Accurate transformer inrush current analysis by controlling closing instant and residual flux

Abstract

This paper proposes a comprehensive process for analyzing accurate transformer inrush current by elaborately controlling the closing instant of a circuit breaker and the level of residual flux in the iron core. The effectiveness of the proposed analyzing process is verified with a laboratory-scaled test system consisting of a 100 kVA 380/320 V Dyn11 three-phase dry-type transformer and a thyristor-based point-on-wave device. Moreover, the measured inrush currents by the proposed process are compared with those calculated by widely accepted inrush current equations. The proposed analyzing process is highly effective to demonstrate the inrush current under the specified energizing condition concerning the closing instant of the voltage and the residual flux in the iron core. The results show that there is a big difference between the measured and calculated inrush currents under the identical energizing condition of the voltage angle with 0° and the residual flux density with approximately 70%.