Optimum design of small distribution transformer using aluminium conductors

Abstract

Design Optimization of distribution transformer of small KVA rating using aluminium conductors is considered as a nonlinear multivariable constrained programming problem. For this purpose a set of five independent design variables is identified and suitable constraints are imposed to meet the thermal and other performance requirements of the transformer. The various objective functions are formed in terms of cost of active material, capitalized cost of losses as the operating cost and the overall cost as the sum of these two. This is done to select most effective and appropriate optimized design for these types of transformers. The optimization is achieved through Rosenbrock's method of direct search in conjunction with the sequential unconstrained minimization Technique (SUMT). The optimized design results for a 25 KVA distribution transformer using aluminium conductors are presented along with the design results using copper as the winding material for different objective functions.