Effects of Harmonics on Distribution Transformers

D.M. Said* and K.M. Nor** Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai Johor, Malaysia. *dalila@fke.utm.my, **khalidmn@fke.utm.my
Abstract| - Proliferation of harmonics in power distribution systems, which are using increased nonlinear loads, have become a power quality problem for both customers and suppliers. The harmonic power losses not only cause an increase in operational costs but also create additional heating in power system components, which in turn will reduce their life expectancy. This happens especially in commercial buildings, where usage of nonlinear loads is very high. In general the cost of power quality and in particular the aging costs due to harmonic losses in transformers will increase since harmonics will affect all power system equipment. This study examines the effect of harmonic distortion on power transformers when supplying nonsinusoidal load currents. The Malaysian Standards are used in the findings for comparison. For this research, the harmonic problem can be analysed with simulations, real measurements and assessments. The results show that an increase in the current harmonic distortion can increase transformer losses and decrease its life expectancy.

that are affected by the harmonic current loadings are the I2R loss, eddy current loss and the stray losses. A. Harmonic current effect on ohmic losses The ohmic losses ( I 2 R ) are the losses due to primary and secondary distorted currents flowing through the windings. If the root mean square value of the load current is increased due to a harmonic component, the I2R loss will be increased accordingly [8]. B. Harmonic current effect on eddy current loss The transformer core eddy-current loss ( PEC ) in the power frequency spectrum is proportional to the square of the load current and the square of frequency. This characteristic will cause excessive core losses thereby creating abnormal temperature rise in transformers when supplying non-sinusoidal load currents[8]. C. Harmonic current effect on other stray loss Other stray loss ( POSL ) in the core, clamps, and structural parts will also increase at a rate proportional to the square of the load current, but these losses will not increase at a rate proportional to the square of the frequency, as transformer core eddy-current losses. Studies by manufacturers and other researchers have shown that the eddy-current losses in bus bars, connections and structural parts increase due to the harmonic exponent factor of approximately 0.8 or less [8]. For dry-type transformers temperature rise in these regions are less critical than in the windings but it has to be properly accounted for transformers that are liquid filled. D. Effect on top oil rise The top oil rise ( TO ) , will increase as the total load losses increase with harmonic loading for liquidfilled transformers. Any increase in other stray loss will primarily affect the top oil rise [8]. II. TRANSFORMER LOSSES IN NONSINUSOIDAL CONDITION Transformers are usually the interfaces between supply and most non-linear loads [1]. Transformers are designed to deliver the required power to the connected loads with minimum losses at a fundamental frequency. Transformer losses are generally classified into no load losses and load losses as shown in (1) [2, 9-13].

I. INTRODUCTION Power quality problems in Malaysia have been identified and recognized as far back as in the early 1990s but however progress in managing the problems nationally has been rather slow. Higher harmonics distortion can cause excessive losses leading to abnormal temperature rises. If a transformer cannot be operated up to its stipulated standard lifetime expectancy, the phenomena would definitely cause an economical loss. The theory proves that the losses on power transformer increases with the presence of harmonics. A more serious effect of harmonic loads served by transformers is due to an increase in eddy current losses. The eddy current losses increase appears as the square of the current in the conductor and the square of its frequency. The increase in transformer eddy current loss due to harmonics has a significant effect on the operating temperatures of the transformers. The other stray losses in the core, clamps and other structural parts are found to be proportional to the square of the load current and frequency to the exponent factor of 0.8. Several measures and development works on the effect of harmonics on losses of life of power transformers have been conducted [1-8]. However, these works did not take in consideration the standards of harmonics. In this study, harmonic data of distribution transformers at commercial buildings is measured. This study examines the loss of life of transformers where the Malaysian Standards on the limitation of harmonics is being used as a reference. One of the major effects of harmonic distortion is the increasing transformer losses [2]. Component losses

2008 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference (AUPEC'08)

Paper P-107 page 1

P T =P NL + P LL
Where, PT = total loss, watt, PNL = no load loss, watt, PLL = load loss, watt

(1)

The eddy current loss is increased by the factor FHL and the other stray losses are increased by a factor FHL-STR in the presence of harmonics.
= + . + . (10) These factors are calculated by the following equation [8]

The no load loss or excitation loss are the losses due to the voltage excitation of the core and are due to magnetic hysteresis and eddy currents. The load loss or impedance loss is subdivided into I2R loss and stray loss caused by electromagnetic flux in the windings, core, core clamps, magnetic shield, enclosure or tank walls, etc [2,9]. Thus, the total stray loss is subdivided into winding stray loss and stray loss in components other than the windings ( POSL ). The windings stray loss includes winding conductor strands and loss due to circulating currents between strands or parallel winding circuits. The total load loss can be stated as follows. (2) PLL = PI 2R + PEC + POSL

