Generator & Transformer

Protection
By
Krishna Kumar, B.E., M.Tech, MIE
Assistant Engineer (R&D)
What is Protection?
The objective of a protection scheme is to
keep the power system stable by isolating
only the components that are under fault.
Performance and Design Criteria for System-
Protection Devices

• Reliability
• Selectivity
• Speed
• Cost
• Simplicity
• Size
Protection equipment for different types of generators with different rating
Protection relays for the generator transformer Unit

Standard:
ANSI/IEEE C 37.2 - 1979
Types of Generator Grounding
Types of Generator Grounding
 1. Generator Protection
• Generators are designed to run at high load factor for a
large number of years and permits certain incidences of
abnormal working conditions.
• Load factor: It is used to describe how much the power
system is loaded compared to the peak load.

• An example, using a large commercial electrical bill:

Peak demand = 436 kW
Use = 57200 kWh
Number of days in billing cycle = 30 Days
Hence:
Load factor = { 57200 kWh / (30 d × 24 hours per day × 436 kW) } × 100% = 18.22%
 1.1-Generator Stator Protection

Generator Differential protection:

-This is a unit type protection, instantaneous in operation,
covering the stator winding for phase to phase faults.
-The generator differential relay is not sensitive to single phase to
earth faults due to the high neutral earthing resistance
arrangement.
-As this protection operates for generator internal faults, opening
the generator breaker in class-A eliminates the system in-feed to
the fault (if the unit is synchronised).
-For all machines of ratings 10 MVA and above, this protection
shall be provided.
Requirements:
(i) Be triple pole type with individual phase indication
(ii) Have operating time less than 30 milliseconds at 2
times setting
(iii)Be high or low impedance principle based
(iv)Operating current 5 to 10% of nominal current
(v) High stability against maximum through fault
condition, CT saturation, harmonics and DC
transients
(vi)Be provided with suitable voltage dependent
resistors across the relay to limit the voltage to safe
level, in case of high impedance type relay
 Generator-Transformer differential protection

• This is a unit type protection with coverage from the generator

terminals up to the HV breaker and the generator transformer
HV terminals.
• It will detect phase faults on both sides of the generator
transformer and single phase to earth faults of the HV side
only (the earth fault current on the LV side is very small, due
to the high neutral earthing resistance).
• Generator transformer differential relays have harmonic
restraint circuits to prevent incorrect operation when the
generator and unit transformers are energised from the system.
• This shall be provided for all machines of rating 10 MVA
above. The protection need not include Unit Auxiliary
Transformer (UAT) in its zone and UAT should be covered by
a separate protection.
Requirements:
• Be triple pole type with individual phase indication
• Have through fault restraint features for external faults with an
adjustable or multi-bias setting
• Have, magnetizing inrush restraint features and also be stable for inrush
under normal over fluxing conditions, magnetising inrush proof feature
shall not be achieved through any intentional time delay e.g. use of
timers to block relay operation
• Shall have unrestrained instantaneous highset over current unit
operation which is unaffected by inrush
• Have one bias winding per phase and per CT input (However UAT CT
need not have separate input and may be parallel with the Generator
CT)
• Have an adjustable operating current Have an operating time not greater
than 30 milli seconds at 5 times setting
• Have facility for ratio and phase angle correction either through
auxiliary transformer or through in built provisions.
 Backup impedance protection
• This operates for phase faults in the unit, in the HV
yard or in the adjacent transmission lines, with a
suitable delay, for cases when the corresponding main
protection fails to operate.
• The impedance measured by the relay is influenced by
the relay connection, the fault type and generator and
system source impedance for faults on the high voltage
side of the delta-star connected generator transformer.
A circular characteristic the center of which
corresponds to connection position of VT should be
used for this reason.
• The impedance relay shall have fuse-fail interlock.
Requirements :
(i) Be triple pole type
(ii) Be of single step under impedance type
(iii) Shall have two adjustable definite time delay relays of 0.5-5
seconds
(iv) Be suitable for measuring two and three phase faults within
a set distance from the point of installation
(v) Shall be able to operate for fault currents down to 0.3 In.
Setting Recommendations :
The impedance relay shall have reach setting to cover the
longest HV outgoing line or 70% of rated generator load
impedance.
• Time relay of step 1 - 0.5 sec.
• Time relay of step 2 shall be set to coordinate with third zone
time of distance relay or back up o/c relay of the outgoing line
 Over current/Undervoltage protection (51/27) G

