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The 1st International Conference on Engineering and Technology (ICoEngTech) 2021 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1962 (2021) 012005 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1962/1/012005

Effect of K-Factor on Capability in Power Transformers

Muhammad Apryansyah and Iwa Garniwa MK

Departement of Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia,
Depok, Jawa Barat 16424, Indonesia

Corresponding author’s email : [email protected]

Abstract. Harmonic currents generated by nonlinear loads can cause overheating and
premature failure of power transformers. According to IEEE Std C57.110TM - 2008, Eddy
Current losses are considered proportional to the harmonic current squared multiplied by the
harmonic number. This paper will discuss 2 case studies, namely: a transformer without using
a harmonic filter and a transformer using a harmonic filter. This research was conducted by
measuring the amount of harmonics in arc furnace customers using power quality analysis
equipment for 7 days. From the research results obtained indicate that the value of the k-factor
is inversely proportional to the maximum transformer capability and is directly proportional to
the decrease in transformer capability. So that the transformer that is installed using a harmonic
filter has a k-factor value and derating capability is smaller than the transformer without using
a harmonic filter, in order not to derating capability of the transformer without using a
harmonic filter or a transformer that uses a harmonic filter, it is necessary to use the K-Factor
Transformer K-4.

1. Introduction
In recent years in Indonesia, there has been a significant increase in non linear loads. Which is caused
by electrical / electronic equipment that uses power electronics in households, business and industries.
Which cause harmonics in the electric power distribution system[1].
Transformers are considered as an essential component in the electric power system. The non-
linear load on the single-phase transformer causes iron losses and copper losses to increase. This non-
linear load causes harmonic distortion which results in increased power losses in the transformer[2]. In
the electric power system, the use of equipment with non-linear loads can cause a decrease in the
power of the transformer due to the increase in power losses, especially in single-phase transformers.
The use of non-linear loads in the electricity system must be controlled. because the main purpose of
the electric power system is to deliver electricity with good quality and reliability. However, this ideal
condition cannot be fulfilled, because there are various kinds of disturbances, including harmonics
caused by non-linear loads which will affect the performance of the electric power system as a whole.
The main purpose of an electric power system is to deliver electric power with a constant voltage
and a constant frequency. However, it is not possible to meet these ideal requirements, because there
are various kinds of disturbances, including harmonics caused by non-linear loads which will affect
the performance of the electric power system as a whole.
Non-linear loads are loads that draw a current that is not sinusoidal. Electrical equipment which
includes non-linear loads such as arc furnaces, gas discharged lighting, solid state motor drives,

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The 1st International Conference on Engineering and Technology (ICoEngTech) 2021 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1962 (2021) 012005 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1962/1/012005

battery chargers, UPS systems, and electronic power supplies as well as power electronic controlled
equipment [3].
Harmonic currents are currents whose frequency is an integer multiple of the fundamental (power
supply) frequency. Harmonic currents superimposed on the fundamental currents produce a non-
sinusoidal current waveform associated with nonlinear loads. Harmonics are one of the characteristics
of electrical quality at steady state conditions in an electrical system that can affect power quality.
Harmonics consist of; total harmonic distortion current (THDi) and total harmonic distortion voltage
(THDv). Harmonics cause bad impacts on power system equipment, including; reduce the capable
power of the transformer.
In this paper, I study the effect of harmonics distortion and k-factor on capability in power
transformer. This research is focused on analyzing the effect of arc furnace customers as a non-linear
appliance to the harmonic distortion and k-factor in power transformers. The results of this research is
expected can provide a reference in finding a solutions to minimized the undesired impacts of arc
furnace customers and other non-linear equipment in the electric power system.

2. K-factor Transformer
The K factor is defined as the ratio between the additional loss due to harmonics and the eddy current
loss. K-Factor ratings can be a good solution to apply to transformers and are suitable for use for non-
linear loads[4].The K-Factor is given by the following equation:

h  max
K  Factor  
h 1
Ih 2 h 2 (1)

Where :
h = harmonic order
Ih = total rms current at harmonic number h

2.1. Relationship between K-Factor and Harmonic Loss Factor

The K-Factor can be formulated as follows:
2
h  max
I  I h  max
K  Factor   h  h  2
2
 I h2h2 (2)
h 1  IR  I R h 1

Where :
h = harmonic order
Ih = the rms current at harmonic number h (ampere)
IR = rms rating of load current at fundamental frequency

The relationship between the K-factor and harmonic loss factor (FHL) is the formula as follows:

 h max 2 
  Ih 
K  Factor   h 1 2  FHL (3)
 IR 
 
 

The numerical value of the K-Factor is the same as the numerical value of the Harmonic Loss
Factor when the rms value of its harmonic load current at the square root is equal to the rated load
current of the transformer [1, 7].

