sgabr@ece.ualberta.ca, wxu@ualberta.

ca


Transformer Inrush Current Reduction through Sequential
Energization for Wind Farm Applications


S. ABDULSALAM
1
and W. Xu
1

University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
1
(CAN)
SUMMARY

This paper presents an application of a neutral resistor based sequential phase energization technique
for the mitigation of transformer inrush current for wind farm applications. When transformers are
energized, large inrush current is drawn from the system side. Depending on the system strength and
the size of the transformer, large voltage sag might occur at the point of common coupling. With a
large number of transformer energized simultaneously, as the case with wind farm collector circuits,
the resultant voltage sag might exceed the acceptable level by the utility interconnection standards.
This paper presents an application of sequential phase energization as an effective means for inrush
current reduction and consequently reducing the voltage sag level at the PCC. The paper presents
analytical methodologies for the evaluation of inrush current level together with simulation results.





KEYWORDS

Transformer, Inrush, Wind Farm and Saturation.


1. INTRODUCTION

Today, Wind power has become increasingly adopted worldwide and considered as one of the fastest
growing technologies in the power industry. However, it defers from classical thermal generation units
specifically in terms of unit size. Medium to large size wind farms can have anywhere between 20 to
150 generators connected to a medium voltage collector system that is accordingly connected to the
high voltage network.

The electrical configuration of wind farm consists of long spans miles of medium voltage collector
feeders. A typical configuration of a wind farm electrical distribution system is shown in Fig. 1. Each
wind generator is connected to the collector circuit/feeder through either a pad mount oil filled, or a


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1

nacelle-mounted dry type transformer. All collector feeders connect to a single collector substation
where the connection to the high-voltage transmission is established through a step up transformer.

PF Correction
Cap Bank
34.5kV
Collector Bus
1-3 Phase Transf. or
3 Single-Phase
Banks
GEN
BKR
Utility
Interconnection
System
1.5 MW Induction
Generator
WTG
To other
Generators
34.5 kV
Collector Feeder
Other
Feeder
Other
Feeder
or
PCC

Fig.1 Typical electrical connection diagram for a windfarm WTG, [5].

With a large number of wind generators per feeder, large inrush current will flow due to simultaneous
transformer energization. This can cause high voltage sag at the point of common coupling. In most
cases, wind farms are located in unpopulated remote areas where no access to strong network
connection is feasible. Accordingly, it is common to have the PCC on a relatively weak location on the
sub-transmission/distribution network. In North America, the allowable voltage sag level is within 3-
4% of the nominal voltage at the PCC. In order to meet interconnection standards requirements, the
amount of voltage sag due to the energization of a number of transformers needs to be evaluated. The
result of this study determines the allowable number of transformers to be simultaneously energized.
Consequently, it might be needed to add sectionalizers along the collector feeder. Another remedy is
to provide means of inrush current reduction when the feeder is energized.

This paper presents the application of sequential phase energization aided with a neutral resistor at the
neutral of a selected number of transformers per feeder. This scheme has proven effective in reducing
inrush current level by 90%, [1]-[3]. Accordingly, a significant reduction in voltage sag is achievable
through the proposed technique. Due to the effectiveness of the scheme, not all transformers might
need a neutral resistor. It might be sufficient to equip few transformers per feeder with neutral resistors
to meet the required standards. Simulation and analytical evaluation methodologies are presented
which proves the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.


2. THE SEQUENTIAL PHASE ENERGIZATION SCHEME

The neutral resistor based inrush mitigation scheme shown in Fig. 2, adopts sequential phase
energization together with an optimally sized neutral resistor, R
n
. In view of the fact that the inrush
currents are always unbalanced among three phases, a neutral resistor could provide some damping to
the currents. This is the basis of the proposed idea. The idea was further improved by introducing
delayed energization of each phase of the transformer. This improvement has made the proposed
scheme almost as effective as the pre-insertion resistor scheme. The performance and characteristics of
the method have been investigated using simulations and experiments in [1]-[3]. Experimental results
of the I
max
-R
n
curves, representing the impact of R
n
on the maximum inrush current of all phases, are
shown in Fig. 2(b) for a laboratory transformer 30kVA, 208/208, 3-limb, with Yg- connection.
Similar performance is achievable for Yg-Yg transformer banks, [1]-[3].

