Mitigation of magnetising inrush current in three–phase power transformer

Abstract

During energization of no – load transformers, a high and peaky current flow on the primary side which has rich second harmonics. This current is magnetising inrush current and it is generated when transformer core is driven deep into saturation. This current has various disturbances on transformer attribute; reduced life-span, major voltage drop, insulation weakening, electrical and mechanical vibrations in coils, difficulties in protecting relays and all leads to poor power quality of the electric system. This paper presents the analysis and comparison of recent techniques to reduce the magnitude of inrush current during energization of power transformer. The simulation results are provided for Pre – insertion of resistors, Controlled swithing and Pre – fluxing method. The best method is suggested for mitigating inrush current by simulating in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment.