A power transformer is one of the most important and expensive components in any power system. Power transformers can be exposed to a wide variety of abnormal conditions and faults. Internal turn-to-turn faults are the most difficult types of faults to detect within the power transformer. The IEEE Standards documents have revealed that there is no one standard way to protect all power transformers against minor internal faults such as turn-to-turn faults and at the same time to satisfy basic protection requirements: sensitivity, selectivity, and speed.<p> This thesis presents a new, simple and efficient protection technique which is based on negative sequence currents. Using this protection technique, it is possible to detect minor internal turn-to-turn faults in power transformers. Also, it can differentiate between internal and external faults. The discrimination is achieved by comparing the phase shift between two phasors of total negative sequence current. The new protection technique is being studied via an extensive simulation study using PSCAD®/EMTDC 1 software in a three-phase power system and is also being compared with a traditional differential algorithm.<p> Relay performance under different numbers of shorted turns of the power transformer, different connections of the transformer, different values of the fault resistances, and different values of the system parameters was investigated. The results indicate that the new technique can provide a fast and sensitive approach for identifying minor internal turn-to-turn faults in power transformers.

In this bachelor thesis several software, capable of calculating andsimulating complex problems concerning the power losses in inductors andtransformers with the finite element method, have been evaluated and used tosolve test cases provided by the commissioner. The software have been evaluatedwith respect to several requirements stated by the commissioner.The aim is to be able to simulate power losses and inductance levels in complexdesigns of inductors and transformers. By reading the manuals to the software, aview of the methods and equations the different software use for their calculationshave been established. The enclosed tutorials have provided the knowledge forthe operations of the different software. By designing the test models providedby the commissioner, a deeper understanding of the work area has been reached.The test results provides an answer for the test models, the behaviour of themagnetic field has been analysed for the models and the calculated power lossesseem to correspond to the behaviour of the prototypes.The evaluation of the software has been done with regard to the commissionersrequirements. The recommendation will be to use either FEMM 4.2 or QuickField5.7, both software have a short training curve and an interface easy to maintain.For problems requiring a transient analysis the recommendation is QuickField, butthe material library maintainability is better in FEMM 4.2. Regarding COMSOLMultiphysics 3.5 and Ansys RAnsoft Maxwell Student Version 9, both softwareare highly qualified for the complex calculations needed for these kind of problems.The training curve for these software is however much longer than for the othertwo software and for the commissioner to be able to fully use all the possibilitiesin the software this will not be efficient.

A friction stir welding equipment with high rotation speed and constant load is successfully developed in this study to weld the multi-laminated silicon steel sheets widely used on regular transformers. This equipment consists of a spinning unit, a loading unit, and a feeding unit. A WC round rod with 3 mm diameter is used as welding tool. Under different operating conditions, such as the normal load(140~480 N), the spindle speed (12000~24000rpm), the feeding rate (0~1.58 mm/s), the welding characteristics and the welding mechanism of multi-laminated silicon steel sheets, and the welding feasibility of the transformer are investigated. Firstly, the contour map of welding depth in terms of spindle speed,normal load, and depth of point welding is established for dwell welding time 15 seconds. Secondly, based on this contour map, two experimental conditions of the long-pass welding tests are selected to investigate the effect of normal load (Fd), the spindle speed (Ns), and the feeding rate (f) on the failure load of weld under the shear. According to the experimental results, the empirical formula is obtained as Ff =40.6(Fd¡DNs)1.123(f)-0.791. In this formula,(Fd¡DNs)1.123(f)-0.791 is proportional to the frictional work per unit moving distance. With the larger frictional work, this represents the heat generation of the workpiece material is higher with more uniform friction stir, so that the bonding strength of the material increases and the failure load of weld is larger. According to the micrograph observations, the thermo-mechanically affected zone is significantly influenced by high heat action generated from the friction between the tool and the weld surface region, so that the plastic flow of the workpiece material occurs to cause the multi-laminated silicon steel sheets bonding together. Finally, the transformer is successfully welded under the experimental conditions of the long-pass welding tests with the smaller welding depth and the better failure load.

