Inrush current computations using an optimised analytical hysteresis model

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is the modelling and estimation of inrush currents while energising power devices under no load conditions. An analytical representation of the nonlinear B-H curve serves for considering the hysteresis behaviour in the numerical model.

Design/methodology/approach

The model is implemented into a standard finite element formulation to compute transient problems.

Findings

Inrush currents behave like faults in power distribution facilities. Its prior estimation helps to distinguish between operating conditions and faults.

Research limitations/implications

The magnetic cores may become extremely magnetised. At such high material saturations, the material characteristics are not measurable accurately. Hence, the results depend on the extrapolation of the B-H curves.

Originality/value

The use of first-order reversal curves within the major hysteresis loops helps in a convenient way to estimate peak and shape of the inrush currents.

Citation

Renhart, W., Bíró, O., Magele, C., Preis, K. and Rabel, A. (2017), "Inrush current computations using an optimised analytical hysteresis model", COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, Vol. 36 No. 5, pp. 1568-1576. https://doi.org/10.1108/COMPEL-03-2017-0117