FHL

Ih 2 h h =1 I 1 = 2 h = hmax Ih h =1 I 1
h = hmax

(11)

FHL STR

I h 0.8 h h =1 I 1 = 2 h = hmax Ih h =1 I 1
h = hmax

(12)

Where, PI2R = loss in the winding PEC = eddy current loss POSL = other stray loss The rated losses of a transformer can be calculated by using the data provided but first the rated currents at the primary and secondary parts are calculated as follows;
= =
()

Where, FHL = harmonic factor for eddy current loss, FHL-STR = harmonic factor for other stray loss The per unit load losses and rated per unit eddy current loss is given by the expression [8],
= ()

(13) (14)

= .(

.( )

(3) (4) Where, h hmax I1 pu

()

The I2R losses is the following form [8],

= [ + ]

= harmonic order = maximum harmonic order = rms current of fundamental component = per unit quantities III. TRANSFORMERS LOSS OF LIFE CALCULATION

(5)

Where K = 1.0 for single-phase transformers = 1.5 for three-phase transformers

= + = +

(6) (7)

Where, I1 I2 R1 R2 PTSL

= current in primary side of transformer, = current in secondary side of transformer = primary dc resistance = secondary dc resistance = total stray loss

Harmonic losses occur in the form of increased heat dissipation in the windings and skin effects. Both are a function of the square of the root mean square current; as well as from eddy currents and core losses [14]. This extra heat can have a significant impact in reducing the operating life on the insulation of a transformer. The estimation of transformer loss of life is based on the deterioration rate achieved by insulating materials [2, 4, and 5]. About 50% of a transformer loss of life is caused by thermal stresses which are produced by the non-linear load currents [4]. The hottest spot winding temperature is [15]; = + (15) Where, A = ambient temperature, HS = is the hottest-spot winding temperature, in C, HS = is the hottest-spot winding temperature rise above ambient, in C.

Based on the IEEE Standards [8] for the dry type transformer the eddy current loss can be assumed to be about 0.67 of the total stray losses. (8) = 0.67
=

(9)

2008 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference (AUPEC'08)

Paper P-107 page 2

The relative aging factor, the loss of life and actual real life of this transformer can be expressed in the following manner [16];
= %=

(16) (17) (18) (19) (20)

(
)

= )(9.8 10

Real life = Life (pu) x normal insulation life or Real life = normal insulation life/ FAA Where, FAA = relative aging factor %LOL = lost of life in percent t = given time period IV. POWER QUALITY MEASUREMENT

active power, reactive power, apparent power, voltage harmonic, current harmonic, true power factor and displacement power factor. Table I shows the specifications of the distribution transformers and Table II shows harmonic currents for transformer loads which are compared to the standards. The total harmonic distortion for Case 1 and Case 2 are 51.91% and 18.36% respectively. The daily curve or load per unit of the transformers is shown in Fig.1. The usage of the loads in the building is based on the duration of working hours at the buildings which is from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Maximum per unit load that is achieved by the transformers is about 0.5 per unit and 0.7 per unit for Case 1 and Case 2 respectively. V. RESULT AND ANALYSIS From the harmonic data Case 1 in Table II, harmonic loss factor for eddy current loss and harmonic factor for other stray losses are calculated using (11) and (12) as follows, FHL = 7.1222 FHL-STR = 1.5418 In this case, the transformer loading, is considered 0.5 per unit. The total load loss of the transformer being used(13) is, = 0.3174 pu The load losses are also calculated considering the actual load and the effects of harmonic. The total eddy current loss and other stray loss are also determined using harmonic loss factor for eddy current loss and harmonic factor for other stray losses. The result of this calculation is then summarized in Table III. The result shows that the harmonic load current can be detrimental on the power transformer. The relative aging factor and real life of this transformer are as follows, FAA = 0.002 %LOL = 0.00015% Real life = 20.55 years With the 0.5 per unit loading, the aging acceleration factor is less than 1. This means that the life of the transformer will not be less than its normal expected life. However, with the same harmonic levels, 30 C ambient temperature and reference temperature of 110 C, if the load is increased to 0.7 per unit, the aging acceleration factor will be 2.53 and the real life expectancy of this transformer decreases from 20.55 to about 8.12 years. Fig. 2 shows that for the total harmonic distortion of 51.91%, the transformer will have a normal life with a loading smaller than 0.60 per unit because its aging factor is less than 1. When the standard limits are applied for this case, as Fig.3 shows the curve of transformers real life reduction, but if the load exceeds 90%, the real life of the transformer will decrease to about 28% for each 1% increase in load. For Case 2, from the simulation results, Fig.4 shows that the transformer still maintains its normal life with the higher load but if the load exceeds 98%, the transformers real life expectancy will decrease dramatically, which is about 12% for each 1% increase in load.

