Shake table test and finite element model for evaluating seismic performance of 220 kV transformer-bushing systems

To experimentally evaluate and numerically simulate seismic performance of 220 kV transformer-bushing systems, especially the bushings of the system, this study conducts a shake table test of a 1:2.5 reduced-scale 220 kV transformer-bushing system model and develops a three-dimensional finite element model for the system model based on the experimental results. The test shows that the bending flexibility of the cover plate of the transformer tank significantly influences the seismic responses of the bushings mounted on the tank and the ground motion amplification factors related to the bushings. In addition, the test also reveals that seismic performance in the x and y directions of the bushings are distinct from each other. The numerical simulation of the seismic responses of the system model shows that the developed finite element model is reasonable enough considering complexity of the system model and, moreover, can be extended to simulate seismic performance of the high-voltage transformer-bushing systems, including the 220 kV transformer-bushing systems.