ISSUE 4

DECEMBER 2019 transformer-technology.com ISSN 2642-2689

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COO of VELCO Failure Signs Transformers: Eletronorte Case Study
92 VOLTAGE
REGULATORS

DVtesting
Voltage
Regulators
by Edis Osmanbasic

Edis Osmanbasic is the lead engineer for

transformer testing at DV Power, Sweden.
His work involves analysis and development
of test methods for transformer condition
assessment and he has published several
studies in this field. He is responsible for DV
Power Consulting, Education and Training
Services. Edis is also involved in DV power
transformer test equipment field applica-
tion and diagnostics of transformer test re-
sults. Edis obtained his master’s degree in
electrical engineering from the University of
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Photo: DV Power
Transformer Technology December 2019 93

Issue 4

When diagnostic
testing is applied
to voltage
regulators,
it includes
dynamic tests
on tap changers.
As regulators
have a specific
construction,
where at neutral
Voltage Regulators
point turns ratio is
1:1, familiar dyna- Regulators are low cost regulating
transformers (or, more precisely,
mic test graphs regulating autotransformers). Some
utilities do not like to put expensive
look very different. power transformers in danger
of failing by placing a relatively
This article is an unreliable on-load tap changer
overview of voltage (OLTC) in the main tank, or even in an
adjacent compartment. The OLTC is
regulator condition the only moving part under voltage
in a transformer, thus its low relative
assessment reliability compared to a power
transformer.
using DVtest
Some utilities have a need for voltage
methodology, regulation closer to the load, which
also known as is why we find so many regulators
in the USA networks. Most have
dynamic resistance 33 positions and regulate the
voltage +/-10%. The most common
measurement configuration is 16 steps of 5/8%
(0.625%) each, for both raise and
(DRM). lower position.

Introduction

DVtest, or Dynamic Resistance

The OLTC is the
Measurement (DRM) testing, is only moving part
an off-line, non-destructive test
in which a DC current is injected under voltage in a
through a transformer winding and
tap changer as it moves through all transformer, thus
of its positions [1]. Results from the
current signatures are examined and
its low relative
compared against previous tests, or
similar unit test results. This test on
reliability com-
a regulator may be used to detect pared to a power
problems such as slow tap changer
transition time, contact problems, and transformer.
open circuits, among others [2].
94 VOLTAGE
REGULATORS

Figure 1. Four transitions in one second of a fast regulator

Regulators can be divided into two

categories: Large three-phase units,
and smaller single-phase units. While
larger three-phase units have all the
characteristics of an autotransformer
with a normal tap changer, smaller
ones may be equipped with super-
fast tap changers, some of which
operate within 250 msec and are able
to change four tap positions within
one second (Figure 1). Figure 2. Schematic of two single-phase regulators type A (top), and type B (bottom)

One side of the regulator is called

SOURCE and the other is called
LOAD. The voltage is varied at either
side as required. The neutral point/
bushing is usually called SL or S0L0.
Type A, as per ANSI standard, varies
the voltage at the load side while
keeping the source voltage constant,
while type B does the inverse,
changing the source voltage while the
load side is kept constant (Figure 2).
This is achieved by placing the tap
changer in the load or in the source
side; that is important when deciding
how to test a tap changer in a typical
regulator.

A major difference in their design

characteristic, when compared with
an autotransformer, is the resistance
and inductance at the tap changer
neutral position. The winding
resistance of the neutral position
can be down as far as 2 mΩ, while
the end tap – position 16 – would
measure an order of magnitude
higher resistance than the neutral
tap. This is due to the fact that at the
neutral position regulator provides
regulation of 1:1 and no regulating
winding is in the circuit, only the tap
changer contacts and connections.
At the extreme tap positions, we have
a complete regulating winding in the
circuit.
Photo: DV Power
Transformer Technology December 2019 95

Issue 4

Figure 3. DVtest graph of a typical functional regulator

DVtesting Tap Changer

of a Regulator

The DVtest, or the dynamic recording

of the test current, provides a
very different overall graph when
compared to a power transformer.
The ripples change their value from
small to very large value at the neutral
position (Figure 3), and then getting
smaller again as the other extreme
position is approached.

Regulators can be equipped with

tap changers of either reactor or
resistor types. The reactor type tap
changers are predominant in the
USA networks. The ripple shape is
characteristic for each construction
of the tap changer. Regulator ripples
are very much the same shape but
a different magnitude to that of their
transformer counterparts. For that
reason, attention should be paid to
the type and manufacturer of the
tap changer itself during the result
evaluation.

