Section 10

Transformer Protection
 Transformer Protection
TRANSFORMER PROTECTION

The various types of protection schemes for power

system transformers include:
 Differential protection
 Overcurrent and ground fault protection
 Gas pressure relays
 Oil and winding temperature devices
Transformer Protection
APPLICATION OF DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION
TO
TRANSFORMERS
With Bus Differential protection we saw that we
compared the current entering the bus, with that
leaving the bus, in order to detect a fault.
With TRANSFORMER DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION we
use the same principle. However, we must make a
few changes to adapt that principle for use on
transformers:
Transformer Protection

 The C.T. ratios on the transformer primary and

secondary sides must be chosen to match the
transformer ratio.
 The C.T. secondary windings are usually delta
connected for a star connected transformer
winding, and star connected for a delta
connected winding. This is to accommodate the
primary to secondary phase shift. (This is not
necessary with microprocessor-based relays)
Transformer Protection

 Some accommodation must be made for the

transformer tap changer, which, of course
changes the primary to secondary ratio of the
transformer.
 Some accommodation must also be made for the
magnetising inrush current which flows when the
transformer is energised. This inrush current can
be as high as ten times the full load current of
the transformer, and flows into the transformer,
but not out.
Transformer Protection

NOTE: With modern microprocessor-based

transformer protection relays it is usual to connect
the C.T,’s in Star (or Wye) on both the primary and
secondary sides of the transformer. The
transformer winding configuration is programmed
into the relay, and any phase angle shift is taken
care of by the relay microprocessor.
Transformer Protection
Transformer Protection

The C.T. ratios on the transformer primary and

secondary sides are chosen for a current balance
with the tap changer in the mid, or neutral position.
As the tap changer moves away from the neutral
position, the unbalance between the primary and
secondary C.T. currents increases.
Transformer Protection

The transformer differential relay is designed

especially to accommodate this mismatch in the
primary and secondary C.T. currents. The
transformer differential relay has both restraint
(or Bias) coils, and operate coils, as shown in slide
No. 7.
The differential current flows through the
operate coil to make the relay pick-up, and the
through current flows through the restraint or
bias coils, and tends to make the relay restrain.
Transformer Protection
Transformer Protection

If there is an out of zone fault when the tap

changer is away from the neutral tap, then the
through C.T. secondary current flowing through
the restraint coils will overcome the tendency for
the relay to operate by the spill current flowing
through the operate coil.
The differential relay will not operate for this out-of-
zone fault condition.
Transformer Protection

When a transformer is energised, there is a

magnetising inrush current, which can be as
high as ten times the full load current of the
transformer. This high inrush current lasts for only a
few cycles. However, it can cause the differential
relay to operate because it has the appearance of
an internal fault (current flows into but not out of
the transformer).
Transformer Protection

This inrush current is predominantly second

harmonic. A filter is used to separate the second
harmonic component, and the output from this
filter is fed into the restraint coil of the relay to
restrain operation.
Transformer Protection

This feature is known as second harmonic

restraint, and is incorporated into all modern
transformer differential relays.
On microprocessor-based transformer differential
relays the restraint for magnetizing inrush is
achieved in a different way. The shape of the
waveform is analysed by the microprocessor to
determine if magnetizing inrush current is present.
Transformer Protection
Transformer Protection

The operating characteristics of a transformer

differential relay are shown above.
Note that the ‘pick up’ current of the relay
increases with the amount of through current.
Transformer Protection

Important:
Because differential protection remains stable for
through or out of zone faults, it provides no
overload protection for the transformer.
Transformer Protection
Overcurrent and Ground Fault Protection

Overcurrent and ground fault protection is

commonly used on transformers. This is either as
the primary protection for smaller units or any unit
without differential protection, or as backup
protection on larger units protected by differential
relays. For transformers of around 10 MVA and
below, primary fuses are normally used.
Transformer Protection

