Experimentally Validated Method to Measure the λ-i Characteristics of Asymmetric Three-Phase Transformers

Accurate modeling of three-phase asymmetric (three- and five-limb) transformers is still a challenge. In this paper, a method for the calculation of the major hysteresis loop for three-phase asymmetric transformers is proposed. All necessary information can be obtained from measurements taken at the transformer terminals without breaking the connections and using only standard tests. For illustration and validation, the method is applied to Wye-wye and Wye-delta connections for three-limb and five-limb transformers, but the method is applicable to all transformer connections. The obtained hysteresis loops are implemented in three-phase dual-reversible models. Simulation results are validated with laboratory experiments. The excellent agreement between simulations and measurements gives great confidence that the method is practical for engineering work.