Current Transformers

1
DESIGN CARETERIA

In the following pages brief and simplified guidelines are given for the
selection and design of current transformers for a particular duty.

The information and data presented in these notes is not sufficient to be

used alone for selecting an instrument transformer for a particular duty.
Instrument transformers are “custom made ” and it is recommended that
each and every parameter should be carefully considered before a
selection is made.

Instrument transformers are not low priced items. In general they make
up of about 2 to 4 % of the cost of a conventional (open terminal)
substation, excluding land. Therefore economics is as important as
technical details when selecting CT’ s.

In case instrument transformers are “over designed” or “over rated”

money will be simply wasted on technical characteristics that will never
be used in the field life of the instrument transformers.

We hope these simple guidelines will be of assistance to readers.

2
Type of Insulations

Current Transformers

Dry Type SF6 gas filled Oil Filled

Dry types are cast SF6 gas filled CT’ s are

epoxy types. These are Oil filled CT’ s are
most commonly used
most common up to 36 the oldest, the
for very high voltage
kV applications. In most reliable and
applications, usually
Western Europe,
Australia, cast epoxy above 500 kV. Below the most field
types are also 500 kV, SF6 filled CT’ s tested type of CT’ s.
commonly used up to are not economical.
72.5 kV.
3
Type of structure

Oil Filled CT’s

Tank Type Inverted Type Porcelain Type

All three types listed above can perform the same job, that is they can
reduce the current to small magnitudes which can be safely handled.
However some types have some particular characteristics that have to be
discussed and considered very carefully before a selection is made

4
Type of structure

Tank Type Inverted Type Porcelain Type

5
 Comparison Between Types

Center of
Gravity

Center of Center of
Gravity Gravity

The centre of gravity is low, Centre of gravity is very high. The centre of gravity is low,
therefore earthquake Therefore transportation and therefore earthquake
performance is very good, erection are very difficult. performance is very good,
Transportation and erection Earthquake performance is Transportation and erection
is easy. very poor. is easy. 6
 Comparison Between Types

The hot oil rises to the top and at

the same time direct sunlight The warm oil rises to
The hot oil rises to
heats the oil on the top, therefore the top, therefore the
the top, therefore the
the windings are always in the windings operate in a
windings operate in a
hottest part of the CT. Hot oil and cool region.
cool region.
hot paper loose their good
insulation properties very quickly. 7
 Comparison Between Types

A very small amount of oil Small oil loss will not

Small oil loss will not
loss will leave the affect the insulation.
affect the insulation.
windings without oil. Actually more than half of
Actually more than half
Therefore internal the oil has to be lost
of the oil has to be lost
flashovers are common if before the windings are
before the windings are
the CT losses some oil. without oil.
without oil.
8
 Comparison Between Types

F4 F4
F1 F1

F2 F2
F3 F3
During a short circuit the dynamic forces make it into a round shape. If the winding is
already a round shape then these radial dynamic forces cancel each other and the
resultant force is minimum 9
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

At least the following parameters must be known when a CT is to be selected for

a certain job.

i) Highest System Voltage ( Insulation Level )

This parameter must be selected in accordance with a Standard. This value will
also determine the power frequency and impulse test levels of the CT.

As an example, according to IEC, 170/325/750 kV insulation level means the CT

will operate at 170 kV phase to phase voltage continuously, the one minute
power frequency test voltage is 325 kV rms and the basic impulse test voltage is
750 kV peak.

It is very important and advisable not to select insulation levels different from
standards. For example if an insulation level of 170/325/900 kV is asked for, the
manufacturers will have to custom design the insulation and the resulting CT will
be unnecessarily very expensive.

10
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

Rated kV Power Frequency BIL

3.6 10 40
7.2 20 60
12 28 75
17.5 38 95
24 50 125
36 70 170
52 95 250
72.5 140 325
123 230 550
145 275 650
170 325 750
245 460 1050
300 460 1050
362 510 1175
420 630 1425

IEC STANDARD
11
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

ii) Frequency

Frequency will be usually 50 or 60 Hz. Current transformers and inductive voltage

transformers can usually operate at both frequencies without major difference in their
performance, however this is not a rule. Capacitive voltage transformers must be
designed for a specific frequency.

iii) Ratio

It is advisable to have as little number of interchangeable ratios as possible. However

for practical and operational reasons multi ratio CT’ s are usually preferred.

