AN ANALYSIS OF POWER TRANSFORMER

PERFORMANCE RELIABILITY ON THE EFFECT

TRANSIENT RECOVERY VOLTAGE

Arnanda Putra1, Solly Aryza2, Zuraidah Tharo2

Universitas Pembangunan Panca Budi
Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia
[email protected]

ABSTRACT

Technologies a power transformer is a crucial component in an electric power

system that functions to change electric voltage from one level to another. Reliable
transformer performance is essential to ensure the continuity of electricity supply and
prevent significant losses. One phenomenon that can affect transformer reliability is
Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV). This paper described the reliability of power
transformer performance against the influence of TRV through simulations and
experimental measurements. The research methodology includes literature review,
mathematical modeling, simulation using electric power system analysis software, and
laboratory testing. The research results show that TRV has a significant influence on
transformer reliability, especially under conditions of major disturbances.
Recommendations for mitigating the impact of TRV include the use of additional
protective devices such as surge arresters and improving the quality of transformer
insulation. By understanding the influence of TRV on transformer performance, it is
expected to increase the reliability and operational lifespan of power transformers, as well
as reduce the risk of economic losses due to transformer damage. This research makes an
important contribution to the development of protection and maintenance techniques for
power transformers in modern electric power systems.
Keywords: Power transformer, performance reliability, Transient Recovery Voltage

INTRODUCTION.
A power transformer is one of the key components in an electric power system,
which functions to change electric voltage from one level to another in order to distribute
energy efficiently. Reliable performance of power transformers is very important to
ensure continuity of electricity supply and stability of the power system. However, power
transformers often experience various technical challenges that can affect their
performance, one of which is the effect of Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV).
Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV) is a temporary voltage that appears after the
fault current is cut off by a circuit breaker. TRVs can have high amplitudes and rise
velocities, which can have a significant impact on the insulation of the transformer and
other related components. These conditions can cause extreme electrical stress on the
transformer, potentially causing damage to the insulation, reduced equipment life, and in
severe cases, transformer failure.
Research on the influence of TRV on power transformers is very important to
understand the mechanisms and factors that influence transformer reliability. With better
understanding, mitigation strategies and techniques can be developed to increase the
reliability and longevity of power transformers. The development of analytical models
and computer simulations is also an important part of this research to predict transformer
response to various TRV conditions and to design more effective protection systems.
In addition, analysis of the reliability of power transformer performance in the
face of TRV has significant practical implications. In an operational context, electric
utilities need to ensure that power transformers can operate safely and reliably under a
wide range of grid conditions. This involves continuous monitoring, predictive
maintenance, and improving the design of transformers and their protection systems.
In this research, an in-depth analysis will be carried out regarding the influence of
TRV on power transformer performance, including identification of factors that influence
TRV, evaluation of its impact on transformer insulation, and development of mitigation
methods. The aim is to provide practical recommendations for improving the reliability
and safety of power transformer operations, ultimately contributing to the stability and
reliability of the electric power system as a whole.
In Indonesia, where energy needs continue to increase along with economic and
population growth, the reliability of the electric power system is becoming increasingly
critical. Power outages caused by transformer failure not only result in significant
economic losses but also have a negative impact on people's social lives. Therefore, a
deep understanding of the factors influencing transformer performance, including the
influence of TRV, is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies.
The effect of TRV can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of
fault, fault location, and circuit breaker characteristics. A high TRV can cause voltage
spikes that exceed the design limits of the transformer, resulting in overvoltage that can
damage the insulation. Damaged insulation can lead to leakage currents, overheating, and
ultimately transformer failure. Therefore, detailed analysis and simulation of TRV
conditions under various disruption scenarios is required to anticipate and mitigate these
risks.
Additionally, new technologies such as advanced insulation materials and
transformer designs that are more resistant to TRV need to be explored and implemented.
Modern transformers must be designed to withstand higher electrical stresses without
reducing their performance. Innovations in sensor technology and online monitoring also
enable early detection of abnormal conditions, which can prevent transformer failure
before more severe damage occurs.
This research also highlights the importance of strict standards and regulations in
the design and operation of power transformers. Implementation of international
standards and best practices can help ensure that transformers used in electric power
systems have adequate resistance to TRV and other external factors.
Through this comprehensive research, it is hoped that practical and technical
recommendations can be produced that can be adopted by the electric power industry in
Indonesia. Implementation of the results of this research is expected to increase the
operational reliability of power transformers, reduce the frequency and duration of power
outages, and increase the efficiency and stability of the electric power system as a whole.

