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CACD Group updated 2000.03.30 Author Arpad Buermen |
Modelling and Simulation of a Non-linear TransformerAbstract: every device not found in the basic SPICE library must
be modelled using the elements from the library. A transformer is no exception.
Sure, there are some devices present in the basic SPICE library that can
be used directly to model a transformer (coupled inductances combined with
resistors provide a quite useful model). Unfortunately the simple coupled-inductances
model is appropriate only for linear analysis since it models the characteristics
of a linear transformer - a non-existent ideal of the real transformer that
can be used only when the core is well below saturation. In many specific
simulations of a circuit including a transformer the non-linear model must
be used; e.g. transient responses to power surges, power-on transient response,
etc.
Basic info:
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Modelling the core Since SPICE works with voltages and currents, equivalents must be chosen for magnetic flux density and magnetic field. Let the current be the equivalent of the magnetic flux density and the voltage the equivalent of the magnetic field. The basic idea is to build a circuit excited with voltage which is the equivalent of magnetic field (H). The response is the current which is the equivalent of magnetic flux density (B). Since magnetic field in the core depends on primary and secundary current, two linear current controlled voltage sources connected in series can model the relation between the coil currents and the magnetic field in the core:
To model the non-linear B(H) response a non-linear voltage controlled current source BTR2 controlled with the TR1 node voltage is used.. The non-linear characteristic used in the model consists of three linear segments - one for linear operation (-Hk to Hk) and two for saturation (below -Hk and above Hk).
As mentioned before the loop current is the equivalent of the magnetic flux density (B). To model the interaction between the magnetic field in the core and the voltage induced in the primary and the secondary coil the first order derivative of magnetic flux density (dB/dt) must be available. It can be obtained by running the current generated by BTR2 through a 1H inductance. Thus node TR3 provides us with voltage equivalent of dB/dt. Independent voltage source VTR0 is used to obtain the current which is the equivalent of magnetic flux density (B). Magnetic field can be obtained as the TR1 node voltage. The above discussion gives the following model of the core: BTR1 TR1 0 V=(4470*i(VTR1)+570*i(VTR2))/.20 VTR0 TR1 TR2 0V BTR2 TR2 TR3 + I=(3980*V(TR1)+ + (180-3980)*((V(TR1)-200)*u( V(TR1)-200 )+ + (V(TR1)+200)*u(-(V(TR1)+200)))) + *1.256637e-6 LTR TR3 0 1H ![]()
The same goes for the secondary coil. The following equation is used to determine the induced voltage:
Primary coil model: RTR1 1 TR10 300ohm VTR1 TR10 TR11 0V ETR1 TR11 2 TR3 0 0.894 RITR 2 0 1GohmSecondary coil model: RTR2 6 TR20 5ohm VTR2 TR20 TR21 0V ETR2 TR21 7 TR3 0 0.114 ROTR 7 0 1Gohm ![]() Examples
Conclusion A non-linear transformer can be efficiently modelled using a simple circuit. Since the model developed above is so simple, the analysis is quick. It poses no problem to incorporate a more complex non-linear core B(H) characteristic since a non-linear voltage controlled current source was used providing a wide variety of functions (exp, sin, cos, th, etc.) for describing a curve. In the next stage of the development modelling of hysteresis, imperfect magnetic coupling of coils and eddy current effects in the core should be considered. The author is aware of his imperfect English. All suggestions concerning grammar and spelling are welcome. |
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