Transformer Inrush Current Analysis

Transformer Inrush Current Analysis in ETAP

User Guide

1. Introduction
This user guide provides information regarding the transformer inrush current analysis in ETAP.

2. Magnetizing Inrush Current

Magnetizing inrush current in transformers results from any abrupt changes of the magnetizing voltage. This
may be caused by energizing an unloaded transformer, occurrence of an external fault, voltage recovery after
clearing an external fault and out-of phase synchronizing of connected generator. Therefore, a detailed analysis
of the magnetizing inrush current under various conditions is necessary to evaluate voltage dip, and protective
relay operation.
ETAP 19.5 provides this capability to analyze and evaluate the magnetizing inrush current in 2 and 3-winding
transformers. Some of the key features are as follows:
 Detailed Transformer Modeling
 Transformer Energization Inrush
 Sympathetic Inrush
 Fault Clearance Inrush
 Simulate the Impact of Inrush Current
 Utilize Transformer Magnetization Curve Points
 Graphical Result Plots

Figure 1: Transformer Inrush Current

3. Editor
To perform the inrush current analysis in ETAP transient stability study, the following steps need to be taken.
3.1 Transient Stability Study Case Editor – Info Page
To enable the transformer no load loss and inrush current calculation the following option need to be selected in
the info page of transient stability study case editor.

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written authorization of Operation Technology, Inc., 17 Goodyear, Irvine, CA 92618, USA. © 2019 by Operation Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
 Transformer Inrush Current Analysis

Figure 2: Transient Stability Study Case Editor

3.2 Transformer Editor – Protection Page

This page contains information regarding the magnetizing inrush current behavior of the transformer.

Figure 3: 2-Winding Transformer Editor

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This document is confidential and proprietary to Operation Technology, Inc. and may not be reproduced, published or disclosed to others without the
written authorization of Operation Technology, Inc., 17 Goodyear, Irvine, CA 92618, USA. © 2019 by Operation Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
 Transformer Inrush Current Analysis

To enable magnetizing curve and perform magnetizing inrush current study, select the “Magnetizing Curve”
checkbox. To enter and edit the transformer magnetization curve points click on the “Points”.

Figure 4: Magnetization Curve Points Editor

Enter the data corresponds to inrush current in percentage in the first column. Enter the data corresponds to the
inrush flux in percentage in the second column. The transformer magnetization curve points shall be
monotonically increasing. The current value at 100% flux shall be consistent with the transformer positive
sequence no load current in the “Impedance” page of the transformer editor.

4. Analysis and Outcomes

4.1 Example Project
In this project, the transformer magnetizing inrush current behavior during energizing an unloaded transformer
is evaluated.

Figure 5: Example Project

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This document is confidential and proprietary to Operation Technology, Inc. and may not be reproduced, published or disclosed to others without the
written authorization of Operation Technology, Inc., 17 Goodyear, Irvine, CA 92618, USA. © 2019 by Operation Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
 Transformer Inrush Current Analysis

In this case, the circuit breaker between the grid and transformer is closed at t = 0.5 s and the transformer
energized.

Figure 6: Transformer energized at t=0.5 s.

4.2 Simulation Results

Fig. 7 shows the transformer inrush current as a result of energizing an unloaded transformer at t = 0.5 s.

Figure 7: Transient Stability Plot.

During energization of the unloaded transformer, the transformer’s core becomes saturated and the current
required to produce flux is much higher than the transformer rated current. Therefore, the transformer draws a
very high current at t = 0.5 s which is known as the transformer magnetizing inrush current.

Page 4 of 4
This document is confidential and proprietary to Operation Technology, Inc. and may not be reproduced, published or disclosed to others without the
written authorization of Operation Technology, Inc., 17 Goodyear, Irvine, CA 92618, USA. © 2019 by Operation Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.