Prediction of magnetising current waveform in a single-phase power transformer under DC bias

Abstract

Direct current (DC) flowing through the earthed neutrals of transformer windings causes a DC component in the magnetising current. Owing to non-linearity, the waveform of this current is strongly distorted. A method based on the finite element analysis of a transformer is presented that is capable of predicting the waveform of the magnetising current with the voltage of the winding as well as the magnitude of the DC bias given. The relationship between the flux linkage of the winding and the value of the magnetising current is determined, with static conditions assumed. With the aid of this flux–current curve, the dependence of the waveform and thus of the DC component of the magnetising current upon the bias flux is established. Hence, the flux bias yielding the given DC component is obtained by suitable iterative techniques, arriving at the waveform of the magnetising current with the prescribed DC value. Measurement of the current waveform at various voltages and DC bias has been carried out on a single phase transformer. The computed waveforms agree well with the measured ones.