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Power transformers are a key element in the transmission and distribution of electrical energy and as such need to be highly reliable and efficient. In power system networks, transformer core saturation can cause system voltage disturbances or transformer damage or accelerate insulation ageing. Low frequency switching transients such as ferroresonance and inrush currents, and increasingly what is now known as geomagnetic induce currents (GIC), are the most common phenomena to cause transformer core saturation. This thesis describes extensive simulation studies carried out on GIC and switching ferroresonant transient phenomena. Two types of transformer model were developed to study core saturation problems; one is the mathematical transformer magnetic circuit model, and the other the ATPDraw transformer model. Using the mathematical transformer magnetic circuit model, the influence of the transformer core structure on the magnetising current has been successfully identified and so have the transformers' responses to GIC events. By using the ATPDraw transformer model, the AC system network behaviours under the influence of the DC bias caused by GIC events have been successfully analysed using various simulation case studies. The effects of the winding connection, the core structure, and the network parameters including system impedances and transformer loading conditions on the magnetising currents of the transformers are summarised. Transient interaction among transformers and other system components during energisation and de-energisation operations are becoming increasingly important. One case study on switching ferroresonant transients was modelled using the available transformer test report data and the design data of the main components of the distribution network. The results were closely matched with field test results, which verified the simulation methodology. The simulation results helped establish the fundamental understanding of GIC and ferroresonance events in the power networks; among all the influential parameters identified, transformer core structure is the most important one. In summary, the five-limb core is easier to saturate than the three-limb transformer under the same GIC events; the smaller the side yoke area of the five-limb core, the easier it will be to saturate. More importantly, under GIC events a transformer core could become saturated irrespective of the loading condition of the transformer.

Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GIC) have been a growing concern within power system operators and researchers as they have been widely reported to lead to power system related issues and material damage to system components like power transformers. In power transformers, GIC impacts are evidenced by part-wave saturation, resulting in transformers experiencing increased presence of odd and even harmonics. The three-phase three-limb (3p3L) transformer has been found to be the most tolerant to high dc values compared to other core types. The research was based on a hypothesis which reads “transformer laboratory testing results can be used as a guide towards developing suitable Finite Element Matrix (FEM) models to be used for conducting GIC/DC experiments”. This study thus investigates the response of a 15 kVA 3p3L laboratory transformer to dc current, emulating the effects of GICs. GIC and dc current are the same under steady state conditions, and hence mentioned interchangeably. Laboratory tests conducted identified two critical saturation points when the transformer is exposed to dc. The early saturation point was identified to be at around 1.8 A/phase of dc (18% of rated current), while the deep saturation point was at around 15 to 20 A/phase of dc (about 72% of rated current). Further analysis showed that holes drilled on the transformer can lower the transformer knee-point by about 26%, depending on the size and location of the holes. The holes hence end up affecting the operating point of the transformer due to losses occurring around the holes. A transformer FEM model was developed following the laboratory exercise, where it was concluded that a 2D model leads to grossly erroneous results, distorting the magnetizing current by about 60% compared to the laboratory results. A solid 3D model improved performance by about 30% as it took the transformer's topological structure into consideration. The 3D model was then refined further to include joints and laminations. It was discovered that laminations on the transformer need to be introduced as stacks of the core, with each core step split into two, allocating a 4% air gap space between stacks. Refinement of the T-joints proved that the joints have a relatively high influence on the transformer behaviour, with their detailed refinement improving the transformer behaviour by about 60%. The final FEM model was used for dc experiments. The results of such experiments showed close resemblance to the laboratory results, with saturation points identified in FEM lying within 10% of the laboratory identified saturation points. Overall, the various investigation methods explored showed that the hypothesis was satisfactorily proven true. Laboratory results functioned as a guide in developing the model, offering a reference case.

