Duration: 12 hours
This course consists of 12 sequential 45-minute lectures that take participants from the electromagnetic fundamentals to practical 2D/3D FEM modelling of transformers. It covers building and verifying transformer FEM models, reproducing open-circuit and short-circuit tests to extract equivalent-circuit parameters, performing electrostatic field and capacitance studies, and estimating additional losses.
Course schedule:
19.02. 2026 Lesson 1 - The Role of Simulations in Transformer Design
19.03. 2026 Lesson 2 - Introduction to Numerical Methods for Transformers
16.04. 2026 Lesson 3 - Electromagnetic Fundamentals
14.05. 2026 Lesson 4 - FEM Basics and Workflow
11.06. 2026 Lesson 5 - 2D Transformer FEM Modeling
09.07. 2026 Lesson 6 - 2D Electrostatic FEM for Transformers
30.07. 2026 Lesson 7 - Electromagnetic Theory
03.09. 2026 Lesson 8 - Finite Element Method
01.10. 2026 Lesson 9 - Advanced 3D FEM Modeling for Transformers
29.10. 2026 Lesson 10 - AC and Stray Loss Modeling with FEM
26.11. 2026 Lesson 11 - Advanced Electrostatic and Dielectric Simulations
17.12. 2026 Lesson 12 - FEM-Based Design Optimization and Sensitivity Analysis
Academy Lecturer
Zlatko Hanić is an Associate Professor at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER). He has over 15 years of experience in the analysis, design, and optimization of electromechanical and electromagnetic devices, including transformers. His work bridges academic research and practical engineering, specializing in advanced modeling, numerical analysis, and performance optimization of electrical machines.
Basic Level
The lecture introduces the concept of numerical simulations in transformer engineering. Participants learn why simulations are used, what problems they solve, and how they help reduce cost, improve efficiency, and shorten design cycles. Concepts such as electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical, and multiphysics simulations are explained with visual examples and real-world case studies. No prior engineering knowledge […]
Basic Level
The lecture explains the fundamentals of numerical methods in transformer analysis. Participants will understand what the finite element method (FEM) is, its main elements, how it differs from analytical approaches, and the types of problems it can solve: magnetic, thermal, and structural. The session focuses on conceptual understanding rather than mathematics, making it suitable for […]
Basic Level
This is the first e-lesson in the Transformer Specification course.
Intermediate Level
This lesson explains the practical process of building and verifying FEM models for transformer simulations. This lesson explains the practical workflow of finite element modelling for transformer simulations. Participants learn the essential steps required to construct a simulation model, including geometry preparation, material assignment, mesh generation, and solver configuration. We will discuss how engineers select […]
Intermediate Level
Introduces practical techniques for building 2D electromagnetic models of transformer cores and windings. This lesson focuses on the application of two-dimensional FEM modelling for transformer electromagnetic analysis. Participants learn how simplified 2D models can represent transformer cores and windings efficiently while capturing key electromagnetic phenomena. The lecture explains modelling assumptions used in 2D simulations, […]
Intermediate Level
Examines electrostatic simulations used to analyse insulation stresses and dielectric performance. This lesson explores electrostatic simulations used to analyse electric field distribution inside transformer insulation systems. Participants learn how FEM models can evaluate dielectric stresses, shielding arrangements, and capacitance behaviour in transformer structures. We will explain how high electric fields can concentrate around sharp […]
Master's Level
Presents the theoretical electromagnetic concepts underlying advanced transformer modelling. This lesson introduces the theoretical electromagnetic framework required for advanced transformer simulations. Participants explore Maxwell’s equations and their relevance to electromagnetic modelling. The lecture explains how magnetic energy, co-energy, and inductance are represented in numerical models. The behaviour of nonlinear magnetic materials and saturation effects are […]
Master's Level
Explains the mathematical principles behind FEM and how physical equations are solved numerically. This lesson provides a rigorous introduction to the mathematical formulation of the finite element method. Participants learn how differential equations describing physical phenomena are transformed into algebraic equations suitable for numerical computation. We will explain weak formulations, discretization of the computational domain, […]
Master's Level
Explores complex three-dimensional modelling techniques used for advanced transformer analysis. This lesson examines advanced three-dimensional FEM models used to analyse complex transformer geometries and phenomena that cannot be represented accurately using simplified models. Participants learn when 3D modelling becomes necessary, such as for detailed stray field analysis, complex winding structures, and asymmetric geometries. Strategies for […]
Master's Level
Explains simulation techniques used to analyse additional transformer losses caused by electromagnetic effects. This lesson focuses on modelling additional transformer losses that occur due to electromagnetic phenomena such as skin effect, proximity effect, and stray magnetic fields. Participants learn how FEM simulations can predict AC losses in windings and stray losses in structural components such […]
Master's Level
Explores advanced modelling techniques used for high-voltage insulation analysis. This lesson examines advanced electrostatic simulations used to evaluate insulation systems in high-voltage transformers. Participants learn how complex conductor arrangements and shielding structures influence electric field distribution. The lecture demonstrates how floating potentials, mesh refinement, and field stress analysis are applied in three-dimensional models. Participants also […]
Master's Level
Examines how simulations support design optimisation and engineering decision-making. This final lesson explores advanced applications of FEM for transformer design optimisation and sensitivity analysis. Participants learn how simulation models can evaluate design alternatives and identify optimal configurations. The lecture introduces parametric studies, tolerance analysis, and trade-off evaluation between competing design objectives such as efficiency, size, […]
