IIEE-AUH 1st Technical Seminar

December 16, 2016

Testing and Commissioning
of Main and Back-up
Protections of a Power
Transformer

By: Engr. Mark Anthony M. Galo, PEE

+971 56 2591 528
mark_galo_2603@yahoo.com.ph
Objectives of Electrical Power System

• The purpose of an electrical power system is

to generate and supply electrical energy to
consumers reliably, safely and economically.
• Keeping the power system operation
continuously without major breakdown to
ensure the maximum return on the large
investment in the equipment, which goes to
make up the power system and to provide
maximum customer satisfaction for reliable
service.
Power System Reliability
• The reliability of the substation depends
on the reliability of associated equipment
such as busbars, circuit breakers,
transformers, isolators and controlling
devices.
• The above substation equipment should
be protected from electrical short circuits
to keep the operation continuously without
major breakdowns.
Power System Protection

• Protection cannot prevent faults but

can minimize the consequences.
• Main Objective of Power System Protection
 To safeguard the entire system to
maintain the continuity of supply.
 To minimize the damage of the associated
substation equipment and repair cost.
 To ensure safety of personnel.
Basic Requirements of Power
System Protection

Selective-To detect and isolate the

faulty item only.
Stable-To keep the healthy sections
operational.
Fast-To initiate and operate promptly
to prevent the major damage and
breakdown of equipment and thus
ensuring the safety to personnel.
Power System Major Equipment
 Generators
X Power Transformers

 Reactors
 Capacitors
 Switchgears/Busbars
 Cables
 Overhead Line Conductors
 Auxiliary Transformers
 Motors
 UPS (Rectifiers, Inverters and Battery Banks)
TRANSFORMER PROTECTION:

• The considerations for transformer protection

vary with the application and importance of
the transformer.
• To reduce the effects of thermal stress and
electrodynamic forces, the overall protection
should minimize the time that a fault is
present within a transformer.
Types of Transformer Faults:

• Winding and Terminal Faults

• Core Faults
• Tank and Transformer Accessory Faults
• On-Load Tap Changer Faults
• Abnormal Operating Conditions
• Sustained External Faults
Transformer Application:
Transformers converts energy from one voltage level to
another voltage level.
Step-up power transformers in generating stations are used
to reduced the losses in EHV and HV transmission lines since
current is indirectly proportional to the voltage.
Step-down power transformers are used in distribution
substation to reduce the voltage level from EHV/HV
transmission lines to MV distribution network to match the
ratings distribution equipment.
Step-down distribution transformers are used to reduce the
MV level to LV level for home consumption.
Protection Single Line Diagram of Power Transformer
33-kV Bus

Q1

Q0

600-400/1 A
CL X 3 1-Differential Protection
600-400/1 A 2-Restricted Earth-Fault Protection
5P20 6
3-Primary Overcurrent Protection
600-400/1 A
0.2FS10 4-Secondary Overcurrent Protection
1,250/1 A To Busbar Protection Relay 5-Stand-By Earth Fault Protection
0.2FS10
6-Primary Metering Device
5 1 7-Seconday Metering Device
TR1
1,200/1 A
1,200/1 A
 20-MVA
Class X 33/11.5 kV
5P20
%Z=11.5

1,250/1 A
CL X
7
1,200/1 A
2 5P20
1,200/1 A
0.2FS5

1,200/1 A
Class X

Q0

Q1 Note:
Metering devices are not part of power transformer protection
11-kV Bus
Differential Protection
• Differential Protection applies the Kirchoff’s
Current Law (KCL) and compares the currents
entering and leaving the protected equipment of
the substation such as the following:
 Power Transformers
 Cables
 Busbars
 Capacitor Banks
 Generators
 Reactors
 Overhead Line
Transformer Differential Protection
• Differential protection are the principal form of fault
protection for transformers rated at 10-MVA and 33-kV Bus
above.[1]
• Transformer Differential Protection is generally Q1
recommended for transformers rated 7.5 MVA and
above and provides fast protection against faults within Q0
the protected zone.[2]
• Chapter 11 of the IEEE Buff Book [S8] has
recommended differential protection for transformers
rated 5.0 MVA and above.[3]
• IEEE C37.91 [S16] has recommended this for 1
transformers rated 10.0 MVA and above.[4] TR1
 20-MVA
• The concept of differential protection uses current 33/11 kV
circulation scheme or current balance scheme. %Z=11.5

• The first task of the power transformer differential

protection is to determine whether a fault is within the
protected zone, or outside of the protected zone.
• The protected zone is limited by the position of current
transformers and in principle can include more objects
than just a transformer. If the fault is found to be Q0
internal, the faulty power transformer must be quickly
disconnected from the system. Q1

[1] ABB Protection Book, Walter Elmore, Page 145 of 367

[2] Industrial Power System-Shoaib Khan Page 260 of 455
[3] IEEE Recommended Practice for Protection and Coordination of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems, ANSI/IEEE
Std 242-1986, Page 430 of 588
Primary and Secondary Currents of a Power Transformers:
Even in a healthy power transformer, the currents are generally not equal
when they flow through it. This is due to the following:
• Ratio of the number of turns of the windings.
• Connection group of the protected transformer.
• Phase shift across the transformer windings.
• Varying currents due to on-load tap changer (OLTC)
• The possibility of zero sequence current destabilizing the differential
for an external earth fault.
Therefore the differential protection must first correlate all currents to
each other before any calculation can be performed.
 PHASE SHIFT ACROSS THE TRANSFORMER WINDINGS:
As an example, we have a Delta-Wye Transformer: 1. Ratio of the number of
turns of the windings, k
IR–IY 2. Connection group of the
VR Vr protected transformer.
IR k(Ir) 3. Phase shift across the
IY–IB transformer windings.
VY Vy
IY k(Iy-Ib)
IB-IR
VB Vb
IB k(Ib-Ir)

In delta connected system, 𝑽𝑳 = 𝑽 while 𝑰𝑳 = 𝟑𝑰 .

