Switching maneuvers to mitigate the sympathetic inrush phenomenon in parallel power transformers in double-bus and one-and-a-half breaker substations

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52152/D11550

Keywords:

sympathetic phenomenon, six transformers in parallel, Alternative Transients Program, power substation operation, grading capacitance

Abstract

This article examines the sympathetic inrush current phenomenon caused by the sequential energization of six parallel-connected power transformers. A key contribution is the inclusion of the grading capacitance effect of circuit breakers, often overlooked in operational assessments. The study proposes an operational strategy to mitigate this effect, reducing the risk of malfunctions in differential and overcurrent protection schemes and minimizing power quality disturbances. The strategy aims to prevent unintended equipment tripping during switching operations in substations. The analyzed system is a substation within the Mexico City electrical grid, consisting of six 100 MVA transformers transferring energy between 230 kV and 85 kV voltage levels. Simulations were conducted using the Alternative Transients Program, incorporating typical breaker configurations and transformer saturation parameters. The results show that both magnetizing and sympathetic inrush currents can reach significant levels, potentially compromising system stability. However, the scenarios demonstrate that a carefully planned energization sequence can mitigate these inrush currents, contributing to a more reliable and efficient power system operation.

Author Biographies

  • Jorge Luis Aguilar Marin, Autonomous University of the State of Morelos, Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

    Jorge Luis Aguilar-Marin holds a B.E. in Electromechanical Engineering from the Technological Institute of Toluca, a specialization in Substation and Transmission Line Design from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and an M.Sc. in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM). He has professional experience in the electric power sector and is currently a faculty member at UAEM. His research interests include power transmission systems, electromagnetic transients, and renewable energy modeling.

  • Luis Cisneros-Villalobos, Autonomous University of the State of Morelos, Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

    Luis Cisneros-Villalobos holds a B.E. in Electrical Engineering (1996) and a Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Sciences (2013) from the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM), and an M.E. in Electrical Engineering (2002) from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). He has extensive experience in the public electricity sector and has been a professor at UAEM since 1996. His work focuses on power system operation, power quality, electromagnetic transients, and renewable energy. He is recognized in the Mexican National System of Researchers.

  • Hugo Herrera-Gutiérrez , Autonomous University of the State of Morelos, Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

    Hugo Herrera-Gutiérrez holds a B.E. in Electrical Engineering (2014) and a Master in Electrical-Electronic Engineering (2021) from the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM). He specializes in electrical reliability and safety studies, with solid standards knowledge and extensive experience in electrical project management in the mining and industrial sectors, as well as on offshore platforms. He is also a specialist in electrical testing and has extensive experience in the use of specialized electrical software.

  • Mario Limón-Mendoza , Autonomous University of the State of Morelos, Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

    Mario Limón-Mendoza holds a degree in Electromechanical Engineering (1988) and a Master's degree in Electronic Engineering from the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico (1992). He also holds a PhD in Computer Science (2009) from the Monterrey Institute of Technology (ITESM). He has extensive experience in process automation in the public and private sectors and has been a professor at the UAEM since 1992. His work focuses on process automation, embedded electronic systems, and renewable energy. He is recognized by the National System of Researchers of Mexico.

  • Zakaryaa Zarhri , Autonomous University of the State of Morelos, Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Engineering

    Zakaryaa Zarhri holds a B.Sc. in Physical Sciences (2010), an M.Sc. in Computational Physics (2012), and a Ph.D. in Computational Physics applied to Materials Science (2016), all from Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco. He carried out a postdoctoral fellowship in materials synthesis, characterization, and mechanical properties at the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM), Mexico, in 2018. He served as a CONACyT Research Fellow at the National Technological Institute of Mexico in Quintana Roo and since 2022 has been a CONACyT Researcher at the Faculty of Chemical Sciences and Engineering, UAEM. His research interests include computational physics, materials science, renewable energy, hydrogen storage, electronics, spintronics, and materials characterization. He is recognized in the Mexican National System of Researchers.

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Published

2026-07-27

Issue

Vol. 101 No. 4 (2026)

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