High voltage power transformers are designed to withstand a variety of overvoltages and short circuit forces. Occurrence of these events in a power system is natural, inevitable, and one of the main causes of transformer failure. Therefore, an early and reliable detection of an incipient fault is paramount. To this end, diagnostic testing and condition monitoring, not only enables power utilities in early detection of incipient fault-like conditions, but also is a practical way of optimizing existing assets, lowering operating costs, scheduling maintenance, preventing unplanned outages, etc. and consequently improve efficiency. Over the years, many monitoring and diagnostic methods have evolved. In par- ticular, low voltage impulse and frequency response analysis or transfer function approaches have emerged as useful tools in detecting winding deformations. Literature study reveals that although much has been acclaimed about these methods, advancement in interpretation of acquired data must be rigorously pursued, to facilitate a more meaningful assessment. As a matter of fact, diagnosis (which means interpretation of monitored data) has at-the-most been confined to a mere comparison of two subsequently acquired data sets. This philosophy certainly needs to be improved, to realize the true potential of monitoring/diagnostic tools. Achieving this goal calls for newer impetus. It is natural that there will arise many problems while achieving this goal and they will have to be resolved. Keeping these aspects in mind, the objective of this thesis was aimed at developing Solutions to two specific topics that are closely related to and concern the transformer winding, namely, * An efficient solution to the generalized model of a transformer winding, with no particular limitation on the size of network and number of windings, no restriction on circuit topology and terminal condition, etc. * Propose a method to locate the position, quantum and type of change (i.e. deformation) a model winding undergoes, based on terminal measurements. Details of these approaches are presented in this thesis, which is divided into two parts. 1. A comprehensive analysis of the behaviour of a transformer winding under impulse excitation and its interaction with adjacent windings was until now severely limited, due to the simplifying assumptions imposed (by the existing approaches), like neglecting interaction with neighbouring windings, Ignoring loss, considering only a few sections, etc. thereby rendering the computed results less accurate. A solution considering all these aspects often times results in a very large-sized circuit that needs to be solved. Although circuit simulation software afford iterative solutions, a direct estimation of poles and zeros of any desired network function is not possible. In the first part of the thesis, a novel and closed-form (i.e. analytical) solution based on state space analysis is proposed. It is shown, how the renders the entire computation to be purely numeric. Thus, time-consuming symbolic manipulations are avoided. With this feature, there is practically no limit on the size of network and no restriction on circuit topologies that can be considered. So, virtually any number of windings of a transformer can be considered, permitting a comprehensive analysis of winding behaviour and its interactions. Further, the formulation also permits computation of poles and zeros of any desired network function (e.g. transfer admittance), response to any excitation (e.g. neutral current, transferred surge), estimation of voltage distribution, etc. with little extra effort. Hence, it would be apppropriate to term the proposed method as a \Generalized" solution. For the sole purpose of demonstration, a large-sized network (representing a two-winding transformer with 250 sections/winding) was solved and required only 700 seconds. This shows the time-efficiency achieved, and also that it is free from issues like numerical instability, convergence problems, etc. encountered in some of the existing methods. 2. Detection of mechanical deformation in transformer windings can be achieved with a fair degree of sensitivity using frequency response methods. However, a major challenge that has remained elusive is ascertaining the \extent of damage" and likewise \its location along the winding". It is needless to say that finding these answers is crucial. Ideally, a diagnosis tool is expected to be endowed with powers to answer these questions. Therefore, it is desirable to explore alternative ways of harnessing these embedded features, if any. This was the next motivation. Obviously, a direct solution to this problem on an actual transformer winding is far too complex. Hence, in this preliminary effort a solution was attempted considering a model winding. However, care was taken to incorporate other winding-related nuances as far as practicable. The method was formulated based on quantities measured at the terminals. In the second part of the thesis, a novel algorithm is proposed for determining the location, extent and type of changes intrroduced in a model winding, based on terminal measurements. It employs the well-known properties of driving-point functions and adopts an iterative circuit synthesis approach. From knowledge of the measured short-circuit and open-circuit natural frequencies, and some relevant winding design data, an equivalent circuit was synthesized (called reference circuit). Next, changes were introduced at different locations in the model winding and natural frequencies measured again. Corresponding to every new set of measured natural frequencies, a fresh circuit was synthesized (with topology remaining unchanged). A comparison of these circuits with the reference circuit revealed that a mapping could be established between changes introduced in the model winding and those predicted by the synthesized circuits. Initially, the underlying principle is discussed, and thereafter, the experimental results are presented for both continuous-disc and interleaved winding representations. The case studies involved examples wherein changes in the model winding were made to elements connected to a single tap, two physically different tap positions, multiple changes to different elements, and so on. In all cases, the positions of all the `changes' were reasonably well locatable, and so was the `type of change'. The results were very encouraging. In summary, localization of changes based on terminal measurements, is shown to be a possibility. Lastly, it is conjectured that these findings could be of some assistance in addressing the ultimate task of locating mechanical deformations in actual transformer windings.

