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The influence of an external magnetic field on the accuracy of a voltage

transformer

Article  in  Przeglad Elektrotechniczny · January 2007

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 Michał KACZMAREK, Ryszard NOWICZ
Technical University of Lodz, Department of Applied Electrical Engineering & Instrument Transformers

The influence of an external magnetic field on the accuracy of a

voltage transformer
Streszczenie. Przekładniki, jako część systemu elektroenergetycznego pracują w środowiskach, w których występują silne, zewnętrzne pola
elektromagnetyczne. Odpowiednia konstrukcja przekładnika powinna zapewnić kompatybilność elektromagnetyczną w określonym środowisku. W
artykule omówiony został wpływ obcego pola magnetycznego na dokładność przekładników napięciowych. Analizę wykonano w oparciu o badania
wpływu pobliskiego toru wiodącego prąd na dokładność przekładnika VSK 10Ib oraz zaprojektowanego modelu przekładnika średniego napięcia.
(Wpływ zewnętrznego pola magnetycznego na dokładność przekładników napięciowych).

Abstract. Voltage transformer being a part of electro-energy system, operates in environments in which there are strong electromagnetic fields. In
such conditions it is hard to ensure EMC of the voltage transformer. The article describes the influence of a external magnetic field on accuracy of
voltage transformers. Analysis was based on the influence of the current flowing in neighbouring track on accuracy of voltage transformer type VSK
10Ib and of designed medium-voltage transformer model.

Słowa kluczowe: pole magnetyczne, przekładnik napięciowy, pobliski tor prądowy, przekładnik VSK 10Ib.
Keywords: magnetic field, voltage transformer, neighbouring current track, voltage transformer type VSK 10Ib.

Introduction The second part of the analysis was based on the

It is possible that foreign magnetic fields may be present
around a working voltage transformer and change its
accuracy. Variation of errors can result from the presence of
voltages induced by outside magnetic flux in windings of the
voltage transformer [1,2] as well as from the change of its
magnetic core parameters. Voltage induced in primary
winding, after conversion to secondary side, is different
from the one induced in secondary winding, which results in
an increase of voltage transformer error. External magnetic
field may also change errors of voltage transformer by
changing the distribution of magnetic field in its core.
Additional magnetic field may come from other devices that
are working in surroundings of the voltage transformer or
from neighbouring current track. Voltage induced in voltage
transformer windings is conditional on many factors: current
intensity in neighbouring current track, its position regarding
the magnetic core of the voltage transformer, the distance
between the current track or another working device and
magnetic shielding of the voltage transformer. In spite of
any additional magnetic fields around a voltage transformer
its errors must not exceed limits set for a particular voltage
transformer class.
influence of the magnetic field from neighbouring current
track on the accuracy of a medium-voltage transformer
model. Test circle current track was 1m long and it was
supplied from the adjustable source for current intensity
control. Current track was situated 0,25m straight above
and below the central line of the magnetic core of the tested
voltage transformer and 0,05m, 0,25m and 1m straight next
to it. Density of the magnetic field from the current track was
measured with dual spectrum magnetic field meter model
TRACER MR100. Precision of this device for sinusoidal 50
hertz magnetic fields is ±50 miligauss. Measured magnetic
field density from the current track when current intensity
was 1200A, was 1,4Gs, which is about 0,14mT. If the
intensity of current was 600A, the measured density of the
magnetic field was 0,7Gs, which equals 0,07mT. Magnetic
core of the tested voltage transformer model has a single-
column, frame core structure. The tested voltage
transformer and measuring apparatus was supplied by an
uninterruptible power supply so that interference in power
network would be prevented.

