For designers of power transformers, Cobham Technical Services has released 3D Transformers Environment (TE3D).
Part of the firm's Vector Fields Software "it provides a graphical user interface for designing transformers and reactors using Cobham's Opera-3d finite element electromagnetic simulation package", said Cobham.
Users are presented with dialog boxes and drop-down menus to define a transformer or reactor design.
After entering this data, "which typically takes just a few minutes", the software automatically creates a three-dimensional finite element model of a reactor or transformer, together with independent drive and load circuits within the circuit editor for subsequent simulation and analysis.
Transformer types including three-phase, three- and five-leg core, and single-phase two- and three-leg core can be created.
The software accommodates both racetrack and solenoid type single and multiple layer windings, and most of the commonly used winding connections specified IEC 60076-1.
Aspects of transformer design such as lamination configuration, core clamping structures, steel support plates and clamp bolts can be modelled, including multiple air gaps and placement of the core inside a conductive tank.
User options include simulated open-circuit, short-circuit and inrush current tests on transformers, and mutual inductance tests on reactors.
Once analysis is completed, the TE3D environment sends the results to the Opera Manager to be solved.
"In the case of the inrush current test, for example, the calculated results include the Lorentz forces on the primary and secondary windings, eddy currents in any support structures, iron losses in the transformer core, and transformer efficiency," said Cobham.
All results can be displayed graphically.