POWER SYSTEM PROTECTION

Lecture 9ba Voltage (Potential) Transformer

Compiled by: Engr. Gener G. Restubog

REE, MSEE(Units), MEEE.

Voltage (Potential) Transformer

A VT is basically a conventional transformer with primary and secondary windings on a common core. Standard VTs are single-phase units designed and constructed so that the secondary voltage maintains a fixed relationship with primary voltage. The required rated primary voltage of a VT is determined by the voltage of the system to which it is to be connected and by the way in which it is to be connected (e.g., line to line, line to neutral). Most VTs are designed to provide 120 V at the secondary terminals when nameplate-rated voltage is applied to the primary. Standard ratings are shown in Table 3-5 and Table 3-6. Special ratings are available for applications involving unusual connections.

Voltage (Potential) Transformer

Table 3-5Ratings and characteristics of VTs with 100% of rated primary voltage across the primary winding when connected line to line or line to ground

Voltage (Potential) Transformer

Table 3-6Ratings and characteristics of VTs primarily for line-to-line servicea

Voltage (Potential) Transformer

Accuracy VTs are capable of continuous and accurate operation when the voltage applied across the primary is within 10% of the rated primary voltage. Standard accuracy classifications of VTs range from 0.3 to 1.2, representing percent ratio corrections to obtain a true ratio. These accuracies are high enough so that any standard transformer is adequate for most industrial protective relaying purposes as long as it is applied within its open-air thermal and voltage limits. Standard burdens for VTs with a secondary voltage of 120 V are shown in Table 3-7.

Voltage (Potential) Transformer

Voltage (Potential) Transformer

Thermal Burden Limits Thermal burden limits, as given by transformer manufacturers, should not be exceeded in normal practice because transformer accuracy and life will be adversely affected. Thermal burdens are given in voltamperes and may be calculated by simple arithmetic addition of the voltampere burdens of the devices connected to the transformer secondary. If the sum is within the rated thermal burden, the transformer should perform satisfactorily over the range of voltages from 0% to 110% of the nameplate voltage.

Voltage (Potential) Transformer

Polarity Markings Polarity on VTs is normally identified by marking a primary terminal H1 and a secondary terminal X1. Alternatively, these points may be identified by distinctive color markings. The standard voltage relationship provides that the instantaneous polarities of H1 and X1 are the same..

Voltage (Potential) Transformer

Connection

Where balanced system load and, therefore, balanced voltages are anticipated, VTs are usually connected in open delta. Where line-to-neutral loading is expected, VTs are more often connected wye-wye, particularly where metering is required. Many protective devices require specific delta or wye voltages; therefore, specific requirements should be studied before choosing the connection scheme. Wye-delta or delta-wye connections are occasionally used with certain special relays, but these connections are infrequent in industrial use.

Voltage (Potential) Transformer

Where ungrounded power systems are used, VTs connected wye-broken-delta are sometimes used for ground detection. When so connected, the transformers can seldom be used for any other purpose. Broken-delta connections used on ungrounded systems should normally include a loading resistor in the secondary to mitigate possible ferroresonance between the system capacitance and the VT.

Voltage (Potential) Transformer

Fuse Application The application of fuses to VT circuits has been a subject of discussion for many years. The main purpose of a VT primary fuse is to protect the power system by de-energizing failed VTs. General practice now calls for a current-limiting fuse or equivalent in the system. Figure 3-11 shows a typical VT with fuses.

Voltage (Potential) Transformer

VT secondary fusing practices cannot be so clearly defined. It is usually impossible to select primary fuses that protect the transformer from most overloads or faults in the external secondary circuit. Secondary fuses selected to interrupt at loadings below the thermal burden rating can provide such protection. Where branch circuits are tapped from VT secondaries to supply devices located at a distance from the VT, it may be desirable to fuse the branch at a reduced rating.

Voltage (Potential) Transformer

VT secondary fusing practices cannot be so clearly defined. It is usually impossible to select primary fuses that protect the transformer from most overloads or faults in the external secondary circuit. Secondary fuses selected to interrupt at loadings below the thermal burden rating can provide such protection. Where branch circuits are tapped from VT secondaries to supply devices located at a distance from the VT, it may be desirable to fuse the branch at a reduced rating.

References 1. IEEE Std 242-2001 - IEEE Recommended Practice for Protection and Coordination of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems -