1

Abstract-- This work deals with the representation in two

dimensions of three-phase and three-limb transformers
using FEMM, where the associated modeling limitations
are overcome by the appropriate adjustments proposed in
this work regarding the transformer dimensions and the
obtained simulated results. The intrinsic small air gaps due
to the core steel sheet junctions, which are normally
neglected, are included in the modeling, and a method for
the calculation of their reluctance is presented, based on
the transformer magnetic circuit and on the maximum
value of the magnetization current waveform in each
winding, obtained through the no-load test. The magnetic
flux distribution in the limb and yoke segments of the core
is compared to design values and the effects of the inherent
air gaps in the magnetization current are analyzed. In
order to improve the model, a more accurate
representation of the windings is also presented. Finally,
the transformer leakage reactance is calculated through
simulations and compared with the value obtained from
the experimental method.

I ndex TermsAir gaps, finite element method, leakage
reactance, three-phase transformers.
I. INTRODUCTION
NDOUBTEDLY, transformers are essential for the
operation of electrical power systems. Aside from the
basic functions performed by such equipment, its
importance is also due to the significant cost of a transformer
in relation to the total installation price and the direct and/or
indirect economic losses associated to its substitution.

This work was supported by CAPES - Brazilian Ministry of Education
and Universidade Federal de Uberlndia, School of Electrical Engineering.
E. Saraiva is with the School of Electrical Engineering, UFU, Uberlndia,
38400-902, MG Brazil (e.mail:elise.saraiva@yahoo.com.br).
M. L. R. Chaves is with the School of Electrical Engineering, UFU,
Uberlndia, 38400-902, MG Brazil (e.mail: lynce@ufu.br).
J. R. Camacho is with the School of Electrical Engineering, UFU,
Uberlndia, 38400-902, MG Brazil (phone: +55.34.3239.4734; fax:
+55.34.3239.4704; e.mail: jrcamacho@ufu.br).
G. C. Guimares is with the School of Electrical Engineering, UFU,
Uberlndia, 38400-902, Uberlndia, MG Brazil (e.mail: gcaixeta@ufu.br).
H. de Paula is with the School of Electrical Engineering, UFMG, Belo
Horizonte, MG Brazil (e.mail: hpaula_1@hotmail.com).

