Protection Relays Interview Questions Answers

Where does Negative phase sequence relay is employed?

Answer: Negative sequence relay is employed for the protection of generators and
motors against unbalanced loading that may arise due to phase to phase faults

What is the operation principle of differential relay?
Answer: A differential relay operates when the phasor difference of two or more
similar electrical quantities exceeds a pre-determined amount

Why distance protection is preferred as primary protection compared to over
current protection for transmission lines?
Answer: Distance relay is superior to over current protection for the protection of
transmission lines. Some the reasons are faster protection, simpler coordination,
simpler application, permanent settings without need for readjustment, less effect of
the amount of generation and fault levels, fault current magnitude, permits the high
line loading

Why biased differential protection is preferred over simple differential
protection?

Related Topics
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Transmission Line Protection Questions
Induction Motor Protection Questions
Synchronous Generator Protection Questions
Generator Protection Interview Questions
Protection Relays Interview Questions
Electromagnetic Relays Advantages
Function of Instrument Transformers

Answer: Biased differential relay is preferred because its operation is not affected by
the trouble arising out of the difference in the CTs ratios for high values of external
short circuit currents

Where Impedance relay, Reactance relay and Mho relays are employed?
Answer: The Impedance relay is suitable for the phase faults relaying for the lines of
moderate lengths Reactance type relays are employed for the ground faults while
Mho type of relays are best suited for the long transmission lines and particularly
where synchronizing power surge may occur

What is percentage differential relay?
Answer: It is a differential relay where the operating current required to trip can be
expressed as a percentage of load current


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2013/01/protection-relays-interview-
questions.html#ixzz3FS4iaOye
Induction Motor Protection Interview Questions Answers
What are the type of faults that are likely to occur in operation of 3 phase
induction motor?
Answer: The faults which are likely to occur in operation of 3-phase induction motors
are:
Stator faults (phase to phase, phase to earth, and inter turn faults), Rotor fault (earth
fault and inter turn fault), prolonged overloading, stalling, unbalanced system
voltages, single phasing, under voltage and reverse phase

Why prolonged overloading protection is required for Induction motor?
Answer: Prolonged overloading on induction motor can cause excessive temperature
rise in the stator and rotor windings of induction motor and also it damages the
insulation resulting in the winding fault. Hence overloading protection is provided
irrespective size and rating of the motor. Overload protection for the motor should
not operate during starting of the motor
Thermal overload relays or inverse over current relays are provided for protecting
motors against prolonged overloading conditions

Why Negative sequence current protection is provided for Induction Motor?
Answer: Negative sequence currents flow in to the motor when the motor is supplied
with unbalanced supply voltage. This flow of negative sequence currents will cause
the overheating of the motor

What is Stalling in Induction motor and how to protect motor during Stalling?

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Function of Instrument Transformers
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High Voltage Induction Motor Protection
Different Faults on Induction Motors

Answer: Due to the mechanical problem in the motor or due to high overloading
during starting of motor induction motor fails to start. This condition where the motor
fails to start is called Stalling and it is undesirable as motor draws heavy currents.
Therefore motor should be immediately isolated from the supply.
Instantaneous over-current relay is employed to protect the motor against Stalling

What is Single Phasing and problems associated with it in Induction Motor?
Answer: Single Phasing in an Induction motor arises when one of the supply lines
out of three phase open circuits. In this condition, motor continue to operate
delivering load not exceeding 57.7% of the normal rating with the same temperature
rise compared to three phase supply delivering full load.
Some of the problems associated with single phasing are it may cause extreme
magnetic unbalance, reduction in the torque of the motor, and overheating due to
negative phase sequence currents. Operation of the motor under this condition is not
advisable at it damages the motor. Therefore Thermal overload relays are provided
for the protection of motor against single phasing


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2013/01/induction-motor-protection-
interview.html#ixzz3FS5O5Zdy

Circuit Breaker Interview Questions Answers
What is a Circuit Breaker?
Answer: Circuit Breaker is a mechanical device designed to close or open contact
members, thus closing or opening an electrical circuit under the normal or abnormal
conditions

How does a Circuit Breaker different from Switch?
Answer: Switch is just a device when can be able to open and close the circuit during
normal operation. Whereas on the other hand circuit breaker has the ability to open
and close the contacts during abnormal or fault conditions. Thus circuit breaker has
the potential to break and make heavy short circuit currents. Auto-reclosures in the
circuit beaker has the ability to re-close after certain designed duration to verify
whether the short circuit was cleared

What is meant by making capacity of the circuit breaker?
Answer: The making capacity of the circuit breaker when closed on a short circuit is
the peak value of the maximum current wave (including dc component) in the first
cycle of the current after the circuit is closed by the circuit breaker

Why current chopping is not common in oil circuit breakers?
Answer: Current chopping is not common in oil circuit breakers because in most of
the oil circuit breakers the arc extinguishing power is proportional to the magnitude of
current to be interrupted

Name the materials used for the contacts of vacuum circuit breakers?
Answer: Copper-Bismuth, Copper-lead, Copper-tellurium, Silver-bismuth, Silver-lead
and Silver-tellurium are some of the alloys employed as contact materials in the
vacuum circuit breakers

Why current chopping considered as serious drawback in a circuit breaker?

