Differential Relay

Differential Relay
Like2 1
Previous
Next
The relays used in power system protection are of different types.
Among them differential relay is very commonly used relay for
protecting transformers and generators from localised
faults.Differential relays are very sensitive to the faults occurred
within the zone of protection but they are least sensitive to the
faults that occur outside the protected zone. Most of the relays
operate when any quantity exceeds beyond a predetermined value
for example over current relay operates when current through it
exceeds predetermined value. But the principle of differential relay
is somewhat different. It operates depending upon the difference
between two or more similar electrical quantities.
Definition of Differential Relay

The differential relay is one that operates when there is a difference
between two or more similar electrical quantities exceeds a
predetermined value. In differential relay scheme circuit, there are
two currents come from two parts of an electrical power circuit.
These two currents meet at a junction point where a relay coil is
connected. According to Kirchhoff Current Law, the resultant current
flowing through the relay coil is nothing but summation of two
currents, coming from two different parts of the electrical power
circuit. If the polarity and amplitude of both currents are so
adjusted that the phasor sum of these two currents, is zero at
normal operating condition. Thereby there will be no current flowing
through the relay coil at normal operating conditions. But due to
any abnormality in the power circuit, if this balance is broken, that
means the phasor sum of these two currents no longer remains zero
and there will be non-zero current flowing through the relay coil
thereby relay being operated. In current differential scheme, there
are two sets of current transformer each connected to either side of
the equipment protected by differential relay. The ratio of the
current transformers are so chosen, the secondary currents of both
current transformers matches each other in magnitude. The polarity
of current transformers are such that the secondary currents of
these CTs opposes each other. From the circuit is clear that only if
any nonzero difference is created between this to secondary
currents, then only this differential current will flow through the
operating coil of the relay. If this difference is more than the peak
up value of the relay, it will operate to open the circuit breakers to
isolate the protected equipment from the system. The relaying
element used in differential relay is attracted armature type
instantaneously relay since differential scheme is only adapted for
clearing the fault inside the protected equipment in other words
differential relay should clear only internal fault of the equipment
hence the protected equipment should be isolated as soon as any
fault occurred inside the equipment itself. They need not be any
time delay for coordination with other relays in the system.
Types of Differential Relay

There are mainly two types of differential relay depending upon the
principle of operation.
1.
Current Balance Differential Relay
2.
Voltage Balance Differential Relay
In current differential relay two current transformers are fitted
on the either side of the equipment to be protected. The secondary
circuits of CTs are connected in series in such a way that the carry
secondary CT current in same direction. The operating coil of the
relaying element is connected across the CTs secondary circuit.
Under normal operating conditions, the protected equipment (either
power transformer or alternator) carries normal current. In this
situation, say the secondary current of CT1 is I1 and secondary
current of CT2 is I2. It is also clear from the circuit that the current
passing through the relay coil is nothing but I1-I2. As we said earlier,
the current transformers ratio and polarity are so chosen, I1 = I2,
hence there will be no current flowing through the relay coil. Now if
any fault occurs external to the zone covered by the CTs, faulty
current passes through primary of the both current transformers
and thereby secondary currents of both current transformers remain
same as in the case of normal operating conditions. Therefore at
that situation the relay will not be operated. But if any ground fault
occurred inside the protected equipment as shown, two secondary
currents will be no longer equal. At that case the differential relay is
being operated to isolate the faulty equipment (transformer or
alternator) from the system. Principally this type of relay systems

suffers from some disadvantages
1.
There may be a probability of mismatching in cable impedance
from CT secondary to the remote relay panel.
2.
These pilot cables capacitance causes incorrect operation of
the relay when large through fault occurs external to the
equipment.
3.
Accurate matching of characteristics of current transformer
cannot be achieved hence there may be spill current flowing
through the relay in normal operating conditions.
Percentage Differential Relay

This is designed to response to the differential current in the term of
its fractional relation to the current flowing through the protected
section. In this type of relay, there are restraining coils in addition
to the operating coil of the relay. The restraining coils produce
torque opposite to the operating torque. Under normal and through
fault conditions, restraining torque is greater than operating torque.
Thereby relay remains inactive. When internal fault occurs, the
operating force exceeds the bias force and hence the relay is
operated. This bias force can be adjusted by varying the number of
turns on the restraining coils. As shown in the figure below, if I1 is
the secondary current of CT1 and I2 is the secondary current of CT2
then current through the operating coil is I1 - I2 and current through
the restraining coil is (I1+ I2)/2. In normal and through fault
condition, torque produced by restraining coils due to current (I1+
I2)/2 is greater than torque produced by operating coil due to
current I1- I2 but in internal faulty condition these become opposite.
And the bias setting is defined as the ratio of (I1- I2) to (I1+ I2)/2
It is clear from the above explanation, greater the current
flowing through the restraining coils, higher the value of the current
required for operating coil to be operated. The relay is called
percentage relay because the operating current required to trip can
be expressed as a percentage of through current.
CT Ratio and Connection for Differential Relay
This simple thumb rule is that the current transformers on any star
winding should be connected in delta and the current transformers
on any delta winding should be connected in star. This is so done to
eliminate zero sequence current in the relay circuit.
If the CTs are connected in star, the CT ratio will be In/1 or 5 A CTs
to be connected in delta, the CT ratio will be In/0.5775 or 50.5775
A
Voltage Balance Differential Relay

In this arrangement the current transformer are connected either
side of the equipment in such a manner that EMF induced in the
secondary of both current transformers will oppose each other. That
means the secondary of the current transformers from both sides of
the equipment are connected in series with opposite polarity. The
differential relay coil is inserted somewhere in the loop created by
series connection of secondary of current transformers as shown in
the figure. In normal operating conditions and also in through fault
conditions, the EMFs induced in both of the CT secondary are equal
and opposite of each other and hence there would be no current
flowing through the relay coil. But as soon as any internal fault
occurs in the equipment under protection, these EMFs are no longer
balanced hence current starts flowing through the relay coil thereby
trips circuit breaker.
There are some disadvantages in the voltage balance differential
relay such as A multy tap transformer construction is required to
accurate balance between current transformer pairs. The system is
suitable for protection of cables of relatively short length otherwise
capacitance of pilot wires disturbs the performance. On long cables
the charging current will be sufficient to operate the relay even if a
perfect balance of current transformer achieved.
These disadvantages can be eliminated from the system by
introducing translay system which is nothing but modified balance
voltage differential relay system. Translay scheme is mainly applied
for differential protection of feeders. Here, two sets of current
transformers are connected either end of the feeder. Secondary of
each current transformer is fitted with individual double winding
induction type relay. The secondary of each current transformer
feeds primary circuit of double winding induction type relay. The
secondary circuit of each relay is connected in series to form a

closed loop by means of pilot wires. The connection should be such
that, the induced voltage in secondary coil of one relay will oppose
same of other. The compensating device neutralises the effect of
pilot wires capacitance currents and effect of inherent lack of
balance between the two current transformers. Under normal
conditions and through fault conditions, the current at two ends of
the feeder is same thereby the current induced in the CTs
secondary would also be equal. Due to these equal currents in the
CTs secondary, the primary of each relay induce same EMF.
Consequently, the EMF induced in the secondaries of the relays are
also same but the coils are so connected, these EMFs are in
opposite direction. As a result, no current will flow through the pilot
loop and thereby no operating torque is produced either of the
relays. But if any fault occurs in the feeder within the zone in
between current transformers, the current leaving the feeder will be
different from the current entering into the feeder. Consequently,
there will be no equality between the currents in both CT
secondaries. These unequal secondary CT currents will produce
unbalanced secondary induced voltage in both of the relays.
Therefore, current starts circulating in the pilot loop and hence
torque is produced in both of the relays. As the direction of
secondary current is opposite into relays, therefore, the torque in
one relay will tend to close the trip contacts and at the same time
torque produced in other relay will tend to hold the movement of
the trip contacts in normal un-operated position. The operating
torque depends upon the position and nature of faults in the
protected zone of feeder. The faulty portion of the feeder is
separated from healthy portion when at least one element of either
relay operates.
This can be noted that in translay protection scheme, a closed
copper ring is fitted with the Central limb of primary core of the
relay. These rings are utilised to neutralise the effect of pilot
capacity currents. Capacity currents lead the voltage impressed of
the pilot by 90o and when they flow in low inductive operating
winding, produce flux that also leads the pilot voltage by 90o. Since
the pilot voltage is that induced in the secondary coils of the relay, it
lags by a substantial angle behind the flux in the field magnetic air
gap. The closed copper rings are so adjusted that the angle is
approximately 90o. In this way fluxes acting on the disk are in phase
and hence no torque is exerted in the relay disc.
Differential Protection of
Transformer | Differential Relays
Like6 1
Previous
Next
Generally Differential protection is provided in the electrical
power transformer rated more than 5MVA. The Differential
Protection of Transformer has many advantages over other
schemes of protection.
1.
The faults occur in the transformer inside the insulating oil can
be detected by Buchholz relay. But if any fault occurs in the
transformer but not in oil then it can not be detected by Buchholz
relay. Any flash over at the bushings are not adequately covered
by Buchholz relay. Differential relays can detect such type of
faults. Moreover Buchholz relay is provided in transformer for
detecting any internal fault in the transformer but Differential
Protection scheme detects the same in more faster way.
2.
The differential relays normally response to those faults which
occur in side the differential protection zone of transformer.
Differential Protection Scheme in a Power