Type A ANSI
regulator varies
the voltage at
the load side
Figure 4. Schematic of a three-phase regulator
while keeping the
source voltage
constant, where
type B does in-
versely, changes
the source volt-
age while the
load side is
constant.
96 VOLTAGE
REGULATORS

Three-phase
The DVtest on a three-phase regulator
may be performed using a single- Figure 5. DVtest graph using S to L connection showing very high ripple
phase instrument or a three-phase
DV Power instrument like TWA40D.
This three-phase instrument allows
connection to all bushings at the
same time time, and then we would
consider the S (source) side as the
HV side, and the L (load) side as a LV
or secondary winding. Both neutral
test leads are connected in the same
way as an autotransformer, to the
S0L0 bushing.

Three-phase instruments provide

three options: LV, HV, and BOTH [3].
Selecting the appropriate option
requires reading and understanding
the nameplate schematic. In the Figure 6. DVtest graph using SL to L connection showing normal ripples
schematic example in figure 4,
testing the HV winding (S0L0 to
S) would not provide ripples as
the current is going through the
common winding only. Testing LV
(in this case S0L0 to L) is the correct
way to perform the DVtest in order
to obtain the desired graph.

For investigative tests, one can use

the three-phase instr uments in a
single-phase test mode and perform
any type of connection permutation.

Single-phase
Performing a test using one of the
single-phase winding resistance
instruments allows for selecting
the connections of test leads the
way we want. Normally one lead is Figure 7. Slow recovery after neutral position
connected to the S side, while the
other is connected to the L side.
Alternatively, one would be connected
to the common SL terminal, but then
attention should be paid that the tap
changer is indeed in the test loop (see
note about A type and B type). If not,
the graph obtained would be just a
straight line.

Testing between S and L has one

disadvantage: very low resistance and
inductance of regulating winding only,
while testing between SL (neutral
bushing) and S or L terminal includes
the common winding in the test loop
and makes the ripple smaller and
response time different.
Transformer Technology December 2019 97

Issue 4

Issues Conclusion
With inherent low resistance/ makes an increasingly slow current. Performing the DVtest on a voltage
inductance at the neutral position, This is visible in Figure 3 to a smaller regulator is a useful condition
regulators create several issues that degree, while in Figure 7 it is extreme. assessment procedure and it
a tester needs to understand in order Figure 3 shows a slow tap changer, should act as a good diagnostic
to properly evaluate results. recorded by waiting for a few seconds tool for condition assessment of
between transitions. Figure 7 shows the tap changer. Many problems
The specifics of a fault could be data recorded with a high-speed can be detected, including
too high of a ripple, as in Figure 5. regulator and where transitions last mechanical and electrical faults,
Almost all ripples reach 100% on that very short and time to re-establish issues with contacts, and issues
graph. The reason is the construction current after changing taps through with control, among others.
characteristics of the regulator and neutral position is few seconds. This The graph is specific when
test connection used: S to L. In that is significantly longer than it takes to analyzing it. Pay attention to how
case the recommendation is to switch from position N (17) to 33; the test leads are connected and
change the connection. As the ripple for this particular regulator about be aware about neutral specifics.
may show 100% — which is not the 4 seconds.
real situation as the current oscillates
— an alternative test connection Direction Up/Direction References
should be applied. Down Testing [1] R. Levi and B. Milovic, Proceedings
TechCon USA, 2011.
Once the test connection was Performing a DVtest is possible [2] R. Levi, G. Milojevic, From the
changed to record the current between either when the OLTC is moving in AMforum Knowledge-base: Case
SL and L terminals, the same regulator direction UP or direction DOWN, but studies of OLTC problems detected
responded differently. Figure 6 shows our recommendation is to always by DVtest, presented at TechCon
the ripple values that are in the order perform both UP and DOWN tests. – Training Track, Sacramento, CA,
of 20-50% but never reaching 100%. Defining the direction of the test US, February 2015.
makes a significant difference of [3] Instruction manual TWA40D, DV
Another specific issue at neutral on the ripple shapes, especially for the Power, Lidingö, Stockholm, 2015.
regulators is slow recovery time. reactor type tap changers. Figure 8
As the test is performed using includes both UP and DOWN graphs,
DC current, the inductance of the presented by different color traces.
regulator winding once introduced The difference between the two is
into the test loop following the neutral significant, and one may say that they
position, where inductance is zero, look like mirror images of each other.

Figure 8. Direction UP (blue) and direction DOWN (red trace)

Performing the
DVtest on a volt-
age regulator is
a useful condi-
tion assessment
procedure and it
should act as a
good diagnostic
tool for condition
assessment of
the tap changer.