In this paper, a methodology for the accurate modeling of
three-limb, three-phase transformers in FEMM [1] is
presented. Since this is a 2D-program, some natural limitations
exist in the cylindrical shape representation of the windings
and limbs when the planar-type approach is employed. In this
way, this work proposes adaptations in the geometrical
dimensions as well as adjustments in the obtained simulated
results in order to overcome such restrictions and provide
improved accuracy.
Regarding the transformer modeling, information on the
winding leakage reactance and core magnetization curve is
essential, especially when dealing with studies which involve
the magnetic flux distribution in the whole transformer [2], [3].
The determination of the magnetization curve by means of
analytical or numerical methods is not precise, particularly for
three-phase and three-limb transformers [2]. Besides, the tests
for its experimental determination are sometimes difficult
particularly with high saturation levels, with this occurrence
being possible during the transformer energization.
Small air gaps associated to the core assembling are
included in the model combined with the silicon-steel sheet
magnetization curve, aiming to overcome the lack of
representation of assembling natural air gaps in the
magnetization phenomenon as stated above. It is worthy to
mention that, despite being oftentimes neglected due to their
small length, these air gaps are responsible for a considerable
part of the magnetization current, since the associated
reluctance is high.
Once information from the manufacturer about such airgaps
is not available and they cannot be measured either, a method
for the inclusion of their effect is proposed here. A magnetic
circuit is thus conceived, formed by magnetomotive-force
sources along with elements representing the iron and the air
gap reluctances. Those associated to the iron parts are obtained
using the flux value under nominal conditions, the magnetic
characteristics of the sheets and the geometric dimensions of
the core. The reluctances regarding the air gaps depend on
particularities of the transformer design and assembling of the
core, being then calculated after its mounting; from
measurements of the magnetization current crest value in each
winding, in the no-load test.
Having adjusted the core model, the next concern is on a
more precise representation of the windings, which is
developed having the leakage reactance calculation as the
basis. As mentioned before, due to its cylindrical shape, the
Adjustments for a Three-Phase
Distribution Transformer Two-Dimensional
Representation with Finite Element Method
Elise Saraiva, Marcelo L. R. Chaves, Jos R. Camacho, SM IEEE,
Geraldo C. Guimares and Hlder de Paula
U
2
winding modeling is impaired in the case of the planar-type
representation in FEMM. Therefore, several works employed
the axisymmetric representation [3],[5], in which only one
phase of the transformer can be studied at a time, enabling its
use in problems where the inclusion of the mutual coupling
between phases is required. In other technical works, the
option was for the use of 3D-software [6], [7], where good
results were obtained. However, it should be stressed that this
kind of software is not free for the user, which can make this
option prohibitive for some people or companies.
Using information regarding the transformer geometry and
the energy stored in the windings and in the surrounding air,
several references have employed only analytical methods for
the leakage reactance determination [8] [10], [13]. Others
have also used simulations to verify the calculated results [5],
[11], [12], although the methodology adopted in the modeling
was not detailed, thus remaining unclear. Concerning the
analytical approach, some considerations had to be assumed in
order to simplify the formulae, which, in spite of its
convenience, decreased the realism of the analysis. Besides,
some equations showed to be long and complex [8], [9].
The transformer leakage reactance determination using
FEA had already been done in [3], [4], [12], [13]. When the
axisymmetric approach is employed, as in [3], [4], the
computation was performed from the stored energy in the
winding and surrounding air volumes. In the case of the
planar-type representation, the quantities used in the
calculations were the self and mutual fluxes [3], [13]. In [12]
the transformer was modeled based on the planar
representation and the leakage reactance was obtained through
the stored energy; however, in this case, the author suggested
the use of the average primary and secondary winding radius
as the depth of the problem.
In this context, this paper presents a methodology for the
transformer modeling using the planar-type representation,
aiming a precise calculation of the leakage reactance from the
stored energy. So, the main contributions of this work are: (i)
inclusion of the air gaps associated to the core assembling and
an analytical formulation for air gap reluctance and length
determinations, (ii) adjustments in the limb dimensions in
order to fit its cylindrical shape for the planar-type
representation, (iii) a turn-by-turn representation of the
windings and (iv) adjustments regarding the volume of the
windings and of the surrounding air to correct the obtained
leakage reactance value. Finally, a comparison between the
simulated and experimental results for the leakage reactance is
made.
II. TRANSFORMER CHARACTERISTICS
A transformer specifically built for laboratory tests will be
used, with geometric characteristics typical of distribution
transformers. It has similar low voltage primary and secondary
windings (turns ratio equal to one), to ease laboratory
measurements. The assembling of such windings follows the
typical standards for the inner and outer voltage coils of a
distribution transformer. Table I presents some significant
internal characteristics of the equipment under study.
Figures 1 and 2 show, respectively, the upper and the front
view of the transformer core and windings, while Figure 3
shows the front view of the core. Information concerning the
internal dimensions is included in these illustrations, which
will be of extreme importance for the transformer
representation using FEMM.

TABLE I
TRANSFORMER CHARACTERISTICS
Rated power 15 kVA
Voltage Wind. out & inn 220 V
Connection type Wind. out & inn wye
Copper wire dimensions Wind. out & inn 3.5 x 4.5 mm
Winding resistance
Out. 0.040 O
Inn. 0.029 O
Number of turns Wind. out & inn 66
Apparent area
Limb 0.0049996 m
2

yoke 0.0052826 m
2

Net area
limb 0.0047496 m
2

yoke 0.0050185 m
2

Width
limb 0.080 m
yoke 0.066 m
Magnetic flux density
limb 1.55 Tesla
yoke 1.44 Tesla
Impedance in percent 3.47 %



Fig. 1. Internal upper view of the transformer (dimensions in millimeters).

191.00
winding
12.0
core
inner
winding
12.0
pressboard
outer
winding
air space

Fig. 2. Front view of the transformer core and windings (dimensions in
millimeters).

