Nilanga Abeywickrama

High-Frequency Modeling of Power Transformers for Use in Frequency Response Analysis (FRA)

This paper presents an advanced model of the frequency response of a three-phase power transformer for use in conjunction with diagnostic measurements by the method of frequency response analysis (FRA). The model includes high- frequency behavior of the laminated core and the insulation through taking into account the frequency dependencies of the complex permittivity of insulation materials (paper, pressboard, and oil) and of the anisotropic complex permeability of magnetic core and conductors. A lumped parameter circuit model is used to simulate the frequency response of open-circuit impedance, short-circuit impedance, and impedance between primary and secondary windings, in which the characteristics of circuit elements are calculated by means of the finite-element method. The effect of correct representation of each circuit element on the FRA response is analyzed and discussed in comparison to measurement results on a real transformer.

Effect of Core Magnetization on Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) of Power Transformers

This paper presents how the frequency response analysis (FRA) measurements on a transformer can be influenced by magnetization condition of the core. Measurements were performed on two transformers at different magnetization levels to show effects of remanent magnetization in the core due to removal of 3-supply, of relaxation demagnetization and of dc flux on the frequency response of winding impedance. The most important observations were that any sudden change of excitation field (applying or removing magnetization current) yields a slowly varying magnetic relaxation, which causes the impedance to change with time due to magnetic viscosity. Results of diagnostic measurements of transformer winding impedance can therefore depend on the level of remanent magnetic flux appearing in the core limbs after switching-off a transformer. These observations lead to a conclusion that, for avoiding the effects of core magnetization, diagnostic FRA measurements on power transformers should not be performed directly after disconnection from network.

Effects of the Insulation Quality on the Frequency Response of Power Transformers

This paper presents results of frequency domain spectroscopy (FDS) measurements on oilimpregnated pressboard insulation, their analyses and use of the data for modeling high frequency response (FRA) of transformers. The dielectric responses were measured in a broad frequency range, i.e. from 0.1 mHz to 1 MHz, on model samples containing different amount of moisture. The responses were parameterized with terms representing dc conductivity, low frequency dispersion and Cole-Cole polarization mechanisms and they were thereafter used to model the FRA response of a three-phase transformer.

Transformer explorer: Monitoring transformer status by fundamental frequency signals

On-line monitoring of the most central transformer parameters (short-circuit impedance, turn ratio and power loss) by means of voltage and current signals available in substation control rooms is presented in this paper. Upon testing the proposed methods on transformers installed at diverse locations in a typical power network, it has been found that the standard instrument transformers have an order of magnitude better stability compared to their accuracy class, which allows detection of small changes in transformer parameters with a comparable sensitivity to that of the off-line measurements.