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TAP-CHANGER TESTING USING DRM

Matz Ohlen1*, Nils Wäcklen2, Rene Yvrard2
1
Megger Sweden AB, Stockholm, Sweden
2
TSV, Lyon, France
*Email: <matz.ohlen@megger.com>

Abstract: Dynamic Resistance Measurement (DRM) has been used for circuit-breaker
diagnostics for over 20 years. It is an interesting technique that can be used also to verify
the switching operation of load tap changers (LTC). Existing methods and techniques for
dynamic measurements on load tap-changers are based on measuring current and/or
voltage on the primary side of the transformer and short-circuiting the secondary side to
minimize the inductance in the circuit. Static resistance measurements per tap are
performed in a separate test sequence with the secondary side open. A new technique
(patent pending) is to combine current measurement with voltage measurements on both
primary and secondary side of the transformer and then use the transformer parameters
to calculate inductive and resistive voltages to be able to calculate the dynamic
resistance during a tap change. Measurements have been performed on non-mounted
tap-changers (no-oil condition) and after being mounted inside a transformer (with oil).
Different test setups have also been evaluated including the new technique where current
measurement is combined with voltage measurements on both primary and secondary
side of the transformer.

1 INTRODUCTION

The power transformer is an integral and

expensive part of all electric power networks at all
levels from generation and transmission down to
distribution. The on-load tap changer is the only
moving part connected to the transformer
windings. The importance of its reliability cannot be
overemphasised. Taking a transformer off the
system to investigate an internal problem with a
tap changer is an expensive exercise; therefore it
is in every utility’s interest to carry out condition
assessments of their tap changers to help detect
developing faults at an early stage. The tap
changer is the only moving part of a transformer,
Figure 1. A typical diverter switch type OLTC
and as such is the most susceptible to failure.
showing both tap selector switch and diverter
switch (MR)
2 TAP CHANGER TYPES
The resistors in the diverter switch are typically a
Tap changers can be divided into two main types;
few ohms. Total operation time of an LTC is
On-load (OLTC, On-load Tap Changer) and Off-
between 3 and 10 sec pending design. Contact
load/de-energized (DETC, De-Energized Tap
switching time is usually in the order of 30-100 ms
Changer). The OLTC allows selection of voltage
(resistor types)
change while the transformer is in service. This
type of tap changer allows voltage output of a
Reactance type LTC’s, common in US and mostly
transformer to be changed while power (current) is
mounted on the LV side of the transformer, use a
still passing through it. In Europe and
preventive auto transformer instead of the two
internationally, the most common configuration is
resistors in the standard diverter switch which
to have the tap-changer on the HV side of the
means that the additional resistance in the diverter
transformer. Figure 1 depicts a typical on-load tap
device is very low. Measurements on reactance
changer with tap selector and diverter switch with
type load tap-changers are not covered in this
transition resistors. Figure 2 depicts a linear-type
paper.
OLTC with diverter resistors.