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The 1st International Conference on Engineering and Technology (ICoEngTech) 2021 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1962 (2021) 012005 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1962/1/012005

2.2. Relationship between K-Factor and Capable Power

The ideal transformer is a transformer that has 100% efficiency, that is, a transformer that does not
lose power at all. However, this ideal or perfect transformer is almost impossible to achieve, this is due
to several factors that cause loss or loss of power [6]. These factors include factors caused by the iron
core which is usually called Core Loss or Iron Loss and the factor caused by the coil or coil on the
transformer itself which is usually called Copper loss.
Capable power is the installed capacity minus the losses (Loss Without Load + Loss on Load). As a
result of the impact of current harmonics on the transformer can cause an increase in transformer
losses so that it can cause a derating capability of the transformer [4]. A reduction in the capable
power of a transformer can be formulated, as follows:

a. Harmonic loss factor (FHL)

Harmonic loss factor (FHL) is an indicator of the effect of increasing losses due to current harmonics
on losses in the current transformer rating conditions. Harmonic loss factor (FHL) can be formulated, as
follows:
h  max 2
25
 Ih 
 2
h Ih 2
 h   2

 h 1  2
IR
FHL  h 1
h  max (4)
25
 Ih 
 Ih 2
  
h 1 h 1  IR 

Where :
Ih = Harmonics currents order of h
IR = rms rating of load current at fundamental frequency
H = Order of 1,2,3,4,…
b. Harmonic loss factor for other stray losses (FHL-OSL)
Harmonic loss factor for other stray losses (FHL-OSL) is an indicator of the effect of increasing losses
due to current harmonics on other stray losses in transformer rating current conditions. Harmonic loss
factor for other stray losses (FHL-OSL) can be formulated, as follows:

2
h  max h  max
I 
 h  Ih
0,8 2
 h  h 0,8

FHL OSL  h 1

h 1  IR  (5)
h  max 2
h  max
 Ih 
 Ih 2
  
h 1  I R 
h 1

c. Eddy current losses (PEC)

Eddy current losses in the windings occur due to the alternating flux produced by the load current flow
in the transformer windings. Eddy current losses in windings are affected by the skin effect. Eddy
Current Loss can be formulated, as follows:
2
h  max
I 
PEC  PEC  R  2
h  h (6)
h 1  IR 

Where :
PEC = Eddy Current Loss conditions influence current harmonics (kW)

3
The 1st International Conference on Engineering and Technology (ICoEngTech) 2021 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1962 (2021) 012005 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1962/1/012005

PEC-R = Eddy Current Loss condition load current rating and fundamental frequency (kW)
Ih = Harmonics order currents of n (A)
IR = rms rating of load current at fundamental frequency (A)
H = Order of 1,2,3,4,…

d. Other stray losses (POSL)

Other target losses can be formulated, as follows:
h  max 2
 Ih 
POSL  POSL  R h
h 1
0,8
 I R
 
(7)

Where :
POSL = Other stray loss conditions influence current harmonics (kW)
POSL-R = Other stray losses are the load current rating conditions and the fundamental frequency (kW)
Ih = Harmonics currents order of n (A)
IR = rms rating of load current at fundamental frequency (A)
H = Order of 1,2,3,4,...

e. Load losses (PLL)

Load losses can be formulated, as follows:
PLL (pu) = PDC (pu) + PEC (pu) + POSL (pu)
PLL (pu) = I2 (pu) [1 + FHL.PEC-R (pu) + FHL-OSL.POSL-R (pu)

f. Maximum Transformer Loading Capability (IMAX)

Maximum Transformer Loading Capability can be formulated, as follows:

PLL  R ( pu )
Im ax( pu )  (8)
1   FHL  PEC  R ( pu )   FHL  OSL  POSL  R ( pu )

Where :
Imax (pu) = Maximum Transformer Loading Capability
PLL-R (pu) = Load losses (pu)
FHL = Harmonic Loss Factor
PEC-R (pu) = Eddy Current Losses (pu)
FHL-OSL = Harmonic Loss Factor for Other Stray Losses
POSL-R (pu) = Other stray Losses (pu)

2.3. Standard transformer K-factor rated

The standard K-Factor rating for the transformer and the electrical equipment components contained
therein are given in Table 1.

