Review of Design Performance in Service of Power
and Distribution Transformers for Renewable Energy
(Solar PV) Power Stations- Discussions on In-service
Experience with Case Studies
Gopalan Ramesh, Senior Member IEEE, Ashutosh Sharma, MCIGRE and Arushi Arun
The experience of DNV while reviewing B. Thermal Considerations
the designs and post installation issues of
inverter transformers that have occurred in Inverter transformers exhibit rapid
multiple PV power stations relating to the increase in CO2 , and this may be due to
inverter and the attempt to identify these frequent overloads daily. This may be
issues and avoid them at the design and due to sizing and rating of the inverter
manufacturing stages of the transformers transformers.
is discussed
INVERTER TRANSFORMER AND C. Network Considerations
ISSUES
A. Electrical Design Considerations Network earthing on the delta side of the
collector transformers affects the
Magnetic Circuit Design- transient over-voltage performance of
The Choice of Flux density and meet over the inverter transformers. Lack of
fluxing requirements of customer earthing leads to capacitively earthed
specifications. Some customers specify situations and affects the transient over-
140% over-fluxing for 5 seconds voltage performance of the transformer
Winding Arrangement for short circuit
considerations- D. Harmonic Considerations
Multiple winding arrangements are
Harmonics from the inverter can affect
available, and the preferred arrangement
the collector transformer as well.
based on short circuit tests is discussed
Resonance and abnormal noise in
collector transformers can occur due to
Provision and Earthing of Neutral terminal the higher order harmonics produced by
on LV side of Inverter transformers- the inverter.
A neutral terminal shall not be provided or
earthed if provided (for multiple
secondaries) is discussed Case Studies
Case studies with issues and impact on
Provision and Earthing of Electrostatic operation, failure, and DGA issues during
Shields- service for various cases involving
An electrostatic shield is required between collector and inverter transformers are
the HV and LV windings of the discussed to provide insight into the
transformer. The earthing location of the issues in inverter transformers.
shield is very important for protecting the
transformer during earth faults in the PV
plant.
Conclusion: Future work in improving the performance of inverter transformers is required
and a specific standard to be developed by IEC for solar PV transformers will assist and will
be welcomed by all in the industry.
CIGRE SC A2 & 6TH IINTERNATIONAL COLLOQUIUM TRANSFORMER RESEARCH AND ASSET MANAGEMENT JOINT COLLOQUIUM 2023,
SPLIT, CROATIA, NOVEMBER 29- 02 DECEMBER 2023