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High Voltage Interview Questions
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Generator Protection Interview Questions

Answer: The current chopping is considered as serious drawback because it sets up
high voltage transient across the breaker contacts.

For EHV applications which type of circuit breaker is mostly preferred?
Answer: For Exta High Voltage (EHV) applications SF6 gas insulated switchgear is
preferred

What are the duties of Circuit Breakers?
Answer: Some of the duties of the circuit breakers are listed below:
Interruption of small inductive currents
Switching of unloaded transmission lines and unloaded cables
Switching of capacitor banks and reactors
Interruption of terminal faults
Interruption of short line faults
Asynchronous switching


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2012/10/circuit-breaker-interview-
questions.html#ixzz3FS5m4zgC
Faults on Induction Motors and associated Protection
Faults that can occur in 3 phase induction motors and associated protections are discussed
below:
Stator faults:
These faults include phase to phase faults, earth faults, and inter turn faults. Faults in motor
windings are generally occur due to failure of insulation which causes due to the excess
heating in the windings of the machine. Phase to phase faults are rare because enough
insulation is provided between the phases. Earth faults are more likely occur in induction
motors. Inter turn fault (phase to phase fault) if occurs lead to earth fault. Hence it is
sufficient to provide protection for the earth faults
Rotor faults:
These faults are more likely occur in wound rotor machine. Faults on wound rotors may be
either earth faults or inter turn faults which occurs due to severe mechanical and thermal
stresses
Other faults which occurs on the rotor of the motor includes failure of bearings and faults in
the starters and associated circuits
Abnormal conditions:
Some of the abnormal conditions that are likely occur are:
Prolonged over loading protection:

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High Voltage Induction Motor Protection
Power System Protection Interview Questions

It is caused by excessive mechanical loading, short time cyclic over loading. This causes
excessive rise of temperature of winding and deterioration of insulation resulting in winding
fault. Hence over load protection should be provided in electrical machines irrespective of
the size, rating of the motor and type of load driving
Stalling protection:
Due to mechanical problem or overload during the period of starting motor may stall and
refuse to start. During stalling motor draws huge current. Hence it is not desirable and
immediate isolation of the motor from supply mains is essential
Unbalanced supply voltage protection:
The unbalanced three phase supply causes negative sequence currents to flow in the motor
that is likely to cause over heating of the motor
Single Phasing protection:
Single phasing in motors cause when one of the supply lines gets disconnected. They may
be occurred due to blowing of fuse or open circuit in one of the three phase connection. In
such condition motor continuous to operate as single phase induction motor provided that
load does not exceed 57.7% of the normal rating.
Single phasing may cause extreme magnetic unbalance, reduction in torque and over
heating due to negative phase sequence currents. Operating under this mode lead to
damage to the motor and therefore protection is provided for single phasing of the motor
Under Voltage protection:
The under voltage supply condition will lead to drawing more current from the mains for a
given load. Hence under voltage protection is also provided for induction motor
Reverse Phase protection:
The direction of poly phase induction motor is reversed if the phase sequence is changed. In
some motor applications such protection may be required feature


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2012/05/faults-on-induction-motors-
protection.html#ixzz3FS5x2Gfi
Synchronous Generator Protection Interview Questions
Answers
What are the common types of generator faults?
Answer: The common types of faults occurring in synchronous generators are:
Stator winding faults (phase to phase faults, phase to earth faults, inter turn faults),
Rotor winding faults (conductor to earth faults, open circuit faults, inter turn faults),
failure of prime mover, failure of the field, unbalanced loading, over loading, over-
voltage at generator terminals, over-speed, ventilation failure, loss of excitation.

For what type of faults does differential protection is provided?
Answer: Differential protection responds to the phasor difference between two or
more electrical quantities. It operates for the internal faults occur in generators or
transformers. For external faults differential protection does not operate

What is the disadvantage of ordinary differential protection?

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Neutral Grounding in Power System

Answer: When differential relaying is used for protection, the CTs at both sides of the
generator winding must be of equal accuracy. Otherwise if the CT errors are
excessive it will cause the mal operation of the relay. To safeguard against such
disadvantages percentage differential protection is employed.

What is advantage of using percentage differential relay protection?
Answer:
Advantages:
It does not require CTs with air gaps or special balancing features
It permits a low fault setting to be used and this ensures maximum protection
of the windings
It ensures complete stability under the most severe through fault conditions

Explain Differential Protection?
Answer: Differential protection is generally provided for the equipment or group of
equipments which are to be protected against internal faults. They are the primary
protection systems (operates faster) for any internal faults occurring within the
protection zone.
Under healthy conditions the currents at both ends of the windings will be equal.
EMFs induced in the secondaries of the CTs will be equal and so no current flows
through the operating coil of the relay. When an earth fault or phase to phase fault
occurs the condition no longer holds good and the differential current flows through
the relay operating coils makes the relay to operate. Relay operates for the faults
occurring within the zone of protection


