High Frequency Transients Research Articles

High-frequency transients in buried insulated wires: Transmission line simulations and experimental validation

This paper presents experimental results on the transient response of a buried insulated wire subjected to fast transient signals. It reports measurements of voltage and current at the sending end, as well as the voltage at the receiving end of the insulated wire. The obtained experimental results are utilized to assess the accuracy of recent formulations proposed for computing the ground-return impedance and admittance of underground cables, which are important for simulation of transients using models based on the transmission line theory. The good agreement between measurements and simulations bolsters confidence in incorporating these newly proposed expressions for computing the cable's ground-return parameters into EMT-type simulators.

Adaptive Sliding-Mode Controller for a Zeta Converter to Provide High-Frequency Transients in Battery Applications

Hybrid energy storage systems significantly impact the renewable energy sector due to their role in enhancing grid stability and managing its variability. However, implementing these systems requires advanced control strategies to ensure correct operation. This paper presents an algorithm for designing the power and control stages of a hybrid energy storage system formed by a battery, a supercapacitor, and a bidirectional Zeta converter. The control stage involves an adaptive sliding-mode controller co-designed with the power circuit parameters. The design algorithm ensures battery protection against high-frequency transients that reduce lifespan, and provides compatibility with low-cost microcontrollers. Moreover, the continuous output current of the Zeta converter does not introduce current harmonics to the battery, the microgrid, or the load. The proposed solution is validated through an application example using PSIM electrical simulation software (version 2024.0), demonstrating superior performance in comparison with a classical cascade PI structure.

Electromagnetic High-Frequency Transients Measurements of Some Household Devices

Voltage Transients are generated in power lines and emit both low-frequency electromagnetic fields and radio-frequency radiation. This study aims to highlight its existence and detrimental effects on human health. A comprehensive literature review is presented, encompassing studies by multiple authors exploring the topic of dirty electricity, its impact on well-being, and preventative measures. The electromagnetic spectrum analysis and measurements of both electric and magnetic fields are performed on various household appliances such as hair dryers, old televisions, blenders, heaters, toasters, vacuum cleaners, and microwaves. The findings indicates that microwaves and compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) bulbs exhibit similar spectral characteristics, with high-frequency voltage transients primarily originating from these two devices. Conversely, other appliances do not generate significant high-frequency voltage transients (HFVT). Overall, dirty electricity poses a substantial risk to human health and necessitates attention to minimize its adverse consequences.

Frequency Based Supervisory Power Management Approach for Battery-Supercapacitor Electric Vehicle Considering Road Slope

This article proposes a real time strategy based on frequency separation for energy management of battery/Supercapacitor (SC) based Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS) in Electric Vehicle (EV). The performance and life cycle of battery are important parameters in determining the efficiency of EVs. With the aim of improving the effectiveness of battery in battery/SC based EVs, a supervisory Symlets wavelet based Energy Management System (EMS) using Fuzzy Controller (FC) is proposed which considers real time road slope and vehicle condition. Actual road grade values are computed from Contour Positioning System (CPS) using Google Earth software. Symlets wavelet control technique is utilised to separate the high frequency transients from the required load power. After separation of high frequency components, a FC is developed to provide an additional reference power for battery and SC. Then, the high frequency transients along with additional power obtained from FC are allocated to SC and the rest is handled by the battery. Three road slope conditions viz. city tour, downhill and uphill and two drive cycles viz. NYCC and UDDS are applied to examine the capability of proposed EMS. The proposed Fuzzy Symlets Wavelet based controller is observed to improve the battery Ampere hour (Ah) throughput and Root Mean Square (RMS) value of battery current in comparison to only Symlets wavelet based controller for city tour, uphill and downhill journeys. The results indicate the robustness and superiority of the designed Fuzzy Symlets Wavelet based control technique as compared to Symlets Wavelet technique in handling practical conditions and improving vehicle performance.

