Learning Transformer Modeling: A Laboratory Approach for Undergraduate Lectures

The modeling process of a component or system is composed by several steps, which are rarely entirely covered in undergraduate courses. Besides that, theoretical and laboratory lectures focus on different stages on modeling, and are commonly taught at different times, which may negatively affect the learning process. In this way, this paper proposes a set of lectures that mixes theory and experiments, taught in an experimental laboratory, and which address all the steps of a modeling process. Based on a conceptual (electromagnetic) model of a single-phase transformer, physical (electrical) models are developed up to a model capable to represent more complex phenomena such as transients (inrush current) and magnetizing inductance saturation. Increasingly detailed theoretical modeling, supported step by step using simulation tools and experimental measurements, guide the student in this process. It is shown that models can be improved at the expense of a deeper understanding of the involved phenomena, and of more complex theoretical and experimental strategies to validate them. Moreover, the paper demonstrates that modeling complexity is only necessary up to a point which explains adequately the experimentally observed results. Finally, the paper presents the perception of the students on the lectures, indicating that this teaching methodology can be adequate for other courses on system modeling.