In wye connected system, 𝑽𝑳 = 𝟑𝑽 while 𝑰𝑳 = 𝑰 . VRY
VNY
Using parallelogram method: 120o
By KCL at Blue Nodes: VBN VNY VRY 60o
IR-IRY +IYB=0
VRN
IR=IRY –IYB
30o
IY-IYB +IBR=0 By Applying Cosine Law:
IY=IYB –IBR
60o VRY = VRN + VNY – 2 (VRN)(VNY)(Cos 120 )
2 2 2 o

IB-IBR +IRY=0 120o 60o Assuming a balance phase to neutral

VRN
IB=IBR –IRY voltages,
120o VRN = VNY
VRY2 = VRN2 + VRN2 – 2 (VRN)(VRN)(Cos 120o)
VRY2 = 2VRN2 – 2VRN2(Cos 120o)
VRY2 = 2VRN2 – 2VRN2(-0.5)= 3VRN2
30o
𝑽𝑹𝒀 = 𝟑𝑽𝑹𝑵
VYN
CURRENT VECTOR DIAGRAM OF DELTA-WYE TRANSFORMER

IR–IY
VR Vr
IR k(Ir-Iy) IR-IY
IY–IB
VY Vy
IY k(Iy-Ib)
IB-IR
VB Vb IR 30O
IB k(Ib-Ir)
120O
IR

-IB -IY

30O
IY-IB
120O
120O

30O IB
IY
120O
By Applying Cosine Law:
(IR-IY)2 = IR2 + IY2 – 2 (IR)(IY)(Cos 120o)
Assuming a balance load,
IR = IY
(IR-IY)2 = IR2 + IR2 – 2 (IR)(IR)(Cos 120o) -IR
IY IB(IR-IY)2 = 2IR2 – 2IR2(Cos 120o)
(IR-IY)2 = IR2 – IR2(-0.5)= 3 IR2
𝑰𝑹 − 𝑰𝒀 = 𝟑𝑰𝑹
IB-IR
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CURRENT VECTOR DIAGRAM OF DELTA-WYE TRANSFORMER

The vector group is the clock-face hour position of the

LV A-phase voltage, with respect to the A-phase HV
Ir voltage at 12-o’clock (zero) reference.
IR-IY
For a Dyn11 transformer, the hour position of LV phase-r
current with respect to HV phase-R current is 11-o’clock.
In terms of electrical degrees, it will be computed as:
30o x 11 = 330o

30O

330O

Ib

IB-IR
IY-IB

Iy
 Differential Protection CT Secondary Connection
In traditional transformer differential schemes, the phase and ratio
correction were done by the following:
• Application of external interposing current transformers, as a
secondary replica of the main transformer winding arrangements.
• The CT connection to the differential relay needs to be connected in
Star for the transformer Delta winding and in Delta for the
transformer Wye winding.
LoadFlow
P1 P2 IR–IY P2 P1 V
VR r
S1 S2 IR Ir S2 S1
Ir’
IY–IB Vy
VY
IY Iy
Iy ’ Ir’
IB-IR Vb
VB
IB Ib
Ib’ Iy’ Ir’

y z
IR’–IY’ x
IY’–IB’ Ib’-Ir’ Iy’-Ib’ Ir’-Iy’
Flow of Current in CTs

IB’–IR’

To Differential Relay To Differential Relay

 Differential Protection CT Secondary Connection
• In Microprocessor-based differential relays or IEDs (Intelligent
Electronic Devices), it is common to use star-connected line CTs on all
windings of the transformer since the vector shift and ratios can be
corrected internally through software and embedded algorithms.
• Furthermore, and compensate for the winding phase shift in software.

P1 P2 IR–IY P1 P2
VR Vr
S1 S2 IR Ir S1 S2
IY–IB Vy
VY
IY Iy
IB-IR Vb
VB
IB Ib

IR’–IY’
Ir’
IY’–IB’
Iy’
IB’–IR’
Ib’
To Differential Relay To Differential Relay
Electro-mechanical Relays Solid State Relays
 Micro-processor Based Numerical Relays
Intelligent Electronic Devices

MiCOM P631, P632, P633, P634-P63x/UK GS/A54, (GS) 3-25

PTD SE PTI, Page 67 of 86Copyright © Siemens AG 2007.

