Mcag
Mcag
User Guide
Application of High Impedance Relays
Publication Reference: R6136C
R6136C © 2012. ALSTOM, the ALSTOM logo and any alternative version thereof are trademarks and service marks of ALSTOM. The other names mentioned,
registered or not, are the property of their respective companies. The technical and other data contained in this document is provided for information only. Neither
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Figure 1:
Principle of high impedance
protection
Introduction saturation will reduce the output of ZMB short circuited while the current
a current transformer and the most transformer at the other end, being
The application of the MCAG14/ extreme case for stability will be if unaffected, delivers its full current
34, MFAC14/34 and MCTI14/34 one current transformer is output which will then divide
relays to the protection of machines, completely saturated and the other between the relay and the saturated
power transformers and busbar unaffected. This condition can be current transformer. This division will
installations is based on the high approached in busbar installations be in the inverse ratio of RRELAY CIRCUIT
impedance differential principle, due to the multiplicity of infeeds and and RCTB +2RL and obviously, if
offering stabiliy for any type of fault extremely high fault level. It is less RRELAY CIRCUIT is high compared with
occurring outside the protected zone likely with machines or power RCTB + 2RL, the relay will be
and satisfactory operation for faults transformers due to the limitation of prevented from undesirable
within the zone through fault level by the protected operation, as most of the current will
A high impedance relay is defined unit’s impedance, and the fact that pass through the saturated current
as a relay or relay circuit whose the comparison is made between a transformer.
voltage setting is not less than the limited number of current
To achieve stability for external
calculated maximum voltage which transformers. Differences in current
faults, the stability voltage for the
can appear across its terminals transformer remanent flux can,
protection (VS) must be determined
under the assigned maximum however, result in asymmetric
in accordance with formula 1 and
through fault current condition. current transformer saturation with
formula 2 for the MCAG/MFAC
all applications.
It can be seen from Figure 1, that and MCTI respectively. The setting
during an external fault the through Calculations based on the above will be dependent upon the
fault current should circulate extreme case for stability have maximum current transformer
between the current transformer become accepted in lieu of secondary current for an external
secondaries. The only current that conjunctive scheme testing as being fault (If) and also on the highest loop
can flow through the relay circuit is a satisfactory basis for application. resistance value between the current
that due to any difference in the At one end the current transformer transformer common point and any
current transfomer outputs for the can be considered fully saturated of the current transformers
same primary current. Magnetic with its magnetising impedance (RCT + 2RL).
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Vs > If(RCT + 2RL) 1 calibrated relay with setting ranges protection, it is considered good
Vs > 1.25If(RCT + 2RL) 2 of: practice by some utilities to set the
minimum primary operating current
where RCT = current transformer 0.025 - 0.100A in excess of the rated load. Thus, if
secondary winding 0.050 - 0.200A one of the current transformers
resistance 0.100 - 0.400A becomes open circuit the high
RL = maximum lead 0.200 - 0.800A impedance relay does not
resistance from the 0.250 - 1.00A maloperate. The MVTP11/31
current transformer to 0.500 - 2.00A (busbar supervision relay) should
the common point 1.00 - 4.00A give an alarm for open circuit
Note: The relay has a fixed burden of conditions but will not stop a
When high impedance differential approximately 1VA at setting current maloperation if the relay is set below
protection is applied to motors or and its impedance varies with the rated load.
reactors, the external fault current setting current used. To comply with In the case of the high impedance
will be low. Therefore, the locked the definition for a high impedance relay, the operating current is
rotor current or starting current of relay, it is necessary, in most adjustable in discrete steps. The
the motor, or reactor inrush current, applications, to utilise an externally primary operating current (Iop) will be
should be used in place of the mounted stabilising resistor in series a function of the current transformer
external fault current. with the relay coil. ratio, the relay operating current (Ir),
To ensure satisfactory operation of The standard ratings of the stabilising the number of current transformers in
the relay under internal fault resistors normally supplied with the parallel with a relay element (n) and
conditions the current transformer relay are 470Ω, 220Ω and 47Ω for the magnetising current of each
kneepoint voltage should not be less 0.5A, 1A and 5A current transformer current transformer (Ie) at the stability
than twice the relay voltage setting secondary respectively. In voltage (Vs). This relationship can be
i.e. VK ≥ 2VS for the MCAG/MFAC applications such as busbar expressed in three ways:
and 1.6VS for the MCTI. protection, where higher values of To determine the maximum current
stabilising resistor are often required transformer magnetising current to
The kneepoint voltage of a current
to obtain the desired relay voltage achieve a specific primary operating
transformer marks the upper limit of
setting, non-standard resistor values current with a particular relay
the roughly linear portion of the
can be supplied. The standard operating current.