Solving EMC problems in the design of new HV test laboratory

The paper deals with solving electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) problems in the design of a new, case study, industrial high voltage test laboratory, intended to be used for testing of transformers and other apparatus up to 550 kV rated voltage. Modern high voltage test facilities are equipped, apart from primary test devices like AC, DC and impulse voltage generators etc., also with sophisticated numerical measuring instruments and informatics technology. Since such devices are sensitive to transient overvoltages, the highest degree of EMC is to be secured. This can be achieved by proper earthing and screening of test laboratory, what shall be designed in a way to satisfy all requirements conditioned by building lightning protection, personal protection and system earthing, avoiding electromagnetic compatibility disturbances at the same time. One of the main tasks is solving electromagnetic compatibility problems caused by outdoor electromagnetic disturbances originating from various unknown sources. Those disturbances and interferences may seriously influence measuring accuracy and readings of test devices, what consequently leads to false results. The stated is especially relating to partial discharge measurements. As to avoid such disturbances, the laboratory shall be completely screened with a net forming optimally designed Faraday cage. On the other hand, at high voltage tests with impulse voltages, especially with chopped tail waves, steep transient overvoltages may be generated. As a consequence, high transient potential differences between particular points along the earth electrode may occur, what can even lead to flashovers between parts of it. Therefore is of utmost importance to provide proper earthing and low inductance current return path for impulse high voltage test equipment where high frequency transients are to be anticipated. Improper earthing and bonding may result, apart from mentioned flashovers, in severe induced voltages in secondary cables with consequential influence on test results, possible destruction of measuring instruments and hazardous touch voltages for personnel. For analyzing transient potential differences, it is important to model, with maximum accuracy, impulse test circuit (impulse generator, chopping spark gap, voltage divider, Faraday cage, fundament earth electrode, earthing strips, earthing rods etc.). Magnitude of transient potential difference between particular points is proportional to earth electrode inductance, i.e. low inductance of earth electrode will result in decrease of transient potential difference.

Transient Wavelet Energy-Based Protection Scheme for Inverter-Dominated Microgrid

When faults occur in the microgrids, high frequency transients will be superimposed on the system currents and voltages. The magnitude of those transients will attenuate as it encounters the discontinuity points in the network such as busbars, or any other impedance discontinuity points. This phenomenon can also be quantified by wavelet energy, which provides a useful tool to detect faults and locate the faulted feeder in the microgrid. In this paper, a novel protection scheme based on the transient wavelet energy of the superimposed current extracted by the Maximal Overlap Discrete Wavelet Transform (MODWT) algorithm is developed to detect faults and locate the faulted feeder in microgrids. Compared with existing protection schemes, the proposed protection scheme has the advantage of being largely immune to the changes in system fault level, fault types and positions, microgrid operating status and the control strategies deployed on the inverters, while presenting much lower requirement on the sampling frequency (10 kHz) compared with travelling wave-based methods. Unlike the conventional differential protection, the proposed scheme does not require synchronized measurement or high bandwidth communication channels, and thus, it can be considered as an economical and promising solution for microgrids.

Health Analysis of Transformer Winding Insulation Through Thermal Monitoring and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) Power Spectrum

This paper presents a health analysis technique for transformer winding insulation through thermal monitoring and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) power spectrum. A novel thermal model for the Kraft paper insulation of transformer is proposed by using the transformer’s top-oil and winding hot-spot temperature models. The relationship between the temperature rise of oil inside the transformer tank and the winding insulation degradation are considered by utilizing the data-sets and daily load cycles of a 10/13 MVA, 132/11 kV, 50 Hz, ONAF grid power transformer. The model based on IEEE Guide for loading mineral-oil-immersed transformers is developed in Simulink. The hotspot temperature rise from the thermal model is used as a reference to analyze the winding insulation degradation in the form of high frequency partial discharges (PDs) upon the output parameters of the transformer. Using data analysis techniques, a correlation is presented between the load cycles and the hot-spot temperature through which the health status of the transformer winding insulation is estimated. Moreover, the high frequency transients were detected using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectrum analyzer tool in MATLAB. The preliminary study shows that high frequency PDs are detected for the overheated and deteriorated state of the winding insulation. The results show that the proposed technique is feasible for the health analysis of power transformers and successfully predicted the deterioration of the transformer winding insulation.

Migration of seismic activity associated with phreatic eruption at Merapi volcano, Indonesia

