Transformer Energization | Mitigation Technique | Point On Wave Switching

#transformer #powersystems #electricalengineering #energization

💡What does Transformer Energization impact?

🧿 Energization of a transformer from the network by uncontrolled and random closing of a

switching device produces inrush current that can have undesirable or unintended consequences.
This include excessive RMS voltage dips that can be disruptive to power quality sensitive loads,
protective relay mis-operation, transient and temporary overvoltage’s that can impose excessive
stresses on equipment. So, it is recommended to apply mitigation measure.

💡What is Point on Wave Switching and how does it work?

🧿 The most effective mitigation measure is point-on-wave controlled switching. Point on wave
controller switching is a high-speed microprocessor-based relay used for the controlled switching
of circuit breaker of HVAC system. POW controllers is used to open or close the contacts of
independent pole operation circuit breakers at the pre-determined point on wave for minimizing
the switching transients.

🧿 The voltage source is connected to the transformer through a circuit breaker. When the
transformer is energized at zero crossing of the voltage source there will be very huge inrush
current. To eliminate maximum inrush current, the transformer is energized by closing the circuit
breaker at maximum peak of voltage waveform.

🧿 The switching time of circuit breaker is varied from 0° to 30°, 60° and 90°. All three-phase
systems have a 120 electrical degree phase shift between each phase.

The calculations for switching angle are given as below-

Time duration for 50 cycles = 1000 msec
1 cycle =1000/50 = 20 msec
For switching at peak of voltage waveform with phase A, B and C 90° apart-
Phase A peak is at 90° = 0.005 sec
Phase A peak is at 90+120= 210° = 0.0116
Phase A peak is at 90 +240= 330° = 0.01833

🧿 It should be noted that in order to implement the technique successfully, each pole of the circuit
breaker must be individually operated. For circuit breaker closing, the breaker should achieve an
operating time accuracy of ±1ms.
🧿 The operating time tolerance of a circuit breaker refers to the allowed variation in the time it
takes for the breaker to open or close after a control signal is given by POW controller. This
tolerance can impact the synchronization of the circuit breaker operation with the voltage
waveform. If the circuit breaker operates outside of the desired time, it can potentially lead to
voltage dip.