secondary winding excitation
resistors are wire wound, continuously
characteristic and is defined exactly
adjustable and have a continuous
in British practice as that point on Iop
the excitation curve where a 10%
rating of 145W. Ie <
1x
(
n CT ratio
- Ir )
increase in exciting voltage
produces a 50% increase in The MCTI14/34 To determine the maximum relay
exciting current. The MCTI14/34 is an electronic current setting to achieve a specific
instantaneous overcurrent relay primary operating current with a
The current transformers should be
suitable for high impedance given current transformer
of equal ratio, of similar
circulating current protection. The magnetising current
magnetising characteristics and of
low reactance construction. In cases MCTI14 single phase earth fault relay
where low reactance current or MCTI34 three phase relay, when Ir < (CT Iratio - nI )
op
e
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required stability voltage setting (VS) as in busbar protection, it is always When the value given by the
and the relay current setting (Ir). advisable to use a non-linear resistor formulae is greater than 3000V
VS
(metrosil) across the relay circuit peak, non-linear resistors (metrosils)
RST = - Rr (relay and stabilising resistor). should be applied. These non-linear
Ir
Metrosils are used to limit the peak resistors (metrosils) are effectively
Note: the MCAG14/34 is a fixed voltage developed by the current connected across the relay circuit,
burden relay, therefore the ohmic transformers under internal fault or phase to neutral of the ac
impedance of the relay will vary conditions, to a value below the buswires, and serve the purpose of
with setting. The ohmic impedance insulation level of the current shunting the secondary current
(Rr) of the MCAG14/34 can be transformers, relay and output of the current transformer
calculated using the relay VA interconnecting leads, which are from the relay in order to prevent
burden at current setting (B) and the normally able to withstand 3000V very high secondary voltages.
relay current setting (Ir); peak.
These non-linear resistors (metrosils)
B The following formulae should be are externally mounted and take the
Rr =
I2r used to estimate the peak transient form of annular discs, of 152mm
The ohmic impedance (Rr) of the voltage that could be produced for diameter and approximately 10mm
MCTI14/34 over the whole setting an internal fault. The peak voltage thickness. Their operating
range is less than 0.25Ω for 1A produced during an internal fault characteristics follow the expression:
will be a function of the current
relays and less than 0.02Ω for 5A V = CI0.25
relays i.e. independent of current. transformer kneepoint voltage and
the prospective voltage that would where V = Instantaneous voltage
The stabilising resistor supplied is be produced for an internal fault if applied to the non-linear
continuously adjustable up to its current transformer saturation did resistor (metrosil)
maximum declared resistance. In not occur. This prospective voltage C = constant of the non-
some applications, such as will be a function of maximum linear resistor (metrosi)
generator winding differential internal fault secondary current, the I = instantaneous current
protection, the through fault current current transformer ratio, the current through the non-linear
is low which results in a low transformer secondary winding resistor (metrosil).
stability voltage setting. In many resistance, the current transformer With a sinusoidal voltage applied
such cases, a negative stabilising lead resistance to the common across the metrosil, the RMS current
resistor value can be obtained from point, the relay lead resistance, the would be approximately 0.52x the
the above formula. This negative stabilising resistor value and the peak current. This current value can
result indicates that the relay will be relay VA burden at relay operating be calculated as follows;
more than stable without a current.
stabilising resistor. When a
stabilising resistor is not required, Vp = 2 2 VK (Vr - VK) Vs(rms) x 2 4
I(rms) = 0.52 ( C )
the setting voltage(VSA) can be
calculated using the following Vf = If (RCT + 2RL + RST + Rr) where Vs(rms) = rms value of the
formula and the current transformer sinusoidal voltage applied
kneepoint voltage should be at least where Vp = peak voltage across the metrosil.
twice this value. developed by the CT
under internal fault This is due to the fact that the
B conditions. current waveform through the non-
VSA =
Ir Vk = current transformer linear resistor (metrosil) is not
knee-point voltage. sinusoidal but appreciably
distorted.
Use of Metrosil non- Vf = maximum voltage that
would be produced if For satisfactory application of a
linear resistors -
CT saturation did not non-linear resistor (metrosil), it’s
MCAG14/34 & MCTI14/ occur. characteristic should be such that it
34 If = maximum internal complies with the following
secondary fault requirements:
When the maximum through fault current.
current is limited by the protected At the relay voltage setting, the non-
Rct = current transformer
circuit impedance, such as in the linear resistor (metrosil) current
secondary winding
case of generator differential and should be as low as possible, but
resistance.
power transformer restricted earth no greater than approximately
RL = maximum lead burden
fault protection, it is generally found 30mA rms for 1A current
from current
unnecessary to use non-linear transformers and approximately
transformer to relay.
voltage limiting resistors (metrosils). 100mA rms for 5A current
RST = relay stabilising resistor.