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2013/01/synchronous-generator-
interview.html#ixzz3FS6gnjn1
Functions of Instrument Transformers (CTs and PTs)
AC type protective relays are actuated by the current and voltage supplied by the
current and potential (voltage) transformers which are generally classified as
instrument transformers. Generally instrument transformers are used for mainly two
purposes. For metering purpose which steps down and displays voltage and current
levels from kV to (0-110 volts in case of PT) and few kilo amps to (0-5 amps in case
of CT) . Second purose is to supply current and voltage magnitudes to the relays to
carryout protection functions
The main functions of instrument transformers are:

Related Topics
Ungrounded or Isolated Neutral System
Different Faults on Induction Motors
Power System Protection Interview Questions 2
Power System Protection Interview Questions
Different Transformer Faults
High Voltage Interview Questions
Transmission Line Protection Questions
Induction Motor Protection Questions

Instrument transformers (current and potential transformers) provide
insulation against the high voltages of the power circuit and to protect the
apparatus and the operating personnel from contact with the high voltages of
the power circuits
Instrument transformers (CTs and PTs) supply protective relays with current
and voltages of magnitude proportional to those of the the power circuits.
These current and voltage magnitudes supply by the instrument transformers
are sufficiently reduced such that the relays can be made relatively small and
inexpensive
Instrument transformers helps in attaining different types of secondary
connections to obtain the required current and voltages
For proper applications of CTs and PTs required considerations are:
Mechanical construction , type of insulation (dry or liquid), ratio in terms of primary
and secondary currents or voltages, continuous thermal rating, short time thermal
and mechanical ratings, insulation class, impulse level, service conditions, accuracy
and connections
For the safety purpose, the secondaries of the current and potential transformers
(CTs and PTs) are grounded


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2012/10/functions-ct-pt-instrument-
transformers.html#ixzz3FS7ChYjs
Creepage Distance for Insulators in Substation
Creepage Distance for Insulators:
The creepage distance for insulators is the shortest distance along the insulator surface
between the metal parts at each end of the insulator. Creepage distance can also be refer
as leakage distance for insulators.
Insulators in substation are provided to avoid any leakage current from live electrical
conductors to flow to the earth through supports. The atmospheric dust sticks to the insulator
surface forming a conducting layer. The leakage current flows from the live conductor to the
earth through such surface layers. The leakage properties (creepage properties) of an
insulator s in substation are characterized by the length of the leakage path. While designing
the insulator sheds, the leakage distance for insulators requirement should be satisfied. The
requirement of the leakage distance or creepage distance for insulators depends on the
Rated phase to ground voltage
Degree of atmospheric pollution
If the surface of the insulator is clean, smooth and well gazed the dust particles tend to fall
down. When an a.c voltage is applied to the apparatus, the dust particles have a tendency to
align to the direction of electrical field lines on the surface of the insulator. If the surface of
the insulator is rough and moist this alignment will be faster. The continuous application of
voltage causes slow alignment of these particles. To prevent a continuous conducting track,
the insulator should have sufficient ceepage distance or leakage distance.
During power frequency withstand test of an unclean insulator, the flash-over occurs along
the dirty surface of the insulator. In case of internal gas filled or oil filled apparatus, the
internal surface should also be free from moisture and dust. Otherwise internal flash over
can occur along the surface by tracking. Some of the typical creepage distance for
insulators in substation provided based on the level of pollution are tabulated below

S
No.
Degree of Pollution
Recommended Creepage Distance
for Insulators
1 Clean areas 16 mm/kV
2
Moderately polluted
areas
20 mm/kV
3 Industrial areas 22 mm/kV
4
Heavily polluted
areas
25 mm/kV


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Labels: Power Systems, Substation
12 April 2013
Substation Interview Questions Answers
What are different insulators employed in substations?
Answer: Some of the insulators employed in substations are:
Pin insulators
Post insulators
Strain insulators
Suspension insulators
Hallow apparatus insulators
Dead-end insulators
Solid core insulators
What is creepage distance?
Answer: Creepage distance is the shortest distance between two conducting points along
the surface of the insulating material.

What is Basic Impulse Level (BIL)?
Answer: Basic Impulse Level (BIL) refer to the peak value of lightning impuse voltage
withstand capability of the equipment

What are the disadvantages of corona?
Answer: Some of the disadvantages of corona are:
Corona causes power loss
Corona causes unacceptable noise
Corona cause radio interference


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Use of Stones/Gravel in Substation
Substation Safety Clearances
Insulators in Substation
Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) Advantages
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Substation Interview Questions Answers
Methods to Reduce Step and Touch Potential
Properties of SF6 Gas
Mobile Substations Advantages

What is the significance of Corona rings in substations?
Answer: It is observed that corona discharge occurs mostly at sharp corners, edges near the
conductor fixing points. Corona rings also called grading rings are hallow metallic rings
having large diameter and will have a smooth surface. These corona rings are placed
suitably to metal clamps, joints to encircle the conductors surface. This have the advantage
of shifting of high stress point shifted from conductor surface to corona ring surface. As the
diameter and surface area of the ring is higher than that of the conductor. This helps in:
Field distribution is made uniform
Surface stress is reduced to much lower value
Corona discharge is eliminated
Dust deposition is also minimized
What is the neutral point earthing and its advantages?
Answer: In substation all the neutrals of rotating machines, transformers, busbars and
other equipment are connected to ground. Some of the advantages are:
Earth fault protection is based on the method of neutral grounding
The system voltage during earth faults depends on the neutral grounding. During line
to ground faults, grounding of neutral helps to reduce the over-voltages which occur
on the one healthy phases


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/search/label/Substation?max-
results=2#ixzz3FS7lA87F
Why Stones/Gravel is used in electrical Switchyard
Stones/Gravel is used in Electrical Switch yard because of following reasons

Reasons for using Stones/Gravel in Switch yard:
1. During Short circuit current Step and Touch potential increases.
Step potential : It is the potential developed between the two feet on the ground of a man or
animal when short circuit occurs. This results in flow of current in the body leads to electrical
shock
Touch potential: It is the potential that is developed between the ground and the body of
the equipment when a person touches the body during fault condition. When operating
personnel touch an electrical equipment during short circuit condition, fault current flows
through the human body. This is defined as touch potential.

