A Simple Fast and Accurate Simulation Method for Power Transformer Lightning Impulse Test

Determining the Marx generator configuration, including the values of series and parallel resistors as well as the number of series and parallel stages to obtain standard lightning impulse (LI) waveforms, is usually done in a trial and error process in the high voltage test fields of power transformer manufacturers. This practical process may take excessive time and is boring for test engineers. In this paper, a simple simulation method is proposed to model the LI test circuit of the transformer by computer, which is helpful in identifying the Marx generator set up. This method is based on modeling the LI test circuit as well as the transformer's high frequency impedance in discrete frequency domain. The measured frequency response of the transformer is used to model its high frequency characteristics. Digital signal processing methods are used to simulate the circuit and obtain waveforms. The accuracy of the proposed method is validated using experimental tests performed on three transformers with different ratings.