The power quality analyzer is used to log the harmonic data. This equipment is used for two different cases of load types. The first case is at the computer centre building and the second case being the office and lecture hall buildings. The difference here is that the number of computers connected to the first case is much higher than that of the second case. However for both cases, the type of load connected include personal computers, fluorescent lamps, air conditioners, printers, photocopy machines and LCD projectors. At the computer centre building the burnt transformer was replaced in 2001 with a 2500 kVA rated power. The old transformer with the rated power of 2000 kVA had been used since 1985, so the life of this transformer had been reduced to 16 years from a life expectancy of 20.55 years or the percent of loss of life being 0.2214%. As for the transformer in Case 2, the transformer was used since 1988, and the life expectancy of this transformer is twenty years. For both cases the data was logged for one week with intervals of five-minute. Optical cable for USB and Power Log Software was used to transfer the data stored in the instrument to the computer. The data was set to measure the quantities such as frequency, voltage, current, total harmonic distortion,
TABLE I: DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER CHARACTERISTICS

No Load Losses Load Losses Power (kVA) Primary Voltage Secondary Voltage Winding Temperature Rise Ambient Temperature Normal Insulation Life

CASE 1 2500 W 25000 W 2500 11000 V 433 V 100 C 30 C 20.55 years

CASE 2

1600 W 14570 W 1500 11000 V 433 V 65 C 30 C 20.55 years

2008 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference (AUPEC'08)

Paper P-107 page 3

VI. CONCLUSION The study of harmonic impact on power transformers is important because power transformers are among the most expensive equipment and the most critical plant equipment in electric utilities especially in transmission and distribution network. In Case 1 the transformer will not be less than its normal life expectancy until the loading exceeds 0.6 per unit. However for Case 2, the transformer will maintain its real life expectancy for a higher loading. In this case it is not sufficient to apply the standards. Even if the IEC TR 61000-3-4:1998 Standards are applied for both the cases; there will still be a loss of life at a higher loading because the lifespan will be maintained only at 90% of the load.

This will involve some expenses on consumers to compensate for the loss of life of the transformers. The simulation results of harmonic effects on transformers show that higher the loads, the lower will be the life of transformer due to current harmonics generated by the electrical devices. The harmonic standard shows that harmonic currents need to be monitored. These maximum limits of MS 1555:2002 which correspond to IEC TR 61000-3-4:1998 should be used as a guide for both customer and suppliers facing the highest total harmonic distortion to protect power systems equipment that could be affected by high harmonic currents and raise the quality of power supply. By conducting this research, a better understanding could be gained about these harmonic problems and harmonic contents.

TABLE II: HARMONIC DISTORTION FOR A TRANSFORMER LOAD COMPARE WITH THE STANDARD

Harmonic No. 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 THD%

Measured data (A) (Case 1) 100 33.83 29.62 19.35 14.7 6.81 5.07 3.25 51.91

Measured data (A) (Case 2) 100 13.2 10.16 5.66 4.1 2.1 1.78 1.8 18.36

Maximum Limit of MS 1555:2002(IEC TR 61000-34:1998) 21.6 10.7 7.2 3.8 3.1 2.0 0.7 25.72

Figure 1: Daily load cycle for the transformer

TABLE III: THE BREAKDOWN OF LOSSES IN DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMER

Type of loss No load I2R Eddy current Other stray Total losses

Rated losses(W) 2500.000 12500.252 8374.800 4124.900 27499.952

Load losses (W) 2500.000 3967.000 2658.000 1309.000 10434.000

Harmonic multiplier

7.1222 1.5418

Corrected (W) 2500.000 3967.000 18930.000 2018.000 27415.000

losses

2008 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference (AUPEC'08)