If the model is implemented using the planar-type approach,
the cylindrical shape of the limbs and windings shown in
Figures 1, 2 and 3 cannot be properly represented. In this kind
of problem, the representation is made by means of the
transformer front view along with a single depth value for the
third dimension description. Hence, some geometrical changes
are necessary to keep the cross sectional area the same for core
and coils [8].
3

66

2
6
0
66
80 83 80
163
83 80

Fig. 3. Transformer core front view (dimensions in millimeters).

Figure 4 presents the B x H curve for the silicon steel sheet
used in the core prior to the transformer assembling, provided
by ACESITA. Table II presents the peak values of the
magnetization current in each of the three phases, measured by
no-load test, for the ungrounded wye winding connection.

TABLE II
PEAK VALUE FOR THE MAGNETIZATION CURRENT
IA [A] IB [A] IC [A]
2.34 1.54 2.34

10
-1
10
0
10
1
10
2
10
3
0
5
10
15
20
25
Magnetic Field - H [Oe]
M
a
g
n
e
t
i
c

I
n
d
u
c
t
i
o
n

-

B

[
k
G
]
Magnetization Curve

Fig. 4. Magnetization characteristic for the silicon steel sheets E005, provided
by ACESITA(Arcelor Mittal).
III. TRANSFORMER MODELING USING FEMM
A. Considerations on the Magnetic Core
The FEMM program performs electromagnetic simulations
in two dimensions only, and thus it is not suitable for the
correct representation of the transformer limbs (four steps) and
windings (cylinder) cross section in their original three-
dimensional shape, due to the fact that all the geometric
representation is made using horizontal and vertical
dimensions for a given depth. In this case, the height of the
package of magnetic sheets from which the core is made will
be the depth, as shown in Figure 1; which is equivalent to
80.04 mm.
Therefore, the magnetic section of the limb will be
represented in the rectangular form with an equivalent area.
Thus, the width used for the limb is 62.46 mm. This
modification is made in order to not change the average length
of the magnetic circuit and to keep the cross sectional area
constant.
Making the aforementioned adjustments and entering in
FEMM all the required dimensions shown in Figure 2, as well
as the magnetization curve for the iron core, and also
considering the lamination fill factor as 0.95 (Net area/
Apparent area from Table I), a simulation was made for the
transformer no-load operation with nominal voltage, at the
instant where the current in phase A is at its peak value.
As it is well known, the transformer flux distribution is
imposed by the voltage applied to its windings. In this way,
when the voltage reaches its maximum value in phase A and
half of such value (with opposite polarity) in phases B and C,
for example, the flux becomes zero in phase A and has the
same value in the other phases, but with opposite directions.
However, since in FEMM the imposition is made in terms of
currents instead of voltages, and once these currents are
distorted due to the magnetic core non-linearity, an adjustment
in the currents of phases B and C is thus required in order to
obtain, in FEMM, the same flux distribution that would be
imposed by the voltage source. The values used for the
currents are presented in Table III.

TABLE III
CURRENT IN PHASES A, B AND C, USED IN THE SIMULATION
IA [A] IB [A] IC [A]
2.340 -1.122 -1.218

The obtained result is shown in Figure 5, which presents
the core magnetic flux distribution in the transformer. It can be
verified that the values of the magnetic flux density in the limb
and yoke relatively to phase A are, respectively, 1.73 T and
1.64 T, although 1.55 T and 1.44 T were expected.
Such discrepancy can be justified by the existence of small
air gaps that appears during the core assembling, but not
represented, so far, in the simulation. In spite of being small,
such air gaps are significant enough for the composition of the
necessary magnetomotive force during the steady-state
magnetic flux production.
B. Airgap insertion
For the insertion of the air gaps in the model, information
on their size is required. However, this data is not available
from the manufacturer and it is impossible to be measured.
Because of that, the option was to compute such values
through analytical formulae, having the measured
magnetization current peak value as the basis. The procedure
is described as follows.
To carry out this computation, it will be considered that the
transformer is connected to a three-phase symmetrical voltage
source. The flux distribution at the instant in which the
magnetic flux in the central limb reaches its peak value can be
seen in Figure 6. The condition of symmetry for the voltage
source imposes that when the flux assumes its peak value in
one limb (central), the flux in the other two will be half of the
value and in the opposite direction, as indicated in the figure.
4

Fig. 5. Results obtained for the 62.46 mm limb width.