Sample Transformer Differential Relay Configuration
Micom P632
Sample Transformer Differential Relay Configuration
Micom P632
Sample Transformer Differential Relay Measurement Functions
Micom P632
 OPERATING TIME OF TRANSFORMER DIFFERENTIAL RELAYS
SIEMENS 7UT612 MiCOM P64x (P642, P643 and P645)

ABB RET670 THYTRONIC NT10

References:
1. SIEMENS 7UT612 Manual, C53000–G1176–C148–1 Page 259 of 346
2. Schneider Electric MiCOM P64x (P642, P643 and P645) Technical Manual, P64x/EN TD/B63, Page (TD) 2-23
3. ABB RET670 Buyer's Guide, Pre-configured, 1MRK 504 080-BEN, Revision: G, Page 29
4. THYTRONIC NT10 BIASED DIFFERENTIAL FOR TWO WINDING TRANSFORMERS- Manual - 01 – 2015, Page 29 of 322
 OPERATING TIME OF TRANSFORMER DIFFERENTIAL RELAYS
SEL-487E GE 845

References:
1. Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc., SEL-487E Transformer Differential Relay, SEL-487E Data Sheet, Page 27 of 32
2. GE Grid Solutions, 845 TRANSFORMER PROTECTION SYSTEM – INSTRUCTION MANUAL, Product version: 1.6x,
GE publication code: 1601-0651-A3 (GEK-119651B)
Schematic Diagram of Transformer Differential Protection

33-kV Bus

Q1
+110 VDC +110 VDC

Q0

P1 S1

P2 S2
Test Socket Test Socket

TR1
 20-MVA
33/11 kV
%Z=11.5

Test Socket Test Socket

P2 S2

P1 S1 IN/OUT IN/OUT
Selector Switch Selector Switch
Q0

TRIP COIL 1 LOCK-OUT

Q1 Q0 (33-kV) RELAY

-110 VDC -110 VDC

STABILITY OF TRANSFORMER DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION
FOR AN EXTERNAL FAULT
(Fed from one side only with an electrical fault out of its zone of protection.)
33-kV Bus
Flow of Current in CTs
Q1

Q0

P1 S1
I1
IP
CT1 I1 I1 Let:
P2 S2 ISC=Fault Current
I1=Secondary Current of CT1
TR1 I2=Secondary Current of CT2
Id I1
Id=Differential Current in the relay
 20-MVA
33/11 kV M
%Z=11.5
I2 ≠ 0

P2 S2

CT2 I2 ≠ 0 I2 ≠ 0
IS
P1 S1
Q0

By Applying KCL at Node M:

Q1
I1 – I2 – Id = 0
Id = I 1 – I2 = 0
Q1 Therefore, the transformer differential protection relay will
not send trip command to the associated circuit breakers.
ISC Q0
F
STABILITY OF TRANSFORMER DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION
FOR AN EXTERNAL FAULT
(Fed from one side only with an electrical fault out of its zone of protection.)
33-kV Bus
Flow of Current in CTs
Q1
IP=2.469 kA
Q0

P1 S1
I1=6.173 A
400/1 A I1 I1=6.173 A Let:
P2 S2 ISC=Fault Current
I1=Secondary Current of CT1
TR1 I2=Secondary Current of CT2
Id I1=6.173 A
Id=Differential Current in the relay
 20-MVA
33/11.5 kV M
%Z=11.5
7,086 𝐴
I2=5.905 A
𝐼2 = = 5.905 𝐴
1,200

𝐼𝑃 𝑉𝑆
=
P2 S2
𝐼𝑆 𝑉𝑃
1,200/1A I2=5.905 A I2=5.905 A 𝑉𝑆
𝐼𝑃 = 𝐼
P1 S1 𝑉𝑃 𝑆
Q0 11.5
IS=7.086 kA
𝐼𝑃 = 7,086 𝐴
33
By Applying KCL at Node M: 2,469 𝐴
Q1 𝐼1 = = 6.173 𝐴
I1 – I2 – Id = 0 400
Id = 6.173 A – 5.905 A = 0.268 A
Q1 Therefore, the transformer differential protection relay will
not send trip command to the associated circuit breakers.
ISC=7.086 kA Q0
F
 RESTRAINED CHARACTERISTIC OF TRANSFORMER DIFFERENTIAL RELAY
(BIASETTING)
The intended application of restrained characteristic (bias setting) of differential
relays is to ensure stability for external faults while allowing sensitive settings to pick
up internal faults. The situation is slightly complicated if a tap changer is present.
y=mx+b
Siemens 7SR242 Duobias Equation of a line.
Taking the derivative with respect to x:
𝒅 𝒅
𝒚 = 𝒎𝒙 + 𝒃
𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙
𝒅𝒚
=𝒎 𝟏 +𝟎
𝒅𝒙
𝒅𝒚
= 𝒚′ = 𝒎
𝒅𝒙

Reference:
2015 Siemens Protection Devices Limited, 7SR242 Duobias Description Of Operation, Chapter 1 Page 24 of 60
 RESTRAINED CHARACTERISTIC OF TRANSFORMER DIFFERENTIAL RELAY
(BIAS SETTING)
ABB RET670

Reference:
ABB RET670, 1MRK 504 113-UEN C, Technical reference manual, Page 120 of 1,097
ABB RET670 Matrices for Differential Current Calculation

Reference:
ABB RET670, 1MRK 504 113-UEN C, Technical reference manual, Page 114 of 1,097
 RESTRAINED CHARACTERISTIC OF TRANSFORMER DIFFERENTIAL RELAY
(BIAS SETTING)

SIEMENS 7UT612 MiCOM P64x (P642, P643 & P645)

References:
1. SIPROTEC, Differential Protection, 7UT612 Manual, C53000–G1176–C148–1, Page 39 of 346
2. P64x/EN AP/B63, Page (AP) 6-21
SENSITIVITY OF TRANSFORMER DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION
FOR AN INTERNAL FAULT (Fed from one side only)

Flow of Current in CTs

33-kV Bus

Q1

Q0 Let:
ISC=Fault Current
P1 S1 I1=Secondary Current of CT1
I2=Secondary Current of CT2
CT1 I1 Id=Differential Current in the relay
P2 S2

ISC Therefore, Id=I1 which is equal to the short

TR1 I1
Id
F  circuit current divided by the CT ratio.
20-MVA
33/11 kV
%Z=11.5 The differential relay will operate and will send
trip command to its respective Circuit Breaker.

