Current Transformer

1- Definition
A current transformer is used to transform a primary current quality in term of its magnitude
and phase to a secondary value for controlling and measuring device where the secondary value
is proportional to the primary value in normal condition. Normally, the secondary current ranges
are 1A, 2A and 5A.
2- Classification
Current transformers can be classified into accuracy class and the constructions types.
1- Accuracy class: current transformer classes are designed for measurement and protection
purposes, where the operation range is limited. Standard accuracy classes for measuring current
transformer are 0.1 0.2 0.5 1 3 5. Accuracy limit of current error up to 120% of rated
primary current.
Standard accuracy classes for protecting current transformer are 5P 10P, where P stands
for Protection. Standard accuracy limit factors (ALF) are 5 10 15 20 30, which is
permissible for overcurrent not more than rate normal current multiply by ALF.
2- Construction: Engineers design CT for different type such as wound type, bar type
window type and bushing type. In practice, construction of bushing type widely used in
substations. There are two of construction for bushing types, Bottom core and Top core type.

Figure1 Bottom core type

Figure2 Top core type

3- Design
Current transformer is designed based on transformer basics theory. An ideal transformer
magnetically induces from primary circuit current to a level exactly proportional to turn ratio of
secondary circuit. General relationship of ideal transformer is then,
Vp
Vs

Np
Ns

(1)

Conversion law of energy yields

Ip
Is

Ns
Np

(2)

Where:
Vp = primary terminal voltage
Vs = secondary terminal voltage
Ip = primary current
Is = secondary current
Np = primary turns
Ns = secondary turns
Steel core design is the most importance major factor that deviate transformer from ideal.
Natural properties of steel iron core are permeability and core losses which lead to saturated
level known as the limit of current transformer. There are three region of interest in
characteristics of steel iron core, the ankle region, the knee point, and saturation. The ankle
region is the lowest permeability and flux level, it depends on steel type. After initial flux, then
the linear zone which is called linear region up to knee point where also is the starting point of
saturated region. Application region is in the linear zone offers the proportional characteristics to
the iron core design. The saturated region defined the limit of flux flow through core to create
induce voltage of transformer winding. According to advantages and disadvantages of each steel
nature, compound core have been used to make better performance to core of transformers.

Figure 3. Simplified equivalent circuit of a CT and connection to burden

Simplified equivalent circuit shows the behavior of current transformer defined by
magnetizing impedance Zm and turn ratio of secondary winding, while normally primary wining
equal to one turn for application Ct in substation for top core design. Performance of
magnetizing impedance is described by saturation curve of secondary exiting voltage.

Figure 4 Secondary Magnetizing curve, rms value

Induce voltage at secondary of a current transformer can be defined as the expression

E 4.44 fN

(3)

Where:
E = induce voltage at core terminal to drive secondary current through the load
f = frequency
N = number of turn at secondary winding
= maximum flux inter the iron core
4- Simulation Model
The source document recognizing comprehensive of current transformer is less and therefore
engineer had to relay input source such as relay application and transformer textbooks,
manufacture publication and standard. Both IEC and IEEE have developed general model of the
current transformer for relay application and guide line to its characteristics.
The Alternative Transients Program (ATP) version of EMTP is an inexpensive,
powerful tool for evaluating CT performance. This paper briefly describes ATP
software, provides instructions for constructing a CT model using ATP, and presents
a method of modeling relay response by using the CT model as input to digital relay
models in Mathcad. The paper uses the CT and relay models to demonstrate:
Secondary burden and connection effects on Ratio Correction Factor (RCF)
and Phase
Angle Connection Factor (PACF) to answer the question When can a relay-accuracy
class CT be used for metering?
The effects of X/R, CT class, and burden on CT saturation and recovery
times
Saturated secondary current reduction and its effects on overcurrent,
inverse timeovercurrent,
and breaker failure element pickup
The effect of CT subsidence current on breaker failure element dropout
time
Saturated secondary current and its effects on distance and directional
element

performance.

5- Application Standard
IEEE and IEC