Este trabalho apresenta a proposta de um sistema completo de proteção diferencial de transformadores de potência, aplicando-se as técnicas de Redes Neurais Artificiais (RNAs). O esquema proposto busca a classificação do sistema de proteção como um problema de reconhecimento e reconstrução de padrões, representando um método alternativo aos algoritmos convencionais. Vários fatores como, por exemplo, as situações de energização do transformador e a saturação dos transformadores de corrente, podem causar uma má operação do dispositivo de proteção. Com o objetivo de melhoramento na proteção digital de transformadores de potência, desenvolveu-se um sistema de proteção diferencial, incluindo dispositivos com base em RNAs, em substituição à filtragem harmônica de sinais existente no algoritmo convencional. Em complementação, esquemas de reconstrução das ondas distorcidas provenientes da saturação dos TCs são também propostos e adicionados ao algoritmo final de proteção, sendo esses comparados ao algoritmo convencional de proteção diferencial de transformadores. Com a referida adição de ferramentas de inteligência artificial a um algoritmo completo de proteção diferencial de transformadores, obteve-se uma solução bastante precisa e eficiente, capaz de responder em um tempo reduzido, se comparada aos métodos convencionais. / This work proposes a complete differential protection system for power transformers, applying the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) theory. The proposed approach treat the classification of the protection system as a problem of pattern recognition and as an alternative method to the conventional algorithms. Several factors such as, for example, transformer energization and CT saturation can cause an inadequate operation of the protection relay. With the objective of improving the power transformer digital protection, a complete protection system was developed, including an ANN-based device in substitution to harmonic filters, in use in the conventional algorithm. Some approaches concerning the reconstruction of the distorted signals caused by the CTs saturation are also proposed. These routines are added to the final protection algorithm and they are compared to the conventional algorithm for power transformer protection. With the use of artificial intelligence tools in a complete power transformer protection algorithm, one intends to obtain a very precise, fast and efficient solution, if compared to the conventional methods.

Uma série de equipamentos de eletrônica de potência é ligada à rede de corrente alternada através de transformadores, que exercem as funções de isolamento galvânico, elevação/abaixamento de tensão, etc. Estes transformadores podem sofrer saturação em condições transitórias (inrush) ou quando o conversor ligado a ele impõe valor médio não nulo de tensão. O problema é normalmente sanado nas malhas de controle do conversor, no entanto o ajuste destas malhas em ambiente de simulação computacional requer um modelo que represente adequadamente a característica de saturação do núcleo ferromagnético. Este trabalho apresenta um modelo de simulação computacional adequado para transformadores operando em saturação intensa, visando aplicações em projetos de equipamentos de eletrônica de potência com transformador monofásico alimentado por inversor. Além disso, é demonstrado um método experimental de obtenção da característica de saturação do núcleo, sem necessidade das suas características construtivas. Resultados de simulação obtidos são comparados com resultados experimentais para validação do modelo e método. / Several power electronics based equipments are connected to the alternating current network through transformers, which perform galvanic insulation, voltage increasing/lowering, etc. These transformers may experience saturation under transitory conditions (inrush), or when its converter imposes non-zero average voltage. Such problem is commonly treated in the converter\'s control loops, but the tuning of these loops in a computer simulation environment requires a transformer model that represents adequately the ferromagnetic core saturation effect. The current work proposes a computer simulation model that adequately describes the operation of the transformer at deep saturation, suitable for design of power electronics applications with single phase transformers connected to power inverter. Additionally, an experimental method for determining its core saturation characteristic is demonstrated. This method does not require previous knowledge of the core\'s constructive parameters. Simulation and experimental results are presented to confirm the validity of the model and the method.