There are three ways of changing the ratio of CT’ s :

a) by changing the number of turns of the primary winding

b) by changing the number of turns of the secondary winding
c) by changing the number of turns of both windings

It is advisable to change ratios by changing the number of turns of the primary

winding. This way the CT will easily satisfy the accuracy, burden and composite error
requirements on all ratios.
12
 HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

P1 P2 P1 C2 C1 P2

1 2 2

200 200 400

S1 S2 S3
S1 S2
RATIO : 200-400/1 A RATIO : 200-400/1 A
SECONDARY TAP PRIMARY TAP

Primary Secondary Primary Secondary

A Turn AT A Turn AT Connection A Turn AT Connection A Turn AT Connection
200 1 200 1 200 200 S1-S2 200 2 400 Parallel 1 400 400 S1-S2
400 1 400 1 400 400 S1-S3 400 1 400 Series 1 400 400 S1-S2

13
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

P1 C2 C1 P2

PRIMARY WINDINGS
2 2

RATIO : 200-300-400-800/5 A

160 80 80
SECONDARY WINDINGS
S1 S2 S3 S4

Primary Secondary
A Turn AT Connection A Turn AT Connection
200 4 800 Parallel 5 160 800 S1-S2
300 4 1200 Parallel 5 240 1200 S1-S3
400 2 800 Series 5 160 800 S1-S2
800 2 1600 Series 5 320 1600 S1-S4
14
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

iv) Rated Burden in VA

It is important to select the correct VA requirement. It is not true that a CT with

80 VA burden is better or stronger than a CT with 30 VA burden.

It is easy to calculate the required VA if we know :

a) the length and cross section of the conductor between the CT and the
control room or panels
b) the VA requirement of the instrument and/or relay

the simple addition of these loads will give the VA. It is advisable to spare some
VA for future addition of instruments into the circuit, however, this should not be
overdone. Unnecessarily high VA will require big and bulky CT’ s that will be more
expensive.

15
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

P1
S1
A I> kWh

S2

P2 d

a² . 2d Bc = Burden in VA presented by copper leads

Bc = -------- (out and return conductor)
cs . 57 a = amper
d = Distance in meter, one way
cs = cross section in mm²

16
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

Burden in VA
2d 1A, cross section in mm2 5A, cross section in mm2
m 1 2.5 4 6 2.5 4 6 10
5 0.18 0.07 1.78 1.12 0.74 0.44
6 0.21 0.09 2.14 1.34 0.89 0.54
7 0.25 0.10 2.50 1.56 1.04 0.63
8 0.29 0.11 2.86 1.79 1.19 0.71
9 0.32 0.13 3.21 2.01 1.34 0.80
10 0.36 0.14 0.09 0.06 3.57 2.24 1.49 0.89
20 0.71 0.29 0.18 0.12 7.10 4.50 3.00 1.80
30 1.07 0.43 0.27 0.18 10.70 6.70 4.50 2.70
40 1.43 0.57 0.36 0.24 14.30 8.90 6.00 3.60
50 1.78 0.72 0.45 0.30 17.80 11.20 7.40 4.40
60 2.14 0.86 0.54 0.36 13.40 8.90 5.40
70 2.50 1.00 0.63 0.42 15.60 10.40 6.30
80 2.86 1.14 0.71 0.48 17.90 11.90 7.10
90 3.21 1.29 0.80 0.54 21.10 13.40 8.00
100 3.57 1.43 0.89 0.60 22.40 14.90 8.90

17
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

Following are two simple examples of how to choose burdens.

Example 1 : 1 Ampere Secondary Current Transformer

- Distance from CT to control panel : 100 meters

- Cross section of conductor between CT and panel : 4 mm²
- Instruments connected to the CT : i) ammeter 2 VA
ii) wattmeter 5 VA
iii) O/C relay 15 VA