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The 1st International Conference on Engineering and Technology (ICoEngTech) 2021 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1962 (2021) 012005 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1962/1/012005

Table 1. K-Factor Transformer Rating

Load K-Factor
Incandescent lighting (with no solid state dimmers) K-1
Electric resistance heating (with no solid state heat controls) K-1
Motors (without solid state drivers) K-1
K-1
Control transformers/electromagnetic control devices
K-1
Motor-generators (without solid state drivers)
Electric-discharge lighting K-4
UPS with optional input filtering K-4
Induction heating equipment K-4
K-4
Welders
PLC’s and solid state controls (other than variable speed K-4
drives)
Telecommunications equipment K-13
UPS without input filtering K-13
Multi-wire receptacle circuits in general care areas of
K-13
health care, facilities and classroom of schools, etc.
Multi-wire receptable circuits supplying inspection or K-13
testing equipment on an assembly or production line
Mainframe computer loads K-20
Solid state motor drives (variable speed drives) K-20
Multi-wire receptacle circuits in critical care areas and
K-20
operating/recovery rooms of hospitals
Multi-wire receptacle circuits in industrial, medical, and K-30
educational laboratories
Multi-wire receptacle circuits in commercial office spaces K-30
small mainframes (mini and micro)
Other loads identified as producing very high amounts of K-40
harmonics (especially in higher orsers)

With the k-factor transformer rating standard above, we can find out what components of electrical
equipment are connected to the transformer. By knowing this, we can provide a solution for the utility
to use a k-factor transformer according to the rating conditions. The k-factor transformer is designed to
be operated at full load which has a k-factor value equal to or less than its k-factor rating. For
example, transformer k-20 can be given full load with a k-factor value of 1 to 20. But if the k-factor is
given a load greater than k-20, the transformer cannot work safely at full load and will cause a
decrease in its operating value. K-factor transformers require neutral terminals and connections that
are larger than standard transformers. [1].

3. Case Study
The objects studied were: customers of 20 kV arc furnaces with an installed power of 3,115 kVA,
supplied from the Sei Rotan 150/20 kV substation with a power transformer capacity of 31.5 MVA.
In IEEE Standard 519-1992, Point Common Coupling (PCC) has determined the limit for the TDD
(Total Demad Distortion) content of current harmonics in electric power systems. To be able to apply
these limits, it is necessary to determine the amount of 3-phase short circuit current in the 20 kV bus
and 0.4 kV Dyn transformer, as in Figure 1. below.

5
The 1st International Conference on Engineering and Technology (ICoEngTech) 2021 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1962 (2021) 012005 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1962/1/012005

3.1. Description

Figure 1. Single Line Short Circuit Diagram 3 phase on the 20 kV / 0.4 kV Bus and Filter Mounting

The results Harmonisa distortion measurements on March 9, 2009 with the following results:

Figure 2. THDi Loading Conditions 9 March 2009

Figure 3. THDv Loading Conditions 9 March 2009

The results of measuring the individual spectrum of current harmonic distortion (IHDi) dated March 9,
2009, are as follows:

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The 1st International Conference on Engineering and Technology (ICoEngTech) 2021 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1962 (2021) 012005 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1962/1/012005

o Current harmonic spectrum of order 5

Figure 4. IHDi 5th Order Conditions of Loading 9 March 2009

o Current harmonic spectrum of order 11

Figure 5. IHDi 11th Order Conditions of Loading 9 March 2009

Table 2. Comparison of IHDi Measurement Results March 9, 2009 with IEEE Standard 519-1992

From Figure 1, the Harmonic filter can be determined with specifications: L (inductor) of 96 mH
(milli Hendry); C (capacitor) of 4.80 µF (micro Farad) with a capacity of 1.809 kVAR; 30.15 Ampere.

3.2. Measurement Techniques

The location of the Harmonic measurement is shown in Figure 1. Harmonic measurement locations in
this case study are the primary side (20 kV) of the 20 / 0.4 kV customer transformer 3,115 kVA.

7
The 1st International Conference on Engineering and Technology (ICoEngTech) 2021 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1962 (2021) 012005 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1962/1/012005

Measurement of harmonic currents from arc furnaces customers is carried out directly by using a
Power Quality Analyzer (PQA) measuring device for 7 days and then the data will be entered into a
software called powerlog so that we get the harmonic data, as shown in Figure 2 – Figure 5. For the
calculation of the k-factor uses equation 1.