Uma série de equipamentos de eletrônica de potência é ligada à rede de corrente alternada através de transformadores, que exercem as funções de isolamento galvânico, elevação/abaixamento de tensão, etc. Estes transformadores podem sofrer saturação em condições transitórias (inrush) ou quando o conversor ligado a ele impõe valor médio não nulo de tensão. O problema é normalmente sanado nas malhas de controle do conversor, no entanto o ajuste destas malhas em ambiente de simulação computacional requer um modelo que represente adequadamente a característica de saturação do núcleo ferromagnético. Este trabalho apresenta um modelo de simulação computacional adequado para transformadores operando em saturação intensa, visando aplicações em projetos de equipamentos de eletrônica de potência com transformador monofásico alimentado por inversor. Além disso, é demonstrado um método experimental de obtenção da característica de saturação do núcleo, sem necessidade das suas características construtivas. Resultados de simulação obtidos são comparados com resultados experimentais para validação do modelo e método. / Several power electronics based equipments are connected to the alternating current network through transformers, which perform galvanic insulation, voltage increasing/lowering, etc. These transformers may experience saturation under transitory conditions (inrush), or when its converter imposes non-zero average voltage. Such problem is commonly treated in the converter\'s control loops, but the tuning of these loops in a computer simulation environment requires a transformer model that represents adequately the ferromagnetic core saturation effect. The current work proposes a computer simulation model that adequately describes the operation of the transformer at deep saturation, suitable for design of power electronics applications with single phase transformers connected to power inverter. Additionally, an experimental method for determining its core saturation characteristic is demonstrated. This method does not require previous knowledge of the core\'s constructive parameters. Simulation and experimental results are presented to confirm the validity of the model and the method.

In this thesis a two-stage AC/DC/DC power converter is designed and implemented. The AC/DC input stage of the converter consists of the two&amp / #8211 / phase interleaved boost topology employing the average current mode control principle. The output stage consists of a zero voltage switching phase shifted full bridge (ZVS&amp / #8211 / PS&amp / #8211 / FB) DC/DC converter. For the input stage, main design goals are obtaining high input power factor, low input current distortion, and well regulated output dc voltage, and obtaining these attributes in a power converter with high power density. For the input stage, the interleaved structure has been chosen in order to obtain reduced line current ripple and EMI, reduced power component stresses, and improved power density. The control of the pre&amp / #8211 / regulator is provided by utilizing a new commercial monolithic integrated circuit, which provides interleaved continuous conduction mode power factor correction (PFC). The output stage is formed by utilizing the available prototype hardware of a ZVS&amp / #8211 / PS&amp / #8211 / FB DC/DC converter and mainly the system integration and controller design and implementation studies have been conducted. The converter small signal model is derived and utilizing its transfer function and employing voltage loop control, the output voltage regulator has been designed. The output voltage controller is implemented utilizing a digital signal processor (DSP). Integrating the AC/DC preregulator and DC/DC converter, a laboratory AC/DC/DC converter system with high overall performance has been obtained. The overall system performance has been verified via computer simulations and experimental results obtained from laboratory prototype.

The objective of the research is to develop a cost-effective high-power bi-directional dc/dc converter with low total-device ratings, reduced system parasitic effects, and a wide input/output range. Additional objectives of the research are to develop a small-signal model and control methods, and to present performance characterizations. Device stresses in the proposed topology are controlled to maintain minimal levels by varying the duty ratio and phase-shift angle between the primary and the secondary bridges, which results in a low total-device rating, when compared to conventional bi-directional dc/dc topologies. In the proposed topology, soft switching, which reduces power loss, can be realized under specific operating conditions. When the condition that causes minimal device stress is satisfied, zero-voltage switching (ZVS) can be obtained. In the research, ZVS capability is explored for a wide range of voltage conditions as well as for the minimal device-stress condition. The performance characterization includes verifying the soft-switching regions and power-loss estimation. Another part of the thesis is the controller design of the converter. Small-signal models and feedback controllers are developed, and the controllers are experimentally validated. Because in the isolated high-frequency converters, transformer saturation is an important issue, a method to prevent transformer saturation is proposed and experimentally validated.

