Novel Differential Protection for a Powerformer Considering Capacitive Current Compensation

A Powerformer is a special type of generator whose peak capacitive current is approximately 30 times larger than that of conventional generators with the same rated apparent power. Powerformer stator fault relays may be misoperated by using conventional differential protection strategies, thus degrading network reliability. Therefore, a novel differential protection scheme for a Powerformer is proposed in this paper. First, the nonlinear distribution laws of the Powerformer stator winding capacitance and induced electromotive force (EMF) are analyzed. Next, an equivalent distributed parameter circuit model of the Powerformer considering cable-windings with graded insulation is established and verified by using FEM-based analysis. Furthermore, to eliminate the influence of the capacitive current on the differential protection, the capacitive current is analyzed, and a novel differential protection scheme considering capacitive current compensation is proposed. A simulation model is established by using MATLAB and PSCAD, and extensive simulation studies verify the effectiveness of the proposed protection approach.