Three-Phase Core-Type Transformer
This demo illustrates use of the Three-Phase Transformer Inductance Matrix Type block to model a three-phase core-type saturable transformer. It also demonstrates that using three single-phase transformers to simulate a Yg/Yg core-type transformer is not acceptable.
Gilbert Sybille (Hydro-Quebec, IREQ)
Circuit Description
The model shows two identical circuits with a three-phase transformer rated 225 kVA, 2400 V/600V, 60Hz, connected to a 1 MVA, 2400 V power network. A 45 kW resistive load (20 % of transformer nominal power) is connected on the 600 V side. Each phase of the transformer consists of two windings both connected in wye with a grounded neutral.
The transformers in circuit 1 and circuit 2 use two different models:
1) Circuit 1 uses a physical model (yellow block) where the core geometry and the B-H characteristic of the iron used to build the core are the basic parameters used for modelling the magnetic properties of the transformer.
2) Circuit 2 uses the Three-Phase Transformer Inductance Matrix Type (Two Windings) block (blue block) for modelling the linear part of the model. Saturation is modelled in the "Saturation" subsystem (cyan block) by three single-phase saturable transformers connected on the primary side of the linear transformer model.
In order to minimize the quantity of iron, the transformer core uses the core-type construction. Contrary to a three-phase transformer built with three independent units, the three phases of a core-type transformer are coupled. Because of these couplings, the transformer reactances in positive- and zero-sequence are quite different. When the three voltages applied on primary side are balanced, (positive-sequence voltage) the fluxes set up in each limb are also balanced and they stay trapped inside the magnetic core. However, when the voltage source or the load is unbalanced, a zero-sequence voltage is added to the positive- and negative sequences voltages. This zero-sequence voltage produces three flux components in phase in each limb, resulting in a zero-sequence flux component which has to circulate outside the iron core, through the air and transformer tank or casing. Due to the high reluctance (low permeability) of the flux return path through the air, the zero-sequence no-load excitation current is much higher than in positive sequence. For this particular model, zero-sequence excitation current exceeds 3 times the nominal current (344 %), as compared to only 2.2 % in positive sequence. Excitation current, no load active losses and short-circuit impedance R+j*X (where R=winding resistance, X=leakage reactance) have been measured for the physical model of circuit 1. Results are shown in the table below.