Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

Simulate man-made switching operations

on the system
Relatively slow compared to lightning
impulses
Voltages induced in other windings are
approximately proportional to turns ratio
SI tests insulation between windings and
leads to ground
Polarity can be either positive or negative,
although negative is generally used

Switching Impulse (SI) Tests

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

Non-tested terminals are left opencircuited

IEEE standards specify SI as routine test
for 345 kV and above, special test for
lower voltages
SI level is approximately 83 % of BIL
Generally applied to highest voltage
terminal of transformer, although SI can be
applied to the lower voltage terminals

Switching Impulse (SI) Tests

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

Can often come close to the rated SI of lower

voltage terminal(s) by choosing the
appropriate tap position

Lower voltage terminals must withstand

induced voltage when SI is applied to HV
Tap connections are to the choice of the
manufacturer

SI Testing Effect on
Lower Voltage Terminals

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

TIME

Switching Impulse Waveshape

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

Transformer cores generally saturate due

to application of higher than rated voltage
during the SI, thereby reducing time to
zero

Effect of Transformer Core

Saturation on SI Testing

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

Apply a dc voltage of opposite polarity to

the tested terminal prior to application of
the full voltage SI
Apply two or three reduced voltage SIs of
opposite polarity prior to application of the
full voltage SI

Countermeasures to Core Saturation

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

One reduced voltage wave at 50 to 70 %

Two full waves at 100 % voltage
Voltage waves are recorded during these
events
RFW compared to the two FWs up until
the time when saturation occurs
Some manufacturers record neutral or end
of winding currents, and compare them up
until time of saturation

Switching Impulse Procedure

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

Passed 63 % Switching Impulse

Failed on 100 % Switching Impulse

Core form construction

Four limb core (Two active, two inactive)
Two sets of windings placed in parallel

Construction Details

765/345-34.5 kV
750 MVA Single Phase
1700 kV SI on HV

Ratings of Auto

Failure of 750 MVA, 765 kV Auto

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

Voltage at Y1

Voltage at X1

Neutral Current

Applied to HV
- 1733 kV, 128 us

Switching Impulse Failure

HoXo

Y1

Y2

Windings

Auxiliary
Limb

Wound
Limb

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

X1

H1

Construction of 750 MVA, 765 kV Auto

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

Damage to Insulation Barriers

Surrounding Return & Main Limb

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

Conductor Damage during SI Failure

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

Main Limb

Path of Switching Failure

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

Damage to HV Winding

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

Field plots showed sufficient margins

Conclusion: Either defective material or
pollution caused the failure
HV winding renewed in damaged areas
New insulation used around return limb
New barriers placed around windings
Reprocessed and retested
Result: Success on second SI test

Diagnosis of Problem and Repair

RFW:
V = -1069 kV
Tpeak = 127 us
T90 = 234 us
To = 3710 us

FW2:
V = -1723 kV
Tpeak = 129 us
T90 = 238 us
To = 3710 us

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

SI Level = 1700 kV

Successful Application of RFW and

FW Switching Impulses to H1

FW2:
V = -1723 kV
Tpeak = 129 us
T90 = 238 us
To = 3710 us

Understanding Transformer Factory Testing Tutorial, September 23, 2007

FW1:
V = -1726 kV
Tpeak = 129 us
T90 = 237 us
To = 3698 us

SI Level = 1700 kV

Comparison of Two FW
Switching Impulses to H1