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Matching transformers for parallel operation

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Matching transformers for parallel operation (photo credit: ABB)

3 rules for parallel transformers //

The following rules must be obeyed in order to successfully connect two or more transformers in parallel with each
other:

1. The turns ratios of all of the transformers must be nearly equal.

2. The phase angle displacements of all of the transformers must be identical.
3. The series impedances of all transformers must be nearly equal, when expressed as ‘ %Z‘ using the
transformer impedance base.

The first two rules are required so that the open-circuit secondary voltages of the transformers are closely
matched in order to avoid excessive circulating currents when the parallel connections are made. The last rule is
based on the fact that for a given voltage rating and %Z, the ohmic impedance of a transformer is inversely
proportional to its KVA rating.

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When transformers having the same %Z are connected in parallel, the load currents will split in proportion to the
KVA ratings of the units.

Therefore, transformers with different KVA ratings can be successfully operated in parallel as long as
their %Z values are all approximately the same.

Example of parallel transformers and loud BANG!

Two three-phase 10,000 KVA 66,000∆ – 12,470Y volt transformers were in parallel operation in a substation. The
primaries of the two transformers are connected to a 66 kV transmission line through a single air break switch. This
switch is designed to interrupt magnetizing current only, which is less than 1 A .

Figure 1 – Circuit diagram for example showing circulating currents for parallel transformers with different turns ratios

The transformers were being removed from service and the secondary loads had been removed. A switchman then
started to open the air break switch, expecting to see a small arc as the magnetizing current was interrupted.

Instead, there was a loud ‘BANG’ and there was a ball of flame where the air break switch contacts
had vaporized. Something was obviously wrong. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed that the two
transformers had been set on widely different taps:

The first transformer was on the 62,700 V primary tap and the second transformer was on the 69,300 V primary tap.
Both transformers had a 7% impedance. Because the turns ratios were unequal, a circulating current was set up
even without any secondary load. The open-circuit secondary voltage difference, assuming 66 kV at the transformer
primaries, is calculated below.

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 The open-circuit secondary voltage difference

The per-unit circulating current in the secondary loop is equal to ∆Es divided by the sum of the per-unit impedances of
the two transformers //

Converting I c into amperes //

Since Ic flows in a loop in the secondary circuit, the current out of the secondary of the first transformer equals the
current into the secondary of the second transformer. But since the turns ratios are not equal, Ic does not get
transformed into equal and opposite currents at the primaries.

The net current through the air break switch, IAB, is the difference in the primary currents //

What actually happened?

The current through the air break switch supplies the Ic2Xs reactive losses of both transformers and therefore lags
the primary voltage by 90°. The resulting current exceeded the interrupting rating of the switch, causing it to fail. The
conditions described in this example are diagramed in Figure 1 above.

Reference // Power Transformers Principles and Applications by John J. Winders, Jr. (Purchase from Amazon)

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