A Heuristic Approach for Volume Calculation of Oil-Type Power Transformers: Firefly Algorithm

Power transformers play an important role in the transmission and distribution of electrical energy. Power transformers increase or decrease the voltage level without changing the power and frequency of alternating current (AC) electricity. Power transformers are divided into oil type and dry type transformers. Both two types have disadvantages of high cost and isolation problems etc. These problems are reduced by the optimization of transformer design parameters. In this study, the most optimal design dimension is determined by using the firefly algorithm, which is a new heuristic approach in calculating the volume of oil type power transformers at least time. At the same time, the performance comparison is made with the most preferred genetic algorithm, which is one of the other intuitive methods, and the advantages of the firefly algorithm are revealed. This work will provide both cost and time benefits for transformer manufacturers.