Requirements :
(i) Be triple pole type
(ii) Shall be able to operate when the fault current from
the generator terminals becomes low due to
excitation system characteristic
(iii) Shall have under voltage criteria
(iv) Shall reset to de-energised position if under-voltage
criteria disappears
Requirements:
(i) Be triple pole type
(ii) Have an alarm unit and a trip unit
(iii) Have a continuously adjustable negative sequence
current setting
(iv) Have alarm unit range covering negative phase
sequence current of 5-10% of generator rated current
continuously adjustable
(v) Have a definite time setting range of 1-10 secs.
associated with an alarm unit
(vi) Have a trip unit with a variable time current
characteristics matching with the generator I22t
characteristic
 Generator Overload Protection (5 1G)

• Overload relay is used as an additional check of the

stator winding temperature.
• This may be provided for hydro units where there are
high head variations and connected for alarm. It may
also be connected for run back.
• In case of thermal set there is no chance of thermal
overloading as the machine is provided with number
of limiters and therefore is not recommended.
Requirements:
(i) Be single pole type
(ii) Be of definite time over-current type
(iii) Have a continuously adjustable setting range of 50-
200%
(iv) Have a drop-off/pick-up ratio greater than 95%
(v) Have an adjustable time setting range of 2.5 to 25 sec.
 Generator Stator Earth Fault Protection

The high neutral earthing resistance arrangement

limits the generator earth fault current to less than
10 amperes, thus minimising damage to the core
laminations. Although a single phase to earth fault
is not critical, it requires clearance within a short
time, due to the following:
- It may develop into a phase to phase fault (due to
presence of ionised air).
- If a second earth fault occurs the current is no longer
limited by the earthing resistor.
- Fire may result from the earth fault arc.
 Two different types of stator earth fault relays are
recommended both installed in the secondary circuit of
the generator.
• 0-95% stator earth fault protection (64G1)
• 100% stator earth fault protection (64G2)
 0-95% stator earth fault protection (64G1)

-This protection zone is limited to approximately 95% of

the stator winding due to the danger of false tripping.
-This shall be voltage relay monitoring the voltage
developed across the earthing resistor by the neutral
return current.
-This is normally used as back up protection. It also
covers the generator bus, low voltage winding of the
unit transformer and the high voltage winding of the
UAT.
-When connected to open delta winding of generator PT,
the protection shall be blocked for PT fuse failure.
• For faults within 10% of the generator neutral, the
resulting current is not enough to operate the relay.
• This shall be provided for all machines of ratings 10
MVA and above.
Requirements:
(i) Single pole type
(ii) Shall have independently adjustable voltage and time
setting
(iii) Suitable to protect 95% of stator winding
(iv) Be suitable for operation from broken-delta voltage
transformers or neutral grounding transformer
secondary
(v) Shall be insensitive to 3rd harmonic voltage
Setting Recommendations :
• Pick up voltage of the relay - 5% of maximum neutral
voltage
• Time delay - 0.3 to 0.5 secs
 100% stator earth fault protection (64G2)
• This protects the whole stator winding and the generator neutral. The
relay generally operates on the principle of low frequency signal
injection into the secondary of the earthing transformer, detecting the
corresponding current if an earth fault occurs. The relay is set in terms
of insulation resistance. This is normally used as the main protection.
• Alternatively, a protection based on change in magnitude/distribution
of 3rd harmonic voltage caused by an earth fault is used. When
provided, this shall have voltage check or - current check unit as
applicable, to prevent faulty operation of the relay at generator stand
still or during the machine running down period.
• This protection shall always be provided for machine above 100 MVA.
The option is left to the utility depending upon the importance of the
machine for machines of smaller sizes. Low frequency current injection
based relays are recommended for machines of 200 MVA and above.
• The 95-100% relay if separately available, may be connected for alarm
and operator can take the machine out
Requirements:
(i) Be suitable to protect 100% of stator winding
(ii) Be insensitive to external faults, transients and inherent harmonic
currents.
(iii)Shall be based on low frequency current injection
principle/alternatively shall operate on the principle of detecting
change in the magnitude/distribution of 3rd harmonic voltage caused
by an earth fault.
(iv)Have continuously adjustable time delay range 1-10 seconds
(v) If based on injection principle
- shall continuously monitor ground circuit
-shall continuously monitor injection signal and injection equipment
-Shall be in service at standstill, startup and stop
(vi) If based on 3rd harmonic voltage principle
- shall have under voltage or over current check
Setting Recommendations :
1)100% stator earth fault relay (Injection Principle) :
-Pick up level of the relay = 500 ohms
-time delay - 2 seconds
2) 100% stator earth fault relay (3rd harmonics principle) :
-Setting 0.45 V (should be checked w.r.t. 3rd harmonic
voltage generated by the machine)
- Time delay 2.0 sec.
- Voltage check unit 80% of rated voltage
- Current check unit 20% of rated current
 Loss of Excitation Protection (40G)