P2 S2

CT1 I2 = 0
P1 S1
Q0

Q1
Restricted Earth-Fault Protection of Power Transformer
33-kV Bus

Q1

Q0

1-Differential Protection
2-Restricted Earth-Fault Protection
3-Primary Overcurrent Protection
4-Secondary Overcurrent Protection
5-Stand-By Earth Fault Protection
6-Primary Metering Device
7-Seconday Metering Device
TR1
1,200/1 A  20-MVA
Class X 33/11.5 kV
%Z=11.5

1,250/1 A
CL X

Q0

Q1

11-kV Bus
Restricted Earth-Fault Protection (REF)

• This is a unit protection scheme for one winding of the transformer. REF
protects the power transformer winding against the faults involving earth.
• [1] REF protection is the fastest and the most sensitive protection a power
transformer winding can have and will detect faults such as:
 Earth faults in the transformer winding when the network is earthed
through an impedance.
 Earth faults in the transformer winding in solidly earthed network when
the point of the fault is close to the winding neutral(star) point.
 Inter-turn faults

IR–IY Load Flow

VR Vr
IR Ir
IY–IB Vy
VY
IY Iy
IB-IR Vb
VB
IB IN Ib

Reference:
[1] ABB RET670 Application Manual, 1MRK504089-UEN rev. B, Section 4, IED application, Page 135 of 684
 Restricted Earth-Fault Protection (REF)
• Three (3) protection CTs are required for phase R, Y and B.
• The neutral of the star-connected winding of the power transformer is equipped with
bushing CT with a minimum of two (2) cores. One for REF protection and the other
one is for Stand-By Earth-Fault protection.
• The secondary of all CTs are connected in parallel observing the correct polarities.
• Single earth-point shall be implemented for all protection CTs.

Load Flow
IR–IY P1 P2
VR Vr
IR Ir S1 S2
IY–IB Vy
VY
IY Iy
Ir’
IB-IR Vb
VB
IB Ib
Iy’

The vector sum of the line currents IR, IY and IB

is equal to zero considering that the loads are Ir’ Ib’
balanced. P1
In a wye connected system, the neutral current, S1 M
IN
IN is equal to the vector sum of IR, IY and IB. S2 In’ In’ Iy’+Ib’
P2
At Node M:
INN= IRR+IYY+IBB RST Id’ -Id’-In’+ Ir’+ Iy’+ Ib’=0

INN= 200o+20240o+20120o=0 REF

M Protection
Relay
INN= 20-30o+20210o+2090o=0
M-Metrosil
INN= 10-30o+20165o+2090o=22.82117.85o RST-Stabilizing Resistor
Stabilizing Resistor, RST

RL
RCTr RCTy RCTb RCTn
Rr Vk’
ISr ISy IS b IS n
RL

(b) Equivalent CT Secondary Circuit (Paralleled CTs)

When a CT becomes total saturated, its secondary

winding can be considered as a resistance rather
than a current source.

RCTr RCTy RCTn RL

RCTb RCT > Rrelay
Rr Vk’
IS r ISy IS n
RL

(c) Equivalent CT Secondary Circuit of Paralleled CTs showing

saturated current transformer, CT2.

The value of this resistance is equal to the CT secondary resistance, RCT, and
will be considerably larger than the resistance of the Relay analogue inputs.
This means that most of the unbalanced currents from the other CTs will flow
through the Relay and these may be of sufficient magnitude to operate the
protection.
Relay as a High-Impedance Path
• The solution is to load the Relay circuit
by adding a series resistor such that
most of the unbalance current due to
the CT becoming saturated will instead
flow through the saturated CT
secondary.

• Since this resistor will make the

protection stable for all through faults, it
is termed the Stabilizing Resistor, Rs.

• Similarly, it is this additional resistance

which makes the Relay a “High
Impedance” path.
Non-Linear Resistor, Metrosils (Non-linear Resistors)

• Occurrence of over voltage across the relay terminals which is the

product of the CT secondary current and the equivalent circuit resistance
of the series connection of the stabilizing resistor and current coil of the
relays.
• The relay can only withstand a maximum of 3kV peak under fault
conditions.
• For safety reasons, a check is required to see if this voltage is exceeded
– if it is, a non-linear resistor, known as a Metrosil, must be connected
across the relay and stabilizing resistor.

𝑉𝑃 = 2 2𝑉𝐾 (𝑉𝑓 − 𝑉𝐾 )

Where:
Non-linear Resistor
VP=Peak Voltage
Metrosils
VK=Knee-point Voltage
Vf=Stability Voltage
𝐼𝑓
𝑉𝑓 = 𝑅 + 2𝑅𝑙 + 𝑅𝑆𝑇
𝐶𝑇𝑅 𝐶𝑇

Stabilizing Resistors
Stabilizing Resistor Setting Calculation
RL RST

RCT
Vk’ Rr Vk’
IS 1
RL

By KVL:
VS = IS(RST+Rr)
To calculate the value of the stabilizing resistor, RST:
VS
R ST = − Rr
IS
VS
R ST = − Rr
IS
 Stability of Restricted Earth-Fault Protection (REF)
• For a Single-Line-to-Ground fault in any point outside the zone of protection, let us
check if the REF protection relay will operate.

