AIR CORE REACTORS

Magnetic Field of
Air Core Reactors:
Causes, Effects and Solutions

Tech News

AREVA T&Ds Expertise

INTRODUCTION
Nowadays, dry-type air-core reactors are consecrated
in a vast range of applications, including among
others: current limiting reactors, reactors for capacitor
banks and harmonic filters, shunt reactors for static
compensators, etc...

Figure 2 shows some curves showing the magnetic

field B for some typical shapes of reactors. The relation
h/D (height / diameter) is the most important parameter
in the definition of the contour of the field lines, where
the relation h/D is typically between 0.5 and 1.5.

The absence of iron core results in a simple, light

weight equipment. On the other hand, there is no iron
core to capture the magnetic field that will occupy the
space around the reactor. This requires taking some
precautions in relation to the influence of intense
magnetic fields.

It can be seen from the curves of figure 2 that the

value of the magnetic field decreases rapidly when the
distance from the reactor increases.

These precautions prevent against thermal and/or

mechanical efforts that can damage structures of
metallic elements when exposed to these fields.

In all cases, the value of the magnetic field at half

diameter from reactor surface will be around 10% or
less the value of the magnetic field at the center of the
reactor (point where the magnetic field is maximum).

MAGNETIC FIELD OF AIR-CORE

REACTORS
Problems of induction in non-magnetic environments
can be formulated using the following integral
equation:
(1)

For air-core reactors, this equation allows to calculate

the magnetic field
in any point of the space
defined by cylindrical coordinates (r,z), where the
integral is calculated over the volume v of the reactor
winding.
J : current density in the winding (A/mm2)
: distance between any point ( r, z ) of the winding
and the location x (r,z) where we want to calculate
the magnetic field.
: unit vector (indicated in figure 1)

Fig. 1 Reactor winding and calculation of the

magnetic field of air-core reactors

Fig. 2 Magnetic field of typical shapes of air-core

reactors

EFFECTS OF THE MAGNETIC INDUCTION

The magnetic induction on a metallic structure (magnetic or nonmagnetic) induces currents in the structure in accordance with
the relations established by the Maxwells equations.
The intensity of these currents depends, besides the value of the
magnetic field density, on the following:

where:
Hix = external field tangent to the plate

magnetic permeability of the material

electric conductivity of the material
angular frequency of the field

> Field frequency;

> Resistivity and permeability of the conducting material that
constitutes the structure;
> Geometric elements that are function of the structures
geometry;

Where is called penetration depth of the magnetic field, and is

a measure of how much the magnetic field penetrates effectively
the material. The induced current density is calculated from the
magnetic field strength equation, which gives:
(3)

> Position of the structure in relation to the reactor.

It is not always possible to establish analytical relations to

calculate these currents. The usual procedure consists of doing
estimates based on situations of simplified geometry that permit
us to use simplified relationships for the calculation of currents,
losses, etc.
Figure 3 shows a conducting metallic plate of thickness 2b. This
could be, for example, the wall of an enclosure as shown in
figure 10.

the losses per area-unit of the plate is given by:

(4)

Resulting in:
(5)

where:

It is interesting to observe that in many applications the equation

above can be simplified in function of the value of the relation
2b/. For example, in a metallic enclosure of aluminum, where
we have the penetration depth , at 60 Hz, around 20 mm
and therefore bigger than the usual thickness of the wall of an
enclosure (around 5 mm), allowing us to say that 2b<<. For
these conditions the solution of equation 5 yields the following:

Fig. 3 Magnetic field on a metallic plate

Imagine the time-harmonic magnetic field which is incident on

the plate. This field can be decomposed in two components:
tangent and normal to the plate, where the problem can be
independently analyzed for each one of the components and the
total losses obtained by superposition of effects (This is possible
because the field components are in quadrature).

(6)

Table 1 presents the values of penetration depth of the magnetic

field at 60 Hz for the materials most used, where the condition
2b<< applies in most cases.