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Substation Interview Questions Answers
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Gravel/Stones in the substation is provided to reduce the step potential and touch potential
when operators work on switch yard.
2. Power Transformers installed in the substations will have oil as cooling and insulating
medium. Oil leakage takes place during operation or when changing the oil in the
transformer. This oil spillage which can catch fire is dangerous to the switchyard operation.
So Stones/Gravel is provided to protect from fire when oil spillage takes place.
3. Stones eliminate the growth of small weeds and plants inside the switch yard
4. Improves yard working condition
5. Provides protection from wild life and snakes.


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2010/11/why-stonesgravel-is-used-in-
electrical.html#ixzz3FS84zBbl

Substation Safety Clearances
Majority of electrical substations will be air insulated type. All the electrical equipment
live parts will be exposed .All the electrical equipment in the substation shall be
arranged in such a manner to ensure the clearance space between the live parts and
other equipment of the substation (grounded or ungrounded). Adequate clearances
should be provided for safety of the operating and maintenance personnel and also
to prevent any conducting path between the phases. Safety clearances associated
with different voltage levels are given in the table below.

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Use of Stones / Gravel in Substation
Corona Ring on Surge Arrestors

Phase to phase clearance is the minimum clearance required to be provided
between the live parts of different phases or is the minimum clearance
between the same phases
Phase to earth clearance is the minimum clearance required to be provided
between the live parts of the system and earth structures
Sectional clearance is the distance between the live parts of the phases and
the terminals of the work section. This limits of work section or maintenance
section may be a platform or ground on which operation personnel can
carryout his task safely
Ground clearance is the vertical clearance between the live parts of the
equipment and the earth surface
Safety Clearances in Substation:
Minimum Clearances
(mm)
765
kV
400
kV
220
kV
132kV 33kV
Phase to Phase 9400 4200 2100 1300 320
Phase to earth 6400 3500 2100 1300 320
Sectional Clearance 10300 6500 5000 3800 3000
Ground Clearance 14000 8000 5500 4800 3700


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2013/04/substation-safety-
clearances.html#ixzz3FS8HWVzA
What are different insulators used in substation

Different Insulators:
Over head electrical conductors used for transmitting electric power is mostly bare and not
covered with any insulation medium. The bare line conductors are connected to the
transmission towers through the insulators. Insulators act as insulating medium for flow of
leakage current from conductor to ground through tower structures. Some of the insulating
materials are Porcelain, Glass and Steatite materials.
Different types of insulators used in the electrical substation are:

Pin Insulators: Simple pin type insulators are used for supporting standard flexible conductors in
distribution system up to the voltage rating of 33kV


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Corona Ring on Surge Arrestors
Strain Insulators: This type of insulators are employed at the dead end of the transmission
lines or a sharp corner or transmission lines required to cross the rivers.
Suspension Insulators :

Hallow apparatus Insulators : Hallow insulators are employed in chambers of circuit
breakers, CTs, CVTs, bushings, surge arresters

Suspension Insulators: Suspension type insulators consists of series of insulator discs
piled up to provide the insulation for EHV applications.

Some of the other types of insulators are:
Post insulators for support
Stray arm insulators
Shaft insulators
Sectionalising insulators
Connecting rod insulators


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-are-different-insulators-used-
in.html#ixzz3FS8b3X3x

Methods to Reduce Step Potential and Touch Potential
in Substation
Step Potential and Touch Potentials are very important in substations because during
ground faults all the ground current returns to the substation transformer (as the substation
transformer is grounded). The current that returns through the earth can create a significant
voltage gradient along the ground and between ground and conducting objects.A step
potential in substation creates a path through the legs from one foot to the other. A touch
potential in substation is normally considered a hand-to-foot or hand-to-hand contact.
Step potential and touch potentials are of concern during normal conditions and during
ground fault.Under normal conditions, unbalanced currents can rise the neutral to earth
voltage. This is not normally dangerous but it can cause shocks.
Step potential and Touch potentials during faults are more dangerous. Therefore it is
important to reduce the step potential and touch potential to be within limits during the
substation design.