Phreatic activity of Merapi started after nearly 2 years of quiescence following the October–November 2010 eruption which was the largest in more than 100 years. A dozen eruptions identified by visual and/or seismic observations took place between August 2012 and April 2014. We present in this work the results of a detailed analysis of the April 20, 2014 phreatic eruption. We attempted to reconstruct the eruptive process, which lasted for over 30 min. To this end, we determined the wavefield composition by polarization analysis, located high-frequency earthquakes occurring in the initial part of the eruption process and then determined the seismic source migration of low-frequency part of the tremor-like signal [0.3–3 Hz] over time. Source depth of low-frequency signal was obtained by comparing the slowness vector calculated using 3 stations of the seismic antenna with a slowness vector model obtained by ray tracing in the structure, taking into account the topography and a 1D velocity model obtained by spatial auto-correlation analysis. The results allow to distinguish 3 different phases: 1) High-frequency transients interpreted as the result of a sudden decompression caused by the transition of the volcanic fluid to a gaseous phase that occurred approximately 1.5 km deep. This decompression process in the hydrothermal system generated a migration of the low-frequency seismic source from 900 m to 1800 m above sea level; 2) A second decompression process revealed by high-frequency micro-seismicity and associated to the migration of the low-frequency tremor source which is marked first by a descent phase, followed by a sharp ascent until reaching the surface. The evolution of the back-azimuth during the migration process indicates a slight inclination of the conduit, presumably in the orientation of the dome fracture, in the NW-SE direction. This direction is consistent with the alignment of regional tectonic structures and with the directivity of eruption deposits. 3) The seismic source then remains positioned at the altitude of the dome for over 10 min. This phase probably corresponds to the ash emission process. The average migration speed of the low-frequency seismic source from the starting eruptive process to ash emission is about 5 m/s.

A Wideband Single End Fault Location Scheme for Active Untransposed Distribution Systems

This paper presents a single end fault location scheme for distribution networks with distributed generation (DG). The high frequency transients generated when a fault occurs are used to locate the fault point. An equivalent circuit at high frequencies is derived for both inverter based and synchronous DGs. The voltages and currents measured only at the main substation are used in conjunction with the proposed DG model to create the fault location scheme. The distributed parameter line model is employed in the derivation to account for the line characteristics, e.g., inductive and capacitive mutual coupling and untransposed lines. The inverter based DG model is validated experimentally on a 400 V, three-phase system. The IEEE 34-bus feeder is simulated and used to evaluate the proposed scheme for different operating conditions, e.g., fault resistance and DG conditions. The extensive simulation studies show the accuracy of the proposed scheme with 95.3% of the test cases having an absolute error in estimation of less than 200 m.

Online Transient Measurements of EHV Cable System and Model Validation

The increasing utilization of HVAC underground power cables gives rise to technical challenges related to the occurrence of electromagnetic transients. This paper discusses measurements with sensors based on open air capacitances sensing the electric fields from the line having a wide frequency bandwidth and excellent electromagnetic compatibility performance. However, since the sensors are open air capacitors, they also intercept field lines from other phases and measurement decoupling is necessary. Results from measurements, using the differentiating/Integrating technique, at a 380 kV mixed overhead line underground power cable connection obtained at a transition point and at a substation are presented and compared with PSCAD/EMTDC simulations. The measurement system gives accurate results for low and high frequency transients, while the effect of uncertainties in the decoupling is minor. For switching transients, the simulation model was validated in terms of measured and simulated voltage waveforms resulting in similar maximum overvoltage and frequency content.

On the Relationship Between the Electromagnetic Burst and Inductive Sensor Measurement of a Pulsed Plasma Accelerator

A remote and non-invasive diagnostic of the plasma focus using antennas is presented in this work. The main motivation is the application of such diagnostic in a miniaturized plasma accelerator, based on the plasma focus architecture, as a cube satellite thruster. The evaluation of this proposal was carried out measuring a hundred of joules plasma focus operation simultaneously with the inductive measurement and antennas. Three different antennas tuned in the ultra high frequency range were tested: a monopole, Vivaldi and helical. The high frequency transients detected with the antennas were time correlated to the known inductive measurement features. The initial dielectric breakdown and later plasma pinch and subsequent disruption (i.e. the source of the propulsion) were identified to be the principal phenomena to be detected. Signal parameter correlations between the inductive sensor and the antennas showed that the pinch phenomena can be correlated with the antenna signals. Good correlation results were obtained with the monopole antenna when using peak value and signal energy parameter from the antenna transient. An improvement in the correlation results, for the helical and Vivaldi antennas, was obtained when calculating the frequency band energy. In this case, the Vivaldi antenna achieved the best results. The results of the monopole antenna make it an alternative remote sensor for plasma focus, but for the application of a miniaturized plasma focus as pulsed plasma thruster, the Vivaldi antenna is a more feasible design to replace the inductive diagnostic due to its compact design in comparison to the monopole.

