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Abstract—The Power Voltage Transformer, which is a single- ferroresonance immunity, inherent explosion safety and
phase unit used for direct conversion of power from high to low decrease of inrush current. All these points will be addressed
voltage, is becoming more and more relevant for substation in more detail in the later chapters of the paper.
application. This is why this paper aims to present the properties
and advantages of the open-core design concept, which has been
Apart from singling out the benefits of the open-core
functioning very well for a number of years in inductive voltage
and combined instrument transformers, enhancing the concept, the aim of the article is to point out the possible
transformer reliability and operational safety. Furthermore, the applications of these transformers as well as to pinpoint the
intention is to list the known possible application options of these future trends in development of these transformers and the
transformers and finally to succinctly point out the guidelines for ways to make them as compact and cost-effective as possible.
future development, which would benefit both the manufacturer
and the user. II. TRANSFORMER CONCEPT AND COMPONENT OVERVIEW
Keywords: Open-core, Power Voltage Transformer,
Power supply, internal arc resistance
First, it is necessary to briefly list and describe the main A. Ferroresonance immunity
transformer components. An example of the power voltage
transformer can be seen in Fig. 1. Ferroresonance can be defiined as a non-linear resonant
The basis for the transformer design is thhe open core, which phenomenon which manifests inn oscillations between the non-
is basically a pole in the center of the trannsformer, while the linear inductance of the transsformer and grid capacitance.
main magnetic flux path is closed througgh the surrounding This phenomenon can lead to increased voltages or currents
non-magnetic material. appearing across the transformeer, possibly resulting in damage
to the transformer itself [8]. Thiis has been found to be an issue
The design of all other components is diictated by the open with closed core inductive voltaage transformers in service.
core. This is most apparent with the desiign of the primary
winding and the main insulation cylinder. More
M precisely, the The open magnetic core cann, for calculation purposes, be
open core allows the primary winding to t be divided into substituted with a closed core with
w an equivalent air gap. The
serially connected sections which are com mpletely exposed to width of the air gap can be dettermined using both analytical
the natural oil flow, as well as the coonstruction of the and numerical approach [9]. Foor power voltage transformers
capacitively graded main insulation, whiich is essential in this value typically ranges from
m 10 to 30 mm, depending on
order for transformers to comply with requiirements for higher the core geometry.
voltage levels. Furthermore, the capacitivee screens from the
main insulation are connected to the sectioons of the primary This air gap influences thhe magnetizing curve of the
winding, thus assuring a constant synergyy between the two, transformer, making it more linnear and smoothening the curve
leading to transformer insusceptibility towarrds overvoltages of knee-point. The comparison of typical magnetizing curves for
different character and origin [4]. Thiss also allows an open and closed core transformeers can be seen in Fig. 2.
immediate and utter control of parameterss during the design
process. When the grid capacitance raange is added to the same chart
(Fig. 2), it is apparent that the probable range of intersection
Additionally, as the main insulation is geometrically between the magnetizing curvee and capacitance, which is a
cylindrical, this also draws some technologgical benefits, such prerequisite for ferroresonaance, is vastly smaller (non-
as the ability to produce the main insulationn by machine, thus existent even) for open-core traansformers than for closed core
greatly speeding up the production processs and reducing the transformers. Although this chartc is based on instrument
frequency of worker intervention. This ensuures uniformity and transformers, the same logicc extends to power voltage
high precision during in-factory production processes [5]. transformers as both types share the same common
denominator, to put things graphhically [6].
The active part of the transformer is placced into a porcelain
or composite insulator, essentially making the transformer its
own bushing, contributing to the slendder design of the
transformer and consequently decreasing the t overall weight,
and dimensions, while improving the weight w distribution
along the transformer. The tall, lean buiild also positively
influences the leakage reactance and the immpedance voltage of
these units [6]. The aforementioned conceept also eliminates
practically all metallic constructive componnents in the path of
the main or the leakage magnetic flux, whicch could potentially
lead to increased additional, stray losses [77]. The only metal
components in the path of the flux are thee insulator flanges,
whose losses are controlled during the electrical design
process [6]. The impedance voltage of o these units is
comparable to that of the closed corre power voltage
transformers of the same ratings.