Transformer
Principle of Differential Protection
Principle of Differential Protection scheme is one simple
conceptual technique. The differential relay actually compares
between primary current and secondary current of power
transformer, if any unbalance found in between primary and
secondary currents the relay will actuate and inter trip both the
primary and secondary circuit breaker of the transformer.
Suppose you have one transformer which has primary rated current
Ip and secondary current Is. If you install CT of ratio Ip/1A at the
primary side and similarly, CT of ratio Is/1A at the secondary side of
the transformer. The secondaries of these both CTs are connected
together in such a manner that secondary currents of both CTs will
oppose each other. In other words, the secondaries of both CTs

should be connected to the same current coil of a differential relay
in such an opposite manner that there will be no resultant current in
that coil in a normal working condition of the transformer. But if any
major fault occurs inside the transformer due to which the normal
ratio of the transformer disturbed then the secondary current of
both transformers will not remain the same and one resultant
current will flow through the current coil of the differential relay,
which will actuate the relay and inter trip both the primary and
secondary circuit breakers. To correct phase shift of current because
of star - delta connection of transformer winding in the case of
three-phase transformer, the current transformer secondaries
should be connected in delta and star as shown here.
At maximum through fault current, the spill output produced by the

small percentage unbalance may be substantial. Therefore,
differential protection of transformer should be provided with a
proportional bias of an amount which exceeds in effect the
maximum ratio deviation.
Pick Up Current | Current Setting

| Plug Setting Multiplier and Time
Setting Multiplier of Relay
Like7
Previous
Next
During study of electrical protective relays, some special terms are
frequently used. For proper understanding, the functions of different
protective relays, the definition of such terms must be understood
properly. Such terms are,
1.
Pick up current.
2.
Current setting.
3.
Plug setting multiplier (PSM).
4.
Time setting multiplier (TSM).
Pick Up Current of Relay

In all electrical relays, the moving contacts are not free to move. All
the contacts remain in their respective normal position by some
force applied on them continuously. This force is called controlling
force of the relay. This controlling force may be gravitational force,
may be spring force, may be magnetic force.
The force applied on the relays moving parts for changing the
normal position of the contacts, is called deflecting force. This
deflecting force is always in opposition of controlling force and
presents always in the relay. Although the deflecting force always
presents in the relay directly connected to live line, but as the
magnitude of this force is less than controlling force in normal
condition, the relay does not operate. If the actuating current in the
relay coil increases gradually, the deflecting force in electro
mechanical relay, is also increased. Once, the deflecting force
crosses the controlling force, the moving parts of the relay initiate
to move to change the position of the contacts in the relay. The
current for which the relay initiates it operation is called pick up
current of relay.
Current Setting of Relay

The minimum pick up value of the deflecting force of an electrical
relay is constant. Again the deflecting force of the coil is
proportional to its number of turns and current flowing through the
coil.
Now, if we can change the number of active turns of any coil, the
required current to reach at minimum pick value of the deflecting
force, in the coil also changes. That means if active turns of the
relay coil is reduced, then proportionately more current is required
to produce desired relay actuating force. Similarly if active turns of
the relay coil is increased, then proportionately reduced current is
required to produce same desired deflecting force. Practically same
model relays may be used in different systems. As per these
systems requirement the pick up current of relay is adjusted. This is
known as current setting of relay. This is achieved by providing
required number of tapping in the coil. These taps are brought out
to a plug bridge. The number of active turns in the coil can be
changed by inserting plug in different points in the bridge. The
current setting of relay is expressed in percentage ratio of relay
pick up current to rated secondary current of CT.
That means,
For
example, suppose, you want that, an over current relay should
operate when the system current just crosses 125% of rated
current. If the relay is rated with 1 A, the normal pick up current of
the relay is 1 A and it should be equal to secondary rated current of
current transformer connected to the relay. Then, the relay will be
operated when the current of CT secondary becomes more than or
equal 1.25 A. As per definition,
The current setting is
sometimes referred as current plug setting. The current setting of
over current relay is generally ranged from 50 % to 200 %, in steps
of 25 %. For earth fault relay it is from 10% to 70% in steps of
10%.
Plug Setting Multiplier of Relay

Plug setting multiplier of relay is referred as ratio of fault
current in the relay to its pick up current.
Suppose we have
connected on protection CT of ratio 200/1 A and current setting is

150%. Hence, pick up current of the relay is, 1 150 % = 1.5 A
Now, suppose fault current in the CT primary is 1000 A. Hence, fault
current in the CT secondary i.e. in the relay coil is, 1000 1/200 =
5A Therefore PSM of the relay is, 5 / 1.5 =3.33
Time Setting Multiplier of Relay

The operating time of an electrical relay mainly depends upon two
factors :
1.
How long distance to be traveled by the moving parts of the
relay for closing relay contacts and
2.
How fast the moving parts of the relay cover this distance.
So far adjusting relay operating time, both of the factors to be
adjusted. The adjustment of travelling distance of an
electromechanical relay is commonly known as time setting. This
adjustment is commonly known as time setting multiplier of
relay. The time setting dial is calibrated from 0 to 1 in steps 0.05
sec. But by adjusting only time setting multiplier, we can not set the
actual time of operation of an electrical relay. As we already said,
the time of operation also depends upon the speed of operation. The
speed of moving parts of relay depends upon the force due to
current in the relay coil. Hence, it is clear that, speed of operation of
an electrical relay depends upon the level of fault current. In other
words, time of operation of relay depends upon plug setting
multiplier. The relation between time of operation and plug setting
multiplier is plotted on a graph paper and this is known as time /
PSM graph. From this graph one can determine, the total time taken
by the moving parts of an electromechanical relay, to complete its
total travelling distance for different PSM. In time setting multiplier,
this total travelling distance is divided and calibrated from 0 to 1 in
steps of 0.05. So when time setting is 0.1, the moving parts of the
relay has to travel only 0.1 times of the total travelling distance, to
close the contact of the relay. So, if we get total operating time of
the relay for a particular PSM from time / PSM graph and if we
multiply that time with the time setting multiplier, we will get, actual
time of operation of relay for said PSM and TSM. For getting clear
idea, let us have a practical example. Say a relay has time setting
0.1 and you have to calculate actual time of operation for PSM 10.
From time / PSM graph of the relay as shown below, we can see the
total operating time of the relay is 3 seconds. That means, the

moving parts of the relay take total 3 seconds to travel 100 %
travelling distance. As the time setting multiplier is 0.1 here,
actually the moving parts of the relay have to travel only 0.1
100% or 10% of the total travel distance, to close the relay
contacts. Hence, actual operating time of the relay is 3 0.1 = 0.3
sec. i.e. 10% of 3 sec.
Time vs PSM Curve of Relay

This is relation curve between operating time and plug setting
multiplier of an electrical relay. The x-axis or horizontal axis of the
Time / PSM graph represents, PSM and Y-axis or vertical axis
represents time of operation of the relay. The time of operation
represents in this graph is that, which required to operate the relay
when time setting multiplier set at 1. From the Time / PSM curve of
a typical relay shown below, it is seen that, if PSM is 10, the time of
operation of relay is 3 sec. That means, the relay will take 3
seconds to complete its operation, with time setting 1. It is also
seen from the curve that, for lower value of plug setting multiplier,
i.e. for lower value of fault current, the time of operation of the
relay is inversely proportional to the fault current. But when PSM
becomes more than 20, the operating time of relay becomes almost
constant. This feature is necessary in order to ensure discrimination
on very heavy fault current flowing through sound feeders.
Calculation of Relay Operation Time

For calculating actual relay operating time, we need to know these
following operation.
1.
Current setting.
2.
Fault current level.
3.
Ratio of current transformer.
4.
Time / PSM curve.
5.
Time setting.
Step-1 From CT ratio, we first see the rated secondary current of
CT. Say the CT ratio is 100 / 1 A, i.e. secondary current of CT is 1 A.
Step-2 From current setting we calculate the trick current of the
relay. Say current setting of the relay is 150 % therefore pick up
current of the relay is 1 150% = 1.5 A. Step-3 Now we have to
calculate PSM for the specified faulty current level. For that, we
have to first divide primary faulty current by CT ratio to get relay
faulty current. Say the faulty current level is 1500 A, in the CT
primary, hence secondary equivalent of faulty current is 1500/
(100/1) = 15 A
Step-4
Now, after calculating PSM, we have to find out the total time of
operation of the relay from Time / PSM curve. From the curve, say
we found the time of operation of relay is 3 second for PSM = 10.
Step-5 Finally that operating time of relay would be multiplied with
time setting multiplier, in order to get actual time of operation of
relay. Hence say time setting of the relay is 0.1. Therefore actual
time of operation of the relay for PSM 10, is 3 0.1 = 0.3 sec or
300 ms.
Distance Relay or Impedance Relay Working Principle Types
Like1 1
Previous
Next
There is one type of relay which functions depending upon the
distance of fault in the line. More specifically, the relay operates
depending upon the impedance between the point of fault and the
point where relay is installed. These relays are known as distance
relay or impedance relay.
Working Principle of Distance or Impedance Relay
The working principle of distance relay or impedance relay is

very simple. There is one voltage element from potential
transformer and an current element fed from current transformer of
the system. The deflecting torque is produced by secondary current
of CT and restoring torque is produced by voltage of potential
transformer.
In normal operating condition, restoring torque is more than

deflecting torque. Hence relay will not operate. But in faulty
condition, the current becomes quite large whereas voltage
becomes less. Consequently, deflecting torque becomes more than
restoring torque and dynamic parts of the relay starts moving which
ultimately close the No contact of relay. Hence clearly operation or
working principle of distance relay, depends upon the ratio of
system voltage and current. As the ratio of voltage to current is
nothing but impedance a distance relay is also known as impedance
relay. The operation of such relay depends upon the predetermined
value of voltage to current ratio. This ratio is nothing but
impedance. The relay will only operate when this voltage to current
ratio becomes less than its predetermined value. Hence, it can be
said that the relay will only operate when the impedance of the line
becomes less than predetermined impedance (voltage / current). As
the impedance of a transmission line is directly proportional to its
length, it can easily be concluded that a distance relay can only
operate if fault is occurred within a predetermined distance or
length of line.
Types of Distance or Impedance Relay
There are mainly two types of distance relay1.