Burden presented by the copper conductor = Bc

a² . 2d 1² . 2.100
Bc = -------- = ------------- = 0.9 VA
cs . 57 4 . 57

Total Actual Burden = 0.9 + 2 + 5 + 15 = 22.9 VA

Spare 25% = 5.8 VA
Burden to Select = 22.9 + 5.8 = 28.7 ≅ 30 VA

18
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

Example 2 : 5 Ampere Secondary Current Transformer

- Distance from CT to control panel : 70 meters

- Cross section of conductor between CT and panel : 10 mm²

Instruments connected to the CT : i) ammeter 2 VA

ii) wattmeter 5 VA
iii) O/C relay 15 VA
Burden presented by the copper conductor = Bc

a² . 2d 5² . 2.70
Bc = -------- = ----------- = 6.15 VA
cs . 57 10 . 57

Total Actual Burden = 6.15 + 2 + 5 + 15 = 28.15 VA

Spare 25% = 7 VA
Burden to Select = 28.15 + 7 = 35.15 ≅ 40 VA

19
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

%5In
Another very
important point to
consider is that,
many international
standards require %100 VA

the accuracy to be 0.5

satisfied between
%5In %20In %50In %100In %120In
100% and 25% of In
the rated burden.
If the burden is 0.5 %25 VA
selected too high
and the actual
burden is less than
25% of the
selected burden,
the CT accuracy
class is not Required Actual
guaranteed. 60 VA 20 VA
Class is guaranteed Class is not guaranteed
between 15 - 60 VA between 5 - 20 VA

20
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

Calculation of Core Size (IEC) : P1 P2

800 A
1 Turn
Vk x 10000
S = ------------------------
4.44 x B x N2 x f

S = cross section of Core (cm²) 160 Turn 160 Turn

Vk = Knee point voltage (V) 5A 5A
B = Flux Density (1.4 Tesla)
N2 = Number of Secondary Turn S1 S2 S1 S2
f = Frequency

Core 1 : 30 VA, Class 0.5 Fs5, 800/1 A Core 2 : 30 VA, Class 5P20, 800/1 A
Vk = n x VA/Is = 5 x 30 VA /1 A = 150 V Vk = n x VA/Is = 20 x 30 VA /1 A = 600 V

150 x 10000 600 x 10000

S = -------------------------= 30 cm ² S = -------------------------= 120 cm ²
4.44 x 1.4 x 160 x 50 4.44 x 1.4 x 160 x 50

21
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

Calculation of Core Size (BS) : B Tesla

Vk x 10000
S = ------------------------ 1.4
4.44 x B x N2 x f

S = cross section of Core (cm²)

Vk = Knee point voltage (V)
B = Flux Density (1.4 Tesla)
N2 = Number of Secondary Turn H AT/m
f = Frequency
32

Calculation of Io Calculation of Rct

HxL l
Io = -------- Rct = δ x --------
N2 A

Io = Magnetising Current (A) Rct = Secondary resistance (Ω)

H = Magnetising Force AT/m δ = Constant (0.0172) for copper
L = Length of Magnetic Part (m) l = Length of secondary winding
N2 = Number of Secondary Turn A = cross section of secondary
winding 22
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

v) Accuracy Class

The accuracy should be selected for the job. If only indicating instruments like
ammeters and wattmeters are to be connected, then Class 1.0 is sufficient for
measuring cores. If energy meters are to be connected and also if revenue is to
be calculated with these meters then Class 0.5 can be selected. Class 0.2 should
be selected only when very large amounts of energy transfer and revenue is in
question.

It must be remembered that as the CT becomes more accurate in class, its VA

rating drops. As a rough example if a CT can provide Class 1.0 at 40 VA, it can
provide Class 0.5 at 25 VA and perhaps only 10VA at Class 0.2.

For measuring cores, the instrument security factor ( FS ) has to be stated

alongside the Accuracy Class. This figure is usually 5 or 10.

A typical expression (in IEC ) is 0.5FS5 which means the Accuracy Class is 0.5
and the Instrument Security Factor is 5.

23
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

Instrument Security Factor FS5 means, during a short circuit when there is a very
high current flowing in the primary winding the measuring core will saturate
around 5 times its rated value. If this core is a 1 Ampere core, the secondary
current flowing through the instruments will not rise above 5 Amps. This is a
precaution to prevent instruments being burn out during a short circuit.

At lower burdens than the rated burden, the saturation value increases
approximately by n.

Sn + Rct x Is² Example

n = Fs x ------------------------ Rct x Is² = 1
S + Rct x Is² Sn = 50 VA
S = 20 VA
Sn = Rated Burden (VA) Fs = 5
S = Actual Burden (VA) n = 5 x 2.4 = 12
Is = Rated secondary Current (A)
Rct = Internal Resistance at 75° (Ω)

24
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

The IEC classes for protective current transformers are 5P and 10P

The main characteristics of these CT’s :

• Low accuracy (larger errors permitted than measuring transformers).