Methods to Limit Step Potential and Touch Potential:
Step potentials and touch potentials can be reduced by employing one of the following
methods:
1. By proving low resistance path to ground
2. By providing insulation layer between operating personnel and earth
3. By proper placing of ground conductors
Some of the methods employed to reduce step potential and touch potential in
substation are:
Multi-grounded neutral helps to reduce the dangerous step potential and touch
potential during line-to-ground faults. By creating low impedance path back to the
source, faults are quickly cleared by fault interrupters. Multiple grounding electrodes
tied together helps to reduce the touch potentials at the fault point. With multiple
neutrals, step potentials are usually not dangerous since fault currents spreads
between several grounding electrodes
Using a reactor on the substation transformer neutral helps to limit the step and touch
potentials. While utilities normally use the neutral reactors to limit the fault currents.
the reduction of ground fault currents also reduce the step and touch potentials and
reduces current in grounding and bonding connectors.
By wearing electric hazard shoes. These shoes when dry can have offer millions of
ohms of resistance which can save the operating personnel against these dangerous
potentials. By using insulating materials such as rubber gloves can protect the
personnel.
By providing resistive surface layers in and around the substation. It is often provided
with the surface of crushed rock or pebbles which acts as insulation medium between
the operating personnel and earth.


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2013/04/reduce-step-touch-
potential.html#ixzz3FS8llMAS
Silicon Carbide (SIC) Lightning Arresters
Silicon Carbide Arresters (SIC):
The Non linear lightning arrester basically consists of set of spark gaps in series with the
silicon carbide non linear resistor elements. Lightning arresters are connected between the
phase conductors and ground. During normal system operating voltage conditions, the spark
gaps are non conducting and isolate the high tension (HT) conductors from the ground.
However whenever an overvoltge of magnitude dangerous to the insulation of the apparatus
protected occurs ( these over voltages or over surges may be caused due to lightning strikes
on the conductors or due to Extra High Voltage (EHV) switching) the spark gap breaks down
and allows the high voltage surge current to flow through the ground.

Working Principle of Silicon Carbide (SIC) Lightning Arresters:
The volt-ampere characteristics of the non linear resistor in the lignting arrester can be
approximately described by expression V = KI

. Where K and are dependent on the

composition and manufacturing process of the Non linear Resistor (NLR). The value of lies
generally in the range of 0.3 and 0.45 for modern silicon carbide (SIC) lightning arresters. If
the voltage across the Non Linear Resistor (NLR) doubles, the current would increase
approximately by 10 times.
Therefore, with multiple spark gaps arresters can withstand high Rate of Recovery Voltage
(RRRV). The non-uniform voltage distribution between the gaps (which are in series in
lightning arresters) presents a problem. To overcome this, capacitors and non-linear
resistors are connected in parallel across each gap. In case of lightning arresters employed
for high voltage applications, capacitors and nonlinear resistors are connected across the
stock of gaps and NLRs. With the steep voltage wave surge the voltage is mainly controlled
by the capacitor and at the power frequency by the non-linear resistors. It is obvious that
when the over voltages cause the break down of the series gaps, the current would be very
high so as to make the voltage to subside very fast. The highest voltage that appear across
the lightning arrester would be either the spark over voltage of the arrester or
thevoltage developed across the non-linear resistor during the flow of surge current. The
lowest spark over voltage of the arrester is called the hundred percent impulse spark over
voltage of the arrester. The voltage developed across the non-linear resistor during the flow
of surge current is called residual voltage. The lower the value of the voltage developed the
better the protection of the lightning arrester.

Disadvantages of Silicon Carbide (SIC) Arresters:
Some of the disadvantages of silicon carbide arresters compared to gapless arresters are
given below:
Silicon Carbide (SIC) arresters have inferior V-I Characteristics compared to Zno
arresters (Metal oxide arresters).
Decrease in energy absorption (surge wave) capability compared to Zno arresters.
Probability of sparking between the gaps.

Advantages of Silicon Carbide (SIC) Arrester :
Due to the presence of gaps the normal power frequency voltage during normal
operation is negligibly less compared to gap less arresters. Hence no leakage current
flow between the line and earth in SIC arresters


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2013/05/silicon-carbide-sic-lightning-
arrester.html#ixzz3FS8zNyrO
Mobile Substations Advantages and Applications
Mobile Substations are emergency power supply substations employed temporarily to
provide power supply in the areas affected by the natural disasters such as storms, cyclones
and during wars. These substations will have maximum rating of about 220kV.
Mobile Substation typically contains Trailer for unit, Distribution Transformer, Cooling system
for Transformers, Switchgear equipment (relays, circuit breakers, isolators etc..)

Related Topics
Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) Advantages
Gas Insulated Substation GIS Location
Substation Interview Questions Answers
Substation Interview Questions Answers
Properties of SF6 Gas
Use of Stones / Gravel in Substation
Substation Safety Clearances
Insulators in Substation

Advantages of Mobile Substation:
Mobility in service
Quick access for service
Less Maintenance cost
Minimum Clearance for utilization
Increase in Reliability
Maximum KVA with minimum height.
Application of Mobile Substations:
Mobile Substations are employed to provide emergency power supply during natural
disasters and during wars
It also used to supply power when ordinary conventional substation is under
maintenance or fault
It also employed for providing temporary load supply to industrial plants, remote
locations.


