Analysis of Cable-Transformer Resonance Interactions Due to Circuit Breaker Prestriking Transients

Abstract

Power transformer energization involves a significant electromagnetic energy exchange among system components, with periodic oscillations at the system's natural frequencies. As a result, weakly damped resonance overvoltages may occur, overstressing the system and thereby leading to potential insulation failure. This phenomenon is particularly notable for topologies where a transformer is supplied via cable, as low-damping resonance frequencies are likely to be formed due to mutual interactions between the cable and the transformer. The prestriking phenomenon during circuit breaker closing plays an important role in the excitation of resonance frequencies. Specifically, repeated prestrikes can create highfrequency resonances during switching-on operations. This paper analyzes the mutual interactions between the cable and the transformer, focusing on how the resonances between the cable and the transformer are created. Then, using a suitable modeling approach, the impact of CB prestrikes on the resultant resonance excitation in cable-transformer systems is investigated. Finally, tests are conducted using an experimental test setup to validate the investigations performed. The obtained results demonstrate that resonance frequencies emerging from cable-transformer interactions lead to the excitation of oscillatory overvoltages with extreme magnitudes.