Three- and Two-Dimensional Finite-Element Computation of Inrush Current and Short-Circuit Electromagnetic Forces on Windings of a Three-Phase Core-Type Power Transformer

Although short-circuit current is frequently considered the major design fundamental for power transformers, experience with transformer failures shows that inrush currents that occur when transformers are energized can also cause serious damage. To investigate the resultant forces due to energizing power transformer windings, we modeled a three-phase, three-legged 66/11 kV, 40 MVA power transformer in two and three dimensions. We calculated electromechanical forces for short-circuit cases and also for inrush current through the windings, using the finite-element method. The results show that the forces exerted on the windings due to inrush current in many regions are larger than those due to short-circuit currents. Since the inrush current appears more frequently with a much longer duration compared to a short-current event, its harmful effects are worse than those of the short-circuit case.