• A complete loss of excitation may occur as a result of

unintentional opening of the field breaker, an open
circuit or a short circuit of the main field or a fault in
AVR.
• When a generator with sufficient active load loses the
field current, it goes out of synchronism and starts -to
run asynchronously at a speed higher than the system
absorbing reactive power for the excitation from the
system. Under these conditions the stator end regions
and part of the rotor get over heated.
• This is recommended for machines of all sizes above
10 MVA.
Requirements:
(i) Have mho characteristic lying in 3rd and 4th
quadrant of impedance diagram with adjustable
reach and off set. Alternatively, this protection shall
be based on directional current unit with setting
range to match generator capability curve
(ii) Shall have an under voltage relay and/or over
current relay as an additional check
(iii) Shall have timer with adjustable range of 1-10
seconds to distinguish loss of excitation from power
swings
 Pole Slipping Protection (98G)
-The loss of field protection shall be supplemented by an additional
out of step function which detects all pole slips.
-Pole slipping of generators with respect to the system, can be caused
by a number of conditions leading to an increase in rotor angular
position beyond the generator transient stability limits. Some of the
causes of pole slipping are:
(a) Large network disturbances
(b)Faults on the electrical network close to the generator
(c) Weak tie between the network and the generator (tripping of
transmission lines)
(d)Loss of generator field (field winding or excitation supply failure)
(e) Operating the generator in an excessive under excited mode
(f) This is recommended for machines of 100 MVA and above. For hydro
machines utilities can decide depending on machine parameters.
Requirements:
(i) Shall be capable of detecting a power swing which
can lead to instability in addition to being able to
detect an actual pole slip
(ii) By varying size of the characteristic it shall be
possible to ensure that a trip command is given to
the circuit breakers in such a way that separation of
the poles occurs at a controlled angle at any time.
Setting Recommendations :
(a) If the source of oscillation lies within a generator
/transformer unit, the machine has to be isolated from
the network after the first'slip.
• Forward reach of relay characteristics shall cover
generator/generator transformer. Tripping in this zone
shall be in the first pole slip. The reach of this zone is
0.7 XT.
(b) If the source of oscillation lies outside the unit in the
network, the generator should not be switched off or
atleast not until several pole slips have occurred.
 Low forward power/reverse power interlock relays
(32G/37G)
• The low forward power interlock is recommended for thermal machines and reverse
power protection may be used for hydro machines to protect against motoring.
• When the steam flow through turbine is interrupted by closing the ESVs or the
governor valves, the remaining energy stored in the set is delivered to the system
and the machine enters into a motoring condition drawing power from the system to
supply its losses while keeping the turbo alternator shaft at synchronous speed.
- The low forward power relay detects that the unit is motoring and must therefore be
shutdown
- Tripping for mechanical faults and abnormal conditions
• For faults in the turbine or boiler, the turbine protection closes the ESVs. For
abnormal conditions, the generator protection closes the ESVs. When the generator
develops low forward power, the relay after a short time delay trips the generator
breaker.
• A protection field suppression signal may also be required if the AVR does not have
a built-in facility to reduce the generator field current as the speed decreases, to
avoid overfluxing conditions.
Requirements:
(i) Be single phase power measuring type
(ii) Have a' power setting of approximately 0.5% - 1% of rated
active power of generator unit
(iii) Have independent time delay relay with setting range of 1-10
seconds and 0-20 seconds respectively on pick up
(iv) Have one more common timer with a pick up setting range 5-
50 seconds for annunciation that the Turbo generator set has
started motoring
(v) Have suitable arrangement for preventing the operation of
this protection during start up and synchronising of the unit
(vi) Shall be provided with possibility of angle correction to
facilitate measurement of power accurately
 Under-frequency protection (81G)