Solution for the tangent magnetic field

to the plate
Applying Maxwells equations and appropriate boundary
conditions, it can be demonstrated that the magnetic field
strength is given by the following expression:
(2)
Table 1

Solution for the normal magnetic field

to the plate
As mentioned before, it is usual to have the relation
2b<< for metallic enclosures. For these conditions,
the effect of induced currents is negligible and the
magnetic field crosses the material without significant
disturbances.
The induced currents will be in the direction of z, and
from the Maxwells equations we can demonstrate that:
(7)

Resulting in the following current density:

(8)
Fig. 4 Conductors exposed to the magnetic field of
air-core reactors
Finally, using the equation 4, losses per areaunit (result of the normal field to the plate) can be
calculated as follows:
(9)

In accordance with the Lorentz force equation, the

resultant force per unit length on the conductor is:
(10)

The equations (6) and (9) can be used to estimate

the losses and the heating generated on the walls of
metallic enclosures. Although the magnetic field is
not constant throughout the walls of the enclosure, it
can be divided in imaginary sections, and the losses
calculated for each section, based on the average
value of the field throughout these sections.
Similar solutions can be done for practically all the
situations, for example, for metallic beams exposed to
magnetic fields and others. In all cases, independently
of considered geometry, a quadratic variation of the
losses with the incident field is observed, as can be
seen in the expressions presented for the calculation of
the losses of the considered example.

MECHANICAL EFFORTS
In addition to the thermal efforts created by induced
losses, we will also have the mechanical efforts already
mentioned previously. A significant example is the
case of a conductor exposed to the field of the reactor
and high currents during a short-circuit, as shown in
figure 4.

resulting, for the example considered, in:

(11)

which gives:
(12)

where , ,
are the unit vectors of the cylindrical
coordinate system, im the amplitude of the current in
the conductor and Bm the amplitude of the magnetic
field density created by the reactor (in the space
occupied by the conductor) in the normal direction
of the conductor. The calculation of the force can be
done cutting the conductor into imaginary sections and
considering the magnetic field is constant along each
section.
The value of the magnetic field is calculated as shown
previously. The value of the resultant force in the
cable is given by the sum of the forces acting on each
section.
This calculation is important for the design of busbars,
connectors and conductors connected to the reactors.

MAGNETIC CLEARANCES
With the knowledge of the calculated magnetic field distribution,
and based on measurements carried out in laboratory, provision
must be made for minimum clearances between reactors and
metallic parts as shown in figure 5.

MC2

De

De

MC1

Fig. 6 Use of non-magnetic metallic spacers

De
Triangle arrangement

De

De

The distances indicated in figure 5 are general guidelines and can

be complemented by specific procedures for each project, as will
exemplified in the next subjects on enclosures, grounding, etc.
Anyway, detailed analysis is recommended for each case.
For installations where it is not possible to avoid the presence
of closed loops, a detailed magnetic clearance analysis must
be done to confirm that the guidelines may be reduced. In more
difficult cases, other solutions can be used for the reduction of
the required clearances, such as the use of shields of appropriate
materials and geometry.

MC1
MC2
Side by side arrangement

Insulators and non-magnetic support structures are

recommended to be supplied with the reactor to provide
the required magnetic distance. Non-magnetic materials as
aluminum may often be used in place of steel to reduce the
severity of heating problems.

MC2
MC1

FOUNDATION
The effect of the magnetic field shall be considered in the design
of support structures, as well as in the placement of auxiliary
equipment such as circuit breakers, lightning arresters, etc.
Additionally, any other required structures shall be installed
in areas where the effect of the magnetic field will not create
excessive heating.
Besides the clearance guidelines mentioned above, the creation
of metallic loops must be avoided. The closed loops offer
a preferential way for induced currents that create heating
to concrete reinforcing rods and building support beams.
The circulation of these currents can damage the concrete
foundations or reinforced walls in irreparable ways.

Fig. 5 Guidelines for magnetic clearances

As can be seen from figure 5, the required clearance to closed
loops is approximately double that required for metallic parts
that do not form closed loops. For this reason, in the case of
new installations, the design of structures to be installed close to
reactors must be done in such a way as to avoid the formation
of closed loops.