Fig. 6. Transformer magnetic flux distribution for the no-load condition, with
the flux peak value at the central limb.

The airgaps that may arise from the assembling of sheets
can be seen in Figure 6, represented by the corresponding
magnetic reluctances (9
1
9
7
). In this figure, having the
central limb as the reference, it can be observed that the
airgaps of the superior and inferior yokes in the same side of
the magnetic core are always in series with the air gap of the
external limb of the same side. This allows their association in
a unique airgap. In this way, for the purpose of computation, it
can be considered that the magnetic core is composed by three
equivalent airgaps: the first is relative to the left external limb
and superior and inferior yokes at the left side, denoted by 9
l
;
the second refers to the central limb (9
c
), while the third is
related to the right external limb and superior and inferior
yokes at the right side (9
r
). Equations (1), (2) and (3) sum up
the afore-mentioned airgap combinations.
4
9 + 9 + 9 = 9
2 1 l

(1)
3 c
9 = 9
(2)
7 6 5 r
9 + 9 + 9 = 9
(3)
The airgaps can all be of different sizes, since their
dimensions rely on specific details of the steel sheets cutting
process and their assembling in the core composition. Such
airgaps have direct influence on the transformer magnetization
currents in each phase; this is the reason why they are
determined based on these quantities.
The non-linearity of the magnetic circuit, associated to the
hysteresis cycle, defines the distorted waveform of the
magnetization current, although it can be shown that the peak
value for the magnetization current matches the peak value of
the magnetic flux in the same winding. The flux distribution
indicated in Figure 6 was determined by the peak value for the
magnetization current at the central limb winding; however,
regarding the windings of the other two limbs, in the condition
of half of the flux peak, it is wrong to infer in half of the peak
value for the magnetization current in this case. Another
important issue to be reminded is that the hysteresis cycle is
not being taken into consideration by FEMM; consequently,
the measured current waveform cannot be the same used in the
simulation. Hence, only the magnetization current peak values
measured at the windings are used. The reluctance values of
the magnetic material for the maximum flux (9
L1
and 9
Y1
)
and half of this magnitude (9
L2
and 9
Y2
) can be easily
computed by means of its B x H curve [14].
Considering the transformer magnetization current peak
values in the windings located, respectively, on the left outer,
center and right outer limbs (I
A
, I
B
, and I
C
), a set of equations
can be written for the magnetomotive forces considering the
instants at which the magnetic flux reaches its peak value in
each limb, as described following.
Figure 7 illustrates the transformer equivalent magnetic
circuit for the instant at which the flux achieves its peak value
at the central limb (phase B). In this situation, the flux in the
central limb is symmetrically split to the external ones, as
imposed by the voltage source.
2
l
B
Y2
c
L2

L1

Y2
2
Y2
2
r
L2

Y2
1
Ni NI Ni

Fig. 7. Transformer equivalent magnetic circuit for the no-load condition, at
the instant of maximum flux at the central limb.

Where:
| - Magnetic flux [Wb];
N - winding turns number;
9
L1
and 9
Y1
- limb and yoke reluctances for flux peak
value (| ) [H
-1
];
9
L2
and 9
Y2
- limb and yoke reluctances for half of flux
peak value (| /2) [H
-1
];
I
B
- transformer magnetization current peak value in the
central limb winding [A];
5
i
1
and i
2
- instantaneous values for phase currents A and
C, in the instant at which the current at phase B is a maximum
[A];
9
l
,

9
c
and 9
r
- representative reluctances of air gaps in
the left, central and right limbs, respectively.

Having in mind the considerations presented in [14] and
analyzing the situations of maximum flux in phases A, B and
C, equations (4), (5) e (6) can be obtained. When properly
combined, these equations enable the computation of the air
gap reluctances as a function of the magnetic flux, current
peak values in the three windings and reluctances of the core
magnetic parts [14].