LITERATURE REVIEW.
2.1. Source Electrical.
The electrical power generated at power plants must pass through several
distribution stages before reaching consumers. This centralized generation and
distribution of power enable electricity to be produced in one location and used at
another distant location at any time. Due to various technical constraints, power
generation occurs in specific areas, while consumers are dispersed across various
locations. Transmitting electric power from the generation site to customers
necessitates various technical measures.
 For the transmission of very large amounts of electrical power over long
distances, using high voltage is the most efficient method. High voltage is
employed in transmission lines to minimize power losses.

Figure 1. Source Electrical Step

The electric power system can essentially be divided into two parts:
 Primary Network System:
Also known as the medium voltage network (JTM), the primary network system
plays a crucial role in distributing electric power to users in a specific area.
Utilizing a medium voltage system as the main network helps to avoid
distribution losses and ensures that the voltage quality requirements are met. PT
PLN Persero, as the main business authority, must adhere to the quality standards
set by the Electricity Law No. 30 of 2009.
 Secondary Network System:
Referred to as the low voltage network (JTR), the secondary network system is
the downstream component of the electric power system. This network distributes
electric power directly to consumers or electricity customers. It functions to
transmit electrical voltage from distribution substations to low voltage
consumers. The low voltage levels used by PT. PLN (Persero) are 127/220 V and
220/380 V.

2.2. Protection Quality Step.

In planning an effective protection system, several key requirements must be considered:
Selectivity and Discrimination: The effectiveness of a protection system is determined
by its ability to isolate only the part of the system experiencing a fault.
Stability: This characteristic ensures that the protection system remains inactive if
disturbances occur outside the protective zone (external disturbances).
Speed of Operation: The longer the fault current continues to flow, the greater the
damage to the equipment. It is crucial to isolate the faulted sections before the
synchronously connected generators lose synchronization with the rest of the system.
Typical fault clearance time in high voltage systems is 140 ms, which is expected to be
reduced to 80 ms in the future, necessitating very high-speed relaying.
Sensitivity: This refers to the amount of fault current required for the protection device to
operate. It can be expressed as the amount of current in the actual network (primary
current) or as a percentage of the secondary current (current transformer).
Economic Considerations: While the economic aspect often takes precedence, ensuring
that basic safety requirements are met, technical aspects are paramount in transmission
systems. Protection is relatively expensive, but so is the system or equipment being
protected. Ensuring the continuity of system equipment is vital, often necessitating two
separate protection systems: primary protection (main protection) and backup protection.
Reliability: The reliability of the protection system is critical, as the main cause of circuit
outages is often the failure of the protection system to operate correctly (maloperation).
Supporting Protection: Backup protection is a completely separate system that functions
to isolate the faulted section if the primary protection fails.

Figure 2. Electric Power Protection System

In an electric power distribution system, the level of reliability is crucial in

determining system performance. This reliability is measured by the extent to which the
supply of electric power remains continuous for consumers. The most fundamental issue
in the electric power distribution system concerns the quality, continuity, and availability
of electric power services to customers.

Figure 3. Source System Distribution.

2.4 Disturbances System

Disturbances an electrical equipment are an inherent part of the operation of
electric power systems, affecting everything from generators and transmission lines to
load centres. These disturbances in the distribution system can trigger the feeder safety
relay to open the circuit breaker at the substation, resulting in a power outage. The
reliability of the distribution system is its ability to consistently and stably deliver electric
power to customers, especially large power users who require uninterrupted service.
Interruptions in electricity supply can disrupt the production processes of these major
consumers. The structure of the medium voltage network is crucial in ensuring the
reliability of power distribution, as a well-designed network allows for voltage maneuvers
by isolating disturbances and rerouting loads through alternative pathways.

