Design of distribution transformers – e-lesson #17: Effects of DC components in magnetization currents

Hosted by: Mario Salano / Master's level
This is lesson number #17 in the Design of distribution transformers course, authored and hosted live by Mario Salano. It is created and presented on Master's level and you can save your seat here.
This Master's-level course on transformers explores the effect of DC components on magnetization currents. The instructor, Mario Salano, provides an overview of the course, which covers introductory, intermediate, and advanced topics. He introduces the concept of "smart transformers" that can adapt voltage from renewable sources. The lesson focuses on the challenges of DC bias in AC grids, which can lead to transformer saturation and increased losses. Mario explains the causes of DC bias, such as power converter imperfections, and discusses methods for detecting and compensating this issue. He presents an experimental technique using a parallel choke and advanced signal processing to accurately measure and suppress the DC bias. The course is moving towards the future of transformers, including smart grid applications and the use of artificial intelligence for optimization. Overall, this lesson delves into an important problem facing modern power systems and transformer design.
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Lesson #17 is also the third e-lesson conducted on the Master’s level. This time the author will discuss the effects of DC components in magnetization currents.
The author’s main intention is to provide an overview of transformer design by taking into account stakeholders’ wishes and preferences.
About the author

Mario Salano
Mario Salano was born in Genoa on 13 January 1950. His expertise in the field of power transformers comes from well-established engineering skills acquired in “Salano transformers”, a renowned Italian company that manufactured line-frequency power transformers for Italian power utilities. He is a freelancer in the fi eld of Project Management, Transformers and Electronics, and Outreach Director in NIC-PMI. He has authored two books and has been collaborating with various publishing companies for the past four years.
His current interests include high-efficiency distribution transformers, the impact of nonlinear loads on power transformers, novel materials for transformer cores and high-frequency power transformers for the use in conjunction with power electronics topologies.