Experimental and finite element analysis of power transformer

Abstract

Post earthquake studies have clearly shown that the seismic performance of substation is very weak and results in damage causing huge direct and indirect loss to the power utilities. Considerable time is spent to repair, retrofit or replace the damaged substation equipment and to restore power supply. Many substation equipments failed when installed in the substation due to moderate earthquake forces though these equipment were experimentally qualified. Power transformer is one of such critical equipment of substation. Vibrations due to earthquake amplified by the transformer tank causes failure in the porcelain bushings mounted on the top of the transformer tank. An attempt has been made in this study to identify resonance frequencies and corresponding damping ratios of a typical transformer by both experimental and numerical methods. In addition, ground acceleration amplification is also calculated from shake table experiments and response analysis of finite element model.