- Prevents the steam turbine and generator from exceeding the permissible
operating time at reduced frequencies
- Ensures that the generating unit is separated from the network at a preset
value of frequency that is less than the final stage of system load shedding
- Prevents the AVR from exciting the machine at reduced speeds when some
protective relays may not perform at all
- Prevent over fluxing of the generator. The over fluxing relay is used to
protect against small overfluxing for long periods while the over voltage
and under frequency relays also protect against large over fluxing for short
times
• The stator under frequency relay measures the frequency of the stator
terminal voltage
• Though under frequency tripping is recornmended by turbine
manufactures, care should be taken by grid operating personnel in ensuring
that machines are not run at lower frequencies and instead resort to means
like load shedding in the event of overload.
Requirements:
(i) Have one alarm stage and two tripping stages
(ii) Shall have setting of range of 45 Hz - 55 Hz with a
least count of 0.1 Hz for each stage
(iii) Timer for alarm stage have a range of 0.5 to 5
second with a least count of 0.5 second. Timers for
each tripping stage shall have range of 1 to 10
seconds with a least count of 0.1 second
(iv) Shall have undervoltage blocking
Setting Recommendations –
-Stator under frequency relay pick up level = 48.5 Hz
- Time delay for alarm - 2 Sec.
Inter turn fault protection (95G) :
• It is generally considered difficult to obtain reliable protection against short
circuit of one turn if the stator winding has large number of turns per phase.
• Inter turn fault protection is recommended only for machines where there is
a split winding and all the six terminals are brought out on the neutral side.
• For generator with split neutrals, conventional inter-turn fault protective
scheme comprises a time delayed low set over-current relay which senses the
current flowing in the connection between the neutrals of the stator winding.
• Alternatively a split phase differential protection may be used.
Requirements:
• (i) Over current relay with time delay (ii) Over current relay shall have built
in filters to reject higher harmonics (iii) Range of over current shall be
selected depending on maximum spill current for external fault
Setting Recommendation:
• Overcurrent relay shall be set to maximum unbalanced current in case of
external fault.
• Time delay 0.2 - 0.4 seconds
Generator Transformer Over Fluxing Protection (99 GT) :
-Overfluxing protection is provided to safeguard the generator, generator
transformer and unit auxiliary transformer against operation at flux
densities which may cause accumulative damage to the core.
-From the fundamental equation V = 4.44 x f x n x 4, the level of flux is
proportional to the ratio of terminal voltage to frequency (v/f). This ratio
is monitored by the protective relay.
-An over fluxing condition is more likely to occur while the generator is
separated from the system and the speed is allowed to drop, but it can
also happen with the machine on load if the tap changer of the generator
transformer (HV side) is on a low tap position and the excitation of the
generator is manually increased. In this case the increased generator
terminal voltage knay cause over fluxing tripping at nominal frequency.
-The over fluxing protection operates with a time delay after which the
tripping functions are executed.
-This protection must be provided for generator-transformers of size 10
MVA and above.
Requirements :
(i) Shall be phase to phase connected.
(ii) Shall operate on the principle of measurement of voltage io
frequency ratio.
(iii) Have inverse time characteristics compatible with generator
transformer over fluxing withstand capability for tripping.
(iv) Provide an independent alarm with a definite time delay of
value of V/f between 100% to 130% of rated value.
(v) Have a high resetting ratio of 98% or better.
Setting Recommendations:
The overfluxing capability of the transformer must be checked
and the characteristic matched accordingly for both alarm and
trip.
 Generator Over Voltage Protection (59G):
-An over voltage on the terminals of the generator can
damage the insulation of the generator, bus ducting,
breakers, generator transformer and auxiliary
equipment such as voltage transformers, excitation
transformer etc.
-This should be provided for machines of all sizes,
hydro and thermal
Requirements:
(i) Be single pole type/or triple pole type
(ii) Shall have two separately adjustable stages
(iii)Have a continuously adjustable setting range of 100 - 140%
of rated voltage
(iv)Have a drop off to pick up ratio greater than 95%
(v) Have a continuously variable time delay setting range of 0.5 -
