Ferroresonance Susceptibility Analysis of Transformer

Configurations: A Simulation-Based Study

George Eduful, Electricity Company of Ghana, Accra-Ghana

Abstract
Ferroresonance is characterized by sustained overvoltages and currents that poses threat to the
reliability and quality of power supply. This study aims to contribute to mitigating this threat by
investigating the susceptibility of different transformer configurations using MATLAB/Simulink
simulations. Specifically, three 200 kVA transformers with varying vector groups (D-Yn, Yg-Yg,
and Y-D11) and core types (3-limb, 5-limb, single-phase) were subjected to controlled
ferroresonance conditions while varying a 11 kV feeder length. To assess and compare the
performance of each configuration, voltage, current, and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
analyses were conducted. The findings indicate that the D-Y11 and Y-D11 transformers
demonstrate lower susceptibility to ferroresonance compared to the Yg-Yg transformers. This
suggests that the D-Y11 and Y-D11 transformers are more suitable for applications with higher
risks of ferroresonance. The insights provided by this study are valuable for the selection and
deployment of transformers in power systems, particularly in applications that are prone to
ferroresonance.
Keywords: Ferroresonance, Transformer, Vector Group, Core Type, Feeder Length, THD

Introduction
Regulators hold utility companies accountable for delivering reliable and high-quality power. This
obligation stems from the understanding that disruptions to the power grid can have significant
economic consequences for customers [1]. Damage to any component within the distribution
system can trigger outages, impacting businesses, homes, and critical infrastructure [2]. By
prioritizing reliability and quality, utility companies not only fulfill regulatory requirements but
also safeguard the economic well-being of the communities they serve [3].
Ferroresonance poses a significant threat to power quality, causing excessive voltage and current
that can damage critical components within the power distribution system [4]. This phenomenon
induces severe harmonic distortions in both voltage and current waveforms [5]. To safeguard
against excessive harmonic emissions, utilities generally adhere to IEEE Standard 519 [6].
However, ferroresonance events can drastically raise harmonic levels beyond the recommended
limits specified in the standard [7].
Traditionally, the investigation of ferroresonance focused heavily on voltage transformers due to
their specific design and operating characteristics [8]. However, recent research has witnessed a
paradigm shift, expanding the investigation to include its occurrence in other equipment across the
power system [9]. This shift in research focus signifies an important step towards a more
comprehensive understanding of ferroresonance and its potential consequences.
The phenomenon of ferroresonance in power distribution systems has attracted significant research
attention, as evidenced by several studies [10-13]. A particularly relevant investigation by [14]
delves specifically into the occurrence of ferroresonance within power transformers. This research
brings attention to the possibility of ferroresonance occurring in power systems with transformers
having significant magnetizing reactances and coupling capacitances. The study identified that
transformers located in rural areas and operating at elevated voltage levels are particularly
susceptible to ferroresonance. Addressing this challenge, several studies, including [15] and [16],
explore the possibility of utilizing chaos theory for ferroresonance suppression in power
transformers, highlighting its dependence on system parameters and initial conditions [15]
Several studies point towards cable-connected transformers as frequent victims of ferroresonance,
and several factors contribute to this vulnerability [17]. A key culprit is the cable capacitance,
which forms a resonant circuit with the transformer's inductive windings [18]. This phenomenon
becomes especially concerning in extended cable length where the overall distributed capacitance
is significant.
Another critical factor contributing to ferroresonance in transformers is the nonlinear behavior of
the transformer core during saturation, as explored in [19]. When the magnetic flux in the core
reaches its maximum capacity, it loses its linear response to changes in voltage. This nonlinearity,
combined with low impedance, creates an unstable operating point where ferroresonance can occur
[19].
This study examines ferroresonance phenomenon in transformers, using simulations to investigate
different configurations, core types, and feeder length. By systematically varying these factors, the
study sheds light on how different transformers react to ferroresonance conditions. This knowledge
offers important insights for engineers and practitioners when selecting and deploying
transformers in power distribution systems. Among its key findings, the study identifies the D-Y11
or Y-D11 transformer vector group as particularly effective in controlling ferroresonance.