The ability of typical utility meters and advanced meters including sub-circuit metering to disaggregate residential electric loads and determine what appliances a homeowner is using at a given time in investigated. The basics of residential electricity systems, instrumentation options, and characteristics of selected residential loads are presented. This information informs a discussion on present and future disaggregation algorithms. The conclusions highlight the importance of reactive power and current harmonics in determining power consumed and identifying modern electrical devices, and raise concerns related to the ability of typical 15 minute interval utility smart meters to disaggregate loads. / text

Elektros inžinerijos bakalauro baigiamojo darbo tema yra aktuali, nes elektros tinklai sumontuoti prieš 30–40 metų jau yra pasenę ir nebeatitinka šiuolaikinių poreikių. Vis daugiau elektros vartotojų keičia dujines virykles į elektrines, įsigija naujų elektros prietaisų, elektros suvartojimas auga, todėl būtina atnaujinti elektros tinklus, siekiant užtikrinti patikimą kokybiškos elektros energijos tiekimą. Šiuo projektu Skomantų kaime numatoma esamos oro linijos L-300 iš transformatorinės KT-V-305 rekonstravimas, ją pakeičiant apskaičiuoto skerspjūvio 0,4 kV elektros kabelių linijomis su reikiamu skaičiumi 0,4 kV skirstomųjų spintų (SS), įvadinių apskaitų skirstomųjų spintų (ĮASS) ir įvadinių apskaitų spintų (ĮAS). Numatoma trumpinti esamą oro liniją L-100 iš transformatorinės KT-V-305, pastatant dvi stulpines transformatorines su 25 kVA ir 40 kVA galios transformatoriais. Planuojamas oro linijos L-100 iš transformatorinės KT-V-305 ruožų nuo atramos Nr. 100/9 iki atramos Nr. 100/25 ir nuo atramos Nr. 101/18 iki atramos Nr. 101/25 demontavimas. / His Bachelors’ degree electrical engineering thesis is relevant, because the electricity network built 30-40 years ago in Skomantai village is already old and no longer meets todays’ needs. More and more electricity consumers change gas stoves into electrical stoves, purchase new electrical devices. The usage of electricity is increasing. That’s why the renewal of electrical network is needed in order to maintain reliable supply of high quality electric power. The plan of this project in Skomantai village is the reconstruction of existing transmission line L-300 from the transformer KT-V-305 reconstructing it by changing with calculated cross-section 0,4 kV electricity cables’ lines with needed number 0,4 kV 0,4kV distribution boards (SS), electrical distribution and metering equipment boards (ĮASS) and lead-in metering boards (ĮAS). Shortening of the existing transmission lines L-100 from transformer KT-V-305 and building two pole transformers with 25 kVA and 40 kVA power transformers. Dismantling of transmission line L-100 from transformer KT-V-305 parts from pole No. 100/9 up to pole No. 100/25, and from pole No. 101/18 up to No. 101/25.

