Estimation of transformer saturation characteristics from inrush current waveforms

This paper presents a novel method to estimate transformer saturation characteristics that extend to the ´deep´ saturation region. The basic idea of the method is to use recorded inrush voltage and current waveforms to estimate the saturation characteristics. Accurate representation of a transformer´s ´deep´ saturation region is important for studying the impact of transformer energization and its inrush currents. The performance and accuracy of the proposed method have been verified by a close agreement between simulation results and recorded inrush waveforms.