1,200/1 A
Load Flow ISC =7.086 kA
IR–IY P1 P2
VR F Vr
IR Ir S1 S2
IY–IB Vy
VY
IY Iy 5.9 A
IB-IR Vb
VB
IB Ib
0

5.9 A 0
P1
S1 M
1,200/1 A 5.9 A 5.9 A 0+0
S2
P2
At Node M:
-Id’-In’+ Ir’+ Iy’+ Ib’=0 RST Id’
Id’=-5.9 A +5.9 A+ 0+ 0=0 IN
Id’=-5.9+5.9) A REF
-Id’= 0 A M Protection
Therefore, the REF relay will not operate. Relay
 Selectivity of Restricted Earth-Fault Protection (REF)
• For a Single-Line-to-Ground fault in the winding of the power transformer, let us
check if the REF protection relay will operate.

ISC =7.086 kA 1,200/1 A

Load Flow
IR–IY F
P1 P2
VR Vr
IR Ir S1 S2
IY–IB Vy
VY
IY Iy 0A
IB-IR Vb
VB
IB Ib
0

0A 0
P1
S1 M
1,200/1 A 5.9 A 5.9 A 0+0
S2
P2
At Node M:
-Id’-In’+ Ir’+Iy’+ Ib’=0 RST Id’
-Id’-5.9 A+0+0+0=0 IN
-Id’=-5.9 A REF
Therefore, the REF relay will operate and M Protection
trip the associated circuit breaker. Relay
Overcurrent Protection of Power Transformer
33-kV Bus

Q1

Q0

3 1-Differential Protection
600-400/1 A 2-Restricted Earth-Fault Protection
5P20
3-Primary Overcurrent Protection
4-Secondary Overcurrent Protection
5-Stand-By Earth Fault Protection
6-Primary Metering Device
5 7-Seconday Metering Device
TR1
Overcurrent relays are also used on larger
 20-MVA
1,200/1 A
33/11.5 kV transformers provided with standard circuit
5P20
%Z=11.5 breaker control.
4 The time delay characteristic should be chosen to
discriminate with circuit protection on the
secondary side.
1,200/1 A
5P20

Q0

Q1

11-kV Bus
 OVERCURRENT PROTECTION
11-kV Bus

-110 VDC +110 VDC

DS CC Close
+110 VDC

-110 VDC

TC2 TC1

Open
CB TS
13 14
OCR

S2 21 22
1 13
P2
0.5 A
ES CT 0.5 A
400 / 1 A 27 28 14
P1 2
S1

33 34

200 A +110 VDC -110 VDC

 Overcurrent
• The CT Circuit CT
Terminal
Protection
Relay
Test
Block Socket
S2 1 21 22
22
1
P2
**
* 2
2
S1
P1
S2 3 23 24
3
IP-R P2
**
* 4
4
S1
P1
IP-Y S2 5 25 26
5
P2
**
* 6
6
S1 7
P1
IP-B
** 7
* 8
9 28
27 28
8
Phase and Earth-Fault Overcurrent Protection
A multi-processor based numerical overcurrent relay consist of the
following as a minimum protection elements:
1. Phase Overload Protection
2. Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) Protection for Phase and Earth
3. Instantaneous Phase and Earth-Fault Overcurrent Protection

Phase Overload Protection-protects the equipment from electrical

overload not exceeding the continuous rating of the protected equipment.

IDMT Overcurrent Protection-the selectivity of overcurrent protection

relays can be achieved by applying time or current grading in the Inverse
Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) protection function of the relay.

Instantaneous Overcurrent Protection-protects the feeder and the

transformer against short circuits, including faults at the bushing
terminals.
The relay settings are first determined to give the shortest operating
times at the maximum fault levels thus verifying the operation and
response at the minimum fault current as calculated.
The operating time of each relay will be based on the mathematical
equation of the curve that will be selected for the relay. The inverse
time characteristic curves in accordance with ANSI/IEEE and IEC are
given below:
Type of Curve Standard K Factor  Factor L Factor
K Short Time Inverse IEC 0.05 0.04 0
t = TMS x ∞ + L seconds
I Standard Inverse IEC 0.14 0.02 0
−1
IP Very Inverse IEC 13.5 1 0
Extremely Inverse IEC 80 2 0
Where: Long Time Inverse IEC 120 1 0
Short Time Inverse ANSI/IEEE 0.2663 1.2969 0.03393
t Tripping Time seconds
Moderately Inverse ANSI/IEEE 0.0103 0.02 0.0228
K Coefficient (see Table) -
Long Time Inverse ANSI/IEEE 5.6143 1 2.18592
I Value of Fault Current Amperes
Very Inverse ANSI/IEEE 3.922 2 0.0982
IP Value of Programmed Threshold (Pick-up Value) Amperes
Extremely Inverse ANSI/IEEE 5.64 2 0.02434
 Coefficient (see Table) -
L ANSI/IEEE (Coefficient) Zero for IEC Curves -

A discrimination time or time interval of 0.4 second will be applied

between the downstream and upstream relays to ensure selectivity.

