Scribd
Upload
313 views

Zig Zag Transformer For Grounding System PDF

Uploaded by

Anonymous N13Jdn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
313 views

Zig Zag Transformer For Grounding System PDF

Uploaded by

Anonymous N13Jdn
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

Zig-Zag Transformer for Grounding System

Written for PSCAD v4.5 and v4.6.

Introduction
This example discusses the use of the zig-zag transformers in power systems to provide a high
impedance ground system for the delta connected or ungrounded power systems. The zig-zag
transformer is typically the least costly method that can be used as a high impedance ground system. It
can be desined as a custom three-phase unit or as three individual single-phase units (which is the case
in this example).

Figure 1 shows three single-phase transformers with one-to-one ratio that are connected as a grounding
bank. The windings of the zig-zag transformer are connected such that under normal system operation,
the magnetic flux in the three windings will cancel each other, and a negligible current (high impedance)
will flow in the neutral (Ig ≈ 0).

During a single line to ground (SLG) fault, the magnetic flux in the zig-zag transformer coils are not equal
in the faulted phase. Therefore, a zero sequence current flows through all the windings of the
transformer, and at the neutral, they are added up.

Figure 1: Three single-phase bank transformers to create a Zig-Zag transformer

Rev.1 Page 1
Zig-Zag Transformer for Grounding System

The zero sequence impedance of the zig-zag transformer can contribute to limit the single line to ground
(SLG) fault current.

If there is a zero sequence impedance of transformer, the power and leakage impedance rating of the
transformer may be calculated.

For example, in the case, the zero sequence impedance of the zig-zag transformer can be calculated as:

where Zbase, Z0 and Xl are the base impedance, zero sequence impedance, and the leakage reactance of
the transformer.

Simulation Results
Figure 2 shows the voltages on the healthy phases that are increased significantly without zig-zag
transformer due to a SLG fault. The fault current is almost zero, and the protection system cannot see
the fault in the system.

Rev.1 Page 2
Zig-Zag Transformer for Grounding System

Figure 2: Swell of phase voltages due to SLG fault and the fault current

Figure 3 shows the voltages on the healthy phases are not increased significantly because the zig-zag
transformer distributes the SLG fault current between the phases. Therefore, the fault current can be
detected by the protection system.

Rev.1 Page 3
Zig-Zag Transformer for Grounding System

Figure 3: Phase voltages, fault current and zero sequence impedance

Rev.1 Page 4
Zig-Zag Transformer for Grounding System

Figure 4 shows that during an SLG fault, the zero sequence current that flows through all the windings
are added up at the nuteral, i.e. Ig =Ia+Ib+Ic . Therefore, the fault current has a much higher magnitude
compared to when the zig-zag transformer is not connected to the system.

Figure 4: The three windings share the same magnitude with the entire fault current that flows through the neutral

Copyright © 2018 Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Rev.1 Page 5

You might also like