• High Saturation value

Saturation voltage is given by ALF (Accuracy Limit Factor) ,indicates the over
current as a multiple of the the rated primary current up to which the rated
accuracy is maintained with the rated burden connected. It is given as a
minimum value.

For protection cores, selection of accuracy class and saturation factor is more
complicated. In order to make a good selection, the characteristics for the
protection relays should be known. All reputable protection relay manufacturers
publish charts, tables, graphs and formulae for CT accuracy class and burden
calculations. If these documents are followed accurately, then optimum selections
can be made.

25
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

Relation between Vk and VA

Ratio : 800/1 A, Vk > 600 V, 5P20, VA = ?

20 x Vs = 600 V Vs = 30 V VA = 30 V x 1 A = 30 VA

Ratio : 800/1 A, 5P20, 30 VA

Vs = 30 VA/1 A = 30 V, Vk = 30 V x 20 = 600 V

Transformers diagram converted to the secondary side

Is Rj (winding resistance)
Np/Ns x Ip

Ie

Exciting impedance If Iµ Es Burden

26
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

vi ) Standards

When selecting a CT for a particular job, the standard should be firmly defined
from the beginning. It is not advisable to use more than one standard for one
particular job because the standards may have conflicting clauses. It is not good
practice, for example, to select the insulation level from BS and then to select the
accuracy class from IEC.

vii) Environmental Conditions

The altitude, climate and seismic conditions do affect the design of CT’ s.
Therefore these must be considered when a CT is selected for a particular job.

27
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

Example :

145 KV Current Transformers

Normal Insulation Level :

1.28 145 / 275 /650 KV

After Correction :
145 / 275/832 KV

Inner insulation (hermetically

sealed) does not effect from
altitude. Basically this factor is
valid for correction of lightning
impulse level.

28
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

viii) Short Circuit Rating

The short circuit rating is usually defined as follows :

Ith = 40 KA/1 sec rms.

Idyn = 2.5 Ith peak

Ith is the thermal capacity of the CT. In this example the CT will withstand 40KA
for 1 second without any burning of the windings, insulation or the oil (250 °C).
Ith is expressed in rms value.

Idyn is the dynamic capacity of the CT to withstand mechanical forces during the
short circuit. These forces act to break apart the CT. Idyn is expressed in peak
value. Generally Idyn is 2.5 times Ith.

29
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

The relation between 1 seconds and 3 seconds performance can be shown with
the formula

I² x t = constant
If a CT is rated at 40 KA/1 seconds, its rating at 3 seconds can be calculated as
below :

40² x 1 sec = constant = 1,600

(I2)² x 3 sec = 1600
I2 = 23 KA / 3 sec

Where I2 is the maximum current the CT can withstand for 3 seconds.

30
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

Calculation of Primary Cross Section :

In x 1.2 Ith (1 sec) Ith x √3 (3 sec)

cs1 = ------------- cs2 = ------------- or ------------------
1.8 180 180

cs1 = Cross section of primary (mm²) cs2 = Cross section of primary (mm²)
1.2 = Continuous current Ith = Short time current KA
1.8 = Constant for copper 180 = Constant for copper

Example : In = 300 A, 1.2 Cont, 31.5 KA/1 sec

cs1 = 200 mm² cs2 =175 mm²

200 mm² > 175 mm² ⇒ select 200 mm²

31
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

ix) Creepage

Creepage is the length of the surface path from the live part to the grounded part
of a transformer. The creepage length is determined by the exterior shape of the
bushing sheds. Most standards have recommendations for light, normal, heavy
and very heavily polluted areas.

High creepage distance bushings cost more, therefore creepage distance has a
major effect on the CT price. Unnecessary high values of creepage distances
should be avoided.

The total creepage length is calculated by multiplying the creepage distance with
the maximum system voltage. For example, in Turkey where 170 kV system is
used , the total length of medium pollution creepage is

170 kV x 20 mm/kV = 3,400 mm.

