Design optimization of distribution transformers based on mixed integer programming methodology

In this paper, an effective optimization method is proposed with the aim of minimizing the active part cost of wound core distribution transformers, taking into account constraints imposed both by international specifications and customer needs. In order to achieve so, Mixed Integer Programming in conjunction with the Branch and Bound technique are employed. The proposed methodology is compared with a heuristic optimization methodology of the transformer manufacturing industry and the results demonstrate the robustness and the superiority of this new approach.