Test stand description

The measurements were made in accordance with the
standard PN-EN 60044-2 [4]. Voltage on the secondary
winding of the tested voltage transformer model was
compared with the voltage on the secondary winding of the
high precision voltage model-transformer. The object of the
test was a non shielded, medium-voltage transformer,
class 0,5 type VSK 10Ib [5] whose structure was a basis for
developing a new solution: UDZ 24 (now in production). The
magnetic core of voltage transformer VSK 10Ib has a
single-column, jacket core structure. Current track was
situated 0,85m straight above the central line of the
magnetic core of tested voltage transformer. The magnetic
field density from the current track when current intensity
was 1200A was 1mT. If the intensity of current was 600A Fig.1. Voltage transformer magnetic fluxes in magnetic field [1]
the density of the magnetic field was 0,5mT. Voltage (1- neighbouring 50Hz current line with magnetic field line; 2 -
transformer was supplied through a phase shifter for magnetic core; 3 - primary winding; 4 -secondary windings; 5 - path
regulation of the displacement in phase between supplying of interference magnetic flux; 6-voltage transformer magnetic flux)
voltage and phase of the current in the track. Displacement
between voltage and current was determined by a Judging by figure 1, four different locations of current
wattmeter which was connected with adjustable current track in relation to the magnetic core of the voltage
source and voltage source on the secondary circuit of the transformer are possible.
voltage transformer [6].

PRZEGLĄD ELEKTROTECHNICZNY, ISSN 0033-2097, R. 83 NR 9/2007 47

 magnetic flux from the primary winding of the voltage
transformer is inclined at an angle of 90° in phase to the
supply voltage.

Fig.3. Indicating mark graph for voltage transformer in magnetic

Fig.2. Two possibilities of current line location [1]
In figure 2 the current track 4 is located over the central
line of the voltage transformer magnetic core 3.
Measurements were also made when current track was
located next to the central line of the magnetic core. Other
locations of current track did not change the result of the
test.
In case a) in figure 2 the current track 4 was parallel to
the central line of magnetic core 3 of the voltage
transformer. The magnetic flux from the current track was
orthogonal to the magnetic flux of the voltage transformer
and it was not any intereaction with its windings 1, 2. When
the distance between the current track and the voltage
transformer was 0,85m no changes in errors of tested
voltage transformer were detected. Decrease of the
distance to 0,25m only resulted in slight changes in errors
of the tested voltage transformer which did not affect the
class of the device.
In case b) in figure 2 the current track 4 was located
orthogonal to the central line of magnetic core 3 of the
tested voltage transformer. The generated magnetic flux
was parallel to its magnetic flux and it was an interaction
with the windings 1, 2 of the voltage transformer. Major
changes in errors of the tested voltage transformer were
detected.
When current track was located in parallel, next to the
central line of the magnetic core of the tested voltage
transformer, error changes were also detected .
Orthogonal location of the current track between the central
line of magnetic core of tested voltage transformer caused
only a very slight change in errors.
field of naighbouring current track
When vector Ip, indicating the current, is parallel to the
vector U1, indicating the supply voltage U1, then the
magnetic flux from the current track φp is orthogonal to the
magnetic flux φ of the voltage transformer. Additionally,
when its indicating mark is inclined at the angle of 90° in
phase with the magnetic flux φ and angle error is positive
then voltage transformer angle error shifts to higher value.
This case is shown in figure 3 a.
When vector Ip, indicating the current, is orthogonal to
the vector U1, indicating the supply voltage U1, then the
magnetic flux from the current track φp is parallel to the
magnetic flux φ of the voltage transformer. Additionally,
when its vector is compatible in phase with the magnetic
flux φ and the voltage error is negative, then the voltage
error of the voltage transformer shifts to lower value. This
case is shown in figure 3 b.
If the voltage or angle error of the voltage transformer
shifts to a positive value under the external influence of the
magnetic flux, then, after reverse of vector U1, indicating the
supply voltage of the tested voltage transformer, or vector
Ip, indicating the flowing current, the voltage or angle error
shifts to a negative value.