Paper P-107 page 4

25

ACKNOWLEDGMENT The authors gratefully acknowledge the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) for the financial support of this project. REFERENCES
[1] Delaiba, A.C., de Oliveira, J.C., Vilaca, A.L.A. and Cardoso, J.R. (1996). The Effect of Harmonic on Power Transformer Loss of Life. Proceedings of the 38th Midwest Symposium on Circuits and Systems.13-16 August. Rio de Janeiro: IEEE, 933 936. Radmehr, M.; Farhangi, S.; Nasiri, A. (2006). Effect of Power Quality Distortion on Electrical Drives and Transformer Life in Paper Industries: Simulation and Real Time Measurements. Pulp and Paper Industry Technical Conference, 2006. 18-23 June 2006. Iran: IEEE, 1 - 9. Emanuel, A.E. and Xiaoming Wang. (1985). Estimation of Loss of Life of Power Transformers Supplying Nonlinear Loads. IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems. March .628 636. Samesima, M.I., Wilson Resende, J., and Araujo, S.C.N. (1995). Analysis of transformer loss of life driving nonlinear industrial loads by the finite elements approach. IEEE Industry Applications Conference, 1995. Thirtieth IAS Annual Meeting, IAS '95. 8-12 Oct. 1995. Orlando, FL: IEEE, 2175 2179. Pierrat, L., Resende, R.J. and Santana, J. (1996). Power transformers life expectancy under distorting power electronic loads. Proceedings of the IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics. ISIE '96. 17-20 June. Warsaw: IEEE, 578 583. Marzband, M. and Shaikholeslami, A. (2006). A program for harmonic modeling of distribution network transformers and determination of loss in the transformers and the amount of decrease of their life. International Conference on Power Electronics, Drives and Energy Systems, 2006. PEDES '06. 1215 Dec. New Delhi: IEEE, 1 6. Elmoudi, A.,Lehtonen, M. and Nordman, H. (2006). Effect of harmonics on transformers loss of life. Conference Record of the 2006 IEEE International Symposium on Electrical Insulation, 2006. 11-14 June. Espoo, Finland: IEEE, 408 411. IEEE Std C57.110-1998 IEEE Recommended Practice for Establishing Transformer Capability When Supplying Nonsinusoidal Load Currents. Jayasinghe, N.R., Lucas, J.R. and Perera, K.B.I.M. (2003). Power System Harmonic Effects on Distribution Transformers and New Design Considerations for K Factor Transformers. IEEE Sri Langka Annual Sessions. September 2003. Sri Lanka: Tofoli, F.L., Sanhueza, S.M.R. and Oliveira, A. (2006). On the Study of Losses in Cables and Transformers in Nonsinusoidal Conditions. IEEE Transaction Power Delivery. April 2006. Uberlandia, Brazil: IEEE, 971-978. Masoum, M.A.S. and Fuchs, E.F. (1994). Transformer Magnetizing Current and Iron-Core Losses in Harmonic Power Flow. IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery. January 1994. Boulder, CO, USA: IEEE, 10 20. Sharifian, M.B.B., Faiz, J., Fakheri, S.A. and Zraatparvar, A. (2003). Derating of Distribution Transformers for NonSinusoidal Load Currents Using Finite Element Method. ICECS 2003. Proceedings of the 2003 10th IEEE International Conference on Electronics, Circuits and Systems. 14-17 December. Iran: IEEE, 754 757. Owen. C. G. (2005). The Impact of Harmonic Distortion on Power Transformers Operating Near the Thermal Limit. Master Dissertation. University of Johannesburg. De La Rosa, F. (2006). Harmonics and Power Systems. (1st ed.). Boca Raton, London NY: Taylor & Francis Group. IEEE C57.96, Guide for Loading Dry-Type Distribution and Power Transformer. IEEE Std C57.91-1995, Guide for Loading Mineral-OilImmersed Transformers.

20

Real Life (year)

15

10

[2]

0.2

0.4

0.6 0.8 Load(pu)

1.2

1.4

[3]

Figure 2: The transformer life versus loading in presence of harmonic using measured data for Case-1 (THD=51.91%)

[4]

25

[5]
20

Real Life (year)

15

[6]

10

[7]

0.2

0.4

0.6 0.8 Load(pu)

1.2

1.4

[8]

Figure 3: The transformer life versus loading by using the maximum limit of MS 1555:2002.( IEC TR 61000-34:1998)

[9]

[10]
25

20

[11]

Real Life (year)

15

[12]

10

[13]

[14]
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 Load(pu) 1 1.2 1.4

[15] [16]

Figure 4: The transformer life versus loading in presence of harmonic using measured data for Case-2 (THD=18.36%)

2008 Australasian Universities Power Engineering Conference (AUPEC'08)

Paper P-107 page 5