Frequency Response Features of Axial Displacement Winding Faults in Autotransformers With Split Windings

Frequency response analysis (FRA) is an effective approach for detecting mechanical damage in the windings of a transformer. However, the application of FRA to estimate the winding condition of autotransformers (ATs) employed in the China High-Speed Railway is problematic. Because the split windings of the ATs are connected inside the tank, it is impossible to measure the FRA curves for each split winding outside the tank directly. Therefore, it is difficult to identify fault winding and effectively diagnose the overall condition of the windings. This paper explores the features of FRA curves under different fault conditions to help distinguish the fault winding. An equivalent circuit model is built for the AT with split windings, and the electrical parameters of the windings are determined using the finite-element method. The model is then employed to simulate typical axial displacement faults. The results show that the first antiresonance and resonance of the frequency response for connections involving series windings or series and common windings may be visible features for diagnosing winding faults and the fault level. Specifically, the first and second resonances of the frequency response for the common winding connection may be regarded as the primary feature for identifying fault windings.