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2011/11/mobile-substations-
advantages.html#ixzz3FSABAiMW

Methods to avoid low Power Factor
Some of the methods to improve power factor are:
1. Induction motors have maximum power factor when they are fully loaded and power
factor starts falling down when the motor loading is reduced and becomes worst
during no load. Hence, it is important not to have motors too big for a specified job
than its required ratings. If however if the induction motor whose stator is delta
connected is to run on less than half load for considerable time, it is adviced to
connect the stator in star. This will not allow the drop in power factor to much extent.
This is due to the fact that application of reduced voltage per phase gives rise to the
reduced magnitude of the rotating magnetic field and hence less magnetising current
and higher or better power factor.
2. Reduction in the air gap of the induction machine is done as much as possible to
enhance the power factor. This can be achieved by the use of ball or roller bearings
in the place of sleeve bearings. A similar improvement in the transformer can also be
achieved by employment of inter leaved instead of butt jointed cores. Grain oriented
high permeability cores of the transformers will also reduce the magnitude of the
magnetising current.
3. Use of over excited synchronous motors in the place of induction motors.
4. High speed Induction motors will always have better power factor compared to low
speed induction motors. This is due to the fact that for a given power torque
developed by the induction motor becomes less as the speed of the motor increases.
Torque developed also depends on the square of the magnitude of the rotating flux.
Therefore reduced torque relates to reduced magnitude of the rotating flux. Further,
the number of poles of high speed induction motors are less. Therefore high speed
motors requires less amount of magnetizing current. Also these motors being smaller
in frame size are also more economical both from the point of view of initial cost and
running cost.
Some of the causes of low power factor are discussed earlier


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Labels: Power Factor, Power Systems
01 May 2011
Causes of Low Power Factor ?

Some of the reasons for low power factor are:
Induction motors and Transformers:
Where ever the magnetising current is to be produced by the ac power such as in the cases
of transformers, induction motors and reactors the power factor will be significantly low. The
current drawn by these machines or equipment will always lags behind the voltage. For the
applied voltage, the magnitude of mutual flux in the case of transformer or rotating flux in
case of induction motor remains constant. The magnitude of magnetising current depends
on the value of the reluctance of the magnetic path. Magnetic path in case of transformer
does not have any air gap, but for induction motor air gap present between the stator and
the rotor. Therefore the magnitude of the magnetising current is more case of induction
motor than transformers. In industries 70% of the motors and drives used are induction
motors due to low cost, robust operation but poor in power factor. Hence Induction motor is
the potential source for low power factor.
Power factor of the transformer and induction motor is further affected by the extent of it
being loaded. Induction motors for example operate at reasonable higher power factor of
0.85 at full load, 0.8 at 75% of full load, 0.7 at half full load, 0.5 at 25% of full load and as low
as 0.1 on no load.
Arc Lamps:
Arc lamps and electric discharge lamps operate at low lagging power factor. An electric arc
is essentially unstable and requires the use of ballast or choke to make it stable. It is due to
the requirement of the magnetising current by the choke that all devices employing electric
arc have low power factor.
Induction and Arc Furnace:
Induction heating furnace such as arc furnace and induction furnace require high
magnetising current and operate on very lagging power factor
Reactor:
Reactors are also employed in central stations to minimize the fault current. This therefore is
a cause of low power factor.
Transmission lines:
Transmission lines also will have self inductance. Inductive reactance is small in multi-core
cables but relatively large in case of overhead lines.


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results=2#ixzz3FSB4jxDa

Inrush Currents in Transformers - Causes
When a transformer is energized after a short interruption, the transformer may draw high
inrush currents from the system due to core magnetization being out of synch with the
voltage. The inrush currents will be as high as short circuit currents in the transformer
(almost 20 to 40 times the rated normal full load current of transformer). Inrush currents may
cause fuse, relays or re-closers to falsely operate. It may also falsely operate the faulted
circuit indicators or cause sectionalizers to mis-operate
When the transformer is switched in, if the system voltage and transformer core
magnetization are not in synch, a magnetic transient may occurs. This transient may drive
the core into saturation and drives a large amount current into the transformer causing
transformer core to damage

Factors Significantly Impact Inrush Currents in Transformer:
A transformer that is designed to operate lower on the saturation curve draws less
inrush currents as there is more margin between the saturation point and the normal
operating. The extra flux during switching is less likely to push the core into
saturation
Large transformers draw more inrush current. Large transformers will have smaller
saturation impedance
Higher source impedance relative to the transformer size limits the currents that the
transformer can pull from the system

Related Topics
o DC Supply to Transformer
o Transformer Parallel Operation Condition
o Transformer Maximum Efficiency Condition
o Transformer Interview Questions Answers
o Transformer Interview Questions Answers:2
o Transformer Voltage Regulation
o Transformer Testing Methods
The point where the circuit breaker close (position of flux wave in sine wave). The
worst case will be when the flux is at maximum (peak) and voltage is minimum (in
transformer the applied voltage lag behinds the flux by 90 deg).
Other factors have little significance. The load on the transformer does not significantly
change the inrush currents. While switching transients cause high inrush, other voltage
transients especially voltage transients with dc components can saturate the core of the
transformer and cause inrush currents
When the nearby fault was cleared and transformer voltage is recovering from the
voltage sag, the sudden rise in voltage can drive the transformer to saturation
Energizing a transformer can cause the nearby transformer to also draw inrush
currents. The inrush currents into the switched transformer has a significant dc
component that can cause the voltage drop. The dc component can push the other
transformer into saturation and draws inrush
A lightning flash near the transformer can drive the transformer core to saturation