However, when the maximum transformers.
Rr = Relay ohmic impedance
through fault current is high, such at setting.
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At the maximum secondary current, Setting range: 25-175V
the non-linear resistor (metrosil) Setting Voltage 25 50 75 100 125 150 175
should limit the voltage to 1500V Ir (mA) 19 19 20 23 27 36 53
rms or 2120V peak for 0.25
second. At higher relay voltage Setting range: 25-325V
settings, it is not always possible to Setting Voltage 25 75 125 175 225 275 325
limit the fault voltage to 1500V rms, Ir (mA) 19 19 20 22 24 31 44
so higher fault voltages may have to
be tolerated.
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Figure 4:
Balanced or restricted earth fault protection for delta winding of a power
transformer with supply system earthed
Figure 5:
Restricted earth fault protection for 3 phase, 4 wire system-applicable to star connected
generators or power transformer windings with neutral earthed at switchgear
Figure 6:
Restricted earth fault protection for 3 phase 4 wire system applicable to star connected
generators or power transformer windings earthed directly at the star point
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Figure 7:
Phase and earth fault differential protection for an auto-transformer with CT’s at the neutral star point
Figure 8:
Busbar protection – simple single zone phase and earth fault scheme
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Typical setting examples = If (RCT + 2RL) As previously stated metrosils are
= 27820 x 5 (0.3 + 0.08) always required with an MFAC. The
Restricted earth fault
1500 metrosil type is chosen in
protection using MFAC14
= 35.2V accordance with the maximum
The correct application of the secondary current of 27820 x 5/
MFAC14 high impedance relay can The next highest setting should be 1500 = 93A.
best be illustrated by taking the case selected on the MFAC14, this being
50V. Therefore the metrosil reference is
of the 11000/415V 1000kVA 600A/S2/P with a constant (C) of
power transformer shown in figure Current transformer 620/740. (Please refer to Metrosil
9, for which restricted earth fault requirements publication for selection chart).
protection is required on the L.V.
winding. The minimum current transformer
Restricted earth fault
kneepoint voltage
It is assumed that the relay effective protection using MCAG14
setting for a solidly earthed power VK = 2VS
= 2 x 50
The correct application of the
transformer is approximately 30% of MCAG14 high impedance relay
= 100V
full load current. can best be illustrated by taking the
The exciting current to be drawn by
the current transformers at the relay case of the 11000/415V 1000kVA
Voltage setting
voltage setting, VS, will be: power transformer shown in figure
The power transformer full load 9, for which restricted earth fault
current protection is required on the L.V.
Ie < IS - Ir
n winding.
1000 x 103
=
3 x 415 where IS = relay effective setting
= 1391A = 30 x 1391 x 5
100 1500
Maximum through fault level =1.4A
(ignoring source impedance) Ir = relay setting
= 1A
= 100MVA x 1391
5% n = number of current
transformers in parallel
= 27820A with the relay
Figure 9:
Restricted earth fault protection on a power transformer L.V. winding
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Stability voltage The exciting current to be drawn by This value is well below the
the current transformers at the relay maximum of 3000V peak and
The power transformer full load
stability voltage, VS, will be: therefore no metrosils are required
current
Ie < IS - Ir with the relay. If, on the other hand,
1000 x 103 n the peak voltage VP given by the
=
3 x 415 where IS = relay effective setting
formula had been greater than
3000V peak, a non-linear resistor
= 1391A = 30 x 1391 x 5 (metrosil) would have to be
100 1500
connected across the relay and the
Maximum through fault level =1.4A
stabilising resistor. The
(ignoring source impedance) Ir = relay setting recommended non-linear resistor
= 1A type would have to be chosen in
= 100MVA x 1391 accordance with the maximum
n = number of current
5% secondary current at the relay.
transformers in parallel
= 27820A with the relay
=4
Restricted earth fault
Required relay stability voltage protection using MCTI14
(assuming one CT saturated)
. 1.4 - 1 The correct application of the
. . Ie @ 35.2V < MCTI14 high impedance relay can
= If (RCT + 2RL) 4
< 0.1A be again illustrated by taking the
= 27820 x 5 (0.3 + 0.08) case of the 11000/415V 1000kVA
1500 Metrosil non-linear resistor
power transformer shown in Figure
= 35.2V requirements
9, for which restricted earth fault
If the peak voltage appearing protection is required on the L.V.
Stabilising resistor across the relay circuit under winding.