Fig. 2. Comparison of the open and corre magnetizing curves in respect to the
network capacitance
III. OPEN-CORE DESIGN SPECIFIC FEATURES
This fact has been recognizzed by the IEC, so the recent
The main advantages of the open-core concept,
c which will technical report by IEC 618699-102 workgroup, which deals
be tackled one by one in this chapter, are: with topics connected to ferrorresonance of inductive voltage
transformers, recommends incluusion of an air gap into the core
• Ferroresonance immunity of any inductive transformer ass a measure to greatly decrease
• Inherent explosion safety or eliminate ferroresonance [10]].
• Inrush current decrease
• Insusceptibility to overvoltages of varrious character Ferroresonance immunity of
o open-core transformers is
verified with multiple criiteria, including numerical
simulations of most common situations for ferroresonance Essentially, this means that the internal fault is reduced
inception in transmission networks, most importantly the from a fast and disruptive occurrence to a slower, noticeable
situation when the transformer is energized through a phenomenon.
capacitor for field grading optimization of the open circuit-
breaker [8]. However, the most important criterion is field These hypotheses were confirmed by testing open-core
experience with open-core inductive voltage transformers, inductive voltage transformers, where a worst case scenario
where no fault was ever recorded that could be connected to was simulated. One winding section was intentionally short-
ferroresonance. circuited. The transformer was then subjected to rated voltage
while electrical parameters and pressure inside the transformer
were monitored. While the transformer was connected to high
B. Inherent explosion safety voltage, the primary current (mainly consisting of the
magnetizing current), was increased approximately two-fold
Protection from transformer explosions is usually and remained well in the value range of milliamperes,
associated with SF6 insulated transformers, because of the meaning that it did not venture in ranges associated with
rupture disc incorporated into the design of their enclosure network short-circuits (values in kA).
[11]. This concept successfully mitigates the effect of the
internal fault. Furthermore, the increased thermal stress of the faulty
winding caused an increased release of gasses from
The open-core concept introduces explosion safety to transformer oil, which led to an increase in volume and
paper-oil insulated power voltage transformers. The explosion consequently to a pressure rise inside of the transformer.
safety principle is different from their SF6 counterparts, When the oil pressure exceeded the design value of the
meaning that it eliminates the possibility of internal arc intentional weak spot of the transformer (bellows and bellows
inception under normal operating conditions, a property which cover), a controlled release of pressure occurred in the
will be described in more detail in this chapter. This feature is dilatation bellows, without any oil spill, resulting only in
one of, if not the most important asset of open-core power detaching the bellows cover from the transformer. This
voltage transformers, which ensures a better operational occurrence is illustrated in Fig. 3 and 4.
security and availability.
Conveniently, the connection towards the primary terminal
As it was mentioned in the second chapter of this paper, the is established by means of the bellows cover, meaning that its
primary winding consists of multiple independent sections detachment also disconnects the transformer from the grid,
(whose number is dictated by the voltage level and/or power thus interrupting the supply to the fault location. This ensures
rating of the transformer). This fact causes the transformer to an automatic disconnection of the transformer under fault
be insusceptible to the inception of the internal arc. conditions.
If the fault originates from inside of the transformer, then it Another convenience is that the information about the
is most probably located in the primary winding, either pressure rise inside the transformer can be obtained well
between turns or layers of one section or between two before the bellows cover detaches either by checking the
adjacent sections. In either of these cases, due to the sectioned bellows position in the oil level indicator window or by
design, the fault remains localized to only one section and monitoring the pressure rise itself. The latter is actually the
does not spread through the entire winding. The grid voltage basis for an efficient and reliable monitoring of power voltage
is then distributed across all other sections, thus limiting the transformers. The most common solution is an overpressure
fault current and preventing a direct short circuit connection switch which can trip the monitoring or the protection system
between high voltage and ground. Even if the fault is located when the oil pressure exceeds a certain predefined value,
in the main insulation, due to the fact that screens from the indicating that the transformer needs to be inspected.
insulation cylinder are galvanically connected to the
corresponding primary winding sections, the fault again This ensures an unparalleled reliability of open-core
remains localized to one section of the winding, while the rest transformers and is more than sufficient for all power voltage
of the sections prevent a catastrophic breakdown of the transformer monitoring needs, with very little to no additional
transformer. cost.
