Inrush behaviour of a plunger core reactor with parallel winding paths obtained from field-circuit coupled finite element analyses

The inrush operational behaviour of a plunger core reactor with four parallel connected winding paths is calculated from voltage driven finite element analyses. The 3D finite element model utilizes a direct circuit coupling to take into account the the parallel windings paths and the applied voltage of the mains. Consequently, the distribution of the coil currents within the parallel connected winding paths is obtained with the full influence of the axial position of the plunger core. With regard to the mechanical design, the Lorentz forces acting on the windings and the Maxwell forces acting on the plunger core are additionally calculated in dependence of the plunger core air-gap.