Methodology
MATLAB/Simulink was used to model and simulate various scenarios of ferroresonance occurring
in transformers. The experimental setup, as shown in Fig 1, consisted of an 11 kV three-phase
source, an 11 kV feeder with a length of 5 km, and various components including an 11 kV three-
phase load, an 11 kV shunt capacitor, and an 11 kV, 200 kVA transformer connected without any
load. The 11 kV feeder was modeled using the nominal-PI transmission line model available in
MATLAB/Simulink. The specific parameters for the system components can be found in Tables
1, 2, and 3.
Three 200 kVA transformers, each with distinct vector groups (D-Yn, Yg-Yg, Y-D11) and core
types (3-limb, 5-limb, single-phase), were subjected to controlled ferroresonance conditions while
varying the 11 kV feeder length. The feeder length was systematically increased in increments of
0.1 km, covering a total span to 5 km. Ferroresonance was initiated by selectively opening one
phase of the circuit breaker (CB2) connected to the shunt capacitor, as illustrated in Fig 1.
During the ferroresonance condition, the study analyzed the peak current, voltage, and total
harmonic distortion (THD) in the transformers. The peak current and voltage provided insights
into the maximum stresses endured by the transformer, while THD indicated the presence of
undesired harmonic frequencies that can lead to inefficiencies, overheating, and potential
equipment damage.

Fig 1: Experimental Set Up

Table 1: Cable Parameters

Item Parameters Values

1 Positive-sequence resistance (Ohms/km) 0.01273

2 Zero-sequence resistance (Ohms/km) 0.3864
3 Positive- sequence inductance (H/km) 9.33E-03
4 Zero-sequence inductance (H/km) 4.13E-01
5 Positive-sequence capacitance (F/km) 1.27E-06
6 Zero-sequence capacitance (F/km) 7.75E-07
 Table 2: Parameters of three-phase source

Item Parameters Values

1 Phase-to-phase voltage (Vrms) 11000

2 Phase angle of phase A (degrees) 0
3 Frequency (Hz) 50
4 Source resistance (Ohms) 0.018929
5 Source inductance (H) 0.01658

Table 3: Transformer Parameters

Item Parameters Values

1 Nominal Power VA 200 000

2 Frequency (Hz) 50
3 Primary winding voltage (V) 11 000
4 Primary winding resistance (pu) 0.002
5 Primary winding inductance (pu) 0.08
6 Secondary winding voltage (V) 433
7 Secondary winding resistance (pu) 0.002
8 Secondary winding inductance (pu) 0.08
9 Magnetizing Resistance (pu) 500

Fig. 2 presents the magnetization curve used in the transformer modeling, providing a detailed
representation of its magnetic behavior across various levels of excitation. The curve is essential
for accurate modeling, simulation, and analysis of the transformer's behavior under different
operating conditions.
 Saturation Charateristcs
0.3

0.25

0.2
Flux (pu)
0.15

0.1

0.05

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
Current (pu)

Fig 2: Magnetization Curve

Using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) within the MATLAB software environment, it was
possible to identify the harmonic contents of the voltage and the current wave captured during the
ferroresonance condition. Fig 3 presents a sample voltage waveform captured during
ferroresonance simulation. In addition to the waveform, the figure also presents the frequency
content, visually representing the presence and magnitude of various harmonics. Also, the Total
Harmonic Distortion (THD) value is provided. The THD quantifies the overall harmonic content
as a percentage of the fundamental frequency, offering a single-value metric for distortion severity.

Fig 3: FFT Window

Voltage, Current and THD Analysis in a 200 kVA, 11/0.433 kV, D-Yn Transformer
Figures 4(a), 4(b), and 4(c) show the sensitivity of different transformer core types to ferroresonant
overvoltage, current, and associated Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). These observations are
based on the analysis of the 200 kVA transformer with the D-Yn vector arrangement.
Fig 4 (a) shows a striking similarity in the voltage irrespective of the core type. The observed
overvoltages displayed a spike of 62 kV within the initial 1 km distance of the feeder length. Over
the remaining 2 km length, the overvoltages assumed a quasi-steady state hovering around 20 kV.

(a)

(b)

(c)
Fig 4: (a) Voltage, (b) Current and (c) THD
The uniformity in voltage levels, irrespective of the core type leads to a conclusive inference that
the core type holds negligible influence on ferroresonant overvoltages within D-Yn transformers.
The current trend within the transformer is depicted in Fig 4 (b). Notably, a surge in the current
peaked at 32 A, within the initial 0.75 km of the feeder length. Following this initial peak, there is
an abrupt decline in current. Regardless of the core type, the currents exhibit a consistent trend,
which aligns with the findings from the previous analysis of voltage behavior. This indicates that
ferroresonant overvoltage and current in D-Yn transformers are relatively insensitive to variations
in core type.
The Measured Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) values within the transformer showed a
significant increase along the feeder length, ranging between 82 and 100 THD, see Fig 4 (c). These
elevated values were recorded within the span of 0.4 to 1.5 km of the feeder length.
The analysis suggests that in the context of ferroresonance in D-Yn transformers, the variations in
core types do not have a substantial impact on overvoltages, current behavior, or harmonic
distortion. The consistent and similar trends observed in ferroresonance across the different core
types indicate that other design parameters and operational factors may have a significant impact
on managing the challenges associated with ferroresonance in D-Yn transformers.

