Utilization of Electrical and Electronic Devices, Measurement and Testing Instruments, and Intelligent Elements in Power Networks

Abstract

The actual electric power structure of Azerenerji relies only on Conventional Current Transformer (CCT), and this gives a very great chance to start assessing new technologies that could improve the performance of measurement and protection systems. This work represents extended comparative analysis of Fiber Optical Current Transformer (FOCT) and CCT in 110 kV substations with the use of advanced simulation techniques investigating operational characteristics for different electrical situations. In this thesis, the performance of the transformer is simulated in three test case scenarios under a short-circuit condition using DigSilent PowerFactory software. The research investigated the operational characteristics of transformers along the three critical areas of investigation: change in loading conditions, frequency response, and dynamic conditions related to short circuit power. In this regard, the study throws light on the behavior of transformers in complicated electrical scenarios by manipulating generators and load parameters. The most significant differences concerned the frequency response characteristics. FOCTs showed very good performance and allowed high accuracy within a wide frequency range with very small deviation, while conventional Current Transformers showed a strong deterioration of their performance, especially at higher frequencies. With such big differences in performance, potential advantages of FOCT in modern substation systems are implicated, especially in the cases when one needs to get precise and stable measurements under different electrical conditions. Nevertheless, it showed serious implementation challenges. Fiber Optic Current Transformers are quite sensitive to a whole range of environmental factors, including temperature fluctuations and mechanical impact. And that means that despite quite promising perspectives of the measurement technique, serious technological developments are needed before its wide application in critical infrastructure. The implications of the study go beyond immediate technological comparisons. The study provides a basic framework within which the transformative trajectory of existing transformer technologies in electrical power systems can be understood. Thus, the research provides quantitative performance differences that may serve as insight for the engineers, researchers, and infrastructure planners considering technological upgrade alternatives. The simulations revealed that FOCT shows minimal deviations especially under wide range of frequency, although CCT showed considerable deviations during short-circuit event. These findings demonstrate that FOCTs maintain high accuracy in various applications. However, this thesis underscores the demand for further improvement in the FOCTs by considering their temperature and vibration sensitivity.