Lightning-Induced Overvoltages Transmitted Over Distribution Transformer With MV Spark-Gap Operation—Part I: High-Frequency Transformer Model

Abstract

In Finland, distribution transformers are frequently subjected to lightning strokes. Therefore, it is worthy to study the voltage transferred to the secondary terminal of the transformer due to lightning strokes hitting the primary terminals. In order to do conduct this study, the high-frequency model of the distribution transformer is to be investigated. In this paper, an accurate and simplified high-frequency model of the distribution transformer under lightning strokes is presented. The proposed model is introduced based on two-port network theory where its parameters are calculated at two resonance frequencies experimentally measured. The model is suitable for unloaded and loaded conditions and it is experimentally verified under different balanced loads considering two different practical distribution transformers. Then, the model verification is extended to study the impact of medium-voltage spark-gap operation on the transmitted voltage. The experimental results have validated the proposed transformer model.