Voltage, Current and THD Analysis in a 200 kVA, 11/0.433 kV, Yg-Yg Transformer
This section examines how the core types affect ferroresonant overvoltage, current, and Total
Harmonic Distortion (THD) in the 200 kVA, 11/0.433 kV, Yg-Yg transformer.
Fig 5 (a) shows the influence of core type on the voltage behavior within the transformer.
Significantly, the voltage trends observed in both the 5-limb core transformer and the three single-
phase transformers (configured as a three-phase winding) show a striking level of similarity across
the entire length of the feeder. However, the 3-limb core transformer exhibits a distinct trend,
consistently maintaining higher voltage levels compared to the other configurations throughout the
entire feeder length. This may be due to greater magnetic flux leakage in the 3-limb core type
compared to the other configurations.
While both the 5-limb core transformer and the three single-phase transformers experienced a
sharp initial increase in voltage, rapidly reaching around 62 kV within the first 0.6 km of the feeder
length, this surge was transient. It was quickly followed by an equally abrupt decrease, stabilizing
the voltage at approximately 25 kV. In comparison, the 3-limb core transformer consistently
showed elevated voltages, peaking at 60 kV.
Fig 5 (b) shows the current trends associated with the Yg-Yg transformer. Similar to the voltage
trends, the 3-limb core displayed significantly high and sustained overcurrent compared to other
configurations. More specifically, the 3-limb core transformer exhibited a peak current value that
was approximately 75% higher compared to the other core types. On the other hand, the 5-limb
core transformer and three single-phase transformers demonstrate promising abilities to mitigate
the overcurrent associated with ferroresonance. These configurations demonstrate the ability to
maintain lower and more stable current levels, mitigating the risk of thermal overload and
insulation breakdown.
 (a)

(b)

(c)

Fig 5: (a) Voltage, (b) Current and (c) THD

Fig 5(c) presents the Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) levels for the 3-limb core transformer,
demonstrating a distinctive THD trend in comparison to other core types. The THD values showed
a significant increase within the first 0.2 meters of the feeder length, with peak levels ranging from
1100 to 1300 THD%. The initial increase in Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) indicates a
pronounced sensitivity of the 3-limb core to the occurrence of ferroresonance. However, as the
length of the feeder extends beyond the initial 0.2 meters, the THD values show a substantial
decline, eventually stabilizing at approximately 160% THD. This level matches the THD levels
observed in the 5-limb core type and three single-phase transformers. The findings from this
analysis correspond with the previous analysis of voltage and current, providing further evidence
of the 3-limb core's susceptibility to the effects of ferroresonance. Conversely, the ability of the 5-
limb core and three single-phase transformers to reduce THD levels to a more manageable range
demonstrates their effectiveness in mitigating the adverse effects of ferroresonance.

Voltage, Current and THD Analysis in a 200 kVA, 11/0.433 kV Y-D11 Transformer
In this section, the sensitivity of the core types to the ferroresonance phenomenon in the Y-D11
transformer was examined. Similar to the previous investigation, the parameters investigated
included voltage, current, and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) over a feeder length of 3 km. It is
important to note that, for the Y-D11 transformer, the core types did not show any sensitivity to
the parameters examined. For this reason, only trends observed for voltage, current, and THD in
the 3-limb core were presented. In essence, the results obtained for the 3-limb core are applicable
to both the 5-limb core and three single-phase transformers.
Fig 6 (a) and (b) represent the voltage and current trends, respectively. The voltage trend, as
depicted in Fig 6(a), is similar when compared with the voltage trends in the previous investigation.
The voltage consistently increases with the feeder length for the first 1 km and then declines to a
steady state in the remaining length of the cable. The magnitude of the peak voltage and the steady-
state voltage were 60 kV and 30 kV, respectively. Both the magnitude of the peak voltage and the
stabilized voltage are sufficient to damage the transformer.
An interesting observation is noted in the current trend, as shown in Fig 6 (b). The current values
were extremely low and near zero within the first 4 km length of the feeder. However, a notable
increase in the current value was observed beyond 4.5 km of the feeder length, with the magnitude
of this increase being about 1 A. The recorded THD values ranged from 50 to 160 THD. The impact
of high THD values on power quality may not be significant due to the exceptionally low current
values, as the influence of THD on the power system depends on the magnitude of the associated
current.
In summary, the analysis of ferroresonance in the Y-D11 transformer reveals that both voltage and
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) increase as the feeder length increases, particularly within the
first 1 km. Beyond this point, the voltage and THD decrease to approximately 80% of their initial
levels. However, the current remains extremely low regardless of the cable length.
 (a)

(b)

(c)

