A New Method to Measure the Residual Flux by Magnetic Sensors and a Finite-Element Model

When the power transformer is connected to the power grid, a surge of inrush current may occur as a result of the residual flux. In order to mitigate this effect, the measurement of residual flux is necessary. In this article, a method for measuring the residual flux of ferromagnets was proposed, utilizing magnetic sensors and a finite-element model. Residual flux originated from residual magnetization, which could be obtained from a matrix of spatial magnetic flux density measured by sensors and the conversion matrix calculated from the finite-element model. By combining the residual magnetization with the background magnetic field, the residual flux could be determined. The experimental results confirmed the accuracy of the proposed method, which was particularly suited for measuring nonuniform residual flux, and also enabled the determination of residual flux direction. In comparison to existing methods, this approach offered significant advantages.

Automated summary

This article proposes a method for measuring the residual flux of ferromagnets using magnetic sensors and a finite-element model to mitigate the surge of inrush current caused by residual flux when the power transformer is connected to the power grid. The experimental results confirm the accuracy and applicability of this method for measuring nonuniform residual flux and determining its direction, offering significant advantages compared to existing methods.