Analysis and Explanation of Resonant Phenomena Involving EHV Transformers during Power System Restoration Tests

Abstract This paper deals with the simulation and the experimental confirmation of electromagnetic events that could interfere with the successful formation of the restoration path during the power system restoration procedure. The studied phenomena are more relevant for bulk power systems characterized by a low short circuit power as the restoration backbone. In particular, two case studies have been simulated and analyzed: one related to a transformer energization during the formation of the restoration path, and the other one occurred after the de-energization of some transmission lines and one autotransformer belonging to the restoration path. From the simulation results, it emerged that such events are related to the resonant effects between the supplying transformer and the restored network. Such resonances could have negative effects on the restoration if they are not effectively managed. In order to evaluate the impact of such phenomena in real networks, the measurement recordings of on-field tests were compared with the simulation results. It is worth noting that the performed analyses require the knowledge of several parameters that were not always available in practice. Hence, the exact magnitude of the described resonant phenomena was not easy to foresee for the restoration of real networks. The performed comparison confirms the preliminary simulation results and highlights that detailed electromagnetic models are particularly important to support the power system restoration management, in particular the planning of recovery procedures.