Conventional Current Transformers (CTs) provide the input signal required by protection relays, control equipment and energy metering in power networks. Catastrophic failures of CTs may lead to injury of personnel within the substation, interruption of power supply and damage to adjacent high voltage equipment. One of the causes of CT failures is high values of insulation power factor. Research indicates that with increasing primary insulation power factor values, partial discharges develop between the paper insulation leading to its exponential decay with the end result of an ultimate CT failure. Reports in Eskom Distribution indicated that a number of CTs from one manufacturer were exceeding the specified insulation power factor value. This research was initiated to investigate the impact of high power factor on the premature failure of CTs. This study serves to analyse the significance of power factor on paper-oil insulation within a hair-pin type CT. The internal primary insulation of a hair-pin type CT used in Eskom Distribution is reviewed in terms of its design, construction and relevant tests. Sample CTs rated at 132kV and manufactured in the year 2007 to 2009 from the specific manufacturer were selected for insulation power factor testing. The Doble M4100 diagnostic test system was used to perform the testing that also assisted in providing a comparison between the units with high insulation power factor values and that which were within the specified limits. The results show that the high values of insulation power factor give a direct indication of the dielectric losses (I2R) within that CT, which inadvertently indicates the shortened serviceable life of that CT. High moisture content within the primary insulation, low quality insulating oil and inadequate quality assurance were identified as some of the contributory factors in the CTs non compliance. The effects of high values of insulation power factor are the primary factor for continuous on-line condition monitoring techniques that enable data trending and provide for early warning of an imminent CT failure. The testing of the sample CTs provided a more dynamic approach for recommendations to prevent the installation of such units into the power network. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

Eskom (Electricity Supply Commission of South Africa) is the national electrical utility that provides the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity in South Africa. The majority of Eskom's electricity distribution is done with either 11 kV or 22kV electrical overhead networks. An unacceptable number of Eskom's pole mounted power transformers on these networks have been failing over the past six years in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region. The average transformer failure rate for the Distribution Eastern Region was calculated to be 2.4% per annum. International norms seem to indicate a transformer failure rate of between 0.5% and 1.0% per annum as acceptable. The estimated cost of these transformer failures was between R9 million and R13 million per annum for the Eastern Region. Eskom Distribution has seven regions and the total cost of these failures was considerable to the business. These transformer failures contributed an average of 5.3% per month of the Supply Loss Index (SLI) for the Eastern Region, with a maximum contribution of 14.5% per month of the SLI for the region. The SLI is an Eskom performance measure of the unavailability of supply of the networks. The Eskom plant performance database (NAPI) was statistically analysed in detail and a number of field investigations conducted at transformer installations that had failed in the past. Transformer earth electrode resistance measurements were taken in an attempt to identify the cause of these transformer failures. Local transformer manufacturers were consulted and a national transformer refurbishment company's database was analysed during the investigation as part of a holistic approach to the industry related dissertation. The main finding of the NAPI data analysis was that the majority of the transformers failed during lightning storm periods. Another similar Eskom investigation had a sample of failed transformers opened for internal inspection. Signs of lightning damage to either the primary side winding or the primary lead were found. The proposed failure hypothesis was that the transformers required additional lightning protection of the primary side to protect the transformer against lightning. It seemed that the current specification of the Eskom distribution class surge arresters was inadequate to offer sufficient lightning protection of the pole mounted transformers. Practical measures were implemented on existing Eskom 11 kV networks in the Glencoe area as part of an Eskom research project to reduce the high failure rates of transformers. Two experimental networks were established and one control network was used as a reference line. The project implementation was completed at the end of October 1999. The experimental project looked at applying additional primary side lightning protection of the transformers. The main emphasis of the lightning protection on the first network was the use of two distribution class arresters in parallel (double arrester configuration) for each transformer and an understrung conductor connected to the prior structure back from the transformer installation. The second network had the standard single arresters installed on the transformers. A 600mm wood path was placed in series with an earthed down conductor installed on each intermediate woodpole structure to ensure a basic insulation level of 300kV for the network. The control network also had single arresters installed and was a fully insulated network (no earthed down conductor on the woodpoles). Each network was carefully monitored in terms of equipment failures and the performance levels of each network was measured with installed voltage dip recorders near the individual network circuit breakers. The Eskom Lightning Position and Tracking System (LPATS) data was collected and analysed to quantify the lightning activity before the project implementation to that of after project implementation. For the period November 1999 to March 2002 not a single transformer or surge arrester had failed ,due to lightning on the double arrester and understrung conductor configuration experimental