Influence of Harmonics on the Working Efficiency of a 6/1.2 kV Transformer in a Pit Mine

Abstract

Explosion-proof transformers 6/1.2 kV is important electrical equipment responsible forsupplying electricity in underground mine electrical networks. A failure of this transformer will cause aninterruption in the power supply and loss of safety in underground mining. Usually, explosion-prooftransformers in underground mine electrical networks are designed and manufactured to work with idealparameters such as sinusoidal currents, and the network structure is symmetrical. However, today inunderground mine electric networks, many power electronics are connected to the network, such asinverters and soft starters. As a result, a current flowing through the transformer is non-sinusoidal,overloading the transformer even by working with the design specifications. This paper studies theinfluence of harmonics on the working efficiency of a 6/1.2 kV transformer in a pit mine. Research resultssuggest reasonable solutions for transformer operation to ensure longevity and not cause damage to thetransformer.