Techno-economic comparative evaluation of mixed and conventional magnetic wound cores for three-phase distribution transformers

摘要

This paper presents a comparative evaluation of conventional and mixed magnetic wound cores for three-phase distribution transformers. The authors utilize a techno-economic analysis based on an analytical approach in order to determine the variables that differentiate the mixed three-phase transformer from the conventional one. The techno-economic characteristics of two 100 kVA three-phase transformers, a conventional one manufactured of HiB electrical steel and a mixed one manufactured of conventional and HiB steels, are compared using an estimator function and laboratory tests. The authors demonstrate that the mixed three-phase transformer presents improved characteristics over the conventional one for a wide range of sales margins, material costs, magnetization levels, and geometric variables. As a consequence, mixed magnetic wound cores can be an excellent alternative for the E.U. distribution networks where it is necessary to reduce losses, greenhouse gas emissions, and energy costs. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.