Definite distance relay.
2.
Time distance relay.
Let us discuss one by one.
Definite Distance Relay
This is simply a variety of balance beam relay. Here one beam is

placed horizontally and supported by hinge on the middle. One end
of the beam is pulled downward by the magnetic force of voltage
coil, fed from potential transformer attached to the line. Other end
of the beam is pulled downward by the magnetic force of current
coil fed from current transformer connected in series with line. Due
to torque produced by these two downward forces, the beam stays
at an equilibrium position. The torque due to voltage coil, serves as
restraining torque and torque due to current coil, serves as

deflecting torque.
Under normal operating condition restraining torque is greater than
deflecting torque. Hence contacts of this distance relay remain
open. When any fault is occurred in the feeder, under protected
zone, voltage of feeder decreases and at the same time current
increases. The ratio of voltage to current i.e. impedance falls below
the pre-determined value. In this situation, current coil pulls the
beam more strongly than voltage coil, hence beam tilts to close the
relay contacts and consequently the circuit breaker associated with
this impedance relay will trip.
Time Distance Impedance Relay
This delay automatically adjusts its operating time according to the

distance of the relay from the fault point. The time distance
impedance relay not only be operated depending upon voltage to
current ratio, its operating time also depends upon the value of this
ratio. That means,
Construction of Time Distance Impedance Relay
The relay mainly

consists of a current driven element like double winding type
induction over current relay. The spindle carrying the disc of this
element is connected by means of a spiral spring coupling to a
second spindle which carries the bridging piece of the relay
contacts. The bridge is normally held in the open position by an
armature held against the pole face of an electromagnet excited by
the voltage of the circuit to be protected.
Operating Principle of Time Distance Impedance Relay
During normal operating condition the attraction force of armature

fed from PT is more than force generated by induction element,
hence relay contacts remain in open position when a short circuit
fault occurs in the transmission line, the current in the induction
element increases. Then the induction in the induction element
increases. Then the induction element starts rotating. The speed of
rotation of induction elements depends upon the level of fault i.e.

quantity of current in the induction element. As the rotation of the
disc proceeds, the spiral spring coupling is wound up till the tension
of the spring is sufficient to pull the armature away from the pole
face of the voltage excited magnet.
The angle through which the disc travels the disc travel before relay
operate depends upon the pull of the voltage excited magnet. The
greater the pull, the greater will be the travel of the disc. The pull of
this magnet depends upon the line voltage. The greater the line
voltage the greater the pull hence longer will be the travel of the
disc i.e. operating time is proportional to V. Again, speed of rotation
of induction element approximately proportional to current in this
element. Hence, time of operation is inversely proportional to
current.
Therefore time of operation of
relay,
Restricted Earth Fault Protection of Transformer | REF Protection

Like4
Next
Restricted Earth Fault Protection of Transformer
An external fault in the star side will result in current flowing in the
line current transformer of the affected phase and at the same time
a balancing current flows in the neutral current transformer, hence
the resultant current in the relay is therefore zero. So this REF relay
will not be actuated for external earth fault. But during internal fault
the neutral current transformer only carries the unbalance fault
current and operation of Restricted Earth Fault Relay takes place.
This scheme of restricted earth fault protection is very sensitive
for internal earth fault of electrical power transformer. The
protection scheme is comparatively cheaper than differential
protection scheme. Restricted earth fault protection is provided

in electrical power transformer for sensing internal earth fault of the
transformer. In this scheme the CT secondary of each phase of
electrical power transformer are connected together as shown in the
figure. Then common terminals are connected to the secondary of a
Neutral Current Transformer or NCT.
The CT or Current Transformer connected to the neutral of power
transformer is called Neutral Current Transformer or Neutral CT or
simply NCT. Whenever there is an unbalancing in between three
phases of the power transformer, a resultant unbalance current flow
through the close path connected to the common terminals of the
CT secondaries. An unbalance current will also flow through the
neutral of power transformer and hence there will be a secondary
current in Neutral CT because of this unbalance neutral current. In
Restricted Earth Fault scheme the common terminals of phase
CTs are connected to the secondary of Neutral CT in such a manner
that secondary unbalance current of phase CTs and the secondary
current of Neutral CT will oppose each other. If these both currents
are equal in amplitude there will not be any resultant current
circulate through the said close path. The Restricted Earth Fault
Relay is connected in this close path. Hence the relay will not
response even there is an unbalancing in phase current of the
power transformer.
Differential Protection of Generator or Alternator

Like 1
Previous
Next
Any internal fault inside the stator winding is cleared by mainly
differential protection scheme of the generator or
alternator.The differential protection is provided in the generator by
using longitudinal differential relay.
Generally
instantaneous attracted armature type relays are used for this
purpose because all they have high speed operation and also they
are free from being affected by any AC transient of the power
circuit.
There are two sets of current transformers one CT is connected to
the line side of the generator and other is connected to the neutral
side of the generator in each phase. It is needless to say that the
characteristics of all current transformers installed against each
phase must be matched. If there is any major mismatched in the
current transformers characteristics of both sides of the generator,
there may be high chance of malfunctioning of differential relay
during the fault external to the stator winding and also may be
during normal operating conditions of the generator.
To ensure that the relay does not operate for the faults external to
the operated zone of the protection scheme, a stabilizing resistor is
fitted in series with the relay operating oil. It also ensures that if
one set of CT has been saturated, there will be no possibility of
malfunctioning of the differential relay.
It is always
preferable to use dedicated current transformers for differential
protection purpose because common current transformers may
cause unequal secondary loading for other functionalities imposed
on them. It is also always preferable to use all current transformers
for differential protection of generators or alternators should be
of same characteristics. But practically there may be some
difference in characteristics of the current transformers installed at
line side to those installed in neutral side of the generator. These
mismatches cause spill current to flow through the relay operating
coil. To avoid the effect of spill current, percentage biasing is
introduced in differential relay.
The percentage
biased differential relay comprises two restraint coils and one
operating coil per phase. In the relay, the torque produced by
operating coil tends to close the relay contacts for instantaneous
tripping of circuit breakers but at the same time the torque
produced by the restraint coils prevents to close the relay contacts

as restraint coils torque is directed opposite of the operating coil
torque. Hence during through fault the differential relay would not
be operated because the setting of the relay is increased by
restraint coils and also it prevents malfunctioning of relay due to
spill current. But during internal fault in the winding of the stator,
the torque produced by restraint coils is ineffective and the relay
closes its contact when setting current flows through the operating
coil.
Differential current pickup setting/bias setting of the relay is
adopted based on the maximum percentage of allowable mismatch
adding some safety margin. The spill current level for the relay to
just operate it; is experienced as a percentage of the through fault
current causing it. This percentage is defined as bias setting of the
relay.
Transformer Differential Protection

