WG C4.

307
technical brochure 568
Transformer Energization in Power Systems:
A Study Guide

Members
Zia Emin, Convenor (GB), Manuel Martinez Duro, Task Force Leader (FR),
Marta Val Escudero, Task Force Leader (IE), Robert Adams (AU), Herivelto Bronzeado (BR),
Bruno Caillault (FR), Nicola Chiesa (NO), David Jacobson (CA), Lubomir Kocis (CZ),
Terrence Martinich (CA), Stephan Pack (AT), Juergen Plesch (AT), Michel Rioual (FR),
Juan A Martinez-Velasco (ES), Yannick Vernay (FR), Francois Xavier Zgainski (FR)

Introduction and Scope Structure and Content of the TB

Transformer energization is a regular operation in
transmission and/or distribution networks and the issues
associated with it are not new. However, it is becoming
increasingly relevant due to the changes that are shaping power
networks. Frequent modifications in the network topology due
to liberalisation and the expected increase in the penetration
of offshore renewable energy are typical examples of such
drivers for this change. The possibility of an increased number
of switching operations in the former, and an increase on
the utilisation of cables in the latter where system resonance
frequencies are moving to the lower end of the frequency
spectrum may increase the risk of temporary overvoltages.
Hence, there is a need for power systems engineers, either at
the planning or operational stage, to be aware of potential
problems that may arise due to transformer energization and,
if necessary, study their probability of occurrence, likely effects,
and possibly evaluate various mitigation techniques that may
be required in order to alleviate identified issues.
Following an introduction, Chapter 2 of the technical
brochure provides a comprehensive treatment of inrush
currents during transformer energization. The transformer
core may become saturated due to an abrupt change in the
voltage applied to it. A qualitative and simplified representation
of the inrush current phenomenon is illustrated in Figure 1 for
energization at voltage zero crossing where the effect of residual
flux is also shown. The characteristics of inrush currents, the
main factors that affect their magnitude and the special case of
sympathetic interaction between the transformer that is being
energized and a one that is already energized are also provided.

CIGRE Technical Brochures such as TB39 “Guidelines

for Representation of Network Elements when Calculating
Transients” and other committee or working group
publications generally provide modelling approaches that
cover a wide range of slow front transients phenomena. The
aim of this technical brochure is to serve as a practical study
guide for modelling, performing simulations and analyses
specific to transformer energization studies in relation to Figure 1 Qualitative representation of the inrush current phenomenon.

RMS voltage drop and temporary overvoltages created by the

inrush currents. Slow-front overvoltages generated during
transformer energisation was not part of the scope of this
technical brochure and readers are referred to IEC 60071-4
(Computational guide to insulation co-ordination and
modelling of electrical networks) in this particular area.
Two distinct voltage issues associated with transformer
energization are explained in detail in Chapter 3: a drop in RMS
voltage and overvoltages due to parallel network resonances.
Slow-front overvoltages were not part of the scope of the TB
and hence they are not covered. The transient magnetizing •••

No. 272 - February 2014 ELECTRA 77


Figure 2 Phase-to-Ground TOV at an Energizing Bus
current that occurs during transformer energization is supplied
from the system sources and through the network impedance to
the transformer being energized with a voltage drop across the
network impedance. This short duration abrupt voltage drop is
commonly referred to as voltage dip or sag. It is very important
to recognize that voltage sag caused by transformer energization
does not fall into the category of voltage fluctuation and
should not be characterized by the flicker curve as the latter is
applicable to a frequency of voltage change events ranging from
a few events per hour to 20 or more per second. Transformer
energization is, in great number of cases, a planned operational
event for which the associated voltage sags must be limited to
the withstand level of voltage-sensitive industrial loads. On the
second category, the inrush currents interact with the power
system and can result in long-duration resonant temporary
overvoltages (TOV). Higher inductances (relatively weak
systems) and higher capacitances (long lines and cables) yield
lower resonant frequencies and therefore a higher chance of
TOV (a typical simulated TOV is given in Figure 2). This is
especially the case during the initial stages of system restoration
following a system wide blackout when transmission system is
generally weak with a relatively high system inductance.
Chapter 4 is devoted to mitigation measures that can be
employed to eliminate issues associated with transformer
energization. A generic overview with description and the
salient points of the most widely referred but also the most
complex mitigation technique that involves the control of the
closing times of the energizing circuit breaker as opposed to
random three-phase closing is provided. Various other methods
that range from the use of pre-insertion resistors to ways of
reducing the level of energization in voltage so that the there is a
proportional decrease in the pre-switching steady-state voltage
is given.
Transformer energization simulation studies are usually
performed in order to acquire as much information as
possible for potential sets of initial conditions, system running
arrangements as well as system contingencies. This is done
either at the network planning stage when it is not possible
to perform field tests or at operational time scales when it
may not be possible to perform measurements for various
WG C4.307
technical brochure 568
running arrangements and system contingencies. They are
equally applicable when choices about several mitigation
measures are available for implementation so that the best and
most cost effective solution can be identified. Hence, Chapter
5 of the technical brochure is dedicated to modelling and it
provides extensive guidelines and explanations to simulate both
RMS voltage drop and overvoltages due to parallel network
resonances and to assess their probability of occurrence. Chapter
5 also includes specific sections that have been dedicated to the
assessment of the potential damaging effects of TOVs and to the
treatment of uncertainty in energization studies.
The TB includes comprehensive appendices that deal with
analytical calculation of the inrush current and the formulation
of transformer saturation curve based on no-load test certificates.
Several case studies, most with comparative simulation and
field measurements, are also given in the appendices so that
practising power system engineers are provided with a broader
picture in what to expect in such study cases.
Conclusions
This TB presents a comprehensive study guide to transformer
energization phenomenon. It covers the description of the
inrush current phenomenon during transformer energization,
the characteristics of these currents and the special case of
sympathetic interaction between the transformer that is being
energized and a one that is already energized. The mechanisms
by which the RMS-voltage drop and the temporary overvoltages
are generated and the system conditions under which these
phenomena may appear is also described. This is followed by
possible mitigation measures that can be employed to overcome
the technical issues associated with transformer energization
phenomenon. Recommendations on modelling the various
components while studying transformer energization are
given. Finally, it is believed that several study cases/examples
and some analytical calculations provided within the annexes
will be of great use to practicing power system engineers
performing this type of analysis either at network planning or
operational stages for comparative purposes. The readers are
encouraged to go through these study cases to gain experience
in what various conditions may give rise to. 
BROCHURE N° 568
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(in English only)
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No. 272 - February 2014 ELECTRA 79