Ultrasaturation Phenomenon in Power Transformers—Myths and Reality

Abstract

In this paper, the ultrasaturation phenomenon of power transformers during their energization is studied. It is shown that under special conditions, the currents observed after transformer switching on do not contain enough restraining information (e.g., second harmonic), which may lead to protection maloperation. This paper concentrates on a thorough explanation of the problem and possible causes of ultrasaturation. Theoretical investigations are supported and illustrated with simulation studies performed both with MATLAB and electromagnetic transients program-alternative transients program. The outcomes of this research can further be used as hints for substation operation personnel as well as for the development of new protection stabilization criteria, which is not discussed further in this paper.