Comprehensive Analysis of Losses and Leakage Reactance of Distribution Transformers

Distribution transformers are one of the most crucial elements in the power system that define the grid stability and reliability. Due to the substandard analysis of losses and leakage reactance performed during the design stages, many transformer operational failures arise after a short operation. Precise and accurate estimation of distribution transformer losses as well as leakage reactance using analytical and numerical methods is essential during the design stages to estimate the transformer life span and improve the grid quality. This work provides robust and reliable guidelines for researchers and designers to precisely estimate the losses and leakage reactance in transformers. Finite element analysis is performed to test the transformer design validation and compare the analytical and numerical results. Various analytical methods for computing the transformer losses as well as leakage reactance rapidly in transformer early design stage are presented and compared with numerical methods to guide researchers and designers to the best methods to use.