In modern HV and EHV power systems more and more emphasis is placed on the ability

of current transformers to provide correct operating current to protective relay

systems. Relay decisions need to be made while the dc transient component of fault
current is still
present. The operating current should not be
distorted sufficiently to cause maloperation
of the protective system. The major cause of
concern is the decaying dc transient component
of fault current. This component can cause
some degree of current transformer saturation and thus operating-current
distortion.
Current transformers generally produce a faithful replica of the primary current
from the instant of fault-current initiation until
saturation begins. This interval, called the
time-to-saturation, can be calculated for most ring-core CTs using a series of
generalized curves and readily obtained CT and power-
system parameters. The method will be illus-
trated using Fig 1, which is a set of curves applicable when the dc transient
component of the fault current has a time constant of 0.04 s.
Following time-to-saturation determined tias way, the CT output current will show
evi-
dence of distortion. In many cases the cur-
rent will be satisfactory for relaying purposes but in some cases it will not,
depending on the protection scheme. The value of determining time-to-saturation
lies mainly in its use to spot questionable applications.