Test result analysis

Experimental examinations were made for all of the
previously mentioned locations of the current track and
several distances between the tested voltage transformer
were considered. Only in two cases did the error change
caused by a magnetic field from the current track influence
the error values of the tested voltage transformer
significantly. Therefore they will be further discussed in the
article.
When the voltage transformer type VSK 10Ib was
tested, the phase displacement between the supply voltage
and the interference current (magnetic flux) was settled by a Fig.4. Tested voltage transformer VSK 10Ib errors change diagram
phase shifter connected to the current track. The direction
and sense of the indicating mark of the interference flux Figure 4 shows how the errors of the tested voltage
from the current track in a non-dissipative medium is transformer (supplied with 100% nominal voltage) type VSK
compatible with the direction and sense of the indicating 10Ib change under the influence of the magnetic field from
mark of the interference current. The indicating mark of the the neighbouring current track.

48 PRZEGLĄD ELEKTROTECHNICZNY, ISSN 0033-2097, R. 83 NR 9/2007

 Analysis of the characteristics of errors in figure 4 shows the magnetic field strength of tested voltage transformers is
that when current intensity was 1200A and the current a result of a difference in their construction. The magnetic
vector in the current track was parallel to the vector of the core of voltage transformer VSK 10Ib has a single-column,
supply voltage, then the errors of the tested voltage jacket core structure which is more resistant to the magnetic
transformer changed according to the lines vectored with a field influence.
triangle. When the current vector of the current track was The diagram of the errors change in figure 5 shows that
compatible the supply voltage vector of the tested voltage errors change under the influence of a magnetic field is
transformer, errors changed according to the lines higher when load increases. This may be a result of the
designated with a non reversed triangle. Change in the deterioration of the magnetic characteristic of the core of
angle error of the voltage transformer is about 8’. When the the voltage transformer. The reduction of the tested voltage
current vector of the current track was situated opposite transformer voltage supply causes decrease in errors.
with the supply voltage vector of the tested voltage
transformer, errors changed according to the lines
designated with a reversed triangle. Change in the angle
error of the voltage transformer is about -8’.
Optional direction of the current indication mark and the
supply indication mark of the voltage transformer cause that
the errors of the tested voltage transformer occupy arbitrary
place in the space limited by the largest circle. Change in
the voltage error of the voltage transformer is about
±0,25%’.
The tested voltage transformer type VSK 10Ib, when
influenced by the magnetic field from the current track, fails
to comply with the class requirements because the voltage
error exceeds ±0,5% and amounts to 0,85%. In the test, the
voltage transformer error in angle achieved a maximum of
12’. When current intensity was 600A strength of the
magnetic field was lower. Change in errors was smaller but
analogical to change in errors when current intensity in
current line was 1200A.
Fig.6. Tested voltage transformer VSK 10Ib errors change diagram

In this case tested voltage transformer type VSK 10Ib

under magnetic field influence from current track fails to
comply with class requirements. Permissible phase error is
exceeded and achieves ±160’ while an acceptable value is
20’. Voltage error achieves almost ±6% while an
acceptable value is 0,5%.
Test results of voltage transformer model show a similar
tendency.

Fig.5. Tested voltage transformer model errors change diagram

The test results of the laboratory studies of the tested

voltage transformer model shown in figure 5 are similar to
those presented for VSK 10Ib, however, there are three
main differences. Tested voltage transformer model has
lower change in errors with load variation. Therefore,
change in the angle error under the magnetic field from the
current line is also smaller than the one in VSK 10Ib and is
about ±4’. This fact is a result of a seven times lower
strength of the magnetic field during the test of the voltage Fig.7. Tested voltage transformer model errors change diagram
transformer model. It is also possible to notice that the
change in the voltage error of the tested voltage transformer The errors value in figure 7 are much smaller than those
when current indication mark in current track is orthogonal shown in figure 6, which is a result of a higher supply
to supply voltage indication mark is smaller in figure 5 than voltage of the tested transformer, whose value was 40% of
in figure 4 and is about ±0,15%. The non proportional the nominal voltage, as well as of the magnetic field density.
difference of change in errors according to the change in The decreasing of the supply voltage below this value