5 seconds for one relay and 2 to 20 seconds for the other
relay.
Setting Recommendations:
Stage 1 - Over voltage relay pick up - 1.15 x Vn
Timers t1 - 10 seconds
Stage 2 - Over voltage relay pick up - 1.3 x Vn
Timer t2 - 0.5 seconds
 Dead machine protection (27/50G) :
-Despite existence of interlocking schemes, a number of generators
have been inadvertently energized while at stand still or on
turning gear. The generator and rotor may get damaged beyond
repair under this condition. Other protective relays like loss of
excitation, back up impedance, reverse power would operate with
delays and this is not admissible. The dead machine protection
permits fast tripping.
-This should be installed in switchyard panel rather than in
generator panel to ensure that protection is available during
maintenance periods when the generator protection can be
rendered inoperative by switching off the DC supply to the panel.
-This protection is recommended for all-machines of size 100 MVA
and above. The protection is connected to trip generator breakers,
generator transformer breaker and the HV Bus.
Requirements:
(i) Shall consist of 3 high speed over current relays of
range (0.02 - 20 In) to initiate instantaneous tripping
if generator terminal voltage is below set value.
(ii) Shall have under voltage relays of range (0.2-1 Un)
to permit operation of over current relays when
voltage is low
(iii) Shall have timers with adjustable range (0-605) to
avoid operation of protection for nearby fault when
the machine is in service.
(iv) Shall be secure against voltage transients at closing
Generator VT fuse failure monitoring (60G):
This has to be provided for all the machines since it is required
for blocking of relays which can mal-operate in the event of
PT fuse blowing in primary side or secondary side.
Requirements:
(i) Be triple pole type
(ii) Be able to detect fuse failure in both primary and secondary
side of VT
(iii)Have a fixed setting of 70% of rated voltage and have a
time delay of 40 to 50 milli- seconds on pick up
(iv)Be of voltage balance or equivalent type
(v) Have sufficient contacts to block tripping of those relays
which are voltage dependent and give alarm
Rotor ground fault protection:
This protection shall be provided for machines of all sizes. It is recommended
that the protection is connected only for alarm and the operator may take the
machine out at the earliest opportunity after the first earth fault has occurred.
The tripping logic should also include unit tripping in case field circuit
breaker opens when the machine is running.
Requirements:
(i) Shall be based on DC injection principle or low frequency AC injection
principle
(ii) Shall be single stage or two stages
(iii) Shall have built-in time delay to prevent unwanted operation of the relay
Alternatively
A sensitive voltage function operating on bridge measuring basis with auxiliary
equipment. This shall have two levels, one for alarm and one for trip.
Setting ranges : Alarm stage 100 ohm to 25 k ohm, Time delay 2-60 Seconds
Trip stage 100. ohm to 25 K ohm, Time delay 2-60 Seconds
Setting Recommendations:
- alarm level - 25 K ohm
- pick up level - 5 K ohm
- timer t1 - 1 seconds
- timer t2 - 5 seconds
 Generator-Transformer Protection
Generator Transformer Differential Protection (87 GT/87 T):
Requirements:
(i) Be triple pole with individual phase indication
(ii) Have unrestricted instantaneous high set over current units which shall not
operate during inrush
(iii) Have an adjustable or multi bias setting
(iv) Have second harmonic or other inrush proof features and also shall be stable
under normal over fluxing conditions. Magnetising inrush proof feature shall not
be achieved through any intentional time delay e.g. use of timers to block relay
operation or using disc operated relays.
(v) Have one bias winding per phase and per C.T. input
(vi) Have an adjustable operating current
(vii) Have an operating time not greater than 30 milli seconds at 5 times of setting
(viii) Shall have facility for ratio and phase angle correction either through
auxiliary transformer or through in built provisions
 Generator Transformer Backup Overcurrent
Protection (5 1 GT)
Requirements:
(i) Be triple pole type
(ii) Be of definite time over current type
(iii) Have an adjustable setting range of 50-200% of
rated current and 0.5 - 5 seconds time delay.
 Generator Transformer Back Up Earth Fault
Protection (51 NGT):
This relay monitors the current in the generator
transformer neutral. It can detect faults in the
transformer HV side or in the adjacent network.
Requirements:
(i) Be of single pole type
(ii) Be of definite time characteristic
(iii)Have an adjustable setting range of 10 to 100%
of rated current
(iv)Have a timer setting range of 0.5 to 5 seconds
HV winding cum overhang differential protection (87 HV/87 NT) :