Assuming that the relay effective maximum internal fault conditions
exceeds 3000V peak then a Stability voltage
setting for a solidly earthed power
transformer is approximately 30% of suitable non-linear resistor (metrosil), The power transformer full load
full load current, we can therefore, externally mounted, should be current
choose a relay current setting of connected across the relay and
1000 x 103
20% of 5A i.e. 1A. On this basis stabilising resistor, in order to =
3 x 415
the required value of stabilising protect the insulation of the current
resistor is: transformers, relay and = 1391A
interconnecting leads. In the present
VS B case the peak voltage can be
RST = - Maximum through fault level
Ir I2r estimated by the formula: (ignoring source impedance)
35.2 - 1
= Vp = 2 2 VK (Vr - VK)
1 12 = 100MVA x 1391
5%
= 34.2 Ω
where VK = 70.4V (In practice this = 27820A
5A rated MCTI14 relays are should be the actual current
transformer kneepoint voltage, Required relay stability voltage
supplied with stabilising resistors
that are continuously adjustable obtained from the current
= 1.25 If (RCT + 2RL)
between 0 and 47Ω. Thus, a transformer magnetisation curve).
stabilising resistance of 34.2Ω can Vf = If (RCT + 2RL + RST + Rr) = 1.25 x 27820 x 5 (0.3 + 0.08)
be set using the standard resistor. 1500
= 27820x 5 x(0.3+0.08+34.2+1) = 44V
1500
Current transformer
= 92.7 x 35.58
requirements
= 3298V
The minimum current transformer
Therefore substituting these values
kneepoint voltage
for VK and Vf into the main formula,
VK = 2VS it can be seen that the peak voltage
= 2 x 35.2 developed by the current
= 70.4V
transformer is:
Vp = 2 2 VK (Vf - VK)
= 2 2 x 70.4 x (3298 - 70.4)
= 1348V
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Stabilising resistor should be connected across the The relatively low level of current
relay and stabilising resistor, in that is delivered by a generator to
Assuming that the relay effective order to protect the insulation of the an external fault means that stability
setting for a solidly earthed power current transformers, relay and of high impedance generator
transformer is approximately 30% of interconnecting pilots. In the present differential protection can easily be
full load current, we can therefore, case the peak voltage can be achieved with a relatively low
choose a relay current setting of estimated by the formula: protection stability voltage. In many
20% of 5A i.e. 1A. On this basis applications, there is no need to
the required value of stabilising Vp = 2 2 VK (Vr - VK) utilise stabilising resistors in series
resistor is: with the high impedance relay
VS where VK = 70.4V (In practice this
RST = - Rr (indicated by negative stabilising
Ir should be the actual current
resistor value); the impedance of the
transformer kneepoint voltage,
=
44 - 0.02 relay elements alone will offer more
1 obtained from the current
than adequate stability. Where the
transformer magnetisation curve).
= 43.98 Ω protection is over stable, literal
Vf = If (RCT + 2RL + Rr + RST) application of the published CT
5A rated MCTI14 relays are kneepoint voltage formula by a CT
supplied with stabilising resistors = 27820x 5 x(0.3+0.08+0.02+44)
1500 designer would result in the
that are continuously adjustable provision of CT`s with extremely low
between 0 and 47Ω. Thus, a = 27820 x 0.148
kneepoint voltage, which could
stabilising resistance of 44Ω can be = 4117.36V result in lack of protection scheme
set using the standard resistor. Therefore substituting these values sensitivity and slow relay operation
for VK and Vf in the above formula it for an internal fault.
Current transformer can be seen that the peak voltage
requirements developed by the current The correct application of the
transformer is: MCAG34 when applied as
The minimum current transformer generator winding differential
kneepoint voltage Vp = 2 2 VK (Vf - VK) protection is illustrated in Figure 10
VK = 1.6VS = 2 2 x 70.4 x (4117.36 - 70.4) which shows a typical application of
= 1.6 x 44 the MCAG34 relay where the use of
= 1509.7V
= 70.4V the procedure detailed in example 2
would lead to an extremely low
The exciting current to be drawn by This value is well below the kneepoint voltage requirement. This
the current transformers at the relay maximum of 3000V peak and can be avoided by calculation of
stability voltage, VS, will be: therefore no metrosils are required the kneepoint voltage using the
with the relay. If, on the other hand, actual value for VSA (setting voltage)
Ie < IS - Ir the peak voltage VP given by the rather than the value of Vs required
n formula had been greater than for stability in the event of an
where IS = relay effective setting 3000V peak, a non-linear resistor external fault.
(metrosil) would have to be
= 30 x 1391 x 5
100 1500 connected across the relay and the Stability voltage
=1.4A stabilising resistor. The The required relay stability voltage
recommended non-linear resistor (assuming one CT saturated)
Ir = relay setting
type would have to be chosen in
= 1A accordance with the maximum = If (RCT + 2RL)
n = number of current secondary current at the relay. = 7.98 (0.3 + 0.02)
transformers in parallel
with the relay Generator winding = 2.55V
Figure 10:
Generator winding differential protection
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