network. There were recorded transformer and surge arrester failures on the second experimental network and on the control network. It was found that the practical methods implemented on the networks did not have a negative impact on the performance levels of the networks. Laboratory work was conducted in the high voltage laboratory at the University of Natal, on various metal oxide varistor (MOV) blocks of opened up new and failed surge arresters. This was to determine the effect of MOV blocks in parallel under power frequency and current impulse conditions. In particular, to determine what the effect of parallel MOV blocks with different voltage-current (V-I) characteristics would have on the current sharing and energy absorption capabilities of the individual blocks. The work was performed to simulate the behaviour of two surge arresters in parallel as in the experimental project. The experimental project lines were modeled using the Alternative Transients Program (ATP) simulation package and various parametric studies performed in the single phase conductor simulations. Each network component (such as the line, transformer and surge arrester) and phenomena (such as the effect of corona, the transient earth electrode resistance and voltage flashover) were modeled. The effect of surge arresters in parallel and the use of an understrung conductor arrangement were quantified. A current sharing factor (k-factor) was introduced to quantify the sharing of currents through surge arresters in parallel with different V-I curves. The main finding from the impulse laboratory work was that current sharing between parallel MOV blocks became better at higher currents. This finding was supported by other research work findings, particularly in the field of nuclear fusion research with parallel arresters. The results of the ATP simulations showed that the experimental network with the parallel arresters and understrung conductor arrangement considerably reduced the energy absorbed by the individual arresters. The effect of the double arrester configuration was to reduce the energy absorbed by the individual arresters even with arresters with different V-I characteristics and different manufacturers. The understrung conductor arrangement was found to be the major contributor towards the reduction of the energy absorbed by the arresters. The equivalent circuit of a MOV block for transient studies was proposed and then simulated in ATP. The simulated results were compared to the measured waveforms obtained from the impulse laboratory work. A good agreement between the simulated and measured waveforms was obtained. For existing Eskom networks with high arrester and transformer failure rates, the double arrester (distribution class) configuration would be the most time and cost effective solution. The alternative of using a single station class arrester is not proposed due to the costs involved and the availability of stock. The understrung conductor arrangement did significantly reduce the energy absorbed by the arresters but due to high labour costs and time requirements this would not be recommended for existing networks. It is suggested that Eskom investigate this practical method for new lines to be built in high lightning areas. Even with arresters from different manufacturers, the use of the double arrester configuration would decrease the energy absorbed and hence reduce the risk of failure of the individual arresters protecting the transformer. This means that Eskom field staff can use different manufacturer arresters in parallel. This would be especially for times when replacing failed arresters or a faulty transformer under breakdown conditions and electrical supply has to be restored to the customer as soon as possible. It was proposed to perform arrester matching by ensuring that the both arresters were from the same manufacturer. / Thesis (M.Sc.Eng)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

The thesis discusses the findings of an investigation into the use of novel condition monitoring techniques for oil-paper insulated high voltage equipment as used on the Eskom Main Transmission System. This research into the monitoring of the condition of high voltage (RV) insulation was undertaken because of the high failure rate of high voltage current transformers (eT's) and transformer bushings on the Eskom Transmission National Grid. These failures reached unacceptably high levels in the 1990's. The extent of failures has been quantified and was the driving motivation behind this research. Techniques for the condition assessment and condition monitoring of oil-paper filled high voltage equipment have traditionally focused on off-line techniques, in particular off-line tan delta measurements. This requires that the equipment be removed from service temporarily, but at widely spaced intervals before a measurement may be taken (typically every 3 to 6 years). Such techniques will not be able to detect faulty equipment where the insulation integrity deteriorates rapidly, resulting in catastrophic failure with risk to both adjoining equipment and personnel. The need for an on-line technique for detecting deteriorating insulation prior to failure was identified in the early 1990's and various systems were developed. This research investigation has focussed on assessing the use of on-line relative tan delta monitoring of RV insulation and compares this to off-line monitoring. In particular, the ability of such a relative tan delta measurement system to detect deteriorating oil-paper insulation has been assessed. The investigation has included the design, construction and commissioning of a dedicated test facility located at Eskom's Tugela substation. This test facility is unique in the world. This test facility has resulted in a number of experiments that have provided invaluable insight into possible failure modes of oil-filled high voltage equipment and the ability of on-line techniques to detect rapid failure modes has been carefully assessed. Further assessment of the on-line monitoring systems was also undertaken at various Eskom operational installations. The results of these tests and operational monitoring are addressed in this research. The research work and its findings are assessed against published literature and global activity in this important area. / Thesis (M.Sc.-Eng.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.