Fig 6: (a) Voltage, (b) Current and (c) THD

Transformer Performance under Ferroresonance with different Vector Configurations
In the preceding sections, an analysis of the sensitivity of core types to the ferroresonance
phenomenon has been conducted. In this section, we employ the observed voltage, current, and
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) trends, specifically under the 3-limb core type, to evaluate and
compare the performance of D-Y11, Yg-Yg, and Y-D11 transformers under ferroresonance
conditions.
Voltage Performance
The voltage trends of the D-Y11, Yg-Yg, and Y-D11 transformers are compared in Fig 7 (a). A key
observation is the significantly higher voltage magnitudes consistently exhibited by the Yg-Yg
transformer compared to its D-Y11 and Y-D11 counterpart.
While the Yg-Yg transformer dominates in terms of sustained voltage levels, an interesting
observation lies in the initial behavior of D-Y11 and Y-D11 configurations. Both configurations
exhibit initially higher peak voltages within the first 0.5 km of the feeder length. Beyond the initial
peak, both D-Y11 and Y-D11 configurations experience a marked decrease in voltage, reaching a
steady state at 20 kV.

Fig 7: Voltage trends in D-Y11, Yg-Yg, and Y-D11 transformers

Table 4 provides a descriptive statistic for the voltage characteristics of D-Y11, Yg-Yg, and Y-D11
transformers, offering insights beyond the simple observation. The Yg-Yg transformer generally
exhibits a higher average voltage of 29 kV compared to the D-Y11 and Y-D11 configurations,
which both average around 26 kV. This quantitative confirmation reinforces the visual trends
observed in Figure 8(a).
Table 4: Descriptive Statistics
While focusing on averages provides a general understanding, additional parameters from Table 1
offer further insights. Examining the standard deviation for each configuration reveal the degree
of variability in their voltage levels. High standard deviations, especially in the Yg-Yg
case indicate potential susceptibility to the ferroresonance overvoltages.
While average values offer a basic understanding, kurtosis unlocks valuable insights into the shape
of the voltage distribution for each transformer configuration in Table 4. The D-Y11 and Y-D11
exhibit voltage distribution shapes with heavier tails and sharper peaks compared to the Yg-Yg
transformer, which has a flatter peak.
It is important to note that whilst a flat distribution (Yg-Yg) might indicate less susceptibility to
sudden voltage spikes, the consistently elevated voltage itself raises concerns about insulation
stress and system stability. In the case of the D-Y11 and Y-D11 configuration, the peaked
distribution suggests a higher probability of experiencing voltage spikes and dips around their
average values.

Current and THD Performance

Fig 8 presents a comparison between the three transformer configurations regarding current and
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). The Yg-Yg transformer displays significantly higher current
magnitudes compared to both D-Y11 and Y-D11 configurations. Similarly, the Yg-Yg transformer
exhibits markedly higher THD values compared to the other two configurations. This indicates a
greater presence of harmonic distortions in its current waveform. The concurrence of high current
and high THD raises significant concerns about the Yg-Yg transformer's susceptibility to
ferroresonance. Both D-Y11 and Y-D11 transformers show relatively similar current and THD
profiles. This suggests comparable electrical behavior in both configurations compared to the Yg-
Yg transformer. Based on the observations in Fig 8, the Yg-Yg transformer shows a clear concern
for potential ferroresonance due to its significantly higher current magnitudes and THD values
compared to D-Y11 and Y-D11 configurations.

(a) (b )
Fig 8: (a) Current (A), (b) Total Harmonic Distortion (THD%)
Conclusion
This study has shed light on the behavior of different transformer core types and vector group
configurations under ferroresonance conditions, offering valuable insights for practical
transformer selection and deployment in power systems. The following conclusions can be drawn:
1. Ferroresonance-induced overvoltage, current, and harmonic distortion (THD) in
transformers generally increase with feeder length, but only up to a threshold of
approximately 1 km. Beyond this distance, the ferroresonance effect diminishes
significantly.

2. The behavior of ferroresonance in D-Yn configurations is not affected by the type of

transformer core. Regardless of whether the transformer has a 3-limb core, 5-limb core, or
single-phase core, the impact of ferroresonance remains relatively consistent.

3. In Yg-Yg configurations, it is advisable to use either 5-limb cores or three single-phase

transformers arranged as a three-phase unit. These specific types of cores have been
demonstrated to be effective in minimizing the negative impacts of ferroresonance.

4. D-Y11 and Y-D11 transformers have lower susceptibility to ferroresonance compared to

Yg-Yg transformers. Therefore, in applications where there is a high concern for
ferroresonance, it is recommended to consider using D-Y11 or Y-D11 transformers.
The findings of this study offer valuable guidance in the selection and installation of transformers
in power systems, especially in situations where ferroresonance is a concern. By understanding the
impact of feeder length, core type, and vector group configuration, engineers can make well-
informed decisions that enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of power system operations.
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