In numerical relays there is no overrun, hence the discrimination time

of 0.20 second can be applied.
Protection Coordination Study
33-kV Bus The TRANSMISSION COMPANY required
that the overcurrent protection of the
Q1 33-kV incoming feeder of a certain
primary substation should not exceed
Q0 0.75 second. Calculate the overcurrent
protection relay settings for the 20-MVA,
33/11.5 kV, Dyn11 power transformer
400/1 A
5P20
having an impedance of 11.5%.
Solution:
1. Compute the pick-up current of the
overcurrent relays at 33-kV and 11.5-kV
ISC =8.744 kA
side of the power transformer. The pick-
F
up current will be base on the full-load
TR1 current of the transformer.
1,200/1 A
 20-MVA IP = 349.91 A
33/11.5 kV
5P20
%Z=11.5 IP = 1,004.087 A
2. Calculate the intended operating time
of each overcurrent relay.
tI/C = 0.75 s
Discrimination Time = 0.2 s
1,200/1 A
5P20 t33kV = (0.75 – 0.2) s = 0.55 s
t11.5kV = (0.55 – 0.2) s = 0.35 s
3. Select from the IDMT curves. Say,
IEC Standard Inverse.
Q0

ISC =7.086 kA Q1
F
11-kV Bus
Protection Coordination Study
33-kV Bus 4. Solve for the time multiplier setting
for the overcurrent relays.
Q1 K
t = TMS x ∞ + L seconds
I
Q0 IP − 1
For the 33-kV Overcurrent Relay:
0.14
0.55 = TMS x + 0 seconds
400/1 A 7,086 0.02
5P20 33 I
11.5 −1
349.91
TMS33-kV = 0.156 s
ISC =8.744 kA For the 11.5-kV Overcurrent Relay:
F
0.14
0.35 = TMS x + 0 seconds
7,086 0.02
TR1 1,004.087 −1
1,200/1 A
 20-MVA
TMS33-kV = 0.1 s
33/11.5 kV
5P20
%Z=11.5

1,200/1 A
5P20

Q0

ISC =7.086 kA Q1
F
11-kV Bus
Operating Time of Overcurrent Relays for a fault at the 11.5-kV Bus:
Operating Time of Differential Relay and Overcurrent Relays for a fault in the Secondary
Terminals of the Transformers:
Operating Time of Differential Relay and Overcurrent Relays for a fault in the 11.5-kV Bus:
 Stability Test on Transformer Differential Protection

1. A three-phase, 415-Volt supply will be injected in the primary

winding of the power transformer. A three-phase fault will be
0.415-kV Bus simulated in the 11-kV busbar by shorting phases R, Y and B
ensuring that the faulted section is outside the zone of
protection of the differential relay.
Q1 2. Calculate the expected secondary voltage of the transformer
using the transformation ratio.
𝑉1 𝑁1
Q0 =
𝑉2 𝑁2
0.415 𝑘𝑉 33
=
𝑉2 11.5
V2 = 0.14462 kV
3. Compute the short-circuit current which is the secondary current
that will flow on the secondary windings of the power transformer.
1 𝑝. 𝑢. 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
TR1 𝑝. 𝑢. 𝐼𝑆𝐶 =
𝑝. 𝑢. 𝑍
 10-MVA
33/11.5 kV 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
%Z=8.43 𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑘𝑉2
𝑝. 𝑢. 𝐼𝑆𝐶 =
𝑝. 𝑢. 𝑍

Select Base kV1=33 and Base kV2=11.5 which is as per the

nameplate voltage of the transformer.

0.14462
𝑝. 𝑢. 𝐼𝑆𝐶 = 11.5
Q0 0.0843

𝑝. 𝑢. 𝐼𝑆𝐶 = 0.149177
Q1
SHORT PHASE
R, Y and B F
 Stability Test on Transformer Differential Protection

0.415-kV Bus
4. Convert the per unit short circuit current to actual value.
𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑀𝑉𝐴𝑥1,000
Q1 𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝐼 =
3𝑥(𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑘𝑉2 )
10𝑥1,000
𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝐼 =
Q0 3𝑥(11.5)
Base I = 502.0437 A
𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑆𝐶
0.149177 =
502.0437 A
Actual ISC = 74.89 A
5. Solve for the primary current using the transformation
1
TR1 ratio.
 𝐼1 𝑉2
10-MVA =
33/11.5 kV 𝐼2 𝑉1
%Z=8.43
I1 = 26.099 A
6. The differential relay should not initiate and operate since the
simulated fault is outside the zone of its protection.
7. Measure and record the secondary currents flowing in the
associated terminals. Furthermore, record the displayed current
measurements in all protection relays, ammeters and transducers
as applicable.
Q0

