Impact of Transformer Topology on Short-Circuit Analysis in Distribution Systems with Inverter-Based Distributed Generations

Abstract

Distributed energy resources (DERs), recently introduced into distribution systems, are mainly inverter-based distributed generations (IBDGs), which have different short-circuit behaviors from conventional synchronous-based distributed generations (SBDGs). Hence, this study presents a comprehensive analysis of the short-circuit behaviors of distribution systems with IBDGs, based on sequence networks and superposition, from the perspectives of interconnected transformers, and observes the flow of zero-sequence fault currents with different transformer topologies. Moreover, two- and three-winding transformers with various bank connection types and groundings are investigated. It was concluded that the transformer topology and its grounding influence the fault current contribution in zero-sequence networks, and the high penetration of IBDGs alters the fault current magnitude and phase angles.