Design and Testing of a Frequency-Selective Grounding for $3\phi$ Power Transformers

Abstract

Three-phase ( $3\phi$ ) power transformers can have their windings configured to create local neutral points, which can be connected to ground. The grounding of a $3\phi$ power transformer is intended to limit ground currents (including fault currents) and limit ground potentials. These objectives can be translated into the resistive grounding that is usually designed based on system ratings and transformer parameters. The resistive grounding, however, can impact the flow of the harmonic components present in the exciting currents of a $3\phi$ power transformer. As a result, undesired harmonic components are induced in primary and secondary voltages. This article presents the design and performance of a frequency-selective grounding that can achieve the objectives of grounding a $3\phi$ power transformer. The developed grounding is designed to provide a resistive path for low-frequency currents (faults), and to create a low impedance path for high-frequency currents (harmonics). The frequency-selective grounding is experimentally tested for a $3\phi$ power transformer with different primary and secondary winding configurations, different fault types, and source grounding. Test results show that the developed grounding can reduce the ground potential, harmonic distortion in primary and secondary voltages, and ground fault currents with a minimum interference with ground fault protective devices.