METHOD.
In this research, switching overvoltage modelling will be modelling using ATP-
Draw software simulation. Transient overvoltage that occurs due to the process of
providing power to a transmission line depends on the characteristics of the transmission
line used. Overvoltage disturbances in the transmission and distribution of electric power
systems are usually caused by two types of surge voltage, namely lightning surges and
circuit surges which have amplitudes greater than the nominal peak voltage value. One
source of circuit surge overvoltage is the opening and closing of circuit breakers. The
magnitude of the voltage amplitude during load shedding always correlates with the
system voltage and the oscillation frequency which is influenced by the system
impedance. The phenomenon of circuit surges on transmission lines can be resolved by
creating a single phase equivalent circuit. So each phase is assumed to be able to stand
alone, this applies if the power cut-off on each phase closes simultaneously. The
simulation that will be carried out is by providing a three-phase fault trigger to the ground
with the assumption that an opening is carried out circuit breaker.
This voltage consists of high frequency components that are superimposed on the
normal system voltage and the total is called restriking voltage and forms a switching
surge, when the circuit restriking voltage can reach a maximum value that is twice the
peak value of the system recovery voltage.
For system modelling, 3 different types of power transformer winding connections are
used,
1. The power transformer uses a Delta – Wye type winding.
2. The power transformer uses a Wye – Delta type winding.
3. The power transformer uses a Delta – Delta type winding.
4. The power transformer uses a Wye – Wye type winding.
The simulation was carried out using the type of power transformer winding
connection intended to find out the differences in the resulting transient recovery voltage.
So the characteristics of the traveling waves that occur are also known. Transient
Recovery Voltage generated during the circuit breaker disconnection process will be
analysed using waves with the input parameters being VL−Peak on the secondary side of
the power transformer which differs based on the type of winding connection.
Once the characteristics of the reflected wave are known, the results will be
compared with the Transient Recovery Voltage. Based on the single line circuit diagram
of 20 kV medium voltage transmission and modelling the circuit is equipped with a
trigger in the form of a switching which is then connected to ground as a model of the
short circuit system. This circuit modelling consists of main components such as a 150
kV voltage source, resistors, capacitors, nonlinear inductors, circuit breakers, power
transformers with circuit parameters shown in Table 1. Circuit modelling is carried out in
the Alternative Transient Program or ATP-Draw. The aim of modelling this transient
recovery voltage circuit is to determine the differences in transient voltage response when
switching a medium voltage circuit breaker and determine the differences in traveling
wave response which will be analysed using the lattice Bewley diagram method using
MATLAB software.
The research began with a literature study to understand the basic theory of
Transient Recovery Voltage (TRV), power transformers, and electrical power system
reliability. Relevant literature from scientific journals, textbooks, and industry standards
will be reviewed to gain a comprehensive understanding. Mathematical modelling is
carried out to describe the TRV phenomenon and its interaction with power transformers.
Differential equations and other analytical methods are used to predict the transformer
response to TRV. This modelling includes the electrical and mechanical characteristics of
the transformer as well as the fault conditions that trigger the TRV.
Computer simulations are carried out using electrical power system analysis
software such as MATLAB/Simulink or PSCAD. The mathematical model that has been
developed is implemented in simulation to predict TRV behaviour and its impact on the
transformer. Various fault scenarios and operating conditions are tested to evaluate
transformer reliability. and Experimental testing is carried out in the laboratory to
validate the simulation results. The necessary test transformers and measuring equipment
are prepared to replicate TRV conditions. Data obtained from these tests are used to
calibrate and verify the simulation model. and Data from simulations and laboratory tests
are analysed to evaluate the effect of TRV on transformer performance. Performance
parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and insulation conditions are evaluated.
Statistical analysis was carried out to identify patterns and relationships between TRV
and transformer damage.
Based on the analysis results, a mitigation strategy was developed to reduce the
negative impact of TRV on transformers. These recommendations include the use of
protective devices such as surge arresters, improving insulation quality, and preventative
maintenance procedures. and Proposed mitigation strategies are tested and validated
through additional simulations and field testing where possible. Implementation of this
strategy is expected to increase the reliability and operational life of power transformers.
It is hoped that this structured research method will provide an in-depth understanding of
the influence of TRVs on power transformers and produce practical recommendations for
increasing the reliability of electric power systems.

RESULT.
4.1. Result Of Data Substation.

The number of disturbances that occurred at the substation power transformer.