Principles
P OST ED N OV 1 20 12 BY E DVA RD I N PR OT E CT IO N , T RA N SF OR ME RS W IT H 16 C OMM EN TS
Transformer Differential Protection Principles (on photo Penelec Collinsville transformer

substation 4 by PA Powerliner @ Flickr)
Inter-winding faults //
Similar to bus protections, transformers are protected by differential relays .
Inter-winding faults (short circuits) and ground faults within power transformers can
be detected by this protection scheme.
Failure to detect these faults and quickly isolate the transformer may cause serious damage
to the device.
Remember that a differential relay is basically an instantaneous overcurrent relay that

operates on the difference of current flowing into and out of the protected zone.
For transformers the differential protection (Figure 1) is basically the same as that for
a bus but there are certain differences that we will look more closely at.
These differences are a direct result of three characteristics or a transformer:
1. A transformer has a turns ratio so the current in is not really equal to the current
out. The current transformers are not likely exactly matched to the transformer turns
ratio so there will always be an unbalance currentin the operating coil of a transformer
differential relay.
2. Transformers require magnetising current. There will be a small current flow in the
transformer primary even if the secondary is open circuited.
3. A transformer has an inrush current. There is a time period after a transformer is

energized until the magnetic field in the core in alternating symmetrically. The size and
the length of this inrush depends on the residual field in the core and the point in the
ac cycle the transformer is re-energized.
In large transformers in might be ten or twenty times the full-load current initially and it
might take several minutes to reduce to negligible values.
Figure 1
Transformer differential relays haverestraint coils as indicated in Figure 1. The value

of the operate current has to be a certain set percentage higher than the current
flowing in the restraint coils. For this reason transformer differential relays are said to
percentage-differential relays.
Referring again to Figure 1, you will notice that when the transformer is first
energized, there will not be any current flowing in CT2. The CT1 secondary
current I1s flows through both the restraint and operate coils and prevents operation
unless the current is very high.
The restraint coils also prevent relay operation due to tap-changes, where the ratio
of transformer input to output current can continuously vary.
One other item included in transformer differential relays, but not shown in the diagram, is
second harmonic restraint.
When transformers are first energized there is over-fluxing (saturation) of the core and
the large inrush energizing current has a distorted waveform. This waveform is
described as having high second harmonic content.
The transformer differential relays make use of this known fact and add in extra
restraint when it detects this second harmonic. This extra feature prevents the
transformer from tripping due to magnetizing current when being energized, but does
not add any time delay.
Because the differential relay will not operate with load current or faults outside the
protected zones (through faults), it can be set to operate at a low value of current
thereby giving rapid operation when a fault occurs. There is no need to time delay the
operation of the relay and therefore a fast acting type of relay can be used.
Resource: Science and Reactor Fundamentals Electrical CNSC Technical
Training Group
Applications and forms of

differential relays
P OST ED AU G 15 2011 BY E DVA R D IN E N ER GY AN D PO W ER , P RO TE C TI ON WI TH 9 C OM ME NT S
ABB Residual Current Breaker with Overload

Protection RCBo
Differential relays take a variety of forms, depending on the equipment they protect.
The definition of such a relay is one that operates when the vector difference of two
or more similar electrical quantities exceeds a predetermined amount. It will be seen
later that almost any type of relay, when connected in a certain way, can be made to
operate as a differential relay. In other words, it is not so much the relay
construction as the way the relay is connected in a circuit that makes it a differential
relay.
Most differential-relay applications are of the current-differential type. The simplest
example of such an arrangement is shown in Fig. 14. The dashed portion of the circuit
of Fig. 14 represents the system element that is protected by the differential relay. This
system element might be a length of circuit, a winding of a generator, a portion of a
bus, etc.
A current transformer (CT) is shown in each connection to the system element. The
secondaries of the CTs are interconnected, and the coil of an overcurrent relay is
connected across the CT secondary circuit.
This relay could be any of the a-c types that we have considered.
Fig. 14. A simple

differential-relay application
Now, suppose that current flows through the primary circuit either to a load or to a
short circuit located at X. The conditions will be as in Fig. 15. If the two current
transformers have the same ratio, and are properly connected, their secondary
currents will merely circulate between the two CTs as shown by the arrows, and no
current will flow through the differential relay.
Fig. 15.
Conditions for an external load or fault
But, should a short circuit develop anywhere between the two CTs, the conditions of
Fig. 16 will then exist. If current flows to the short circuit from both sides as shown,
the sum of the CT secondary currents will flow through the differential relay. It is not
necessary that short-circuit current flow to the fault from both sides to cause
secondary current to flow through the differential relay. A flow on one side only, or
even some current flowing out of one side while a larger current enters the other side,
will cause a differential current.
In other words, the differential-relay current will be proportional to the vector difference
between the currents entering and leaving the protected circuit; and, if the differential
current exceeds the relays pickup value, the relay will operate.
Fig. 16. Conditions for

an internal fault
It is a simple step to extend the principle to a system element having several

connections. Consider Fig. 17, for example, in which three connections are involved.
Fig. 17 A three-terminal current-differential

application
It is only necessary, as before, that all the CTs have the same ratio, and that they be
connected so that the relay receives no current when the total current leaving the
circuit element is equal vectorially to the total current entering the circuit element.
The principle can still be applied where a power transformer is involved, but, in this
case, the ratios and connections of the CTs on opposite sides of the power
transformer must be such as to compensate for the magnitude and phase-angle
change between the power transformer currents on either side. This subject will be
treated in detail when we consider the subject of power-transformer protection.
A most extensively used form of differential relay is the percentage-differential type.
This is essentially the same as the overcurrent type of current-balance relay that was
described earlier, but it is connected in a differential circuit, as shown in Fig. 18.
Fig. 18. A percentagedifferential relay in a two-terminal circuit
The differential current required to operate this relay is a variable quantity, owing to
the effect of the restraining coil. The differential current in the operating coil is
proportional to I1 I2, and the equivalent current in the restraining coil is proportional
to (I1 + I2)/2, since the operating coil is connected to the midpoint of the restraining
coil; in other words, if we let N be the number of turns on the restraining coil, the total
ampere-turns are I1N/2 + I2N/2, which is the same as if (I1 + I2)/2 were to flow through
the whole coil.
The operating characteristic of such a relay is shown in Fig. 19. Thus, except for the
slight effect of the control spring at low currents, the ratio of the differential operating
current to the average restraining current is a fixed percentage, which explains the
name of this relay. The term through current is often used to designate I2, which is
the portion of the total current that flows through the circuit from one end to the other,
and the operating characteristics may be plotted using I2 instead of (I1 + I2)/2, to
conform with the ASA definition for a percentage differential relay.
The advantage of this relay is that it is less likely to operate incorrectly than a
differentially connected overcurrent relay when a short circuit occurs external to the
protected zone.
Fig. 19. Operating

characteristic of a percentage-differential relay
Current transformers of the types normally used do not transform their primary
currents so accurately under transient conditions as for a short time after a short
circuit occurs.
This is particularly true when the shortcircuit current is offset. Under such conditions,
supposedly identical current transformers may not have identical secondary currents,
owing to slight differences in magnetic properties or to their having different amounts
of residual magnetism, and the difference current may be greater, the larger the
magnitude of short-circuit current. Even if the short-circuit current to an external fault
is not offset, the CT secondary currents may differ owing to differences in the CT types
or loadings, particularly in power-transformer protection. Since the percentagedifferential relay has a rising pickup characteristic as the magnitude of through current
increases, the relay is restrained against operating improperly.
Figure 20 shows the comparison of a simple overcurrent relay with a percentagedifferential relay under such conditions. An overcurrent relay having the same
minimum pickup as a percentage-differential relay would operate undesirably when
the differential current barely exceeded the value X, whereas there would be no
tendency for the percentage-differential relay to operate.
Fig. 20. Illustrating the

value of the percentage-differential characteristic
Percentage-differential relays can be applied to system elements having more than

two terminals, as in the three-terminal application of Fig. 21. Each of the three
restraining coils of Fig. 21 has the same number of turns, and each coil produces
restraining torque independently of the others, and their torques are added
arithmetically.
The percent-slope characteristic for such a relay will vary with the distribution of
currents between the three restraining coils.
Fig. 21. Three-terminal

application of a percentage-differential relay
Percentage-differential relays are usually instantaneous or high speed. Time delay is

not required for selectivity because the percentage-differential characteristic and other
supplementary features to be described later make these relays virtually immune to
the effects of transients when the relays are properly applied. The adjustments
provided with some percentage-differential relay will be described in connection with
their application.
Several other types of differential-relay arrangements could be mentioned. One of
these uses a directional relay. Another has additional restraint obtained from
harmonics and the d-c component of the differential current. Another type uses an
overvoltage relay instead of an overcurrent relay in the differential circuit. Special
current transformers may be used having little or no iron in their magnetic circuit to
avoid errors in transformation caused by the d-c component of offset current waves.
All these types are extensions of the fundamental principles that have been described,
and they will be treated later in connection with their specific applications.
There has been great activity in the development of the differential relay because this
form of relay is inherently the most selective of all the conventional types. However,
each kind of system element presents special problems that have thus far made it
impossible to devise a differential-relaying equipment having universal application.
SOURCE: The Art & Science Of Protective Relaying C. Russel Mason
Transformer differential
protection (ANSI 87T)
P OST ED SE P 5 20 12 BY E DVA RD I N PR OT E CT IO N , T RA N SF OR ME RS W IT H 11 C OMM EN TS
SIPROTEC 4 7UT6 Differential Protection Relay for Transformers Connection of

transformer differential protection with high impedance REF (I7) and neutral current
measurement at I8
Introduction to ANSI code 87 T

Transformer differential protection protects against short-circuits between turns of a
winding and between windings that correspond to phase-to-phase or three-phase type
short-circuits.
If there is no earthing connection at the transformer location point, this protection can
also be used to protect against earth faults . If the earth fault current is limited by an
impedance, it is generally not possible to set the current threshold to a value less than
the limiting current.
The protection must be then carried out by a high impedance differential
protection.
Transformer differential protection operates very quickly, roughly 30 ms, which allows
any transformer deterioration in the event of a short-circuit between windings to be
avoided.
Transformers cannot be differentially protected using high impedance differential
protection for phase-to-phase short-circuit due to the natural differential currents that
occur:
1.
The transformer inrush currents. The operating speed required means that
a time delay longer than the duration of this current cannot be used (several tenths
of a second);
2.
The action of the on-load tap changer causes a differential current.
The characteristics of transformer differential protection are related to
the transformer specifications:
1.
Transformation ratio between the current entering Iin and the current
leaving Iout ;
2.
Primary and secondary coupling method;
3.
Inrush current;
4.
Permanent magnetizing current.
The block diagram is shown in Figure 1 below.
Figure 1 Transformer differential protection block diagram