Transformers form a very important part of the power transmissions and distribution network; as they are responsible for the transfer of electrical energy from the power generation sites onto the transmission lines and finally to the distribution stage. Dry-type and oil-filled single-phase transformers, either alone or as a part of three-phase banks, are used extensively in the power distribution network, ultimately providing power to the domestic consumers. Any faults in the single-phase transformers leading to power outages or catastrophic power systems failures cause huge loss of capital, property and in some cases even human casualties. Gradual deterioration of the electrical winding insulation ultimately leads to inter-turn winding short circuit faults; which account for a significant proportion of all transformer failures. Incipient stages of inter-turn winding faults have negligible impact on the terminal voltages and currents of transformers; thus these faults often go undetected by the traditional differential relay based protection mechanisms. By the time, the faults manifest themselves into severe winding short-circuit faults consequently forcing the differential relays to operate for tripping the circuit breakers; a significant part of the transformer windings and core may get extensively damaged. Over the years, various techniques have been developed for detecting and studying inter-turn winding faults; however their practical implementation involves quite a few challenges such as high cost, lack of reliability, low accuracy and need for mounting additional equipment inside the transformer casing. Additionally, none of the existing techniques are suitable for online and real-time condition monitoring of the transformers. This absence of any proven technique to detect incipient levels of inter-turn winding faults in single-phase transformers has motivated the research of this thesis. In the thesis, firstly, a non-invasive technique for modeling single-phase transformers has been developed which is based solely on the terminal measurements of voltages and currents. The effects of transformer core saturation, non-linearity, hysteresis are incorporated in the model by considering a time-varying magnetizing inductance comprising of any desired number of harmonic components. The coefficients of the magnetizing inductance are computed from the instantaneous values of flux linkage and magnetizing current over one complete cycle. The model is found to replicate the behaviour of the single-phase transformer with an extremely high level of accuracy, under any load conditions for healthy as well as faulty operations. Detailed simulation and experiment based studies have been performed for corroborating the effectiveness of the proposed terminal measurement based modeling technique not only in detecting incipient stages of inter-turn winding faults (involving less than 1% of the turns) but also in estimating fault severity. Also, a non-invasive, online and real-time implementation of the proposed inter-turn winding fault detection technique for continuous monitoring of the transformer health has been suggested. Firstly, with the experimentally acquired primary line voltage and line current data of the healthy transformer, a healthy no-load model of the transformer is generated. Next, a healthy estimated indicator value, computed from this model under the given input voltage condition, is compared with the actual indicator value for detecting the presence of an inter-turn winding fault. It involves minimum hardware (only two current sensors and one voltage sensor), low memory requirements and low computational complexity and thus holds a good promise for practical applications. Further discussion is made on the possible challenges for realizing the proposed fault diagnostic technique in the industry and suitable recommendations have been made for further improvement. / Graduate / 0544 / bhowmick@uvic.ca