The solution to prevent this problem consists of insulating

crossover points of rebar. The crossover points should be
electrically isolated with pieces of hose or isolation tape. Another
solution would be the use of bars made from non-magnetic
materials or stainless steel. However, if the clearances are greater
that the reactor diameter, the above mentioned precautions are
not necessary.

GROUNDING
Special care should be taken in the installation of the
station ground grid in the vicinity of air-core reactors.
The ground grid should be designed so without closed
loops; otherwise, currents could be induced in the
grid. Grounding of the support structures or equipment
installed close to the reactor should be accomplished
without creating closed loops in the grounding system.
(see figure 7).

Fig. 9 Example of installation with fencing - Indoor

METALLIC ENCLOSURES
Fig. 7 Earthing of the metallic reactor supports

FENCING
When fencing is employed, provision must be made
to assure that the reactors magnetic field does not
induce high currents in metallic fencing components.
All metallic fencing must be broken up into electrically
isolated sections if it is located very near the reactor.
It is also necessary to assure that all portions of a
metallic fence are grounded because of capacitive
coupling that can exist between the reactor which is
at high potential and the fence in another. Another
alternative is to use nonmetallic fencing, such as wood,
plastic or fiberglass.

For metallic enclosures, closed loops must be avoided

on all four sides. If you insulate the rear panel from the
side and top panels, you can open the closed loops
(remember that all panels shall be grounded). If you
install the reactor in an enclosure with closed loops,
you get higher losses and the enclosure may heat up.
The insulation doesnt need to be thicker than 1/8,
but the securing bolts between the rear panel and
side panels, and between the top panel and side/
front panels must be insulated by means of insulating
bushings and washers.
Its interesting to have a door for inspection and the
presence of louvers to allow the air flow through the
reactor for self-cooling by natural air convection.
See sketch below about grounding and insulating. The
thicker lines indicate the insulated boltings.

Fig. 8 Example of installation with fencing and other

structures - Outdoor
Fig. 10 Special care for reactors mounted inside
metallic enclosures

SOFTWARE

REFERENCES

AREVA T&D magnetic field calculation tools are able to provide

several graphics and reports for magnetic field for specific and
purpose-oriented graphics and reports, such as point-to-point
figures, field limited regions, curves B x R and B x Z, etc.

[1] R. L. Stoll; The Analysis of Eddy Current, Oxford, Clarendon

Press, 1974.

Usage of the magnetic field plot:

> Considerations the effect of magnetic field on human body;
> Establish clearances for safety and installation purposes;
> Analysis of interference in metallic structures or equipment
sensitive to magnetic field.
> Lay-out optimization, allowing the necessary reduction in
clearance requirements for new and existing installations.
> Design of shielding. It is possible to provide aluminum
magnetic shields around and below the reactors. A part of
the magnetic field is constrained by the shields resulting in
lower values in the installation. These are mainly used for
existing installations that are being upgraded or modernized,
and ambient conditions with electronic devices and safety
rules for substation personnel.

[2] P. E. Burke, T. H. Fawzi, T. Akinbiyi; The Use of Asymptotes

to Estimate TE and TM Losses in Long Conductors., IEEE
Transactions, Vol. MAG 14, # 5, Setember 1978.
[3] T. H. Fawzi, P. E. Burke, M. Fabiano Alves; Use of Surface
Integral Equations for Analysis of TM Induction Problems, Proc.
IEE, Vol. 121, #10, 1974.
[4] L. E. Sauer; Air Core Type Reactor Fields, AIEE Transaction,
Vol. 43, June 1924.
[5] IEEE Power Engineering Society; IEEE C57.16 Standard
Requirements, Terminology, and Test Code for Dry-Type Air-Core
Series-Connected Reactors, 1996.

If you need technical information, please send us an e-mail :

[email protected]

Fig. 11 Example: Magnetic field x axial distance

Fig. 12 Example: Field limited regions

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