation structure must be optimized to reduce the electric field strength as much as possible (Rodriguez-Ignacio et al , 2018; Xiu et al , 2021). At present, many literatures have analyzed transformer insulation.…”