In order to prevent tripping upon occurrence of high fault currents of external origin,
biased differential protection devices are used.
This is because of:
The differential current due to the on-load tap changer;
The current transformer measurement errors, as for pilot wire

differential protection for cables or lines.
Protection is activated when:
Iin Iout > K Iin + Io
(see Figure 2).
Figure 2
Transformer differential protection tripping curve
Problem relating to the transformation ratio and

the coupling method
The primary and secondary currents have different amplitudes owing to the
transformation ratio and different phases depending on the coupling method (deltastar transformer makes a phase displacement of 30). Therefore, the current values
measured must be readjusted so that the signals compared are equal during normal
operation.
This is done using matching auxiliary transformers whose role is to balance the
amplitudes and phases.
When one side of the transformer is star-connected with an earthed neutral, the
matching transformers located on this side are delta-connected, so that the residual
currents that would be detected upon occurrence of an earth fault outside the
transformer are cleared.
Problem relating to the transformer inrush

current
Transformer switching causes a very high transient current (from 8 to 15 In), which
only flows through the primary winding and lasts several tenths of a second.
It is thus detected by the protection as a differential current and it lasts far longer than
the protection operating time (30 ms). Detection based only on the difference between
the transformer primary and secondary currents would cause the protection to be
activated. Therefore, the protection must be able to distinguish between a differential
current due to a fault and a differential inrush current.
Experience has shown that the inrush current wave contains at least 20% of second
harmonic components (current at a frequency of 100 Hz), while this percentage is
never higher than 5% upon occurrence of an overcurrent due to a fault inside the
transformer.
The protection must therefore simply be locked when the percentage of second
harmonic component in relation to the fundamental harmonic component (current at
50 Hz) is higher than 15%, i.e. I2/I1 > 15%.
Problem relating to the magnetizing current

upon occurrence of an overvoltage of external
origin
The magnetizing current constitutes a difference between the transformer primary and
secondary currents (see section 6.1.1). It is therefore detected as a fault current by the
differential protection even though it is not due to a fault.
In normal operating conditions, this magnetizing current is very low and does not
reach the protection operating threshold.
However, when an overvoltage occurs outside the transformer, the magnetic material
saturates (in general the transformers are dimensioned to be able to operate at
saturation limit for the nominal supply voltage), and the magnetizing current value
greatly increases. The protection operating threshold can therefore be reached.
Experience has shown that the magnetizing current due to the magnetic saturation
has a high rate of fifth harmonic components (current at a frequency of 250 Hz).
To prevent spurious tripping upon occurrence of an overvoltage of external origin,
there are two solutions:
1.
Detect a rise in voltage that locks the protection;
2.
Detect saturation using the presence of fifth harmonic current that locks
the protection.
Transformer differential protection therefore requires fairly complex functions as it
must be able to measure second and fifth harmonic currents or, in order to
avoid measuring fifth harmonic currents, it must be able to detect overvoltages of

external origin.
Resource: Protection of electrical networks Christophe Prv

Scheme
L A ST UP DAT E D ON : JU LY 7, 2015 | 2 CO MM EN TS P OST ED
SIPROTEC 4 7UT6 Differential Protection Relay for Transformers Connection of transformer

differential protection with high impedance REF (I7) and neutral current measurement at I8
Introduction
Differential protection is a unit-type protection for a specified zone or piece of
equipment. It is based on the fact that it is only in the case of faults internal to the
zone that the differential current (difference between input and output currents) will
be high.
However, the differential current can sometimes be substantial even without an
internal fault.
This is due to certain characteristics of current transformers (different saturation levels,
nonlinearities) measuring the input and output currents, and of the power transformer being
protected.
With the exception of the inrush and overexcitation currents, most of the other
problems, can be solved by means of the percent differential relay, which adds to the
normal differential relay two restraining coils fed by the zone-through current, by
proper choice of the resulting percent differential characteristic, and by proper
connection of the current transformers on each side of the power transformer.
Percentage restraint differential protective relays have been in service for many
years. Figure 1 shows a typical differential relay connection diagram. Differential
elements compare an operating current with a restraining current.
The operating current (also called differential current), Id, can be obtained from
the phasor sum of the currents entering the protected element:
Figure 1 Simple
diagram connection for differential power transformer protection
Id is proportional to the fault current for internal faults and approaches zero for any
other operating (ideal) conditions.
There are different alternatives for obtaining the restraining current, IRT. The most
common ones include the following:
Where k is a compensation factor, usually taken as 1 or 0,5.

The differential relay generates a tripping signal if the differential current, Id, is
greater than a percentage of the restraining current, IRT :
Title:
Transformer Differential Protection Scheme With Internal Faults Detection Algorithm

Using Second Harmonics Restrain And Fifth Harmonics Blocking Logic Ouahdi Dris, Farag.
M. Elmareimi and Rekina Fouad
Overcurrent Protection of
Transformer (NEC 450.3)
P OST ED OC T 8 20 12 BY J IG UPA RM AR IN T RA NS FO RM ER S WI TH 22 CO MME NT S
Overcurrent Protection of Transformer (NEC 450.3) Photo by Efrem Oshinsky at

Flickr
Content
Introduction
Overcurrent protection of transformers >600V (NEC450.3A)
1.
2.
3.
Unsupervised location of transformer (impedance <6%)

Unsupervised location of transformer (impedance 6% to 10%)
Supervised location (in primary side only) of transformer
4.
5.
6.
7.
Supervised location of transformer (impedance up to 6%)

Supervised location of transformer (impedance 6% to 10%)
Difference in C.B between supervised & unsupervised Location
Sumary of overcurrent protection for more than 600V
Overcurrent Protection of Transformers <600V (NEC 450.3B)
1.
2.
3.
Only primary side protection of transformer

Primary and secondary side protection of transformer
Summary of overcurrent protection for less than 600V
Introduction
The overcurrent protection required for transformers is consider for Protection of
Transformer only. Such overcurrent protection will not necessarily protect the primary
or secondary conductors or equipment connected on the secondary side of the
transformer.
When voltage is switched on to energize a transformer, the transformer core normally
saturates.
This results in a large inrush current which is greatest during the first half cycle
(approximately 0.01 second) and becomes progressively less severe over the next
several cycles (approximately 1 second) until the transformer reaches its normal
magnetizing current. To accommodate this inrush current, fuses are often selected
which have time-current withstand values of at least 12 times transformer primary
rated current for 0.1 second and 25 times for 0.01 second. Some small dry-type
transformers may have substantially greater inrush currents.
To avoid using over sized conductors, overcurrent devices should be selected at
about 110 to 125 percent of the transformer full-load current rating. And when using
such smaller overcurrent protection, devices should be of the time-delay type (on the
primary side) to compensate for inrush currents which reach 8 to 10 times the full-load
primary current of the transformer for about 0.1 s when energized initially.
Protection of secondary conductors has to be provided completely separately
from any primary-side protection.
A supervised location is a location where conditions of maintenance and supervision
ensure that only qualified persons will monitor and service the transformer
installation. Overcurrent protection for a transformer on the primary side is typically a
circuit breaker. In some instances where there is not a high voltage panel, there is a
fused disconnect instead.
It is important to note that the overcurrent device on the primary side must be
sized based on the transformer KVA rating and not sized based on the
secondary load to the transformer.
Go to Content
Overcurrent Protection of Transformers

>600V (NEC450.3A)
1) Unsupervised Location of Transformer
(Impedance <6%)
Unsupervised
Location of Transformer (Impedance <6%)
OverCurrent Protection at Primary Side (Primary Voltage >600V):

Rating of Pri. Fuse at Point A= 300% of Pri. Full Load Current or Next higher
Standard size. or
Rating of Pri. Circuit Breaker at Point A= 600% of Pri. Full Load Current or Next
higher Standard size.
OverCurrent Protection at Secondary Side (Secondary Voltage <=600V):
Rating of Sec. Fuse / Circuit Breaker at Point B= 125% of Sec. Full Load
Current or Next higher Standard size.
OverCurrent Protection at Secondary Side (Secondary Voltage >600V):
Rating of Sec. Fuse at Point B= 250% of Sec. Full Load Current or Next higher
Standard size. or
Rating of Sec. Circuit Breaker at Point B= 300% of Sec. Full Load Current.
Example: 750KVA, 11KV/415V 3Phase Transformer having Impedance of
Transformer 5%
Full Load Current At Primary side = 750000/(1.732X11000) = 39A
Rating of Primary Fuse = 3X39A = 118A, So Standard Size of Fuse = 125A.
OR Rating of Primary Circuit Breaker = 6X39A = 236A, So standard size of CB

= 250A.
Full Load Current at Secondary side = 750000/(1.732X415) = 1043A.