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Labels: Transformers
05 April 2013
Three Winding Transformer Advantages
Generally in power system mostly two winding transformers are employed. But three winding
transformers are employed because of some advantages:
The most common reason for having a three winding transformer is to provide a delta
connection tertiary winding
To limit the fault level on the low voltage system of the transformer by dividing the LV
infeed (in order to provide double secondary windings)
Providing tertiary winding helps to interconnect different power system operating at
different voltages (Three winding transformer helps provide power supply at two
different secondary voltages, 220kV/11kV/6.6kV transformer can able to provide
power at two different voltage levels (11kV and 6.6kV)
To regulate the voltage and reactive power of the system by providing synchronous
capacitor connected to one of the terminals of the transformer
Why Delta winding prefer:
It is always desirable to have one delta connection winding in the three phase transformer as
delta connected three phase winding will offer low impedance path for the three phase
currents. Also the presence of delta connected three phase winding allows to circulate the
current around the delta winding in the event of unbalance loading condition
Although power system designers aims to avoid use of star/star transformer in power system
but cases will arise when the phase shift between the star/delta and delta/star is not
applicable such as in the power station supplying power to auxiliary system. Therefore it is
common practice to have a star/star with delta tertiary three winding transformer supplying
power to the plant auxiliary system
B/H Curve of the magnetic material (core of the transformer) is not linear. Is a sinusoidal
voltage (flux) is applied across the primary winding, the magnetizing current obtained will not
be sinusoidal in nature and consists of fundamental component and several harmonics.
Third harmonic components predominate with several other higher harmonic components. If
there is no delta connected winding, or if the star connections of the transformers are not
grounded, the line to earth capacitance currents supply system lines supply the harmonic
components. If the harmonic components cannot flow in any one of these paths then,
secondary voltage will be distorted


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/search/label/Transformers?max-
results=2#ixzz3FSCAvrLZ

When DC supply given to Transformer what happens ?
DC supply to Transformer:
A Transformer cannot be operated on the DC source or never connected to DC supply. If a
rated dc voltage is applied to the primary of the transformer, the flux produced in the
transformer core will not vary but remain constant in magnitude. So therefore no emf is
induced in the secondary winding except during the moment of switching on the dc supply.
As no induced emf is produced current cannot be delivered from the secondary side to the
load.
Related Topics
Transformer Parallel Operation Condition
Transformer Maximum Efficiency Condition
Transformer Interview Questions Answers
Transformer Interview Questions Answers:2
Transformer Voltage Regulation
Transformer Testing Methods
Transformer Interview Questions Answers:3
Transformer Induction Motor Relation
Also the flux flowing through the iron core from primary winding to secondary winding not
only links the secondary winding but also primary winding. Due to this flux linkage self
induced emf is produced in the primary winding. This self induced emf in the primary winding
will oppose the applied voltage and hence it acts as back emf. This back emf limits the
primary current flowing through the primary winding in normal operating condition (similar
like dc machine armature current).
When a dc supply is provided to the transformer primary no self induced emf will be
generated (no back emf). Therefore heavy current will flow in the transformer primary
winding which may result in burning down the transformer primary winding.
In many interviews this question is most common:
When dc supply is given to transformer what happens? and which winding will
burn (primary or secondary)?


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2011/05/dc-supply-
transformer.html#ixzz3FSCW3gmn

Transformer parallel operation conditions
Parallel operation of transformers is required in cases such as the power to be delivered is
more than the individual transformer rating. In such cases operating two or more
transformers to facilitate the power flow is possible, but certain conditions to be followed
while operating transformers in parallel condition
Conditions for parallel operation of Transformers:

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Low Voltage winding near Core
Why Transformer rating in kVA not KW
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Transformer Hum Noise - Magnetostriction
Star (Wye) Delta Transformer Application

1. Polarities of the transformers must be same (wrong polarity leads to dead short)
2. The voltage rating of both primary and secondaries are identical. This means the that
the transformation or turns ratio must be same for the transformers which are
operated to be parallel. (Voltage ratio is to be maintained to avoid circulation current)
3. Percent (or per unit ) impedance of the transformers are to be same in magnitude
and should have the same phase angle (X/R ratio should be same for transformers
operating in parallel else division of load will not be proportional to the kVA ratings of
transformers)
4. Phase displacement between the primary and secondary line voltages of the
transformers should be same (transformers of star/star and delta/star cannot be
paralleled because of the phase difference of -30
o
making paralleling impossible
(cannot be compensated))
5. Phase sequence of the transformers should be same. (Phase sequence is the order
in which the terminal voltage attains their maximum value. Therefore in paralleling
the two three phase transformers those terminals whose voltage attains maximum
values simultaneously must be paired up.
Conditions 1,4 and 5 are absolutely essential and must be fulfilled, condition 2 must be
satisfied to a close degree and condition 3 (X/R ratio) must be satisfied in order to have
equal loading on the transformers.