It is desirable to set the relays or fuses as sensitive

as possible. However, they must not operate for
any tolerable condition such as magnetising inrush,
cold load pick-up, or any emergency operating
condition. The ground fault relays must be set
above the maximum zero-sequence unbalance that
can exist due to single phase loading. Overcurrent
relays and/or fuses must protect the transformer
against damage from ‘through’ faults. The settings
should be coordinated with the transformer
damage curves, and with the relay settings on the
adjacent elements.
Transformer Protection
Where transformers are operated in parallel it is not
possible to adequately apply overcurrent protection
for each transformer, and also provide the
necessary selectivity. The overcurrent protection for
both transformers can operate for a fault on the
L.V. bus of one of the transformers. It is usual
practice to apply differential protection where
transformers are operated in parallel.
If overcurrent is used as backup protection on
transformers operating in parallel, emergency
overload conditions must be taken into account
when determining the minimum pickup setting.
Transformer Protection
When one transformer trips, the total load is then
carried by the transformer remaining in service.
This can result in emergency overloading of this
transformer of, say, 150%. It may be possible for
the transformer to tolerate this emergency
condition for about 2 to 3 hours, providing a
winding temperature of 105 degrees C is not
exceeded. During this emergency overload period
load shedding or load transfers can take place to
bring the transformer load down to the nameplate
rating, before the windings become overheated. An
overcurrent pickup setting of twice full-load is often
used to allow for this emergency situation.
Transformer Protection
Restricted Earth-fault (Or Ground-fault)
Protection
Transformer Protection

Ground-fault protection for each of the windings of

a transformer can be provided by connecting the
C.T.’s as shown above for delta and star (or wye)
connected transformer windings.
This system uses the differential principle to detect
ground faults within the transformer.
Transformer Protection

GAS RELAYS
The accumulation of gas or changes in pressure
inside the tank of oil filled transformers are good
indicators of internal faults.
Transformer Protection
Gas relays are used to detect these conditions:
 A very slow build up of gas can be caused by
very low energy arcs and deterioration of
insulation, and core problems. This is known as
GAS ACCUMULATION.
 A flashover or arc within the transformer tank will
cause a sudden increase in pressure, and cause a
surge of oil to flow in the pipe from the top of the
tank to the oil conservator. This is known as a
GAS PRESSURE or SURGE condition.
Transformer Protection
A single relay is used to detect these two
conditions. The relay is mounted at the top of the
transformer, with a pipe from the relay to the oil
conservator tank. Any gas formed in the
transformer will collect in the top section of the
relay, depressing the float. This registers on a
gauge on the front of the relay, and will indicate a
GAS ACCUMULATION alarm. This accumulated gas
can be bled from the relay for analysis. The very
slow accumulation of gas may be a tolerable
operating condition with some transformers.
Transformer Protection

A flashover in the transformer will cause a pressure

wave to travel through the oil and will compress
the flexible bellows in the bottom section of the
relay. The air inside the bellows will be compressed,
and will cause the flexible diaphragm to actuate
the micro-switch to initiate tripping of the
transformer.
Transformer Protection
EXPLOSION VENT
RELIEF DIAPHRAGM # 1
CONSERVATOR (EXPANSION) TANK

HIGH VOLATAGE BUSHING

OIL GAUGE
OFF-LOAD MANHOLE &
TAP CH GE
CONTROL COVER GAS DETECTOR TELAY
HANDLE
LOW VOLTAGE BUSHING
VACCUM VALVE

TERMINAL BOARD
BREATHER

RELIEF
DIAPHRAGM #
2 INSULATIN ON-CIRCUIT
(OPTIONAL) G OIL TAP CHANGER
RADIATOR COMPARTMEN
T

ON-CIRCUIT
OFF-CIRCUIT TAP
SWITCHER CHANGER
CONTROL

FLOW
CABINET
TRANSFORMER

OIL
CORE
AND COILS
WINDING
FAN TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR
OIL TEMPERATURE
INDICATOR
GAS SAMPLING LINE
AND VALVE

OIL
FLOW
SAMP
OIL
PUMP SAMPLE
OIL
DRAIN VALVE
VALVE

CROSS-SECTION OF SIMPLIFIED
TRANSFORMER
Transformer Protection
TOUGH
CAST
ALUMINUM
BODY
BLEEDER GAS
VALVE ACCUMULATION MAGNETIC
CHAMEBER INDICATOR
small Prevent Gas dule on does not
wave shock allact operation at
tripping of bellows
pressure
TILT PROOF
switch
SUTICH TYPE
MICRO
SWITCH
ALARM
LEAD
S