Este trabalho apresenta a proposta de um sistema completo de proteção diferencial de transformadores de potência, aplicando-se as técnicas de Redes Neurais Artificiais (RNAs). O esquema proposto busca a classificação do sistema de proteção como um problema de reconhecimento e reconstrução de padrões, representando um método alternativo aos algoritmos convencionais. Vários fatores como, por exemplo, as situações de energização do transformador e a saturação dos transformadores de corrente, podem causar uma má operação do dispositivo de proteção. Com o objetivo de melhoramento na proteção digital de transformadores de potência, desenvolveu-se um sistema de proteção diferencial, incluindo dispositivos com base em RNAs, em substituição à filtragem harmônica de sinais existente no algoritmo convencional. Em complementação, esquemas de reconstrução das ondas distorcidas provenientes da saturação dos TCs são também propostos e adicionados ao algoritmo final de proteção, sendo esses comparados ao algoritmo convencional de proteção diferencial de transformadores. Com a referida adição de ferramentas de inteligência artificial a um algoritmo completo de proteção diferencial de transformadores, obteve-se uma solução bastante precisa e eficiente, capaz de responder em um tempo reduzido, se comparada aos métodos convencionais. / This work proposes a complete differential protection system for power transformers, applying the Artificial Neural Network (ANN) theory. The proposed approach treat the classification of the protection system as a problem of pattern recognition and as an alternative method to the conventional algorithms. Several factors such as, for example, transformer energization and CT saturation can cause an inadequate operation of the protection relay. With the objective of improving the power transformer digital protection, a complete protection system was developed, including an ANN-based device in substitution to harmonic filters, in use in the conventional algorithm. Some approaches concerning the reconstruction of the distorted signals caused by the CTs saturation are also proposed. These routines are added to the final protection algorithm and they are compared to the conventional algorithm for power transformer protection. With the use of artificial intelligence tools in a complete power transformer protection algorithm, one intends to obtain a very precise, fast and efficient solution, if compared to the conventional methods.

Static synchronous compensation (StatCom) is an application that utilizes a voltage source converter (VSC) to provide instantaneous reactive power support to the connected power system. Conventionally, StatComs are employed for reactive power support only. However, with the integration of energy storage (ES) into a StatCom, it can provide active power support in addition to the reactive power support. This thesis deals with the integration of ES into StatComs. The investigation involves the following aspects: possible benefits for power systems, main circuit design, and control strategies. As the basis of the investigation, a control scheme is proposed for two-level VSCs. It is a novel flux modulation scheme combined with the well-known deadbeat current control. The current controller is capable of controlling the positive sequence, the negative sequence, and the offset components of the converter current. With flux modulation, all the three above-mentioned components of the bus flux are controllable. This differs from the conventional voltage modulation scheme, in which only the positive and negative sequence components of the bus voltage are controllable. The difference between the proposed flux modulation scheme and the voltage modulation scheme is investigated regarding saturation of transformers in the connected system during fault recovery. The investigation shows that by controlling the offset component of the bus flux, the transformer saturation problem can be mitigated to a certain extent. The possible benefits of the additional active power support of StatComs are investigated through several case studies. Different active power compensation schemes are proposed. First, active power compensation for sudden load changes in weak systems is investigated. The proposed control strategies are verified through computer simulations and through experiments in a real-time simulator. It is shown that with active power compensation, both the phase jumps and magnitude variations in the voltage at the PCC can be reduced significantly. Secondly, the power compensation of cyclic loads is investigated. The results show that the power quality at the connection point can be improved regarding both phase jumps and magnitude variations. In the third case study, the fault-recovery performance of an example system is investigated, showing that improved performance can be achieved by the additional active power support. ES devices such as capacitors, supercapacitors, and batteries exhibit considerable variation in the terminal voltage during a charging/discharging cycle. A direct connection of ES devices to the dc side of a VSC requires a higher voltage rating of the VSC. Thus, the cost of the VSC has to be increased. In this thesis, a dual thyristor converter topology is proposed to interface ES devices with the dc side of the VSC. First, a cost comparison is performed to compare the total cost of the whole system with and without the proposed interface topology. A cost comparison between various types of ES is also presented, providing a guideline for the choice of ES at energy levels where several alternatives exist. Then, the dynamics of systems with the proposed interface topology are investigated. Control strategies are proposed and verified by computer simulations. Two different control methods for the dual-thyristor converter are compared. / QC 20100819