Rating of Secondary of Fuse / Circuit Breaker = 1.25X1043A = 1304A, so
standard size of Fuse = 1600A.
Go to Content
2) Unsupervised Location of Transformer

(Impedance 6% to 10%)
Unsupervised
Location of Transformer (Impedance 6% to 10%)

Rating of Pri. Fuse at Point A= 300% of Primary Full Load Current or Next
Rating of Pri. Circuit Breaker at Point A= 400% of Primary Full Load Current or
Next higher Standard size.
Rating of Sec. Fuse at Point B= 225% of Sec. Full Load Current or Next higher
Standard size.
Rating of Sec. Circuit Breaker at Point B= 250% of Sec. Full Load Current or
Example: 10MVA, 66KV/11KV 3Phase Transformer, Impedance of Transformer is
8%
Rating of Pri. Fuse = 3X87A = 262A, so next standard size of Fuse = 300A.
OR Rating of Pri. Circuit Breaker = 6X87A = 525A, so next standard size of CB

= 600A.
Rating of Sec. Fuse = 2.25X525A = 1181A, so next standard size of fuse =
1200A.
OR Rating of Sec. Circuit Breaker = 2.5X525A = 1312A, so next standard size
of circuit breaker = 1600A.
Go to Content
3) Supervised Location (in Primary side only) of

Transformer
Supervised Location (in

Primary side only) of Transformer

Rating of Pri. Fuse at Point A= 250% of Primary Full Load Current or Next
Rating of Pri. Circuit Breaker at Point A= 300% of Primary Full Load Current or
Go to Content
4) Supervised Location of Transformer

(Impedance Up to 6%)
Supervised Location of
Transformer (Impedance Up to 6%)

Rating of Pri. Fuse at Point A= 300% of Pri. full load current or next lower
standard size.
Rating of Pri. Circuit Breaker at Point A= 600% of Pri. full load current or next
lower standard size.
Rating of Sec. Fuse at Point B= 250% of Sec. Full Load Current or Next Lower
Standard size.
Rating of Sec. Circuit Breaker at Point B= 300% of Sec. Full Load Current or
Next Lower Standard size.
Transformer 5%
Rating of Primary Fuse = 3X39A = 118A, so next lower standard size of fuse =
110A.
OR Rating of Primary Circuit Breaker = 6X39A = 236A, so next lower standard

size of Circuit Breaker = 225A.
Full Load Current at Secondary side = 750000/(1.732X415) =1043A.
Rating of Secondary of Fuse / Circuit Breaker = 2.5X1043A=2609A, so

Go to Content
5) Supervised Location of Transformer

(Impedance 6% to 10%)
Supervised Location of
Transformer (Impedance 6% to 10%)

Rating of Pri. Fuse at Point A= 300% of Pri. full load current or next lower
standard size.
Rating of Pri. Circuit Breaker at Point A= 400% of Pri. full load current or next
Overcurrent protection at secondary side (Secondary voltage <=600V):
Rating of Sec. Fuse / Circuit Breaker at Point B= 250% of Sec. full load current
or next higher standard size.
Overcurrent protection at secondary side (Secondary voltage >600V):
Rating of Sec. Fuse at Point B= 225% of Sec. full load current or next lower
standard size.
Rating of Sec. Circuit Breaker at Point B= 250% of Sec. full load current or next
Transformer 8%
Rating of Primary Fuse = 3X39A = 118A, so next lower standard size of Fuse =
110A.
OR Rating of Primary Circuit Breaker = 4X39A = 157A, so next lower standard

size of Circuit Breaker = 150A.
Rating of Secondary of Fuse / Circuit Breaker = 2.5X1043A=2609A, so

Go to Content
Difference in C.B between Supervised &

Unsupervised Location
Here we see two notable conditions while we select Fuse / Circuit Breaker in
Supervised Location and Unsupervised Location.
First notable condition is Primary Overcurrent Protection. In unsupervised location
fuse in primary side is 300% of primary current or Next Higher Standard size and in
supervised location is 300% of primary current or Next Lower Standard size. Here
primary overcurrent protection is same in both conditions (300%), but selecting size of
Fuse/Circuit Breaker is different.
Lets us Check with the Example for 750KVA, 11KV/415V 3Phase Transformer.
In Unsupervised Location: Rating of Primary Fuse = 3X39A = 118A, so next

higher standard size = 125A
In Supervised Location: Rating of Primary Fuse = 3X39A = 118A, so next

lower standard size = 110A
Second notable condition is Secondary Overcurrent Protection increased from

125% to 250% for unsupervised to Supervised Location.
Go to Content
Summary of overcurrent Protection for more

than 600V
Maximum Rating of Overcurrent Protection for Transformers more than 600 Volts
Location Transforme Primary Protection
Limitations
r Rated (More than 600 Volts)
Impedance
Any
location
Supervised
locations
only
Secondary Protection
More than 600V
C. B.
Fuse
Rating
Less than
6%
600%
(NH)
300%
(NH)
300 %( NH) 250%(NH) 125%(NH)
6% To 10%
400%
(NH)
300%
(NH)
250%(NH) 225%(NH) 125%(NH)
Any
300%
(NH)
250%
(NH)
Not
required
Not
required
Not
required
Less than
6%
600%
300%
300%
250%
250%
6% To 10%
400%
300%
250%
225%
250%
NH: Next Higher Standard Size.

Go to Content
C. B.
Fuse
Rating
Less than
600V
C.B or
Fuse
Overcurrent Protection of transformers

<600V (NEC 450.3B)
1) Only Primary side Protection of Transformer
Only Primary side Protection

of Transformer
OverCurrent Protection at Primary Side (Less than 2A):

Rating of Pri. Fuse / C.B at Point A = 300% of Pri. full load current or next lower
standard size.
Example: 1KVA, 480/230 3Phase transformer, full load current at Pri. side =
1000/(1.732X480) = 1A
Rating of Primary Fuse = 3X1A = 3A, so next lower standard size of Fuse = 3A.
OverCurrent Protection at Primary Side (2A to 9A):
Rating of Sec. Fuse / C.B at Point A = 167% of Pri. full load current or next
3000/(1.732X480) = 4A
Rating of Primary Fuse = 1.67X4A = 6A, so next lower standard size of Fuse =
6A.
OverCurrent Protection at Primary Side (More than 9A):
Rating of Pri. Fuse / C.B at Point A = 125% of Pri. full load current or next
higher standard size.
15000/(1.732X480) = 18A
Rating of Primary Fuse = 1.25X18A= 23A, so next higher standard size of Fuse
= 25A.
Go to Content
2) Primary and Secondary side Protection of

Transformer
Primary and
Secondary side Protection of Transformer
OverCurrent Protection at Primary Side (Less than 2A):

Rating of Pri. Fuse / C.B at Point A = 250% of Pri. full load current or next lower
standard size.
OverCurrent Protection at Primary Side (2A to 9A):
Rating of Sec. Fuse / C.B at Point A= 250% of Pri. full load current or next lower
standard size.
OverCurrent Protection at Primary Side (More than 9A):
Rating of Pri. Fuse / C.B at Point A= 250% of Pri. Full Load Current or Lower
Higher Standard size.
Example: 25KVA, 480/230 3Phase Transformer, Full Load Current at Pri.
Side=125000/(1.732X480)=30A
Rating of Primary Fuse = 2.50X30A= 75A, So Next Lower Standard Size of
Fuse =70A.
OverCurrent Protection at Secondary Side (Less than 9A):
Rating of Pri. Fuse / C.B at Point B= 167% of Sec. Full Load Current or Lower
Standard size.
Example: 3KVA, 480/230 3Phase Transformer, Full Load Current at Sec.

Side=3000/(1.732X230)=8A
Rating of Primary Fuse = 1.67X8A= 13A, So Next Lower Standard Size of Fuse
=9A.
OverCurrent Protection at Secondary Side (More than 9A):
Rating of Pri. Fuse / C.B at Point A= 125% of Pri. Full Load Current or Higher
Standard size.
Example: 15KVA, 480/230 3Phase Transformer, Full Load Current at Sec.

Side=15000/(1.732X230)=38A
Rating of Primary Fuse = 1.25X38A= 63A, So Next Higher Standard Size of

Fuse =70A.
Go to Content
Summary of overcurrent Protection for Less

than 600V
Maximum Rating of Overcurrent Protection for Transformers Less than
600 Volts
Protection
Method
Primary Protection
More than 2A to 9A Less than
9A
2A
Secondary Protection
More than
9A
Less than
9A
Primary only
protection
125%
(NH)
167%
300%
Not required
Not
required
Primary and
secondary
protection
250%
250%
250%
125%(NH)
167%
NH: Next Higher Standard Size.
Protection Relay ANSI

Standards
P OST ED FE B 22 20 11 BY E DVA RD I N EN E R GY A ND P OW E R , IE C S TA NDA RD S WI TH 36 CO MME NT S
Protection Relay - ANSI Standards
In the design of electrical power systems, the ANSI Standard Device

Numbers denote what features a protective device supports (such as a relay or circuit
breaker). These types of devices protect electrical systems and components from
damage when an unwanted event occurs, such as an electrical fault.
ANSI numbers are used to identify the functions of medium voltage microprocessor
devices.
ANSI facilitates the development of American National Standards (ANS) by accrediting
the procedures of standards developing organizations (SDOs). These groups work
cooperatively to develop voluntary national consensus standards.
Accreditation by ANSI signifies that the procedures used by the standards body in
connection with the development of American National Standards meet the Institutes
essential requirements for openness, balance, consensus and due process.
ANSI standards (protection) index