A novel time domain protection technique for multi-terminal HVDC networks utilising travelling wave energy

Abstract Fault vulnerability and protection issues are major challenge in realising multi-terminal HVDC transmission system, also termed HVDC grids. This paper presents a novel time domain and transient based protection technique for application to HVDC grids. The technique utilises the energy of the forward and backward travelling waves produced by a fault to distinguish between internal and external faults. For an internal fault, the calculated forward or backward travelling wave energy for a pre-set time duration following the occurrence of a fault must exceed a predetermined setting otherwise the fault is external. This characteristic is largely due to the DC inductor located at the cable ends, as per HVDC breakers or fault current limiters, which provides attenuation for the high frequency transients resulting from an external fault. The ratio between the forward travelling wave energy and the backward travelling wave energy provides directional comparison. For a forward directional fault with respect to a local relay, this ratio must be less than unity whereas the ratio is greater than unity for a reverse directional fault. The simulation results presented based on full scale Modular Multilevel Converter Based HVDC grid shows the suitability of the proposed technique. An advantage of this technique is that it is non-unit based and as such no communication delay is incurred. Furthermore, it is simple as it does not require complex mathematical/DSP technique; and as such can be easily implemented at each independent relay since it will require minimal hardware resources hence reduces cost.

EMTP-ATP Modelling of Single-Layer Air-Core Inductors for Very High-Frequency Transients

This paper presents a procedure for implementing EMTP-ATP models of single-layer air-core inductors adequate for analyzing high and very-high frequency transients. The paper proposes a general circuit representation of air-core windings whose parameters are derived from the application of a FEM-based (Finite Element Method) tool. Experimental verifications are carried out by comparing frequency and transient responses obtained from the implemented models and laboratory measurements.

Wind turbine transformer improved design method entailing resonance blocking

A wind turbine transformer resonance can occur due to high frequency transients at its terminal i.e.; under its energization through a length of cable. Occurrence of resonance can be addressed by a sophisticated transformer design procedure. The goal is to obtain an optimum design capable of controlling the frequency response of the winding in such a way to avoid occurrence of any resonance under transient conditions. Three insulation clearances parameters which are employed for the wind turbine transformer winding design have been investigated in design of a (800 kVA, 690/20,000 V) wind turbine transformer to determine effect of their variation on its frequency response. It is shown that the best way to control the frequency response is to adjust the distance between LV and HV windings while maintaining other clearances as short as possible; realizing limitations enforced by other insulation constraints. Multiple-design algorithm is also investigated and found to be effective in control of the amplification factor under resonance frequency condition. Finally a 20 kV/690 V-400 kVA dry type wind turbine transformer is employed to verify the promising features of this design methodology, through comparison of the frequency responses of the real transformer against the model.

Type D travelling wave fault location on branched underground low‐voltage networks

Low voltage cable faults are frequently associated with arcing at the fault which creates 2 high frequency transients which propagate away from the fault towards opposite ends of the cable and whose difference in arrival times can be used to determine the fault's location using the Type D method. A variant of the Type D method, known as the Transient Recording System (TRS) using asynchronous data acquisition units (ADAU) has been used successfully in situations where multiple branches on a cable have precluded the use of other travelling wave methods. The range, and precision of location, of the TRS method is extended by the use of a Marker Unit (MU) which allows the distance and direction to a fault to be determined relative to the point of connection of the MU. The asynchronous data acquisition units operate in ‘listening’ mode and are triggered by the arrival of the transients created by the fault arc. Prior to triggering, the ADAUs continuously (over)write all received data into their cyclic buffers, including the low amplitude MU pulses. Shortly after triggering the (over)writing of the cyclic buffer stops and earlier (pre-trigger) data retained – including the received MU pulses.

Development and modelling of a new type of sensor for detecting current transients for power system protection

A new type of sensor is proposed to detect high frequency transients in currents and their initial polarities. The proposed sensing system replaces both high frequency signal sampling and processing by a simple detection coil wound on a ferrite core and an analogue electronic circuit. It is verified through laboratory experiments that transient occurrence, occurrence time, and initial transient polarity can be determined accurately. A detailed model of the sensor, including the dynamic hysteresis characteristics of the ferrite core, is developed and implemented on an electromagnetic transient simulation software, and verified through experimental measurements. Application of the developed model to simulate a transient current polarity comparison based protection scheme is demonstrated. The versatility of the proposed sensor compared to common digital signal processing based approaches, namely discrete wavelet transform and mathematical morphology, is highlighted using experimental waveforms.

