Analysis on Magnetic Characteristics of Three-Phase Core-Type Transformers [Part II: Non-Linear Solutions and Experimental Results for R3-Type Core]

This paper deals with the magnetic characteristics (the flux distributions, core losses, etc.) of threephase core-type transformers with double-layer. In the preceding report, only linear solutions have been given. In this paper, also non-linear solutions are discussed. Therefore, the flux waves of each magnetic path are distorted and contain various harmonics. When core losses are calculated, the hysteresis losses of minor loops are taken account. The results of analysis are compared with those of experiments. It is concluded that the principal cause for increasing core losses of this type core is the eddy current loss produced by harmonic fluxes. The flux distributions and the core losses depend on the shapes of the magnetization curve and the core-loss curve, that is, on the quality of the materials

Experimental validation of the solid state substation with embedded energy storage concept

This paper proposes the concept of integrating the energy storage within a Medium Voltage to Low Voltage solid state substation in order to provide new features compatible with the requirements from future more intelligent grids. The principles for the system development are presented and the role of each subsystem is explained. The experimental evaluation of the 1.9kVrms/25kVA substation with 1.5MJ of supercapacitor storage consists of subsystem tests showing the waveform quality, step transients as well as system tests of the efficiency, ride-through and power peak shaving operation

The response of transformers to geomagnetically induced- like currents

Includes bibliographical references.This dissertation discusses the development and implementation of a rigorously developed protocol for characterizing and testing transformers with GIC-like currents based on their magnetization curve characteristics. The differences between reactive and non-active power in the context of transformers and GICs are investigated thoroughly and their impact on power networks are analysed. The implementation of this protocol in the laboratory and simulation environments has therefore led to a sound characterization of the transformers’ electrical and magnetic response. This developed protocol can also be useful when extended to investigate the response of large power transformers, particularly for the generation of mitigation parameters that are valuable to power utilities.

Mathematical Model for Current Transformer Based On Jiles-Atherton Theory and Saturation Detection Method

Current transformer saturation will cause the secondary current distortion. When saturation occurs, the secondary current will not be linearly proportional to the primary current, which may lead to maloperation of protection devices. This thesis researches and tests two detecting methods: Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Wavelet Transform based methods. Comparing these two methods, FFT has a better performance in steady state saturation, and Wavelet Transform can determine singularity to provide the moment of distortion. The Jiles-Atherton (J-A) theory of ferromagnetic hysteresis is one approach used in electromagnetics transient modeling. With decades of development, the J-A model has evolved into different versions. The author summarizes the different models and implements J-A model in both MATLAB and Simulink

Nueva metodología para el cálculo de transformadores en convertidores de potencia multinivel

(Eng) This paper presents a new methodology for the correct design of transformers used in power multilevel inverters common source type. The proposed methodology represents a solution to the problems of distortion in the waveform, voltage drop and loss of efficiency caused by the miscalculation of the transformer using conventional methodology. To validate the methodology two prototypes under different perspectives were built, conventional and proposed, in order to verify the results, which support the solution to the problems described and shown an improvement in performance of the power converter.(Spa) En este trabajo se presenta una nueva metodología para el correcto diseño de transformadores utilizados en inversores de potencia multinivel tipo fuente común. La metodología propuesta representa una solución a los problemas de distorsión en la forma de onda, decaimiento de pulsos en la tensión y pérdida de rendimiento causada por el cálculo del transformador utilizando la metodología convencional. Para validar la metodología se construyen dos prototipos bajo diferentes perspectivas, convencional y propuesta, con el fin de verificar de forma experimental la solución a los problemas descritos y mostrar la mejoría en el rendimiento del convertidor de potencia

Predicting the effect of voltage harmonic phase angle on transformer core losses

© 2024 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting /republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other worksAlthough the integration of power electronics in today’s power grids has brought numerous benefits, it has also favored the emergence of harmonics components which degrade power quality and give rise to extra losses. This article analyzes the effect of the harmonics of the applied voltage and their respective phase angles on the core losses of power transformers. For the determination of transformer core losses under nonsinusoidal voltage supply, a method based on the absolute mean value of the applied voltage is proposed and its accuracy is compared with conventional methods found in the technical literature. Experimental results obtained at different levels of total harmonic distortion confirm the improved accuracy of the method proposed in this article, which requires only the knowledge of the applied voltage to determine the core losses, combining simplicity and accuracy.This research was funded by the Generalitat de Catalunya, grant numbers 2021 DI 080 and 2021 SGR 00392Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Three-phase five limb transformer responses to geomagnetically induced currents

Geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) are quasi-DC currents that result from space weather events arising from the sun. The sun ejects hot plasma in a concept termed ‘coronal mass ejections' which is directed towards the earth. This plasma interferes with the magnetic field of the magnetosphere and ionosphere, and the magnetic field is subsequently distorted. The distortions in these regions results in the variation of potential on the earth's surface and distortions in the earth's magnetic field. The potential difference between two points on the earth's surface leads to the flow of direct current (DC) of very low frequency in the range 0.001 ~ 0.1 Hz. Geomagnetically induced currents enter into the power system through grounded neutrals of power transformers. The potential effects of GIC on transformers are asymmetrical saturation, increased harmonics, noise, magnetization current, hot spot temperature rise and reactive power consumption. Transformer responses to GIC was investigated in this research focussing on a three-phase fivelimb (3p5L) transformer. Practical tests and simulations were conducted on 15 kVA, 380/380 V, and 3p5L transformers. The results were extended to large power transformers in FEM using equivalent circuit parameters to show the response of grid-level transformers. A review of literature on the thresholds of GIC that can initiate damage in power transformers was also done and it was noted that small magnitudes of DC may cause saturation and harmonics to be generated in power transformers which may lead to gradual failure of power transformers conducting GIC. Two distinct methods of measuring power were used to measure reactive power consumed by the transformers under DC injection. The conventional method and the General Power Theory were used and the results show that the conventional method of measuring power underestimates reactive power consumed by transformers under the influence of DC injections. It may mislead system planners in calculating the reactive power reserves required to mitigate the effects of GIC on the power system

Measurements and finite element modelling of transformer flux with dc and power frequency current

Geomagnetically induced currents (GIC’s) caused by solar storms or other sources of dc excitation in the presence of ac energization can disturb the normal operation of power transformers. If large enough, they cause half-cycle saturation of a power transformer’s core which could lead to overheating due to excessive stray flux. Finite element matrix (FEM) modelling software is of considerable use in transformer engineering as it is able to solve electromagnetic fields in transformers. For many problems, typically involving only specific parts of a transformer, fairly accurate solutions can be reached quickly. Modelling the effects of GIC or leakage currents from dc systems, however, is more complex because dc components are superimposed on ac in transformers with nonlinear electrical core steel parameters. At the beginning of the investigation, FEM models of different bench-scale laboratory transformers and a 40 MVA three-phase three limb power transformer were investigated, but the results did not sufficiently represent the measurement data due to the application of widely used modelling assumptions regarding the transformer joints. Following the preliminary analyses, practical measurements and FEM simulations were carried out using three industrially made model single-phase four limb transformers (1p4L) without tanks. These test transformers resemble a real power transformer because they have high-quality grain oriented electrical core steel and parallel winding assemblies. Practical laboratory measurements recorded during ac testing were used to calibrate 2D FEM models by adding “equivalent air gaps” at the joints. The implementation of this joint detail helped to overcome the shortcomings of the preliminary FEM simulation. Analyses of the electrical and magnetic responses of the FEM models using simultaneous ac and dc then followed. A refined 3D FEM simulation with more detailed modelling of the core joints of 1p4L model transformers agreed more closely with the practical measurements of ac only no-load conditions. Further, the depiction of stray flux leaving the transformer’s saturated core under simultaneous ac and dc excitation showed an improvement in the approach as measured in the physical model. Saturation inductance (Lsat) is an important parameter for input into mid- to low-frequency lumped parameter transformer models that are used in electromagnetic transients software such as PSCAD/EMTDC, but it is not easily measured and is seldom provided by manufacturers. Some Lsat measurements on the 1p4L test transformers are presented in this thesis, along with some 3D FEM analyses. The measurements and FEM analyses investigated “air core inductance” which represents a transformer without a core, and “terminal saturation inductance” which represents deep saturation due to dc excitation. An important finding in this thesis is that “terminal saturation inductance” is the more useful of the two for topological transformer models investigating realistic GIC excitation. Further to this, a new composite depiction of half-cycle saturation with a multi-parametric relationships supported by measurement and simulation is presented. The main contribution of this thesis is that it gives more accurately the electrical response and distribution of the leakage flux under conditions such as those caused by GIC or other sources of leakage dc excitation, as well as including of joint details in the FEM models through calibration with physical models. This calibration can aid transformer modelling and design in industry for mitigation of the effects of GICs, contributing to improved transformer survival during significant geomagnetic disturbances

Transformer modelling considering power losses using an inverse Jiles-Atherton approach

Power transformers are devices with non-linear behavior due to the saturation of the ferromagnetic core. When modelling such devices, the saturation effect must be taken into account because it greatly affects their performance and efficiency. In this paper, an electromagnetic model for power transformers is proposed and experimentally validated using an electrical T-model coupled with a reluctance network to model the magnetic part. The electrical circuit and the reluctance network are linked by two B–H approaches. The B–H relationships are modelled by the full hysteresis cycle based on the inverse Jiles-Atherton theory and by the initial magnetization curve. The results obtained with the inverse Jiles-Atherton theory model reproduce the magnetic core behavior with more accuracy than the one based on the initial magnetization curve, especially at low load conditions where saturation plays a more prominent role on the no-load current. The proposed model can be applied to other magnetic devices such as inductors for power electronic applications or electromechanical relays, among others.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version