PRZEGLĄD ELEKTROTECHNICZNY, ISSN 0033-2097, R. 83 NR 9/2007 49

causes very big errors which cannot be correctly measured
with accessible laboratory equipment.
The increase of the supply voltage of the tested voltage
transformer results in decrease of the influence of the
magnetic field on the voltage transformer errors. This is
caused by the fact that voltage induced by a magnetic field
in voltage transformer windings is a minor part of the whole
winding voltage.
When the current track was placed next to tested
voltage transformer and parallel to the central line of its
magnetic core changes in errors were also detected. In this
case the current track is considered only as a magnetic field
source which can be derived from other working devices
placed next to the voltage transformer.
Figure 8 shows change in errors caused by the
magnetic field from a device placed 1m next to the working
voltage transformer model.
Fig.8. Tested voltage transformer model errors change diagram
Obviously the influence of the magnetic field on the
change in errors of the voltage transformer is considerably
lower than in the case described previously. This fact is an
effect of the influence of the magnetic field on the magnetic
qualities of the voltage transformer and in consequence on
the change in errors of the tested voltage transformer. In
this case voltage induction effect in the voltage transformer
windings did not take place. Increase of the supply voltage
in the tested voltage transformer results in decrease of the
influence of the magnetic field on the change in its errors.
50 PRZEGLĄD ELEKTROTECHNICZNY, ISSN 0033-2097, R. 83 NR 9/2007
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Summary
• The magnetic field from the current track located near
voltage transformer may have a considerable influence
on its accuracy, especially in short circuit conditions.
• Voltage transformer type VSK 10Ib is made to meet the
standard demands for 25% to 100% of nominal load
while the designed model of voltage transformer may
be used with loads lower than 25% of nominal.
• Voltage transformer type VSK 10Ib is made to meet the
standard demands for 80% to 120% of nominal supply
voltage while the designed model of voltage
transformer may also be used with 40% of the nominal
supply voltage.
• The voltage induced in the windings of the voltage
transformer is conditional on many factors: value of the
current in the neighbouring current track and its
position in relation to the magnetic core of the voltage
transformer, the distance between the current track or
another working device and the magnetic shielding of
the voltage transformer.
• Proper location of voltage transformer, respecting the
presence of any external magnetic field, may reduce its
change in errors significantly.
• The outside magnetic field from the side of the voltage
transformer may also have an influence on change in
its errors.
REFERENCES
[1] Nowicz R., Przekładniki napięciowe klasyczne, specjalne i
niekonwencjonalne, wydawnictwo PŁ, 2003
[2] Elmer G.: High Frequency Modelling of Multi-layer Straight
Coils and Transformers, Przegląd Elektrotechniczny, 7-8
(2005)
[3] Gavazza R. J., Wiggins C. M.: Reduction of Interferences on
Substation Low Voltage Wiring, IEEE Transactions on Power
Delivery, 1996
[4] Przekładniki napięciowe indukcyjne PN-EN 60044-2, Polski
Komitet Normalizacyjny, marzec 2001r.
[5] Kowalewski L., Sprawozdanie nr 92/G/77: Przekładnik
napięciowy typu VSK 10Ib kl. 05
[6] Kowalewski L., Dokładność przekładników napięciowych
podczas zwarcia w sieci elektroenergetycznej, Przegląd
Elektrotechniczny, 5 (1978)
Authors: dr hab. inż. Ryszard Nowicz, Technical University of
Lodz, Department of Applied Electrical Engineering & Instrument
Transformers, 18/22 Stefanowskiego street, 90-924 Lodz, E-mail:
s-k23-1i@sir.p.lodz.pl; M.Sc Michał Kaczmarek, Technical
University of Lodz, Department of Applied Electrical Engineering &
Instrument Transformers, 18/22 Stefanowskiego street, 90-924
Lodz, E-mail: mprii@wpk.p.lodz.pl; Michał Kaczmarek is a grant
holder of “Mechanizm WIDDOK” project supported by European
Social Fund and Polish state (contract number
Z/2.10/II/2.6/04/05/U/2/06).