( ) (
)
l A B C L1 L2
Y1 Y2
N 1
5 I I I 6 3
3 9
16 2
|
9 = 9 + 9 +

+ 9 + 9

(4)
( ) (
)
c A B C L1 L2
Y1 Y2
N 1
I 5 I I 6 3
3 9
8 8
|
9 = + 9 + 9 +

+ 9 9

(5)
( ) (
)
r A B C L1 L2
Y1 Y2
N 1
I I 5 I 6 3
3 9
16 2
|
9 = + 9 + 9 +

+ 9 + 9

(6)

Using the current values measured during the no-load test,
along with the maximum flux in the limb and the reluctances
of the magnetic material, it was possible to compute the air gap
reluctances and their respective length as [14].
mm l l
r l
12 . 0 = =

mm l
c
045 . 0 =

As expected, the air gaps are very thin compared to the
length of the limbs and yokes, thus, they are commonly
neglected. However, it should be stressed that the reluctance of
such air gaps can be larger than that related to the magnetic
parts, demanding a larger magnetomotive force to establish the
magnetic flux in the airg ap.
When implementing in FEMM such air gaps in the
transformer model, the flux density at limb and yokes dropped
from 1.73 and 1.64 T to 1.54 and 1.46 T, respectively, which
are now closer to the expected values (1.55 and 1.44 T). This
proves that the airgaps are important for the establishment of
the real transformer core magnetization characteristic.
It is worthy to mention that, except for the case of the
current peak at phase A, simulations were made also
considering instants at which phase currents B and C reached
their respective peak values. In all the simulated situations, the
results showed that the magnetic flux density in the limbs and
yokes, for the maximum flux condition, were very close to the
expected values. This demonstrates that the model featuring
the adjustment in the limbs width, along with the proposed
airgap inclusion accurately represents the actual transformer.
C. Considerations on the windings
Similarly to the case of the transformer core, the precise
modeling of the windings also requires adjustments, since its
cylindrical shape implies in limitations for its representation in
planar-type problems in FEMM (2D).
In order to overcome such problem, different papers
proposed the transformer modeling using the axisymmetric
approach [3], [4]. In this methodology, only half of a
transformer limb, along with the corresponding high and low
voltage windings, is considered over the symmetry axis, and a
360
o
revolution is performed by the program to generate the
cylindrical form. However, only one limb can be represented
by means of this procedure, resulting in restrictions in some
types of analysis where the influence among limbs has to be
evaluated.
A natural alternative for the correct transformer modeling,
which preserves the cylindrical shape of the windings, is the
application of a three-dimension approach [6], [7].
Nevertheless, as previously mentioned, it should be stressed
that this feature is not yet available in freeware programs. In
this context, a study concerning the appropriate representation
of the transformer windings within a planar-type problem is
presented in the following, along with possible adjustments to
provide good matching between simulated and actual results.
The proposed method is detailed in the sequence.
As it is well known, the leakage reactance is directly
associated to the air volume existing between the windings.
Therefore, if the calculated value for this parameter shows to
be accurate, it can be concluded that the winding modeling
was realistic.
As far as the leakage reactance determination is concerned,
several methodologies have been proposed. Some make use of
analytical methods [8] - [10], [13], but verify the obtained
results through computational simulations [5], [11], [12].
However, clear or detailed information is not provided
regarding the adopted modeling, avoiding its understanding
and evaluation.
Reference [3] presents two different methods for the leakage
reactance determination. The first one performs the calculation
using the stored energy in the windings and in the surrounding
air. Nevertheless, since the proposed technique is developed in
the axisymmetric problem type, the same limitations already
described in this work remain. The second methodology uses
the planar type approach, where the leakage reactance is found
through the computation of both self and mutual inductances.
This technique showed to be effective, although the several
steps involved in calculation process can be considered a
drawback.
The calculation procedure proposed in this work combines
both methods used in the afore-mentioned paper. The
computation of the leakage reactance is performed using the
planar representation and the magnetic field energy stored in
the windings and in the air volume that surrounds them. So, the
leakage reactance can be calculated by [4]:


2
4
I
w f
X
L

=
t
(7)
Where
X
L
- leakage reactance [];
f - frequency [Hz];
6
w - total energy stored in the air volume and in the
windings [J];
I - applied winding current [A].