3.3. Simulation Results

From the simulation results of this arc furnaces customer with a connected power of 3,115 kVA using
a 20,000/400 Volt Distribution Transformer, resulting in 2 cases, that is :

Case 1. Without Using Harmonic Filters

The k-factor value on March 9, 2009 from a system that does not use a harmonic filter is 3.38, as
shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Harmonic Current and K-Factor Calculation of Transformer Without Using Harmonic Filters

After the K-Factor is obtained, then calculate the Maximum Capable Power of the Transformer in
accordance with equation (8).

PLL  R ( pu )
Im ax ( pu ) 
1   FHL  PEC  R ( pu )   FHL  OSL  POSL  R ( pu ) 

Imax (pu) = 94.82%

Obtained a maximum capability power of 94.82% and a decrease in ability of 5.18%, with THDi of
19.08%.
Results of K-Factor and Maximum Capability of Power Transformers for 7 days are shown in
Table 4.

8
The 1st International Conference on Engineering and Technology (ICoEngTech) 2021 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1962 (2021) 012005 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1962/1/012005

Table 4. Results of Maximum Capability Vs K-Factor Transformer Without Using Harmonic Filters

Figure 6. Derating Capable Power Vs K- Figure 7. Increase Derating Trafo Vs K-

Factor Curve Factor Curve

Case 2. Using Filter Harmonic

The K-factor value on March 9, 2009 from a system that uses a harmonic filter is 2.22, as shown in
table 5.

9
The 1st International Conference on Engineering and Technology (ICoEngTech) 2021 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1962 (2021) 012005 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1962/1/012005

Table 5. Harmonic Current and K-Factor Calculation of Transformer

Using Harmonic Filters

After the K-Factor is obtained, then calculate the Maximum Capable Power of the Transformer in
accordance with equation (8).

PLL  R ( pu )
Im ax( pu ) 
1   FHL  PEC  R ( pu )   FHL  OSL  POSL  R ( pu ) 
Imax (pu) = 97.47%

Obtained a maximum capacity of 97.47% and a decrease in ability of 2.53%, with THDi of
12.95%. The results of the K-Factor and the Maximum Capacity of the Power Transformer for 7 days
are shown in Table 6.

Table 6. Results of Maximum Capability Vs K-Factor Transformer

Using Harmonic Filters

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The 1st International Conference on Engineering and Technology (ICoEngTech) 2021 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1962 (2021) 012005 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1962/1/012005

Figure 8. Derating Capable Power Vs Figure 9. Increase Derating Trafo Vs

K-Factor Curve K-Factor Curve

When compared to the magnitude of the K-factor in a system without a harmonic filter(3.38) and a
system that uses a harmonic filter (2.22), then the K-factor in a system that uses a harmonic filter is
34.32% smaller than a system that does not use a harmonic filter, so it has an impact by increasing the
Transformer Capability from 94.82% to 97.47%.
To avoid a decrease in the Maximum Capability of the Power Transformer due to Harmonics, a K-
Factor Transformer with class K-4 can be used.

4. Conclusion
Harmonics produced by arc furnace consumers greatly affect the size of the k-factor. The greater the
resulting harmonics, the greater impact on increasing the value of the k-factor. The greater the k-factor
will cause the maximum power of the power transformer to decrease and the derating of the power
transformer to increase. Arc furnace consumers who do not use harmonic filters will cause the k-factor
value to be greater than arc furnace consumers who use harmonic filters. Arc furnace consumers who
do not use harmonic filters cause the k-factor value to be 3.38, which is greater than arc furnace
consumers who use harmonic filters whose k-factor value is only 2.22. Likewise, the maximum
capacity, without filter is 94.82% and derating is 5.18%. Meanwhile, those using a harmonic filter
have a maximum power of 97.47% and a derating of 2.53%. So the use of harmonic filters on arc
furnace consumers can reduce the k-factor on the power transformer by 34.32% from systems without
using a harmonic filter.

5. Suggestion
Arc furnace consumers who have harmonic emissions that exceed the set standards, are required to
reduce their harmonic emission levels, one of which is by using harmonic filters. Whereas in the
power transformer, so that there is no decrease in capable power and an increase in derating, you can
use the k-factor transformer. However, until now, the use of k-factor transformers has only been
limited to Low Voltage - Low Voltage transformers.

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The 1st International Conference on Engineering and Technology (ICoEngTech) 2021 IOP Publishing
Journal of Physics: Conference Series 1962 (2021) 012005 doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1962/1/012005

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