This feature actually makes the power voltage transformers In the end, it is necessary to emphasize that the contents of
comparable to capacitive voltage transformers, in regard that this paragraph apply to any internal fault under normal
their insulation also consists of many elements (capacitive) operating conditions. If a transformer is succumbed to an
connected in series and prevents a direct line to ground fault overvoltage which exceeds the rated insulation level, an inner
in the same way. or outer arc can occur and cause damage to the transformer.
The introduction of the air gaap into the magnetic circuit can
drastically decrease the remanent magnetism and,
consequently, the peak valuee of inrush current. This is
confirmed in relevant literaturee [13], [14]. Additionally, we
can draw a parallel to the cuurrent transformer cores with
transient response requirementss, such as TPY or TPZ classes,
which according to IEC 611869-2 standard require the
remanent magnetism (i.e. remannence factor Kr) to be less than
10 % of the rated flux. If the typical air-gap values of such
cores, which range from 4 - 12 mm are compared with typical
equivalent air gap value of the t open-core power voltage
transformers, listed in the abovee chapters, it can be concluded
that the open core practically eliminates the remanent flux
altogether [15].
This fact, coupled with the loow rated flux density of power
voltage transformers (due to the instrument transformers
design philosophy), guaranteees a lower inrush current
magnitude, thus decreasing the t probability of accidental
tripping of the protection systems and lowering the
Fig. 4. Inductive voltage transformer after the bellowss cover detached mechanical strain to the transforrmer itself.
Inrush current is a current of transient character which is To understand this featuree, it necessary to show the
present when any transformer is switched on. It can achieve equivalent diagram of the openn-core transformer active part.
magnitudes which are 10 or more times higgher than the rated This is shown in Fig. 5 [16].
current of the transformer [12]. The peak value
v of the current
is defined by equation 1.
1 Al l 0
im = (2 B + Br − Bs ) (1)
μ 0 Aδ w
Fig. 8. Percentage deviation from ideal voltage distribution Fig. 9. 362 kV transformers for auxiliarry supply of a substation in Estonia
As it can be seen in the figures abbove, the voltage The three possible applicaations mentioned above are
distribution is highly linear in all cases. Fuurthermore, a strict considered conventional. On the t other hand, the following
control of dielectric stress in the entiree active part also application adds a social factor to the mix and is more future-
controls the stress distribution on the insulaator surface. These oriented. The idea is to use thee Power Voltage Transformers
two combined cause the transformers to be able to achieve the as a primary unit in a substationn to provide electrical energy to
insulation requirements for the highesst voltage levels. remote communities and users. This way it is possible to reach
Additionally, the transformers are partial-ddischarge free (PD numerous rural communities orr mountainous areas where the
less than 10 pC) even at power frequency withstand voltage. construction of the distribution grid is economically unviable
This fact greatly enhances the lifetime of thhe transformer and or even technically impossiblee, thus allowing the access to
adds another layer to the preventionn of transformer stable electrical energy to those who do not have it.
breakdowns due to insulation aging innfluenced by PD
inception. This was described in more detaiil in the referenced To put things into perspecttive, according to a report by
study [18]. International Energy Agency (IIEA) from 2011, there are 1,3
billion people in the world without
w the access to electrical
IV. APPLICATION
energy. Ninety-five per cent off these people populate remote
areas in Africa, India and Soutth-east Asia. These are regions
The most common application of these transformers is for characterized by vast territoriies where the layout of the
“in-house” supply of various substations, meaning
m the supply distribution system is exxtremely demanding, both
of auxiliary equipment, protection and moniitoring systems. economically and technically. According
A to the same report,
in order for the entire populatioon of the world to have access
to electrical energy, the necesssary yearly investment in that
part of the energy sector should amount to 3% of total substations and/or add a new degree of protection. The ability
investments in the entire energy sector [19]. Apart from to auto-disconnect by detaching the bellows cover in case of
investing in renewables, which is a very present trend in an internal fault, opens a possibility to eliminate the HV
recent years, a significant portion of that should be invested in circuit-breaker. This stems from the fact that even under the
the improvement of the grid infrastructure and the worst possible internal fault, the fault current is in the ampere
construction process of new power lines and substations. range, which can be disconnected purely by means of a
disconnector.