The stored energy is given by (8). Once a planar type
problem is being dealt with, the volume under consideration is
represented by half of the transformer window area and the
depth indicated in the problem, which is 80.04 mm in this
case, as explained in item (A).

}
=
vol
Hdv B w
2
1
(8)
However, since this volume does not correspond to that
actually existent in the transformer, an adjustment in the
obtained energy result is required. It consists in dividing such
value by the depth of the problem and multiplying it by the
length of the circle whose radius is the distance between the
center of the limb and the middle point of the air space
between the windings (59,5 mm, as indicated in fig. 1). With
this procedure, the calculated energy matches the value
obtained from the symmetry axis model.
In the following, two winding models will be presented;
both implemented using the transformer core shown in item
(A). At this point, since the aim is to verify the validity of the
proposed adjustment in the value of the stored energy, both
windings will be represented also using the symmetry axis,
which is the model type widely used as the basis for the
leakage reactance calculation.


Fig. 8. Winding model for Case A (planar type).

Case A
The winding modeling was implemented having as a basis
the transformer depicted in Figures 1, 2 and 3. Thus, each
winding is considered to be 9.5 mm thick and 167 mm high.
Figures 8 and 9 show respectively the model for the planar and
axisymmetric cases.


Fig. 9. Winding model for Case A (axisymmetric type).

The calculated value for the leakage reactance using the
winding resistance and percent impedance shown in Table I is
2.7328 %, while the determination from the planar and
axisymmetric winding models in FEMM resulted in 2.378 %
and 2.3921 %, respectively. This corresponds to an error of
about 12.5 % between both simulations and the result from the
data of Table I.
The reason for such discrepancy lies in the fact that, when
modeling the winding, its thickness was considered as 9.5 mm,
as indicated in the design. However, this value also includes
the insulating material, which was considered here as part of
the conductor. As a result, the conductor area in the model
became larger than its actual value, reducing the current
density and leading to a lower value of leakage reactance.
In face of this, the option was to represent the windings turn
by turn, discounting the part covered by the insulating
material, resulting in a more realistic modeling. This procedure
is described in the following case.
Case B
For this case, the windings were drawn according to the
information presented in Table I and Figures 1 3. As can be
observed in Table I, the conductors have rectangular shape,
with dimensions of 4.5 x 3.5 mm. From this data, it was
possible to verify that both internal and external windings have
double layer. Besides, from the dimensions shown in Figures 1
and 2, it was also possible to obtain the thickness of the
insulating material, between turns and layers. An improved
winding model was thus implemented, based on a turn-by-turn
representation, which is shown in Figures 10 and 11, for the
planar and axisymmetric modeling, respectively.
The results obtained for the leakage reactance with this
modeling were 2.58 % (planar type) and 2.60 % (axis of
symmetry), showing a significant improvement in relation to
the model implemented in Case A. This indicates that special
attention must be addressed also to the winding representation.
In spite of this, a small discrepancy still remains in the leakage
reactance when compared to the value obtained by
measurements, which should be attributed to possible slight
variations in the design, especially at the assembling stage, and
also to errors in the measurement equipment used in the tests.
7
The summary of the leakage reactance results obtained in
each case, using the methodologies presented here, are
depicted in Tables IV and V.


Fig. 10. Winding model for Case B (planar type).



Fig. 11. Winding model for Case B (axisymmetric type).

TABLE IV
SUMMARY OF LEAKAGE REACTANCE RESULTS OBTAINED IN THE
SIMULATIONS USING THE PLANAR-TYPE MODEL
Case Xd simulated
[%]
Xd measured
[%]
Error
[%]
A 2.378 2.7328 -12.98
B 2.58 2.7328 -5.59

TABLE V
SUMMARY OF LEAKAGE REACTANCE RESULTS OBTAINED IN THE
SIMULATIONS USING THE AXISYMMETRIC-TYPE MODEL
Case Xd simulated
[%]
Xd measured
[%]
Error
[%]
A 2.3921 2.7328 -12.46
B 2.60 2.7328 -4.858

