Optimal design of rectifier transformer

Rectifier transformer is typical ac-dc converter for improving power quality by reducing the harmonic in ac mains and ripples in dc output. The design of rectifier transformer is difficult because it originates from the experience of designers. So a designer who is lack of experience would result in a waste of material and cost. In order to reduce the manufacturing cost of rectifier transformer, this paper employs the Genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the size of iron core which is a main component of rectifier transformer. Three parameters are selected as optimization variables and the target of the optimization is to minimize the weight of iron core. The result shows that the weight of the iron core drops down greatly compared with a rectifier transformer which is designed by the traditional empirical formula. Finally, the simulation of optimization shows that the function of rectifier transformer is also achieved.