Q1
SHORT PHASE
R, Y and B F
Sample Report-Stability Test on Transformer Differential
Protection
 Sensitivity Test on Transformer Differential Protection
1. After recording all the primary and secondary current
values, switch off the three-phase, 415-Volt supply. The
0.415-kV Bus shorted phases R, Y and B at the 11-kV switchgear shall
be retained.
Q1 2. Reverse the polarity of the 11.5-kV differential protection
CT then switch on once again the 415-Volt power supply.
3. The current that will flow in the relay is expected to be
Q0 doubled due to the reversal of CT secondary terminals S1-
P1 S2 or S1-S3 as applicable in the LV compartment of the
11-kV switchgear.
P2
4. Sensitivity test can be done also by opening the links of
the CT terminal blocks thus shorting terminals S1-S2 or
1 S1-S3 as applicable. In ANSI CTs, the secondary terminals
TR1 are markd as X1, X2, X3 and Xn depending upon the
6. SHORT PHASE  10-MVA number of cores.
R, Y and B 33/11.5 kV 5. Depending on the type of the switchgear, for Air-Insulated
%Z=8.43
F Switchgear, there is a possibility to have an access to
simulate a three-phase fault by shorting phases R, Y and B
5. SHORT PHASE before the primary side of the differential protection CTs.
R, Y and B
F 6. Three-phase fault simulation can be done also by shorting
P2 S2 S1 phases R, Y and B at the secondary terminals of the power
transformers.
P1 S1 S2
7. Measure and record the secondary currents flowing in the
Q0 associated terminals. Furthermore, record the displayed
current measurements in all protection relays, ammeters and
Q1 transducers as applicable.
1. SHORT PHASE
R, Y and B F
On-Line Stability Test on Transformer Differential Protection
On-Line Stability Test on Transformer Differential Protection
On-Line Stability Test on Transformer Differential Protection
Transformer Mechanical Protection
1. Buchholz Relay (Gas-detector relay)
A Buchholz relay is connected in the oil feed pipe
connecting the conservator to the main tank.
Intended Application of Buchholz Relay:
1.1 To detect free gas being slowly
produced in the main tank, possibly as
a result of partial discharging.
1.2 To detect sudden surge movement
of oil due to an internal transformer
fault.
1.3 To provide a chamber for collection
and later analysis of evolved gas.
2. Sudden-Pressure Relay
For sealed-tank design transformers,
generally when rated 7.5 MVA and
larger.
The relay is calibrated for mounting
either in the oil or gas space above the
oil, and is equipped with a micro switch
for alarm and trip.
3. Winding-Temperature Indicator,
Responsive to the combination of top oil
temperature and winding current.

The device is calibrated to follow the hottest spot

temperature of the winding.

The temperature indicator, for forced-cooled

transformers, shall be equipped with adjustable
contacts for starting the cooling fans and pumps,
while all transformers should be equipped with at
least two contacts for alarm and trip.

These devices are fitted to the larger designs of

transformer and some cases, are applied to
reflect, separately, the primary and secondary
winding temperatures.
4. Oil-Temperature Indicator,
The temperature sensor is located in
the path of the hottest oil and and
mounted adjacent to the winding
temperature indicator.

The temperature indicator is

equipped with adjustable contacts
that are normally used for alarm only,
except for smaller transformers,
which are not provided with winding-
temperature devices, where the top
oil temperature is used for tripping.
Questions?
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OF YOU
• God bless you all and your whole family.
 Setting Guidelines for Transformer
Biased Differential Protection
• From Micom P64x/EN AP/B63, (AP) 6 Application Notes, Application of
Individual Protection Functions, Page (AP) 6-38

• The differential setting, Configuration/Diff Protection, should be set to Enable.

The basic pick up level of the low set differential element, Is1, is variable
between 0.1 pu and 2.5 pu in 0.01 pu steps. The setting chosen is dependent
on the item of plant being protected and by the amount of differential current
that might be seen during normal operating conditions. When the P64x is used
to protect a transformer, a setting of 0.2 In is generally recommended.

• The second slope, K1, is user settable. K1 ensures sensitivity to internal faults
up to full load current. It allows for the 15% mismatch which can occur at the
limit of the transformer’s tap changer range and an additional 5% for any CT
ratio errors. The K1 slope should be set above the errors due to CT mismatch,
load tap changers and steady state magnetizing current. The errors slope,
which is the combined tap changer (T/C) and current transformer (CT) error,
should always be below the K1 slope to avoid mal operations. It is
recommended to set K1 to 30%, as long as the errors slope is below the K1
slope by a suitable margin. The second slope, K2, is also user settable, and it is
used for bias currents above the rated current. To ensure stability under heavy
through fault conditions, which could lead to increased differential current due
to asymmetric saturation of CTs, K2 is recommended to be set to 80%.
 Setting Guidelines for Transformer
Biased Differential Protection
From Siemens Energy Sector, Power Engineering
Guide, 5th Edition, Page 261 of 418

• Siemens Power Engineering Guide ·

Transmission and Distribution · 4th Edition,
Page 6 of 63

• Differential relays (87)

• Transformer differential relays are normally set
to pick-up values between 20 and 30% rated
current. The higher value has to be chosen
when the transformer is fitted with a tap
changer.
 Setting Guidelines for Transformer Biased Differential
Protection
From Technical Manual Chapters of 7SR242 Duobias Transformer Protection Relay,
©2015 Siemens Protection Devices Limited, Chapter 7 Page 12 of 64

87BD Initial Setting (0.1 to 2.0 x In)

This setting is selected to ensure stability in the presence of CT and relay errors when
low levels of bias current are present i.e. low load levels.

This is the minimum level of differential current at which the relay will operate. Typically
this setting is chosen to
match the on load tap-change range. For example if the tap change range is +10% to –
20%, a setting of 0.3In is selected.