It is worthy to mention that, in all cases, a good agreement
between the results obtained through the modeling using the
planar and axisymmetric approaches was observed. Thus, the
adjustments proposed here showed to be effective, enabling
the use of the planar modeling for the transformer simulation,
which is very desirable in case of studies where the mutual
coupling representation of phase is required, such as core
losses evaluation, mechanical forces over the windings,
transformer magnetic flux distribution under energization or
short-circuit conditions, etc, where the axisymmetric approach
is not suitable.
This very detailed study on the transformer parameters
includes a more recent research on the acting forces in the
windings in the occurrence of a short circuit. This work is still
in progress and will be the subject of a later publication.
IV. CONCLUSIONS
The contribution of this work was to improve the
transformer planar-type representation in FEMM by means of
(i) the inclusion of the airgaps associated to the core
assembling and the proposal of an analytical formulation for
their reluctance and length determination, (ii) adjustments in
the limb dimensions in order to fit its cylindrical shape, (iii) a
turn-by-turn representation of the windings and (iv)
adjustments regarding the volume of the windings and of the
surrounding air to correct the obtained leakage reactance
value.
The inclusion of the airgaps arising from the assembling of
the magnetic steel sheets for the transformer core composition
was highlighted. The corresponding reluctances and lengths
were estimated from the reluctances of the limbs and yokes
and the magnetization current peak values, which are obtained
from the measured no-load current waveform.
The study concerning the winding representation was
conducted having the leakage reactance value as the basis. The
results from the simulations using the planar and the
axisymmetric models showed good agreement, indicating that
the proposed adjustment in the stored energy in the windings
and in the surrounding air were appropriate. Besides, it was
observed that a detailed representation of the winding
conductors is also necessary for an accurate leakage reactance
determination. Therefore, a turn-by-turn representation was
made, taking into account the thickness of the insulation,
which led to a more precise result regarding this parameter.
The planar-type model implemented here can be used in
several types of studies where the axisymmetric approach is
not suitable, like those where the coupling between phases
must be included. In addition, the very detailed winding
modeling employed in this work enables further investigations,
as the computation of the mechanical forces acting in each one
of the turns under short-circuit condition, for example. This is
the subject of a study that is currently in progress.
V. REFERENCES
[1] D. Meeker - Finite Element Method on Magnetics - Version 4.2 -
Users Manual, September 2006.
[2] E. F. Fuchs, Y. You Measurement of -i Characteristics of
Asymmetric Three-Phase Transformers and Their Applications -
IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery. Vol 17, N 4, October 2002.
[3] S. Jamali, M. Ardebili, and K. Abbaszadeh Calculation of short-
circuit reactance and electromagnetic forces in three-phase transformer
by finite element method - Proceedings of the Eighth International
Conference on Publication Electrical Machines and Systems, 2005.
(ICEMS 2005), pp. 1725- 1730 - Vol. 3.
8
[4] P. Silvester and A. Konrad Analysis of Transformer Leakage
Phenomena by High-Order Finite Elements - IEEE Transactions on
Power Apparatus and Systems. Vol: PAS-92 Issue: 6, Nov. 1973, pp:
1843-1855.
[5] Xiaosong Li, Qiaofu Chen, Suping Wu and Yusheng Zhou
Calculation of leakage reactance for HTS transformer windings with
magneto-motive force imbalance - International Conference on
Electrical Machines and Systems, 2008. (ICEMS 2008). 17-20 Oct.
2008, pp: 4507-4512.
[6] M.A.Tsili, A.G. Kladas, P.S. Georgilakis, A.T.Souflaris,
D.G.Paparigas, Advanced design methodology for single and dual
voltage wound core power transformers based on a particular finite
element model Electric Power Systems Research, 76, 729-741, 2006.
[7] M.A.Tsili, A.G. Kladas, P.S. Georgilakis, Computer aided analysis
and design of power transformers, Computers in Industry, Vol. 59,
No.4,pp.338-350, 2008.
[8] A. A. Halacsy Leakage Reactance of Transformers - Transactions of
the American Institute of Electrical Engineers Power Apparatus and
Systems, Part III. Vol: 75, Issue: 3, Part=III, Jan. 1956, pgs: 233-238.
[9] J. El Hayek Short-circuit reactances of multi-secondaries concentric
windings transformers - IEEE International Electric Machines and
Drives Conference, 2001. (IEMDC 2001), pgs:462 - 465.
[10] W. Jian, A. F. Witulski, J. L. Viollin, T. K. Phelps and G. I. Cardwell
Derivation, calculation and measurement of parameters for a multi-
winding transformer electrical model - Fourteenth Annual Applied
Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, 1999. (APEC '99),
Vol: 1, 14-18 March 1999, pgs: 220 226
[11] WANG JIANHUA; WANG XIULI; WANG XIFAN - Calculation and
experimental measure of leakage inductance of magnetic frequency
tripler - Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on
Electrical Machines and Systems, 2001. (ICEMS 2001), Vol: 2, Aug
2001, pgs: 1113-1116.
[12] GUEMES-ALONSO, J.A. - A new method for calculating of leakage
reactances and iron losses in transformers - Proceedings of the Fifth
International Conference on Electrical Machines and Systems, 2001.
(ICEMS 2001), Vol: 1, 18-20 Aug. 2001, pgs: 178-181.
[13] KASHTIBAN, A.M.; VAHEDI, A.; HALVAEI, A.; - Investigation of
winding type effect on leakage flux of single phase shell type
transformer using FEM - Proceedings of the Eighth International
Conference on Electrical Machines and Systems, 2005. (ICEMS
2005), Vol: 3, Sept. 2005, pgs:1755 - 1758.
[14] SARAIVA, E.; CHAVES, M.L.R.; CAMACHO, J.R. Three-Phase
Transformer Representation Using FEMM, and a Methodology for
Air-Gap Calculation - Proceeding of the 18
th
International
Conference on Electrical Machines ICEM 2008, Vilamoura,
Portugal, September 2008.