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2011/06/transformer-parallel-
operation.html#ixzz3FSCpFaZ4

Maximum efficiency of Transformer Condition
Maximum efficiency of Transformer:
Condition for maximum efficiency of transformer can be obtained by differentiating the
efficiency equation of the transformer with respect to the load factor (d/d).
where is the efficiency of the transformer
is the load factor = (operating load of transformer/ full load of transformer)
By solving the equations it will be obtained such that Maximum efficiency of transformer is at
P
core loss
=
2
x P
copper loss

From the above equation it can be defined as themaximum efficiency of the transformer
occurs at a load factor () at which the iron losses is equal to copper losses.
The efficiency of the transformer changes with the load ( load factor). The efficiency of the
transformer will be maximum at certain load when the copper losses (
2
x P
copper loss
) is
equal to the core losses (P
core loss
) i.e, maximum efficiency of the transformer will be attained
when the copper losses at particular load should be equal to the no load losses (core losses
are called no load losses and remain constant with the change in load).
Power and Distribution Transformer:

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Different Tests on Transformers
Insulation Materials Used in Transformers
Auto-Transformer Advantages
Dry Type Transformer Advantages
Magnetostriction-Transformer Noise
Three Wining Transformer Advantages
Transformer Internal Faults

While designing transformer this average load factor () for a transformer is estimated from
the load demand charts/curves.Power transformer in power plants and in substations
operate at full load, therefore the load factor for power transformer is designed at 0.8. Means
the power transformer is designed to havemaximum efficiency at full load. Load
onDistribution transformer varies during the day, therefore the load factor of the distribution
transformer is designed as 0.5. Thus distribution transformer will have maximum efficiency at
50% of the full load.
Thus maximum efficiencies of the transformer are determined based on the type of operation
it perform.
Transformer Interview Questions with Answers?
Transformer Interview Questions
Transformer works on which principle?
Answer: Electrical Transformer works on Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. In
electrical transformer the emf induced will be of Stationary Induced EMF. In stationary
induced emf, emf will be induced in such a manner that the electrical conductors (windings)
are kept stationary and magnetic field is varied ( varying magnetic field in transformer core)
results in production of induced emf.

Why efficiency of transformer is high?
Answer: Electrical transformer is a static device which transfers the power from one circuit to
other through electromagnetic induction. In electrical transformer as there are no moving
parts, no friction and windage losses occur and other losses in transformer are less as
magnetic path of a transformer is a closed loop ( no air gap exist like induction motor
between two circuits). Losses in the transformer are very less compared to any other rotating
machine, hence efficiency of transformers will be very high. Efficiency will be of the order of
95% to 98%.

Related Topics
Transformer Maximum Efficiency Condition
Inrush Currents in Transformer
DC Supply to Transformer
Transformer Parallel Operation Condition
Transformer Interview Questions Answers:2
Transformer Voltage Regulation
Transformer Testing Methods
Transformer Interview Questions Answers:3

What is the emf equation of transformer?
Answer: emf equation of transformer E = 4.44*f*N*
max
volts
f = applied frequency of voltage wave
N = Number of turns on primary or secondary winding.

max
= Maximum flux (
max
= B
max
x A)
B
max
= Maximum flux density
A = Area of cross section of the core.


What is the Ideal transformer?
Answer: Transformer which has characteristics such as no winding resistance, no magnetic
leakage, no iron loss or core loss ( hysteresis and eddy current loss), and zero magnetising
current is termed as Ideal Transformer. Ideal transformer is assumed for better explanation
and understanding of practical transformer.

What is the Significance of voltage per turn?
Answer: Voltage per turn for primary winding side and secondary winding side of the
transformer is same. This helps in explaining that primary and secondary of transformers are
related to each other by turns ratio (K).
( V1/N1) = ( V2/N2) = K (turns ratio).
(V2/V1) = (E2/E1) = (N2/N1) =K


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2011/06/transformer-interview-questions-
with.html#ixzz3FSIBiA1qs
Transformer Testing methods
Transformer Tests:
Tests on the transformers are carried for verifying the capabilities of transformer to withstand
Thermal stresses, Dielectric stresses, short circuit electro-dynamic stresses and
environmental stresses.
Routine tests:
These are carried out on every transformers before dispatch to ensure that it is in
accordance with the specifications.Some of the tests come under routine test include:
Measurement of the winding resistance
Verifying the polarity of the windings
Measurement of load losses and the impedance voltages
Measurement of no load losses and no load no load current.
Electrical tests at the power frequency

Related Topics
Transformer Voltage Regulation
Transformer Internal Faults
Inrush Currents in Transformer
DC Supply to Transformer
Transformer Parallel Operation Condition
Transformer Maximum Efficiency Condition
Transformer Interview Questions Answers
Transformer Interview Questions Answers:2

Type Tests:
Type tests are performed on the first transformer of one type and are intended to check the
design characteristics. It is presumed that every transformer would also comply with the type
test, since its design is identical.
Temperature rise test
Tests of ability to withstand full wave impulse
Tests for switching impulse withstand
Noise level test
Special Test:
Special tests are conducted in the presence of the purchaser or his representatives as
specified in the tender
Partial discharge test
Field Code Changed
Checking the level of Radio interference voltage
Vibration test
Test on ability to withstand Short -circuit current
Measurement of Noise level


Read more: http://electricalquestionsguide.blogspot.com/2011/06/transformer-testing-
methods.html#ixzz3FSRLFxxI