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Failures During the Switching Process in OLTC

The document discusses the potential failures during the switching process of on-load tap changers (OLTC) in transformers, particularly if the switching circuit opens during tap changing. It highlights the causes of such failures, including contact erosion and desynchronization, and the consequences, such as transient overvoltages leading to equipment damage. Proactive maintenance and monitoring are recommended to prevent these issues and ensure reliable OLTC performance.

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paradies230
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7 views

Failures During the Switching Process in OLTC

The document discusses the potential failures during the switching process of on-load tap changers (OLTC) in transformers, particularly if the switching circuit opens during tap changing. It highlights the causes of such failures, including contact erosion and desynchronization, and the consequences, such as transient overvoltages leading to equipment damage. Proactive maintenance and monitoring are recommended to prevent these issues and ensure reliable OLTC performance.

Uploaded by

paradies230
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Failures during the switching process in OLTC, ¿why might they occur?

On-load tap changers modify the output voltage of the transformer without interrupting
the load current. So, what would happen if the switching circuit opened during the
transitory tap changing process? Causes that could produce this event and its
consequences are evaluated, as well as proactive actions to prevent it.

The load variations of a transformer during its operation modifies its output voltage. In
order to keep such output voltage within certain predefined limits, it must be “regulated”.
In power transformers, given the magnitude of the powers delivered, voltage regulation
is normally carried out on-load, that is, without interrupting the load current.

The function of the on-load tap changer (OLTC) is to regulate the output voltage of the
transformer due to variations in the load and/or fluctuations in the input voltage, adding
or removing turns from an adjustable winding (normally on the HV side), to adjust the
output voltage in the secondary winding, being: 𝑈 = 𝑈 × ±
. (Fig. 1)

The concept of “making” contact before “breaking” is the


basic criterion for OLTC. In general, OLTC consists of a tap
selector and a switch that changes the taps on load (diverter
switch). The tap selection and switching system operates
synchronously through a drive mechanism, which selects the
desired tap of the regulating winding.

They operate through a switching mechanism by triggering a


high-speed energy accumulator, which allows the turns ratio
to be modified without interrupting the load current;
Fig. 1: Principle of OLTC.
alternately closing and opening a contacts system to “make”
and “break” currents (by means of main, switching and transition contacts) when
switching from the tap in service to an adjacent one.

During the switching process, a transient internal


circulation current Ic appears (Fig. 2), consequence of
the existing step voltage 𝑈 between these taps. The
value of such transient current must be limited to
protect the contacts; so, one or more transition resistors
are temporarily inserted in the circuit, while both taps
are under load (transferring the load between them
without interruption of the load current), to reduce such
Fig. 2: Tap changing process.
transient internal current (Ic). It must be considered that,
in addition to the current Ic, the load current IL, which can reach the rated value, will also
circulate through these contacts. So, what would happen if such resistors were not
inserted into the switching circuit? The value of the transient internal circulation current
during the tap changing process would be limited only by the own contacts resistance of
the circuit (value close to zero), reaching unacceptably high current values for the
contacts, and developing an abnormally high thermal dissipation.

Conceptually to understand the concept, as a very simplified approach, values of


transition resistors could be obtained according to the following:
798V
Assuming a transformer with a regulation range of
138,000V±10% in ±10 steps, this results in a phase
step voltage value 𝑈 between adjacent regulating
, /√
taps of = 798𝑉 (Fig. 3). If it were desired to

limit the value of the transient circulating current IC by


means of two transition resistors R y R to for
example, no more than 50 A (remembering that
Fig. 3: Step voltage Us and transient through the contacts, it will also circulate, in addition to
internal circulation current Ic.
the current IC, the load current IL), the sum of R + R

should have a value of: R + R = = = 15.95Ω.

It will then be that R = R = 7.97Ω ≈ 8Ω (Fig. 4).

In addition, other very specific issues related to the


winding design and its proper constructive
characteristics, are also considered, to obtain a
“tailor made” customized value. Fig. 4: Typical transition resistor.

So, having in mind the concept of “making” contact before “breaking” it, as the basic
criterion for OLTC, what means that during the switching process the circuit between
active adjacent taps must remain always closed, what could happen if while switching,
such circuit opened? Let’s evaluate that:

At the transitory time of changing taps, when contacts system moves


from one tap to other adjacent, if the circuit were opened, a transient
overvoltage would appear between both taps, producing arc
discharges. The energy developed consequently, will produce
combustible gases and a high internal oil overpressure, generating
a strong oil flow to relieve and evacuate such overpressure toward
the diverter switch oil conservator, leading this to the operation Fig. 5: Oil-flow protecting relay.
of the oil-flow protecting relay (Fig. 5) and eventually the overpressure valve (if it existed)
according to the level of fault produced and the energy developed. Damages produced,
obviously will cause the forced unavailability of the unit, needing to carry out major
corrective maintenance tasks to repair it and restore its operating condition.

Among the most common causes for “breaking” this circuit, erosion or excessive wear
out of contacts (specially for OLTC oil-tap type), deficient contact pressure, opening of
transition resistors (or not being properly inserted) and desynchronization of the overall
switching system could be mentioned (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6: Failure and damages in a diverter switch produced during the tap changing.

These potential issues can be addressed through proactive maintenance actions. Most
of these failures, are normally avoided by performing the appropriate monitoring and
preventive maintenance services, scheduled and executed taking into account the
number of operations in accordance with the maintenance guidelines of the
manufacturer, within the defined intervals, including replacement of parts and up-grades
when required. So, regular inspections and timely replacement of worn-out components
are essential to prevent unexpected failures and improve the reliability in the OLTC
performance. These proactive actions should keep this equipment working properly
throughout its useful life.

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