Design optimisation of a typical strip-wound toroidal core using genetic algorithms

The genetic algorithm (GA) method has recently been a very useful tool for the design optimisation of switching electromagnetic devices such as transformers built from toroidal cores. In these types of cores, inner and outer diameters, primary and secondary number of turns, the strip width are influential parameters on power loss increase under sinusoidal and non-sinusoidal excitations. The design optimisation of magnetic cores using conventional methods requires the solutions of a set of non-linear equations and well-experienced engineers. However, an optimal design of the cores can be achieved using a simple GA design. In this paper, the GA method has been used for the optimal design of a typical strip-wound toroidal core widely employed in building a magnetic circuit of a transformer, various switching circuits, etc. The results show outstanding indications in terms of minimisation of power loss and cost of building material with respect to conventional methods.