VI. BIOGRAPHIES

Elise Saraiva was born in Uberlndia, MG, on
November 19, 1976. Undergraduation and MSc
degree at UFU Uberlndia-MG respectively in
2001 and 2004. She is now pursuing her
doctorate at UFU - Universidade Federal de
Uberlndia.



Marcelo Lynce Ribeiro Chaves was born in
ItuiutabaMG, Brazil, in 1951. He received the
BSc and MSc degrees from Federal University
of Uberlndia (UFU), Brazil, and the Doctorate
degree from University of Campinas
(UNICAMP), Brazil, all in Electrical
Engineering. He is a senior lecturer at School of
Electrical Engineering in UFU. His main
interests are electromagnetic transients in power
systems, insulation coordination, motor drives
and quality of power.


Jos Roberto Camacho (IEEE M1993, SM
2006) was born in Taquaritinga, SP, Brazil in
11/03/1954. Received his PhD degree in
Electrical Engineering at the Electrical and
Electronic Engineering Department at
University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New
Zeland, in August 1993. He is a full professor at
Universidade Federal de Uberlndia since 1994.
His areas of interest are: Distributed Generation
and Electricity for Rural Applications and
Energy.


Geraldo Caixeta Guimares was born in Patos
de MinasMG, Brazil, in 1954. He graduated in
Electrical Engineering at Federal University of
Uberlndia, Brazil. He received his MSc degree
from Federal University of Santa Catarina,
Brazil, and his PhD from University of
Aberdeen, Scotland. He is presently a professor
and a researcher at School of Electrical
Engineering, Federal University of Uberlndia.
His research interest areas are: Power System
Dynamics, Distributed Generation, Renewable
Energy and Applied Electromagnetism.


Hlder de Paula was born in Uberlndia
Brazil, on December 27, 1975. He received his
B. Sc, M. Sc. and Ph. D. degrees in Electrial
Engineering from Universidade Federal de
Uberlndia, Brazil, in 1998, 2001 and 2005,
respectively. In 2006, he joined the Electrical
Engineering Department of Universidade
Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), as a
Professor and member of the Industry
Applications Laboratory. He has been working
in R&D projects on cable and line modeling for
high frequency studies. His main interests are
motor drives, electromagnetic compatibility and
power quality.