Development of a hybrid protection scheme for active distribution systems using polarities of current transients

Effective protection of active distribution systems under changing states of distributed generators that have little or no contributions to fault currents is a major challenge. In case of microgrids, protection need to be effective in both grid connected and islanded modes, and fast enough to preserve the stability of the generators connected to the active distribution network. Intentional time delays inherent in the coordination of traditional overcurrent and distance protection may cause the distributed generators to significantly deviate from the nominal operating conditions during disturbances. This results in poor power quality and even disconnection from the grid. This paper investigates a novel hybrid protection scheme that combines the speed of transient based protection with the security of traditional phasor based protection to overcome the above-mentioned issues in active distribution system protection. The proposed transient based protection discriminates the faults by comparing the polarity of fault generated transients measured at the zone boundaries. The challenges in measuring high frequency transients is overcome by using Rogowski coil sensors. The problem of security during transients originating from non-fault events is addressed by employing traditional phasor based protection to supervise the transient based protection. The efficacy of the proposed protection strategy is evaluated by simulating some typical distribution network configurations in an electromagnetic transient (EMT) type simulation program. Simulation results demonstrate the increased speed in the protection operations. As a result, deviations in frequency and voltage are reduced. Results presented in this paper also demonstrate the capability of the proposed method in fast identification and isolation of faults under challenging situations such as high fault resistances and varying fault inception angles.

Report on the Workshop on High Frequency Transients in Insulation Systems, IEEE CEIDP 2016

Report on the Workshop on High Frequency Transients in Insulation Systems, IEEE CEIDP 2016

A non-communication based protection algorithm for multi-terminal HVDC grids

This paper introduces a non-communication based protection algorithm for Multi-Terminal High Voltage Direct Current (MTHVDC) transmission lines. The algorithm relies on using electrical current data at one end for identification of the fault zone without communication between relays. The concept is to use the fault generated transients to differentiate between internal and external faults. Shunt capacitors with predetermined values are installed at the boundary between each two HVDC line sections to assist, together with the busbar stray capacitance, in the classification of internal faults. The high frequency transients will reach the relaying point without any attenuation if the fault is internal; nevertheless, the high frequency transients will be highly attenuated if the fault is external due to the stray capacitance and the installed shunt capacitor at the connection busbar. Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) is used to analyze the fault current signals. MTHVDC system modeling and relay design are carried out in the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. The results of the proposed algorithm were highly reliable regarding different types of faults with different fault resistances and at various locations.

Families of similar events and modes of oscillation of the conduit at Yasur volcano (Vanuatu)

We examined one year of seismic recordings collected in 2008 during a temporary experiment at Yasur volcano (Vanuatu). The volcano has a permanent Strombolian activity that was at a relatively high level during most of our experiment with commonly at least one explosion per minute. Associated with this activity, the network recorded intense seismicicity with hundreds of transients per day. Video recordings indicate that most of the high frequency transients are directly related to the strombolian explosions. They also outline the presence of fewer signals which are not accompanied by any surface activity. The classification of transient events recorded at a station close to the summit indicates that a significant part of the events exhibit waveform similarity. This technique allows the identification of characteristic repeating events among the hundreds of thousands of transients recorded during the experiment. Most of the families of similar events are groups of explosion quakes (EQs) but a few are groups of Long Period events related to deeper processes. By scanning the 9months of continuous data available at the summit station with master events extracted from these families we reconstruct their temporal evolution. Our results show that several families dominate the activity with a few of them lasting for several months. We show that their temporal evolutions can be used to probe changes in the structure or activity of the volcano. We observe that a major change was induced by a M=7.3 subduction earthquake which occurred on April 9, 2008 about 80km from the volcano. While this event did not change significantly the surface morphology of the volcano nor the intensity of the eruptive activity, it interrupted the families as none of them is present both before and after the event. This change in the waveforms can be explained by a drop in the seismic velocity of the volcano caused by the distal event. Numerous other transitions between families are observed, sudden or progressive. These can be interpreted as representative of changes in the eruptive dynamics. The presence of similar EQs, especially for impulsive explosions, indicates that the source mechanism is reproducible and has a stable location for some periods. This favors a source process based on the oscillation of the conduit or oscillation of the edifice in response to the explosive decompression of gas slugs at the free surface of the conduit. Our results suggest that the seismic activity of Yasur is characterized by the presence of dominant modes of resonance of the conduit which may be influenced both by external and internal factors.