This is a unit type protection which operates for earth faults on the
generator transformer HV side and also covers a large portion of the
HV winding and the HV terminals upto the HV current transformers.
Requirements:
(i) Be triple pole type (Single pole if used as Restricted E/F Protection)
(ii) Have operating time less than 30 milliseconds at 2 times setting
(iii)Be high impedance or low impedance type
(iv)Operating current shall be 0.1 - 0.4 In
(v) High stability against maximum through fault condition, CT
saturation, harmonics and DC transients
(vi)Be provided with suitable non linear resistors across the relay to
limit the peak voltage to 1000 volts, in case of high impedance type
(vii)Be provided with faulty phase identification
 UAT Protections
Unit Transformer Differential Protection (87 UAT):
• This is a unit type protection covering the unit
transformer and the cable connection to the unit
board.
• This protection operates for phase faults, but not for
single phase to earth faults as this current is limited
by the neutral earthing resistance.
• The unit transformer differential relay initiates a
general trip and unit shutdown
Requirements:
-Be triple pole with individual phase indication
-Have unrestricted instantaneous high set over current unit which shall
not operate during inrush
-Have an adjustable or multi bias setting
-Have second harmonic or other inrush proof features and also should be
stable under normal over fluxing conditions, magnetising inrush proof
feature shall not be achieved through any intentional time delay e.g.
use of timers to block relay operation or using disc operated relays.
- Have one bias winding per phase and per C.T. input
- Have an adjustable operating current
- Have an operating time not greater than 30 milli seconds at 5 times of
setting
- Shall have facility for ratio and phase angle correction either through
auxiliary transformer or through in built provisions
 Unit Transformer back up over current protection
(51 UAT) Relay:
-Be triple pole type
-Be of definite time over current type
-Have an adjustable setting range of 50-200% of rated
current and 0.5 to 5 seconds time delay
Unit Transformer back-up earth fault
protection (51N UAT) :
(i) Be single pole type
(ii) Be of definite time over current type
(iii)Have a setting rage of 10-100% of rated
current and time setting range of 0.5-5
seconds
 Unit transformer restricted earth fault protection (64
UAT):
(i) Be single pole type
(ii) Have operating time less than 30 milli seconds at 2 times
setting
(iii)Be high impedance or low impedance type
(iv)Operating current shall be 0.1 - 0.4 In
(v) High stability against maximum through fault condition,
CT saturation, harmonics and DC transients
(vi) Be provided with suitable non-linear resistors across the
relay to limit the peak .voltage to 1000 volts, in case of high
impedance type
(vii) Be provided with fault indication
Thank You