Overvoltage spikes transmitted through distribution transformers due to MV spark-gap operation

Small distribution transformers are often protected with spark gaps. As the spark-gap ignites, an overvoltage is coupled to the secondary side due to the steep voltage change. This overvoltage can reach to the customer socket. In this paper, the breakdown of MV spark-gaps is first modeled under an impulse voltage superimposed on AC voltage. To study the overvoltage propagation to the low voltage side, an accurate and simplified high frequency transformer model is used. The model, MV spark-gap and LV network are combined in ATP/EMTP to study the overvoltage spike propagation. Finally, the low voltage surge arrester at the secondary terminals of the distribution transformer is investigated for overvoltage mitigation.

[1]  Taku Noda,et al.  EMTP Modeling of a Distribution Line for Lightning Overvoltage Studies , 2007 .

[2]  M. Lehtonen,et al.  Probabilistic model for MV spark-gap characteristics with lightning induced overvoltage superimposed on AC voltage , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation.

[3]  V. Woivre,et al.  Transient overvoltage study and model for shell-type power transformers , 1993 .

[4]  M. Z. I. Sarkar,et al.  LIGHTNING INDUCED OVER VOLTAGES ON OVERHEAD DISTRIBUTION LINES INCLUDING LOSSY GROUND EFFECTS , 2004 .

[5]  Matti Lehtonen,et al.  An Approach to the Lightning Overvoltage Protection of Medium Voltage Lines in Severe Lightning Areas , 2008, WCE 2008.

[6]  Takatoshi Shindo,et al.  A Study of Predischarge Current Characteristics of Long Air Gaps , 1985 .

[7]  P. Hessen,et al.  Partial Discharges Triggered by Switching Surge in Power Transformers , 1972 .

[8]  K. Kata,et al.  Development of current limiting arcing horn for prevention of lightning faults on distribution lines , 1988 .

[9]  John B. Shoven,et al.  I , Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal.

[10]  Kazuo Nakada,et al.  Experimental Facility for Investigation of Lightning Performance of Distribution Lines , 2002, IEEE Power Engineering Review.

[11]  N. Takasu,et al.  Dielectric strength of oil-immersed transformer insulation with superimposed AC and lightning impulse voltage , 1990 .

[12]  T. Harada,et al.  A Study of Predischarge Current Characteristics of Long Air Gaps , 1985, IEEE Transactions on Power Apparatus and Systems.

[13]  S. Yokoyama,et al.  Experimental Study of Response of Power Distribution Lines to Direct Lightning Hits , 1989, IEEE Power Engineering Review.

[14]  Matti Lehtonen,et al.  Lightning-Induced Overvoltages Transmitted Over Distribution Transformer With MV Spark-Gap Operation—Part II: Mitigation Using LV Surge Arrester , 2010, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.

[15]  P. Pinceti,et al.  A simplified model for zinc oxide surge arresters , 1999 .

[16]  Silverio Visacro,et al.  Evaluation of lightning surges transferred from medium voltage to low-voltage networks , 2005 .

[17]  T. Noda,et al.  Accurate Modeling of Core-Type Distribution Transformers for Electromagnetic Transient Studies , 2002, IEEE Power Engineering Review.

[18]  M. I. Qureshi,et al.  Performance of rod-rod gaps in the presence of dust particles under lightning impulses , 1991 .

[19]  J. Pleite,et al.  MODELING THE TRANSFORMER FREQUENCY RESPONSE TO DEVELOP ADVANCED MAINTENANCE TECHNIQUES , 2002 .

[20]  S. Katakai,et al.  Impulse breakdown superposed on ac voltage in XLPE cable insulation , 1996 .

[21]  M. Paolone,et al.  Lightning-Induced Overvoltages Transferred Through Distribution Power Transformers , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.

[22]  R. Matsuoka,et al.  Flashover Voltage Characteristics of Contaminated Station Insulators under Temporary AC Overvoltages in the AC System Connected with a Frequency Converter Station , 1992 .

[23]  P. Pinceti,et al.  Validation of ZnO surge arresters model for overvoltage studies , 2004, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.

[24]  Matti Lehtonen,et al.  Lightning-Induced Overvoltages Transmitted Over Distribution Transformer With MV Spark-Gap Operation—Part I: High-Frequency Transformer Model , 2010, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.

[25]  S. Imoto,et al.  Development of arcing horn device for interrupting ground-fault current of 77 kV overhead lines , 2005, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery.

[26]  D. R. Smith,et al.  A Simplified Lumped Parameter Model for Finding Distribution Transformer and Secondary System Responses to Lightning , 1989, IEEE Power Engineering Review.