Advanced power transformer with improved parameters for rural electrical networks

The problem of power quality supply is relevant for rural electrical networks, due to long distance and branching, as well as connection of a large number of single-phase and non-linear loads. Asymmetry of electrical loads causes voltage asymmetry, which adversely affects the operation of all elements of the electrical system, causing additional power losses, reducing the service life of electrical equipment and its economic performance, as well as reliability of operation of individual electrical equipment and power supply system as a whole. Reduction of voltage asymmetry can be ensured by rational construction of electrical network circuit and use of special correcting devices. The authors consider it reasonable to use relatively simple and reliable by design and inexpensive power transformers with a “star - double zigzag with a zero wire” (Y/2Zн) winding connection circuit with a neutral winding connection group. The paper deals with design and processes of converting electrical energy in a transformer. It has been proved that phase EMF of the secondary winding coincides in phase with the same EMF of the primary winding, i.e. the proposed circuit has a neutral windings’ connection group. Results of theoretical studies of transformer operation with an asymmetric and non-linear load are presented. Decrease in voltage asymmetry is due to the neutral sequence components compensation. Decrease of the higher harmonic voltage components level occurs due to the compensation of the higher harmonics multiplied three times. It is theoretically substantiated that transformer will not emit higher harmonic components of zero sequence voltages into the supply network. Experimental studies have confirmed the theoretical conclusions that a transformer with Y/2Zн winding connection circuit allows obtaining the highest level of voltage symmetry with an asymmetric load. In single-phase load mode, the values of voltage unbalance factor in reverse sequence do not exceed 1.7 %, in neutral sequence - 2.9 %. The transformer allows obtaining 1.2-1.5 times lower value of total harmonic components factor at non-linear load, which is the best result among circuits studied. This power transformer is resistant to load effects that distort voltage quality and is capable to provide a high level of symmetry and sinusoidal voltage as well as parallel operation with commercially available transformers. This makes it possible to use it in rural electrical networks to reduce power losses, increase service life and efficiency of electrical equipment, and increase reliability of the power supply system.