2


Fig. 1 The Sequential Phase Energization Inrush Mitigation technique (Left) and the corresponding inrush
current as function of the neural resistor size (right).

The mechanism of inrush current reduction through sequential energization could be easily explained
through the analysis of each energizing stage. For first phase switching, the scheme performance is
straightforward. The neutral resistor is in series with the energized phase and its effect will be similar
to a pre-insertion resistor. When the third phase is energized, the voltage across the breaker to be
closed is essentially zero due to the existence of delta secondary or three-legged core. Therefore, there
are minimal switching transients for when the 3rd phase is energized [1]-[3].

The 2nd phase energization is the one most difficult to analyze. Numerous experimental and
simulation studies showed that the inrush current produced from 2nd phase energization is smaller
than that produced from 1st phase energization (when R
n
is relatively small). With the first phase
already energized and due to the coupling between phases, dynamic flux will exist in the un-energized
phases. Consequently, the initial flux at the next energized phase B or C will depend on the instant of
energization. It was found that maximum inrush conditions exist when the switching angle
corresponds to a zero initial flux in the energized phase. Moreover, the neutral resistor will be acting
in series alternatively with the first energized phase achieving more reduction in inrush current.
The important conclusion is that the sizing of the neutral resistor should be based on its effect on the
first energized phase. To ensure Experimental and simulation results of the Imax-Rn curves,
representing the impact of Rn on the maximum inrush current of all phases, are shown in Fig. 2 and 3
respectively for a laboratory transformer 30kVA, 208/208, 3-limb, with Yg- connection.

From Fig. 2, it is clear that the maximum inrush current associated with the second phase energization
is lower than that of first phase energization for the same value of R
n
. This is true for the region where
the inrush current of the first phase is decreasing rapidly as R
n
increases. As a result, the sizing of the
neutral resistor could be based on its impact on first phase energization I
max
-R
n
Curve.

Analytically, the transformer magnetizing characteristics could be presented by a two-segment
piecewise saturation curve and the maximum inrush current magnitude could be obtained, eqn. (1).
Factor K(0) in (1) represents the effect of saturation characteristics of the transformer core, i.e. knee
point voltage/flux and residual flux magnitude. Using typical transformer design data, factor K(0) will
have any value between 0.7 and 0.35 which represents higher residual/lower knee point and lower
residual/higher knee point characteristics respectively. More detail on the analysis and derivation of
the presented relationships is presented in [1].


(1)

For the region where the neutral resistor could effectively reduce inrush magnitude, i.e. R/X ratio is
higher than 1, the I
max
-R
n
curve could be approximated by eqn(2) below. Inrush reduction of 90% or
higher among all three phase could be ensured using a neutral resistor size that is 6 to 7.5 higher than
the total series reactance in the saturated transformer circuit Eqn. (3).

3


(2)


(3)


3. WINDFARM APPLICATION


The proposed application of the sequential energization technique to wind farm collector feeders is
shown in Fig. 3. The sequential energization technique could be applied at the main interconnection
transformer at the PCC with the utility. The scheme is also applicable to reduce inrush level due to
collector feeder energization. In the former case, the application of the scheme is straightforward and
direct application of neutral resistor sizing criteria ensures successful inrush mitigation. In the later
case, each WTG step-up transformer in the collector feeder will have a neutral resistor connected to its
HV grounded-wye side, Fig. 3. The sequential energization process is carried out at the collector-
feeder circuit breaker at the main collector bus.
WTG Step-Up
Transformer
10-34kV
Collector Bus
132kV HV
Transmission
132kV HV
Utility Bus
Sequential Phase
Energization of
Collector Feeder
Sequential Energization at
Interconnection
Transformer
Other
Collector
Feeders
or


Fig. 3 Application of sequential phase energization to wind farm collector feeders.

