Eddy current losses in power voltage transformer open-type cores

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology for calculating eddy current losses in the core of a single-phase power voltage transformer, which, unlike a standard power transformer, has an open-type core (I-type core). In those apparatus, reduction of core losses is achieved by using a multipart open-type core that is created by merging a larger number of leaner cores. Design/methodology/approach 3D FEM approach for calculation of eddy current losses in open-type cores based on a weak AλA formulation is presented. Method in which redundant degrees of freedom are eliminated is shown. This enables faster convergence of the simulation. The results are benchmarked using simulations with standard AVA formulation. Findings Results using weak AλA formulation with elimination of redundant degrees of freedom are in agreement with both simulation using only weak AλA formulation and with simulation based on AVA formulation. Research limitations/implications The presented methodology is valid in linear cases, whereas the nonlinear case will be part of future work. Practical implications Presented procedure can be used for the optimization when designing the open-type core of apparatus like power voltage transformers. Originality/value The presented method is specifically adapted for calculating eddy currents in the open-type core. The method is based on a weak formulation for the magnetic vector potential A and the current vector potential λ , incorporating numerical homogenization and a straightforward elimination of redundant degrees of freedom, resulting in faster convergence of the simulation.