A substation based on the Power Voltage Transformer as
the main transformer can be very compact and straightforward, It should be noted, however, that it is still necessary to
resulting in savings in both the primary and secondary invest additional efforts in the development and the
equipment, protection and monitoring alike. As mentioned verification of this solution with an aim to reduce the footprint
before, the Power Voltage Transformer as a concept and complexity of a substation to a minimum.
eradicates the need for expensive and complex protection and
monitoring systems. A HV switchgear (which would most
probably exceed the transformer itself in sheer cost) can be VI. CONCLUSION
replaced by an HV fuse, no extensive monitoring is necessary
and maintenance is basically limited to periodic visual checks The main objective of the paper was to present an open-
and routine site measurements, the same as with instrument core Power Voltage Transformer as a solution for an auxiliary
transformers. supply of substations or remote consumers, both communities
and industry.
Some confirmation of this has already been reported, as
cost-benefit analyses of pilot projects have shown that this The objective was also to list, explain and summarize the
type of substation can be approximately three times cheaper advantages of the open-core based transformers. These
than a regular substation [20]. advantages support the “maintenance free” philosophy, but
also up the ante, meaning that, due to their explosion safety,
ferroresonance immunity and other traits, they can truly be
V. FUTURE DEVELOPMENT labelled as “install-and-forget” units which are proven to
operate reliably in all conditions, which is the premise of the
The first and the most obvious direction of development is entire concept.
to further optimize the internal electrical and mechanical
design. This includes the improvement of materials and Furthermore, precisely because of these advantages, the
components, the utilization of contemporary technologies and substation design can also be simplified and made more
an eventual reduction in transformer dimensions. This form of financially attractive. Therein lies the potential for a more
development is a continuous process and is present in all types widespread use of Power Voltage Transformers as primary
of transformers, power and instrument alike. This also units for power supply and distribution to remote areas in the
includes improving computational techniques, algorithms and vicinity of overhead power lines.
methodology. This is a normal evolution of the product.
REFERENCES
The second approach would be to increase the appeal of the
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could lead to a better user experience or a more economically Requirements”, 2009.
[2] IEC 61869-3, “Instrument Transformers - Part 3: Additional
viable product. Finally, the goal is also to make the entire requirements for voltage transformers”, 2011.
substation which revolves around the Power Voltage [3] IEEE C57.13, “IEEE Standard requirements for instrument
Transformer as simple and compact as possible. transformers”, IEEE engineering society, 2008.
[4] M. Poljak, B. Bojaniü, T. Hafner, J. Tomaševiü, “A new Concept of
Combined Transformers”, European Transactions on Electrical Power,
One example that positively affects the size and price of the Vol. 6, pp. 2563-259, August 1996.
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transformer on the secondary side (for instance 690 V to 120 Transformers”, CIGRE Croatia, Cavtat, Croatia, 2003.
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power voltage Transformer”, International Colloquium Transformer
losses [6]. Additionally, it allows a more advance voltage Research and Asset Management, Dubrovnik, Croatia, 2012.
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allows voltage regulation in no-load conditions and in limited Reduce Stray Losses”, Doctoral dissertation, Faculty of Electrical
range. Engineering and Computing, Zagreb, 2008.
[8] D. Krajtner, “Influence of the Inductive Transformer Construction on
Ferroresonance Appearance in High voltage Networks”, CIGRE
The perks of the open-core concept, thoroughly analyzed in Croatia, Cavtat, Croatia, 2005.
previous chapters, unlock the potential for an additional [9] V. Bego, “Instrument Transformers” (In Croatian), Školska knjiga,
simplification of Power Voltage Transformer based Zagreb, Croatia, 1977.