Evaluation of the Electromagnetic Forces in the Zigzag Transformer using a Computational Method

The use of power electronics is increasing day by day due to which power system stability and quality of power supply are big issues for the electric suppliers. Harmonic distortions are one of the main factors affecting the overall power quality and stability of the electric power network. The harmonic effect can be decreased using a zigzag transformer. This type of transformer has three windings. The applied current is generally very high during the zero-sequence impedance measurement of the zigzag transformer and during the high current levels, electromagnetic forces are one of the main causes of transformer failures. Digital technologies and computational methods have advanced more rapidly than any other innovations. In this work, electromagnetic forces acting on the zigzag transformer during the normal condition and during the zero-sequence impedance measurement have been investigated for the first time. For the calculation of the electromagnetic forces, the two-dimensional finite element computational technique has been used. The results of both conditions are also compared with the analytical method. This study will not only help the zigzag transformer designers but also would be useful for the researchers to evaluate and differentiate the effect of both conditions in the zigzag transformers.