It is obvious that the presented solution could only work for WTG transformers connected in
grounded-Wye at the medium voltage side. Generally, the low voltage, generator side connection is
grounded-wye while the high voltage side is delta or Wye-grounded, [5]. For the interconnection step-
up transformer, it is a common practice to have the HV system-side winding connected in grounded-
Wye, while delta connected at the medium voltage collector feeder-side [5] and [6]. Other
arrangement as expressed in [5], recommend both HV and MV side to be Wye-grounded while a
tertiary winding connected in delta, Fig. 1.

From a practical application viewpoint, the proposed sequential energization technique is applicable to
liquid immersed transformers operating at medium voltage levels of 25kV or below. This limitation is
introduced by the winding insulation level at neutral for transformers designed to operate solidly
grounded. In case WTG transformers have full installation at neutral, the proposed scheme is
applicable at any voltage level. In North America, the collector-feeder distribution circuit is designed
at voltage levels between 10-24kV up-to 34.5 kV. The interconnection with utility could be at 69kV or
higher.

It is worth noting that other alternate solutions for the inrush current level is the introduction of a
number of sectionalizers along the collector feeder as proposed in [4]. Synchronous closing will be an
expensive choice for such application due to the increased instrumentation and relaying cost for the
large number of transformers involved.
4

4. TEST SYSTEM AND SIMULATION RESULTS

In this section, the performance of the sequential phase energization scheme as applied to wind farm
applications is presented. In order to simplify the analysis and computation requirements, all
transformers connected to the collector feeder will be considered having the same, most-severe
energization conditions. In other words, maximum residual flux of 0.75pu coupled with energization at
the zero crossing of the incoming voltage waveform is assumed throughout the analysis. Moreover, the
WTG transformers that are originally distributed along the length of the collector feeder length are
assumed to be in close proximity that makes the influence of feeder impedance negligible. This
assumption yields more-conservative results. In reality, the collector feeder impedance will reduce the
amount of inrush current below the estimated values.

The test system utilized for this study is similar to that given in [4], Fig. 4. This system connects
directly to the utility medium voltage network at 33kV level. The wind farm comprises 15 wind
turbines connected to a 33kV collector network. WTG transformers are 1.5MVA, 33/0.69kV, 6%
units. The wind farm collector bus connects to the utility network through a 10km overhead line. At
the PCC, the system has a 389 and 125 MVA for three and single-phase short circuits respectively.



Fig. 4 Wind Farm Test System, [4].

Following the above-mentioned simplification guidelines, the wind farm energizing circuit could be
analytically represented as a single equivalent transformer being energized to the system. The voltage
at individual transformer terminals, i.e. collector bus voltage, will be influenced by the collective
current drawn from all connected transformers, eqn. (4). Accordingly, for a feeder consisting of N
Tr

transformers, each transformer unit will see an equivalent impedance N
Tr
times the total impedance
of the overhead line and the equivalent utility system combined, eqn. (4). Consequently, the required
neutral resistor size could be directly obtained through eqn. (3) to achieve 90% reduction in inrush
current level. Based on the equivalent total series positive-sequence reactance Xs, (5), the neutral
resistor connected at each transformer unit will be 7.5 times Xs.