JOINT
lower unit
may be used
alone as
pressure lauit
relay

BELLOWS PRESSURE
Seals out oil EQUALIZING
Compresses SILICONE
to lies Button RUBBER
diaphragm TYPE DIAPHRAGM
MICRO AND SEAL
SWITC
H
AIR VENT
OIL
INLE
T
WATERPROO
DIAPHRAGM F
OIL actuates PLUG
GAS AND PRESSU switch CONNECTOR
PRESSURE RE
TEST CHAMER
CONNECTION

BY PASS
3 EASY ATTACH
MOUNTING
LUGS
Transformer Protection

The above is a simplified cross section of a General

Electric Model 12 gas relay, commonly installed on
North American transformers.
Transformer Protection
The relay described previously is the type used on
transformers built in North America. Transformers
built in Europe use what is known as a BUCHHOLZ
relay. The Buchholz relay is mounted in the pipe
work from the top of the transformer to the oil
conservator tank. It has a gas accumulation feature
as described previously. However, the tripping
feature of the relay is somewhat different. There is
a ‘flap’ in the relay which deflects whenever there
is a sudden flow of oil through the relay, towards
the conservator tank.
Transformer Protection

On some transformers the start-up of oil circulating

pumps can cause sufficient pressure change to
operate the gas relay. This should be checked
during commissioning tests, and corrected if
necessary.
Transformer Protection

Conservat
or

Buchholz
relay

Transformer
tank

View of relay
mounted in position

Secondary wiring
to trip and alarm
circuits
 Transformer Protection
OIL AND WINDING TEMPERATURE DEVICES

It is extremely important that transformer

temperatures be monitored, and limited to
acceptable values. The temperature of the winding
insulation determines the life-span of the
transformer.
Insulation temperature at the hottest location is
known as the hot-spot temperature, and it is the
insulation at this hot-spot which ages the fastest.
The hot-spot temperature is therefore the limiting
factor in determining the life-span of the
transformer.
Transformer Protection

For a typical transformer with paper insulation:

 If the hot-spot temperature is kept below 90
degrees C the expected life-span is more than 50
years.
 At a temperature of 110 degrees C the life-span
is reduced to 7.3 years.
Transformer Protection

Transformers are usually equipped with devices to

monitor the temperature of the oil and the
windings. The first device monitors oil temperature,
and is connected via a capillary tube to a bulb
fitted into a pocket surrounded with oil. The
winding temperature device is similar, except that
there is a heater in the pocket with the bulb.
Transformer Protection

This heater is supplied from a C.T. which is normally

in the middle phase primary bushing of the
transformer. This heating circuit is designed to
simulate the temperature of the transformer
winding. When the transformer is onload, the
winding temperature device should, of course,
always indicate a higher temperature than the oil
temperature device.
Transformer Protection
For transformers equipped with cooling fans and
pumps, the temperature devices are used to
automatically start and stop the forced cooling.
They are also equipped to initiate an alarm and a
trip for very high transformer temperatures.
Typical settings are:
 Transformer Protection
Temperature Rise

Transformer specifications usually include a

guaranteed temperature rise at specific
transformer loads.
As an example, a transformer with a nameplate
rating of 17.5 MVA:
Guaranteed maximum winding temperature rise of
55 degrees C at 17.5 MVA.
Transformer Protection

Guaranteed maximum winding temperature rise of

65 degrees C at 19.6 MVA.
The actual temperature of the winding insulation
depends upon the ambient temperature. For an
ambient temperature of 20 degrees C the
maximum temperature of the winding at a load of
19.6 MVA will be 85 degrees C.
Transformer Protection
 Transformer Protection
TESTING OF TRANSFORMER PROTECTION

The individual current transformers, and the

overcurrent relays are tested as described
previously.
The operation of the transformer differential relay is
tested by injecting current into the C.T. secondary
circuit. The basic pick-up of the relay is tested by
passing a current through one restraint coil in
series with the operate coil.
Transformer Protection

