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Purpose – The investigation was aimed at magnetically-nonlinear dynamic model of a single-phase transformer, where the effects of dynamic hysteresis losses are accounted for by a simplified model. Such a modelling could be applied when analyzing the transient operating conditions or the impact of nonlinear and unbalanced loads on the transformer operation and the big power systems modelling. Design/methodology/approach – Secondly, an inverse form of the Jiles-Atherton hysteresis model was applied for the hysteresis losses of a transformer defining. In that sense this paper compares and evaluates both hysteresis models, where the possible errors caused by simplified model application are exposed. Findings – The Jiles-Atherton model can be applied when more accurate hysteresis models are required, however, at the cost of increased model complexity and required computational effort. Apart from that the main drawback is impossible application of such a modelling, when some of the input parameters are unknown. On the other hand the simplified hysteresis model does not increase the required computational effort substantially. Originality/value – Both methods have been modified in such a way that they can be used when the magnetizing curve of the iron-core material is not available, whilst the magnetically-nonlinear characteristic of the entire device can be determined experimentally. The aforementioned characteristic can be given in the form of an approximation polynomial or in the form of a look-up table. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Many authors reported the decrease of performances when electric machines and electromagnetic devices were supplied by pulse width modulated (PWM) voltages. However, these statements are rarely supported by measurements performed under fair conditions. The aim of this paper is to compare the performances of a single-phase transformer and a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) supplied by sinusoidal and PWM voltages and to find a way to evaluate the decrease of performances when PWM voltages are applied. Design/methodology/approach – In order to perform a fair comparison between performances of the tested objects supplied by sinusoidal and PWM voltages, an experimental system was built. It contains a single-phase and a three-phase linear rectifier for supply with sinusoidal voltages and an H-bridge inverter and a three-phase inverter for supply with PWM voltages. The tests and measurements were performed on a single-phase transformer and three-phase PMSM, where different constant loads and different modulation frequencies were used. The test conditions were identical for the supply by sinusoidal and PWM voltages. The measured data, used for the evaluation of performances, were the input and output power and the time behaviours of currents and voltages together with their THDs. Findings – The results presented in the paper clearly show that the efficiency of the singe-phase transformer and three-phase PMSM decreases with the increasing level of voltage THD. To properly determine the THD of PWM voltage, the sampling frequencies above 1 MHz and special equipment are normally required. However, if the modulation frequency is not too high, also the current THD, which can be easily determined, can be used to evaluate the decrease of efficiency in the case of supply by PWM voltages. Originality/value – The results presented in the paper clearly show that the efficiency of the singe-phase transformer and three-phase PMSM decreases with the increasing level of voltage THD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]