:
Ir
= :
supply
- (r
supp .
+ r
linc
). (i. N
Ir
) + (l
supp .
+ lr
linc
). _N
Ir
Ji
Jt
]
(4)

X
s
= N
tr
(X
supply
+ X
linc
) + X
l
+ X
sot
(5)
The results presented in Fig. 5 show the rms voltage(s) at the PCC, total collector feeder current and
transformer flux waveforms for the system shown in Fig.4. The feeder was assumed to have a
maximum of 10 transformers connected. It is clear that with simultaneous energization, Fig. 5(a),
significant voltage sag occurs at the PCC. The three-phase rms voltage drops from 1 to 0.918 p.u. and
inrush current as high as 2.7kA is drawn from the utility side. With sequential phase energization,
aided with a neutral resistors of 400 each, Fig. 5(b), it is clear that the voltage at the PCC could be
controlled to above 0.98 p.u. and very close to 0.97 p.u. for individual phases. Total current peak was
5

reduced to 0.9kA and individual transformer flux was kept below 1.3 p.u. the results presented in Fig.
5 are for the extreme energization conditions.
0.00 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.12
P
C
C

V
o
l
t
a
g
e
,

R
M
S


(
p
.
u
.
)
0.86
0.88
0.90
0.92
0.94
0.96
0.98
1.00
Vrms -3Phase
V a rms
Vb rms
Vc rms
0.00 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.12
C
o
l
l
e
c
t
o
r

F
e
e
d
e
r

C
u
r
r
e
n
t


(
k
A
)
-3.00
-2.00
-1.00
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
I A
I B
I C
Time (s)
0.00 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.12
T
r
a
n
s
f
o
r
m
e
r

F
l
u
x


(
p
.
u
.
)
-2.00
-1.50
-1.00
-0.50
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
A
B
C
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
P
C
C

V
o
l
t
a
g
e
,

R
M
S


(
p
.
u
.
)
0.96
0.97
0.98
0.99
1.00
1.01
Vr ms - 3Phase
V a rms
Vb rms
Vc r ms
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
C
o
l
l
e
c
t
o
r

F
e
e
d
e
r

C
u
r
r
e
n
t


(
k
A
)
-0.80
-0.60
-0.40
-0.20
0.00
0.20
0.40
0.60
0.80
1.00
I A
I B
I C
Time (s)
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6
T
r
a
n
s
f
o
r
m
e
r

F
l
u
x


(
p
.
u
.
)
-1.50
-1.00
-0.50
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
A
B
C

Fig. 5 Simulation results with (a) Simultaneous energization (b) Sequential phase energization, R
n
=400.


5. CONCLUSIONS

In this paper, an effective solution to the mitigation of inrush currents and associated voltage sag was
presented for wind farm applications. It was shown that the technique is applicable either to the main
interconnection transformer or to collector-feeder circuits. A simplified analysis and sizing criteria for
the associated neutral resistor size was presented. The presented sample simulation results showed that
the scheme could significantly reduce inrush current level when a large number of transformers are
simultaneously energized. The presented application eliminates the requirement of feeder
sectionalizers and simplifies the feeder energization process.


BIBLIOGRAPHY


[1] S.G. Abdulsalam and W. Xu A Sequential Phase Energization Method for transformer inrush
current reduction, Transient Performance and Practical Considerations, IEEE Transactions on
Power Delivery, vol.22, No.1, pp. 208-216, Jan 2007.
[2] W. Xu, S.G. Abdulsalam, Y. Cui, and X. Liu A Sequential Phase Energization Method for
transformer inrush current reduction, Part II: Theoretical Analysis and Design Guide, IEEE
Transactions on Power Delivery, vol. 20, No. 2, Part 1, pp. 950-957, April, 2005.
[3] Y. Cui, S.G. Abdulsalam, S. Chen, and W. Xu A Sequential Phase Energization Method for
transformer inrush current reduction, Part I: Simulation and Experimental Results, IEEE
Transactions on Power Delivery, vol. 20, No. 2, Part 1, pp. 943-949, April, 2005.
[4] K.S. Smith Transformer Inrush Studies for Wind Farm Grid Connections, International
Conference on Power System Transients, IPST 2005.
[5] D. Hornak and N.H.J. Chau Green power wind generated protection and control
considerations, 57
th
Annual conference for Protective Relay engineers, April 2004. Pages 110-
131.
[6] British Columbia Transmission Corporation Wind Generation Interconnection Requirements,
Feb 2008.