Application 603

Power transformers demagnetization

Foreword algorithm. The algorithm comprises the injection
After disconnecting a transformer from the grid or of a current IDemag to the transformer and
after performing a winding resistance measurement measurement of the transformer’s response. .
with direct current (DC), the transformer core will be
magnetized. Figure 10 shows a transformer core’s 2. Iterative reduction of the remaining magnetization:
hysteresis curve with a possible magnetization M0. M0 The current core flux is continuously calculated
can be anywhere on the y-axis within the hysteresis and an algorithm is used to determine how to
loop. regulate the voltage supply connected to the
B=μ·(H+M) transformer. Multiple iterative cycles are
necessary to reach a sufficiently low residual
+ΦR
magnetization.
ΔΦCheck+
M0 Experimental results
H=N·I

-IDemag To verify the demagnetization procedure ΔΦCheck+ and

MDemag +IDemag ΔΦCheck- will bemeasured after demagnetizing the DUT.
If the transformer is demagnetized properly, then
ΔΦCheck-
-ΦR MDemag ≈ 0, which leads to ΔΦCheck+ ≈ ΔΦCheck- (refer to
figure 10).

Transformer 1

The magnetization M0 can adversely influence various Yy0 12.5MVA 49kV ¦ 16.9kV
measurements like turns ratio or frequency response.
For these measurements the magnetization should be - Analyze with IDemag = 5A
M0 ≈ 0Am-1, otherwise the results can be wrong or will
not be comparable. ΦR = 160.2Vs

Furthermore connecting a magnetized transformer to - Check when magnetized

the grid can cause high inrush currents.
ΔΦCheck+ = 150.5Vs
The common method to demagnetize a transformer ΔΦCheck- = 469.3Vs
core is to apply nominal AC voltage to the transformer
and slowly decrease its amplitude to zero. But this - Check after demagnetization
method requires a very large, controllable and not so
portable AC voltage source. ΔΦCheck+ = 318.8Vs
ΔΦCheck- = 317.6Vs
Demagnetization Procedure
The newly developed demagnetization procedure Transformer 2
consists of two sub-routines and requires only a low
voltage power supply (<100V): Dyn5 160kVA 4.25kV ¦ 1kV

1. Analyzing the transformer: The hysteresis loop of - Analyze with IDemag = 5A

the transformer is calculated using a special
 ΦR = 9.44Vs the core. Once demagnetized the FRA result should
show no difference with the initial status.
- Check after demagnetization Following procedure was done on a 12,5 MVA
transformer.
ΔΦCheck+ = 19.8Vs
ΔΦCheck- = 19.3Vs 1. Using a variable three-phase power supply
nominal three phase AC voltagewas applied
On both example DUTs the cores are demagnetized and , was slowly reduced to zero to guarantee
properly. The volt-seconds applied to reach a positive no magnetization remains in the core
or negative current IDemag is the same in both cases 2. FRA test was done at this initial status (no
after demagnetization. On DUT I we can clearly see the magnetization)
misbalance of the applied volt-seconds when the core 3. DC test (winding resistance test) was
is magnetized. performed to magnetized the transformer.
4. FRA test was then repeated
Double check with FRA 5. Demagnetization test was performed using the
One easy way to double check the invented new demagnetization procedure of the Tettex
transformer demagnetization procedure is to do a 2293.
frequency-response analysis (FRA), when transformer 6. FRA test was repeated once more
is magnetized the first resonant reverse peak will shift
to the right due to the influence of the remanent flux in Results of this test can be seen in the figure 1.

Phase FRA Curve when FRA curve FRA Curve

Demagnetized Magnetized After resistance test After demagnetization with Tettex 2293
U -V Green Red Blue
Fig. 1:
Raw Data

U -> V U -> V U -> V

-26
-28
-30
-32
-34
-36
-38
-40
-42
-44
-46
-48
-50
Magnitude [dB]

-52
-54
-56
-58
-60
-62
-64
-66
-68
-70
-72
-74
-76
-78
-80
-82
-84
10 100 1'000 10'000 100'000 1'000'000 10'000'000
Frequency [Hz]

Demagnetization procedure
In most of the circumstances, the demagnetization ΘA=N1·1/2· ΘB=N1·1·I1 ΘC=N1·1/2·
should be done in the center limb and on the High
Voltage side of the power transformer. The reasons
are:

o If no remanent flux is found in the center limb, we 1 2 1

can safely assume that the transformer is
demagnetized as flux is normally distributed
equally between the side limbs of the core Θa=N2·1/3·I Θb=N2·2/3·I Θc=N2·1/3·I
o High Voltage side of transformers normally has On large power transformers, it is recommended that
more turns and higher resistance and therefore demagnization be started on the side limbs first and
demagnetization will be faster, as flux is directly finally on the central limb to guarantee proper
proportional to the number of turns. demagnetization.
2293 demagnetization feature

With the 2293 demagnetization function, the hysteresis

loop of the transformer is calculated using a special
algorithm, later using an iterative procedure over
several cycles the demagnetization status is reached.

The duration of a demagnetization procedure is normally
from some seconds to a few minutes.
Conclusions
Demagnetizing a power transformer is necessary after
a DC test or after being taken off from service, the
brand new feature ensures complete transformer
demagnetization using a portable device and in a short
period.

The demagnetization feature is automatic and doesn’t

need any human intervention beyond connecting the
device to the transformer.

Author: Santiago Gonzalez

Haefely Test AG, Tettex Instruments Division
Basel, Switzerland

European Contact USA Contact

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