Current protection functions
ANSI
ANSI
ANSI
ANSI
ANSI
50/51 Phase overcurrent

50N/51N or 50G/51G Earth fault or sensitive earth fault
50BF Breaker failure
46 -Negative sequence / unbalance
49RMS Thermal overload
Directional power protection functions
ANSI 32P Directional active overpower

ANSI 32Q/40 Directional reactive overpower
Voltage protection functions
ANSI
ANSI
ANSI
ANSI
ANSI
ANSI
27D Positive sequence undervoltage

27R Remanent undervoltage
27 Phase-to-phase undervoltage
59 Phase-to-phase overvoltage
59N Neutral voltage displacement
47 Negative sequence voltage
Recloser
ANSI 79 Reclose the circuit breaker after tripping
Directional current protection
ANSI
ANSI
ANSI
ANSI
ANSI
67 Directional phase overcurrent

67N/67NC Directional earth fault
67N/67NC type 1
67N/67NC type 2
67N/67NC type 3
Machine protection functions
ANSI
ANSI
ANSI
ANSI
ANSI
ANSI
37 Phase undercurrent
48/51LR/14 Locked rotor / excessive starting time
66 Starts per hour
50V/51V Voltage-restrained overcurrent
26/63 Thermostat, Buchholz, gas, pressure, temperature detection
38/49T Temperature monitoring by RTD
Frequency protection functions
ANSI 81H Overfrequency

ANSI 81L Underfrequency
ANSI 81R Rate of change of frequency (ROCOF)
Current protection functions

ANSI 50/51 PHASE OVERCURRENT
Three-phase protection against overloads and phase-to-phase short-circuits.
ANSI 50N/51N OR 50G/51G EARTH FAULT

Earth fault protection based on measured or calculated residual current values:
ANSI 50N/51N: residual current calculated or measured by 3 phase current sensors

ANSI 50G/51G: residual current measured directly by a specific sensor
ANSI 50BF BREAKER FAILURE

If a breaker fails to be triggered by a tripping order, as detected by the non-extinction
of the fault current, this backup protection sends a tripping order to the upstream or
adjacent breakers.
ANSI 46 NEGATIVE SEQUENCE / UNBALANCE

Protection against phase unbalance, detected by the measurement of negative
sequence current:
Sensitive protection to detect 2-phase faults at the ends of long lines

Protection of equipment against temperature build-up, caused by an unbalanced power
supply, phase inversion or loss of phase, and against phase current unbalance
ANSI 49RMS THERMAL OVERLOAD

Protection against thermal damage caused by overloads on machines (transformers,
motors or generators). The thermal capacity used is calculated according to a
mathematical model which takes into account:
Current RMS values

Ambient temperature
Negative sequence current, a cause of motor rotor temperature rise
ANSI index
Recloser
ANSI 79
Automation device used to limit down time after tripping due to transient or
semipermanent faults on overhead lines. The recloser orders automatic reclosing of
the breaking device after the time delay required to restore the insulation has elapsed.
Recloser operation is easy to adapt for different operating modes by parameter
setting.
ANSI index
Directional current protection

ANSI 67 DIRECTIONAL PHASE OVERCURRENT
Phase-to-phase short-circuit protection, with selective tripping according to fault
current direction. It comprises a phase overcurrent function associated with direction
detection, and picks up if the phase overcurrent function in the chosen direction (line
or busbar) is activated for at least one of the 3 phases.
ANSI 67N/67NC DIRECTIONAL EARTH FAULT

Earth fault protection, with selective tripping according to fault current direction. 3
types of operation:
type 1: the protection function uses the projection of the I0 vector

type 2: the protection function uses the I0 vector magnitude with half-plane tripping
zone
type 3: the protection function uses the I0 vector magnitude with angular sector tripping
zone
ANSI 67N/67NC TYPE 1

Directional earth fault protection for impedant, isolated or compensated
neutralsystems, based on the projection of measured residual current.

Directional overcurrent protection for impedance and solidly earthed systems, based
on measured or calculated residual current. It comprises an earth fault function
associated with direction detection, and picks up if the earth fault function in the
chosen direction (line or busbar) is activated.

Directional overcurrent protection for distribution networks in which the neutral
earthing system varies according to the operating mode, based on measured residual
current. It comprises an earth fault function associated with direction detection
(angular sector tripping zone defined by 2 adjustable angles), and picks up if the earth
fault function in the chosen direction (line or busbar) is activated.
ANSI index
Directional power protection functions

ANSI 32P DIRECTIONAL ACTIVE OVERPOWER
Two-way protection based on calculated active power, for the following applications:
active overpower protection to detect overloads and allow load shedding

reverse active power protection:
against generators running like motors when the generators consume active
power
against motors running like generators when the motors supply active power
ANSI 32Q/40 DIRECTIONAL REACTIVE OVERPOWER

Two-way protection based on calculated reactive power to detect field loss on
synchronous machines:
reactive overpower protection for motors which consume more reactive power with
field loss
reverse reactive overpower protection for generators which consume reactive power
with field loss.
ANSI index
Machine protection functions

ANSI 37 PHASE UNDERCURRENT
Protection of pumps against the consequences of a loss of priming by the detection of
motor no-load operation. It is sensitive to a minimum of current in phase 1, remains
stable during breaker tripping and may be inhibited by a logic input.
ANSI 48/51LR/14 LOCKED ROTOR / EXCESSIVE

STARTING TIME
Protection of motors against overheating caused by:
excessive motor starting time due to overloads (e.g. conveyor) or insufficient supply
voltage. The reacceleration of a motor that is not shut down, indicated by a logic input,
may be considered as starting.
locked rotor due to motor load (e.g. crusher):
in normal operation, after a normal start
directly upon starting, before the detection of excessive starting time, with
detection of locked rotor by a zero speed detector connected to a logic input, or
by the underspeed function.
ANSI 66 STARTS PER HOUR

Protection against motor overheating caused by:
too frequent starts: motor energizing is inhibited when the maximum allowable number
of starts is reached, after counting of:
starts per hour (or adjustable period)
consecutive motor hot or cold starts (reacceleration of a motor that is not shut
down, indicated by a logic input, may be counted as a start)
starts too close together in time: motor re-energizing after a shutdown is only allowed
after an adjustable waiting time.
ANSI 50V/51V VOLTAGE-RESTRAINED OVERCURRENT

Phase-to-phase short-circuit protection, for generators. The current tripping set point is
voltage-adjusted in order to be sensitive to faults close to the generator which cause
voltage drops and lowers the short-circuit current.
ANSI 26/63 THERMOSTAT/BUCHHOLZ

Protection of transformers against temperature rise and internal faults via logic inputs
linked to devices integrated in the transformer.
ANSI 38/49T TEMPERATURE MONITORING

Protection that detects abnormal temperature build-up by measuring the temperature
inside equipment fitted with sensors:
transformer: protection of primary and secondary windings

motor and generator: protection of stator windings and bearings.
ANSI index
Voltage protection functions
ANSI 27D POSITIVE SEQUENCE UNDERVOLTAGE

Protection of motors against faulty operation due to insufficient or unbalanced network
voltage, and detection of reverse rotation direction.
ANSI 27R REMANENT UNDERVOLTAGE

Protection used to check that remanent voltage sustained by rotating machines has
been cleared before allowing the busbar supplying the machines to be re-energized,
to avoid electrical and mechanical transients.
ANSI 27 UNDERVOLTAGE
Protection of motors against voltage sags or detection of abnormally low network
voltage to trigger automatic load shedding or source transfer. Works with phase-tophase voltage.
ANSI 59 OVERVOLTAGE
Detection of abnormally high network voltage or checking for sufficient voltage to
enable source transfer. Works with phase-to-phase or phase-to-neutral voltage, each
voltage being monitored separately.
ANSI 59N NEUTRAL VOLTAGE DISPLACEMENT

Detection of insulation faults by measuring residual voltage in isolated neutral
systems.
ANSI 47 NEGATIVE SEQUENCE OVERVOLTAGE

Protection against phase unbalance resulting from phase inversion, unbalanced
supply or distant fault, detected by the measurement of negative sequence voltage.
ANSI index
Frequency protection functions
ANSI 81H OVERFREQUENCY

Detection of abnormally high frequency compared to the rated frequency, to monitor
power supply quality.
ANSI 81L UNDERFREQUENCY

Detection of abnormally low frequency compared to the rated frequency, to monitor
power supply quality. The protection may be used for overall tripping or load shedding.
Protection stability is ensured in the event of the loss of the main source and presence
of remanent voltage by a restraint in the event of a continuous decrease of the
frequency, which is activated by parameter setting.
ANSI 81R RATE OF CHANGE OF FREQUENCY

Protection function used for fast disconnection of a generator or load shedding control.
Based on the calculation of the frequency variation, it is insensitive to transient voltage
disturbances and therefore more stable than a phase-shift protection function.
Disconnection In installations with autonomous production means connected to a
utility, the rate of change of frequency protection function is used to detect loss of the
main system in view of opening the incoming circuit breaker to:
protect the generators from a reconnection without checking synchronization

avoid supplying loads outside the installation.
Load shedding The rate of change of frequency protection function is used for load
shedding in combination with the underfrequency protection to:
either accelerate shedding in the event of a large overload

or inhibit shedding following a sudden drop in frequency due to a problem that should
not be solved by shedding.
Transformer Protection Abstract

from NEC
P OST ED DE C 26 2011 BY JI GU PAR MA R I N PR OT E CT IO N , T RA N SF OR ME RS W IT H 7 CO MM EN TS
Transformer protection Abstract from NEC (National Electric Code)
NEC, Code 450.4