87BD 1st Bias Slope Setting (0.0 to 0.7)

Steady state unbalance current will appear in the differential (operate) circuit of the relay
due to the transformer tap position, relay tolerance and to CT measurement errors. The
differential current will increase with increasing load or through fault current in the
transformer so, to ensure stability, the differential current required for operation
increases with increasing bias current. The bias slope expresses the current to operate
the relay relative to the biasing (restraint) current.

The Bias slope setting chosen must be greater than the maximum unbalance, it is
selected to ensure stability when through fault or heavy load current flows in the
transformer and the tap changer is in its extreme position.
 Setting Guidelines for Transformer Biased Differential
Protection
The recommended setting is 1 x the tap change range. As the protection is
optimized around the center tap position then using the total tap change
range includes for a 100% safety margin, this provides contingency for CT
and relay tolerances. For example if the tap change range is +10 to –20%,
the overall range is 30% so a 0.3x setting is chosen.

87BD 1st Bias Slope Limit Setting (1 to 20 x In)

• Above this setting the ratio of differential current to bias current required
for operation is increased. When a through fault occurs, saturation of one
or more CTs may cause a transient differential current to be detected by
the relay. The bias slope limit is chosen to ensure the biased differential
function is stable for high through fault currents coincident with CT
saturation. This setting defines the upper limit of the bias slope and is
expressed in multiples of nominal rated current i.e. the lower the setting
the more stable the protection. The three phase through fault current can
be estimated from the transformer impedance. For a typical grid
transformer having a 15% impedance, the maximum through fault will be
1/0.15 = 6.66 x rating. A setting value is chosen that introduces the extra
bias at half of the three phase through fault current level of the
transformer, so 6.66/2 = 3.33 and a setting of 3 would be selected as the
nearest lower setting available.
 Setting Guidelines for Transformer Biased Differential
Protection
87BD 2nd Bias Slope Type (Line, Curve)

87BD 2nd Bias Slope Setting (1.0 to 2.0 – applied to ‘Line’ only)

• These settings are chosen to ensure the biased differential function is stable for high
through fault currents coincident with CT saturation.

87HS Setting (1 to 30 x In)

• The 87HS element is set as low as possible but not less than the maximum three
phase through fault current and not less than half the peak magnetizing inrush
current.
• For almost all applications a setting of 7 or 8 x In has shown to be sufficiently
sensitive for internal faults as well as providing stability during external faults and
transient system conditions.
• A Differential High set Setting of 7 x In will be stable for a peak magnetizing inrush
levels of 14 x rated current.
• Smaller transformers generally will have lower impedance and therefore greater
three phase through fault levels and magnetizing inrush currents.
• A setting of 8 x can be used as CT saturation is reduced as system X/R is usually very
low and the peak level of magnetising current does not usually ever exceed 16 x
rating.
 Setting Guidelines for Transformer Biased Differential
Protection
From Application Manual, 1MRK504089-UEN rev. B, Section 4, IED application

Restrained and unrestrained differential protection

The usual practice for transformer protection is to set the bias characteristic
to a value of at least twice the value of the expected spill current under
through faults conditions.

These criteria can vary considerably from application to application and are
often a matter of judgment.

The second slope is increased to ensure stability under heavy through fault
conditions which could lead to increased differential current due to saturation
of current transformers. Default settings for the operating characteristic with
IdMin = 0.3pu of the power transformer rated current can be
recommended as a default setting in normal applications. If the
conditions are known more in detail, higher or lower sensitivity can be
chosen. The selection of suitable characteristic should in such cases be based
on the knowledge of the class of the current transformers, availability of
information on the on load tap changer (OLTC) position, short circuit power of
the systems, etc.
 Setting Guidelines for Transformer Biased Differential
Protection
From Application Manual, 1MRK504089-UEN rev. B, Section 4, IED application

Inrush Restraint Methods

With a combination of the second harmonic restraint and the waveform

restraint methods it is possibly to get a protection with high security and
stability against inrush effects and at the same time maintain high
performance in case of heavy internal faults even if the current transformers
are saturated. Both these restraint methods are used by RET 670.

The second harmonic restraint function has a settable level. If the ratio of the
second harmonic to fundamental harmonic in the differential current is above
the settable limit, the operation of the differential protection is restrained.

It is recommended to set parameter I2/I1Ratio = 15% as default value in

case no special reasons exist to choose other value.
Required Current Transformers for High Impedance REF Protection

• The knee point voltage of each CT should be at least 2 x Vs.

• Vk=2VS
• The knee-point voltage, Vk is defined as the point at which a further
increase of 10% of secondary voltage would require an increment of
exciting current of 50%. This is also known as the CT saturation
point.
• Class PX is the definition in IEC 60044-1 for the quasi-transient
current transformers formerly covered by Class X of BS 3938, which
is usually used for the main protection relays.
Excitation curve data RL RST
1000.0 V

L1
RCT
L2
100.0 V
VS Rr VS
L3
IS RL
(Ikn,Vkn
)/L1
(Ikn,Vkn
)/L2
(Ikn,Vkn
10.0 V
)/L3
(Ikn2,Vk
n2)/L1
VS = 93.33 Volts
Vk =2 VS
1.0 V

Vk =2 (93.33 Volts) = 186.66 Volts

0.0001 A 0.001 A 0.01 A 0.1 A 1.0 A 10.0 A 100.0 A
Sample Nameplate of a Current Transformer

CT Ratio Knee-point Voltage

Winding Resistance

Exciting Current
Class