Table 1. Disturbances in the Substation Power Transformer Area

Protection System

Causes of Disorders Frequency

No Year Techni Non technical No
cal
Is known Disturbance

1 2018 3 - - 3
2 2019 2 - - 2
3 2020 - - - -
4 2021 - - 1 1
5 2022 1 - - 1
6 2023 1 - - 1

Number of Interruptions 8

Calculation of the percentage of frequency of disturbances that occur in

the Substation Power Transformer area.
Table 2. Percentage of Disturbances in the Substation Power Transformer Area
Protection System 2018-2023
No Year Interruption Frequency Percentage of
Disorders

Time %

1 2018 3 37.5 %
2 2019 2 25 %
3 2020 - -
4 2021 1 12.5 %
5 2022 1 12.5 %
6 2023 1 12.5 %

Amount 8 100%

The number of various disturbances at the Substation from 2018-2023 was

minimized with a protection system to minimize the occurrence of disturbances
in the transformer area can be seen in Table 3. below.

Table 3. Substation 150 KV Power Transformer Area Protection System 2018-

2023

Transformer Protection Relay Protection Relay Performance Number of Interruptions

No
Capable Unable Time
Power
Secure Secure

1 REF 2 - 2
2 OCR/GFR 2 - 2
3 OLTC 1 - 1
4 BHUCOLZT 1 - 1
5 SHUDDEN PREASURE 1 - 1
6 PMT 150KV 1 - 1
7 PMT 20KV INCOMING 3 - 3
8 PMT 20KV FEEDER - 1 1

AMOUNT 11 1 12

Calculation of the percentage of reliability of the protection system on the

transformer, the calculation results are in Table 4.
Table 4. Percentage of Reliability of the Kalibakal 150 KV Substation Power
Transformer Area Protection System 2018 - 2023
Protection Relay Amount
Performance Disturbance
Protection Relay Level
No Capable Unable
Power Success
Transformer Secure Secure Time

Disturbance Disturbance
1 REF 2 - 2 100%
2 OCR/GFR 2 - 2 100%
3 OLTC 1 - 1 100%
4 BHUCOLZT 1 - 1 100%
5 SHUDDEN 1 - 1 100%
PREASURE

6 PMT 150KV 1 - 1 100%

7 PMT 20KV 3 - 3 100%
INCOMING

8 PMT 20KV - 1 1 0%
FEEDER

Amount 11 1 12 91.67%

4.2 Analysed Faults and Performance of Transformer Protection Systems

The disturbances that arise can be classified into 3 types of disturbances where
the first is a technical disturbance, the second is a non-technical disturbance and the
third or last is a disturbance whose cause is unknown. By using 2012 disturbance data
and the percentage description analysis formula, the 2012 disturbance percentage was
obtained at 37.5%.
Data on the percentage of disturbances in Power Transformer Area Protection
System for 2012-2017 in table 2 above shows that the average percentage of
disturbances each year is 12.5%. This 12.5% percentage of disruption occurred in
2015, 2016 and 2017, while in 2012 it was 37.5%, in 2013 it was 25% and in 2014
there was no disruption.
Based on table 3 above, it can be seen that the performance of the Kalibakal 150
KV Substation Power Transformer Area Protection System from 2012-2017 is
included in the good category. This is proven by the fact that most of the disturbances
in the power system can be resolved, where there is only one disturbance that cannot
be resolved, namely the disturbance at the PMT 20 KV Feeder.
A relay is said to have good reliability if it has a reliability of 90% to 100%. To
calculate the percentage of performance or reliability of a power transformer
protection system, you can also use the percentage description formula using formula
(2), So the percentage of reliability of the 2012-2017 transformer protection relay at
 the Kalibakal 150KV Substation is 91.67% and is stated to be quite good because it is
more from 90%.

CONCLUSION.
Based on the results of research conducted and analysis of transient recovery voltage
(TRV) using traveling waves in medium voltage circuit breakers, the following
conclusions are obtained:
where is the peak TRV voltage value in the simulation with four variations of power
transformer winding connections and
The peak value of the TRV voltage and traveling wave at each power transformer
winding connection varies due to differences in parameters, namely the peak voltage
VL−N at each power transformer winding connection.

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