Electromagnetic Force Analysis in Power Transformer Windings
Summary
Power transformers are subject to intense electromagnetic forces during normal operation and especially under fault conditions such as three-phase short circuits or inrush events. These forces arise from the interaction of winding currents with leakage and core-induced magnetic fields, and can induce vibration, deformation and even structural failure of conductor assemblies. Accurate prediction of force distribution and resultant mechanical stress is therefore vital to transformer design, reliability assessment and life-cycle management. Contemporary research employs finite element modelling with multi-physics coupling—combining electromagnetic, structural and thermal analyses—to resolve both axial and radial force components across complex winding geometries. Advances in numerical methods, including fractional order circuit models and data-driven techniques, have improved the precision and computational efficiency of force estimation. These developments underpin global efforts to optimise short-circuit withstand capability, enable predictive maintenance and enhance overall transformer resilience.
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Electromagnetic Force Analysis in Power Transformer Windings publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in electromagnetic force analysis in power transformer windings across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Electromagnetic force: Mechanical force generated by the interaction of current and magnetic field within transformer windings.
Finite element method (FEM): Numerical technique that discretises complex geometries into small elements to approximate physical phenomena.
Magneto-solid coupling: Modelling strategy that links magnetic field calculations with structural mechanics to assess force-induced deformation.
Fractional order model: Mathematical formulation using non-integer derivatives to represent dynamic system behaviour more accurately than integer-order equivalents.
Winding deformation: Change in conductor geometry resulting from sustained or transient mechanical stresses in a transformer winding.
References
- Numerical Investigations for Vibration and Deformation of Power Transformer Windings under Short-Circuit Condition. Energies (2023).
- Accurate Electromagnetic Force Analysis of Offshore Wind Power Transformer Windings Based on Fractional Order Lumped Parameter Model. Symmetry (2023).
- Electromagnetic–Structural Finite Element Analysis of Copper and Aluminum Windings in Power Transformers under Short-Circuit Conditions. Energies (2024).
- Magneto-Thermo-Structural Analysis of Power Transformers under Inrush and Short Circuit Conditions. Energies (2021).
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