Transient analysis of erroneous tripping at grassridge static VAr compensator

• Main Author: Taberer, Marcel Wayne
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University 2013
• Subjects: Transients (Electricity); Electric transformers
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020918

The research work conducted and presented forward in this document is the evaluation of real time values obtained using three recording devices at two independent locations and implementing them as recorder devices in Eskom’s power system. The research work conducted was presented at an IEEE International Conference (ICIT2013) and Appendix A shows the accepted paper presented. A derived model within a simulation software package known as DIgSILENT PowerFactory is created and Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) studies are performed and then compared to the real time values obtained using the OMICRON CMC 356’s. Transformers are normally energised via a circuit breaker which is controlled by an auxiliary closing contact. By applying system voltage at a random instant in time on the transformer windings may result in a large transient magnetizing inrush current which causes high orders of 2nd harmonic currents to flow under no load conditions. A philosophy known to mitigate these currents is to energise the transformer by controlling each individual phase 120 degrees apart with the first pole closing at the peak on the voltage waveform. Transients produced due to 500MVA transformers been introduced into the power system at a certain space in time can cause nuisance tripping’s at the particular location where the respective transformer is energised. OMICRON EnerLyzer is the software tool used for the Comtrade recordings at both locations. Four independent case studies are generated within EnerLyzer software and the relevant Comtrade files are extracted for the four independent case studies relative to Transformer1 and Transformer2 switching’s. TOP software, which is a mathematical tool used to analyse Comtrade files, is then used to analyse and investigate the four case studies. Results from DIgSILENT PowerFactory are then generated according to the derived model. The results extracted depict three scenarios, indicating a power system that is weak, strong and specifically a power system that correlates to the actual tripping of a Static VAr Compensator (SVC). The results are all formulated and then evaluated in order to produce a conclusion and bring forward recommendations to Eskom in order to effectively ensure the Dedisa/Grassridge power system is reliable once again.