Calculate overcurrent Protection on the Primary
According to NEC 450.4, each transformer 600 volts, nominal, or less shall be
protected by an individual overcurrent device installed in series with each ungrounded
input conductor.
Such overcurrent device shall be rated or set at not more than 125% of the rated fullload input current of the auto transformer.
Further, according to NEC Table 450.3 (B), if the primary current of the transformer is
less than 9 amps, an overcurrent device rated or set at not more than 167% of the
primary current shall be permitted. Where the primary current is less than 2 amps, an
overcurrent device rated or set at not more than 300% shall be permitted.
Example
Decide Size of circuit breaker (overcurrent protection device) is required on the primary side
to protect a 75kva 440v-230v 3 transformer.
75kva x 1,000 = 75,000VA

75,000VA / (440V x 3) = 98.41 amps.
The current (amps) is more than 9 amps so use 125% rating.
123 amps x 1.25 = 112.76 amps
Use 125 amp 3-pole circuit breaker (the next highest fuse/fixed-trip circuit breaker
size per NEC 240.6). The overcurrent device on the primary side must be sized based
on the transformer KVA rating and not sized based on the secondary load to the
transformer.
NEC, Code 450.3B

Calculate overcurrent Protection on the Secondary
According to NEC Table 450.3 (B), where the secondary current of a transformer is 9
amps or more and 125% of this current does not correspond to a standard rating of a
fuse or circuit breaker, the next higher standard rating shall be required. Where the
secondary current is less than 9 amps, an overcurrent device rated or set at not more
than 167% of the secondary current shall be permitted.
Example
Decide size of circuit breaker (overcurrent protection device) is required on
the secondary side to protect a 75kva 440v-230v 3 transformer. We have Calculate
the secondary overcurrent protection based on the size of the transformer, not the
total connected load.
75kva x 1,000 = 75,000va
75,000va / (230V x 3) = 188.27 amps. (Note: 230V 3 is calculated)
The current (amps) is more than 9 amps so use 125% rating.
188.27 amps x 1.25 = 235.34 amps
Therefore: Use 300amp 3-pole circuit breaker (per NEC 240.6).
NEC, Section 450-3 (a)

Transformers over 600 volts, Nominal
For primary and secondary protection with a transformer impedance of 6% or less, the
primary fuse must not be larger than 300% of primary Full Load Amps (F.L.A.) and the
secondary fuse must not be larger than 250% of secondary F.L.A.
NEC, Section 450-3 (b)

Transformers over 600 volts, Nominal
For primary protection only, the primary fuse must not be larger than 125% of primary
F.L.A.
For primary and secondary protection the primary feeder fuse must not be larger than
250% of primary F.L.A. if the secondary fuse is sized at 125% of secondary F.L.A.
NEC, Section 450-3 (b)
Potential (Voltage) Transformer

These shall be protected with primary fuses when installed indoors or enclosed.
NEC, Section 230-95

Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment
This section show that 277/480 volt wye only connected services, 1000
amperes and larger, must have ground fault protection in addition to conventional
overcurrent protection.
The ground fault relay (or sensor) must be set to pick up ground faults which are 1200
amperes or more and actuate the main switch or circuit breaker to disconnect all
ungrounded conductors of the faulted circuit.
NEC, Section 110-9

Interrupting Capacity
Any device used to protect a low voltage system should be capable of opening all fault
currents up to the maximum current available at the terminal of the device.
Many overcurrent devices, today, are used in circuits that are above their interrupting
rating.
By using properly sized Current Limiting Fuses ahead of these devices, the current
can usually be limited to a value lower than the interrupting capacity of the overcurrent
devices.
NEC, Section 110-10

Circuit Impedance and Other Characteristics
The overcurrent protective devices, along with the total impedance, the component
short-circuit withstand ratings, and other characteristics of the circuit to be protected
shall be so selected and coordinated so that the circuit protective devices used to
clear a fault will do so without the occurrence of extensive damage to the electrical
components of the circuit.
In order to do this we must select the overcurrent protective devices so that they will
open fast enough to prevent damage to the electrical components on their load side.
Originally published at Electrical Notes & Articles
Backup Protection of Transformer | Over Current and Earth Fault

Like1 1
Previous
Next
Over Current and Earth Fault Protection of Transformer
Backup protection of electrical transformer is simple Over

Current and Earth Fault protection applied against external
short circuit and excessive over loads. These over current and earth
Fault relays may be of Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) or
Definite Time type relays. Generally IDMT relays are connected to
the in-feed side of the transformer. The over current relays can not
distinguish between external short circuit, over load and internal
faults of the transformer. For any of the above fault, backup
protection i.e. over current and earth fault protection
connected to in-feed side of the transformer will operate.
Backup protection is although generally installed at in feed side of

the transformer, but it should trip both the primary and secondary
circuit breakers of the transformer.
Over Current and Earth Fault

protection relays may be also provided in load side of the
transformer too, but it should not inter trip the primary side circuit
breaker like the case of backup protection at in-feed side. The
operation is governed primarily by current and time settings and the
characteristic curve of the relay. To permit use of over load capacity
of the transformer and co-ordination with other similar relays at
about 125 to 150 % of full load current of the transformer but below
the minimum short circuit current.
Backup protection of transformer has four elements, three over
current relays connected each in each phase and one earth fault
relay connected to the common point of three over current relays as
shown in the figure. The normal range of current settings available
on IDMT over current relays is 50 % to 200 % and on earth fault
relay 20 to 80 %.
Another range of setting on earth fault relay is also available and
may be selected where the earth fault current is restricted due to
insertion of impedance in the neutral grounding. In the case of
transformer winding with neutral earthed, unrestricted earth fault
protection is obtained by connecting an ordinary earth fault relay
across a neutral current transformer. The unrestricted over current
and earth fault relays should have proper time lag to co-ordinate
with the protective relays of other circuit to avoid indiscriminate
tripping.

Differential Relay

Caricato da

Informazioni sul documento

Copyright

Formati disponibili

Condividi questo documento

Condividi o incorpora il documento

Opzioni di condivisione

Hai trovato utile questo documento?

Questo contenuto è inappropriato?

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Differential Relay

Caricato da

Copyright:

Formati disponibili

Differential Relay

Definition of Differential Relay

Types of Differential Relay

alternator) from the system. Principally this type of relay systems

Percentage Differential Relay

Voltage Balance Differential Relay

secondary circuit of each relay is connected in series to form a

Differential Protection Scheme in a Power

oppose each other. In other words, the secondaries of both CTs

At maximum through fault current, the spill output produced by the

Pick Up Current | Current Setting

Pick Up Current of Relay

Current Setting of Relay

Plug Setting Multiplier of Relay

connected on protection CT of ratio 200/1 A and current setting is

Time Setting Multiplier of Relay

total operating time of the relay is 3 seconds. That means, the

Time vs PSM Curve of Relay

Calculation of Relay Operation Time

The working principle of distance relay or impedance relay is

In normal operating condition, restoring torque is more than

There are mainly two types of distance relay1.

This is simply a variety of balance beam relay. Here one beam is

restraining torque and torque due to current coil, serves as

This delay automatically adjusts its operating time according to the

Construction of Time Distance Impedance Relay

The relay mainly

During normal operating condition the attraction force of armature

rotation of induction elements depends upon the level of fault i.e.

Therefore time of operation of

Restricted Earth Fault Protection of Transformer | REF Protection

protection scheme. Restricted earth fault protection is provided

Differential Protection of Generator or Alternator

produced by the restraint coils prevents to close the relay contacts

Transformer Differential Protection

Transformer Differential Protection Principles (on photo Penelec Collinsville transformer

Remember that a differential relay is basically an instantaneous overcurrent relay that

3. A transformer has an inrush current. There is a time period after a transformer is

Transformer differential relays haverestraint coils as indicated in Figure 1. The value

Applications and forms of

ABB Residual Current Breaker with Overload

Fig. 14. A simple

Fig. 16. Conditions for

It is a simple step to extend the principle to a system element having several

Fig. 17 A three-terminal current-differential

Fig. 18. A percentagedifferential relay in a two-terminal circuit

Fig. 19. Operating

Fig. 20. Illustrating the

Percentage-differential relays can be applied to system elements having more than

Fig. 21. Three-terminal

Percentage-differential relays are usually instantaneous or high speed. Time delay is

SIPROTEC 4 7UT6 Differential Protection Relay for Transformers Connection of

Introduction to ANSI code 87 T

Figure 1 Transformer differential protection block diagram

The differential current due to the on-load tap changer;

The current transformer measurement errors, as for pilot wire

Iin Iout > K Iin + Io

(see Figure 2).

Problem relating to the transformation ratio and

Problem relating to the transformer inrush

Problem relating to the magnetizing current

avoid measuring fifth harmonic currents, it must be able to detect overvoltages of

Transformer Differential Protection

SIPROTEC 4 7UT6 Differential Protection Relay for Transformers Connection of transformer