Iranian Journal of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

This investigation deals with a mathematical model for a distribution transformer including saturation effect. To this end, the equations related to a three phase transformer are specified and the effect of an inter-turn fault is included. Naturally by applying an inter-turn fault the inductance and resistance matrix will change. Thus, unknown quantities of inductances and resistances for completing the matrix are calculated and the inputs, outputs and state variables are specified. All the equations will be rewritten in terms of state variables, subsequently saturation effect is added to the model. Finally the block diagram of the specified model based on the obtained equations are designed and the ultimate model is simulated. The saturation effect, added to the mathematical model and also the variable fault parameters are known as two significant contributions which distinguish this study from other investigations. Various results obtained from the simulation of the final model confirm the changes in the behavior of faulty transformer such as: a large circulating current flowing in the shorted turns, lower impact on terminal voltages and currents, a sudden increase in current flowing in the primary winding, asymmetrical flux distribution and inverse proportion of the fault severity and the limiting resistor.