In order to test the restraining characteristics of the

relay for through faults, two current sources are
used as shown above. The pick-up current (II) is
measured for various values of ‘through’ current
(12). The operation of the second harmonic
restraint feature is tested by passing the test
current through a diode, and noting that the pick-
up current of the relay has increased.
Transformer Protection

The most effective test of the current circuits on a

transformer protection is a PRIMARY INJECTION
test. This test should be performed during
commissioning, after all of the wiring is complete,
and before the transformer goes into service. A
three phase short circuit is applied to the L.V.
buswork, on the load side of the transformer
breaker.
Transformer Protection

The transformer is then energised from a 208 volt,

415 volt, or 600 volt three phase supply. This will
produce a primary current of up to about 10 amps.
The secondary currents are then measured at the
relay panel in all branches of the circuit. A sample
test procedure for the primary injection test is
attached, along with some actual test results.
Transformer Protection

Gas relays are tested by injecting air into the relay,

or into the pipe work adjacent to the relay. The
relays are usually equipped with a valve, through
which air can be injected from either a pump or a
compressed air bottle.
Transformer Protection
600v 83MVA
230:44kV
600:5 18A 2000:5
3.5A r
R
18A w
3.5A
W 18A
3.5A
B
45

28

5:3.33 5:3.3
1
1 4 5 1 3
1
9 3
5
28
5 2 4 5 2 2
28 9 3
2 6 6
28 6
3 4 5 3 3
28 3 9 3
4 4 4

‘A’ PROTECTION To ‘B’

PROTH.
Cherrywood T7
CMS
Transformer Protection

The diagram above shows the actual test results for

the primary injection test on a 230 kV :44 kV
transformer. The purpose of the test was to verify
the correctness of the C.T. circuits and the
connections to the differential relay.
Transformer Protection
500:230:28kv
CHERRYWO T6 750MVA 500:
5
OD 2400: 7 15A
R 5 A 4800:1
600 15A
V 7
W A
15A
7
B A

15.2
14.2
MA
14.2
MA 24.9- 26.2
A 1
25.9
24.6-
2
A
24.5 25.7
3

1.2-A 1.2 1.2

‘A’ PROTECTION
CMS

The diagram above shows the actual test results for

the primary injection test on a 500 kV : 230 kV
transformer.
Transformer Protection
83 MVA
230:44kv
600A 600:5 2000:
5
600A 3136
600A 3136
3136

3.33:
5

As an exercise, draw in on the above diagram, the

magnitude and direction of all of the C.T. secondary
currents.
Transformer Protection
150:1A 132kV: 1800:1A
R
11kV R

Y Y

B B

H.V. LV
150:1A 1800:1A
R.E.F. REF

1:1
1:0.5
5 8 2 2 2 2 5
6 3 4 6 5 6

2 5
5 2 2 2
5 6
6 3 4 6

2 5
5 2 2 2
3 6
6 4 6 5
2 2 2
8 8 8

2 2 2
7 7 7

CMS
Transformer Protection

The above diagram shows a transformer differential

protection, combined with H.V. and L.V. Restricted
Earth Fault Protection.
Transformer Protection
Transformer Protection

The above diagram shows the actual test results

from a primary injection test a transformer
differential protection, combined with H.V. and L.V.
Restricted Earth Fault Protection.
Transformer Protection
Microprocessor-Based Transformer
Protection/Management Relays

Most protective relay manufacturers now have

modern microprocessor-based transformer
protection/management relays on the market. These
microprocessor-based relays typically have many
different protection, control and monitoring
functions, such as:
Transformer Protection

 Differential protection with harmonic restraint

 Overcurrent protection for each winding of the
transformer
 Restricted ground fault protection
Transformer Protection
 Over excitation protection, Volts per Hertz & Fifth
Harmonic
 Over-frequency, Under-frequency, and rate of
frequency decay
 Event recording
 Waveform capture
 Metering
 Tap position
 Harmonic analysis
 Programmable logic
COURSE RECAP