32
HOW TO SELECT A CURRENT TRANSFORMER

kV Type mm/KV Total

72.5 Light 16 1,160 245 Light 16 3,920

72.5 Medium 20 1,450 245 Medium 20 4,900
72.5 Heavy 25 1,813 245 Heavy 25 6,125
72.5 Very Heavy 31 2,248 245 Very Heavy 31 7,595

123 Light 16 1,968 300 Light 16 4,800

123 Medium 20 2,460 300 Medium 20 6,000
123 Heavy 25 3,075 300 Heavy 25 7,500
123 Very Heavy 31 3,813 300 Very Heavy 31 9,300

145 Light 16 2,320 362 Light 16 5,792

145 Medium 20 2,900 362 Medium 20 7,240
145 Heavy 25 3,625 362 Heavy 25 9,050
145 Very Heavy 31 4,495 362 Very Heavy 31 11,222

170 Light 16 2,720 420 Light 16 6,720

170 Medium 20 3,400 420 Medium 20 8,400
170 Heavy 25 4,250 420 Heavy 25 10,500
170 Very Heavy 31 5,270 420 Very Heavy 31 13,020

33
EMEK DESIGN

General Description
• Primary and secondary cores are housed in a single porcelain bushing.
• Transformers are hermetically sealed.
• Well proven “hair pin” technology is used.

Frequency
• 50 Hz, 60 Hz

Secondary Current
• 1 A, 2 A or 5 A, others on request.

Primary Current
• up to 4000 A

Thermal and Dynamic Ratings

• Short time thermal current ratings up to 40 KA/ 3 sec and dynamic current
ratings up to 100 KA peak.

Continuous Thermal Current

• 1.2 x In continuous (up to 2.0 x In on request).

Standards
• IEC, BS, ANSI, AS, other standards on request. 34
 EMEK DESIGN

19
1. Aluminium Rain Cover
1 2. Stainless Steel Bellows
2 3. Oil Level Indicator
3
4. Primary Terminals
4 5. Aluminium Head
5 6. Primary Conductor
7. Steel Tube (filled with epoxy resin to eliminate effect of
6
dynamic forces during short circuit)

7
8. Paper Insulation (HV side)
9. Primary Windings
8
10. Porcelain Bushing
9 11. Paper Insulation (LV side)
12. Secondary Windings
10
13. Secondary Windings Support

11 14. Oil (Current transformer is completely filled by oil)

15. Base Plate
12
16. Lifting holes
13
17. Secondary Terminals
14
18. Oil Sampling Valve (Opposite side of the secondary
15 box)
19. Oil Filling Tap
16

18 17 35
EMEK DESIGN

Cores
• Grain oriented silicon steel is used.
• The core shapes are toroidal without air gap.

Insulation of cores by paper

36
EMEK DESIGN

Secondary winding on the cores

Secondary Windings
• Enamelled electrolytic copper
wire is used.

37
EMEK DESIGN

Max. 7 cores can be accommodated Paper Insulation on the cores

38
 EMEK DESIGN

Primary Windings
Electrolytic copper suitable to withstand rated
continuous current and short time thermal current
is used.

Paper insulation on primary winding

39
EMEK DESIGN

Insulation
Oil impregnated paper, high dielectric strength, low dielectric
losses.

Graded layers with well rounded edges enable a uniformly

distributed field over the whole unit

Primary and secondary winding insulation is

completed.

How to calculate thickness of paper :

145 KV Current Transformers

Power Frequency Withstand Voltage : 275 KV
Dielectric characteristic of paper = 5.5 mm/KV
Total Thickness : 275 KV/5.5 mm = 50 mm

Safety Margin : 50 mm x 1.1 = 55 mm

Primary Insulation : 55 x 2/3 = 36.6 mm

Secondary Insulation : 55 x 1/3 = 18.4 mm 40
EMEK DESIGN

Epoxy

Forces during
short time

Steel Tube

41
EMEK DESIGN

Installation of Base Plate

Base of the transformers are
Inserting porcelain
fabricated from steel and galvanised
bushing onto windings.

42
EMEK DESIGN

WRONG CORRECT

How to measure creepage distance :

Brown glazed porcelain (other colours on request).

Extra high creepage distance is also possible on request

43
 EMEK DESIGN

Spring

Bracelet

Installation of Head
Bracelets
The housing head is fabricated from
All bracelets used on transformers are made
corrosion protected aluminium.
from aluminium alloy.
Every housing is subject to pressure and
vacuum test before installation.
44
EMEK DESIGN

Dimensions depend on rated

primary current (stud type).
Primary Terminals
1-800 A = ∅ 30 & 80 mm
• Primary terminals are made from tin
801-1600 A = ∅ 40 & 125 mm
plated copper.
1601-2500 A = ∅ 50 & 125 mm
• Vertical and horizontal primary terminals
2501-3000 A = ∅ 60 & 130 mm
are available.
3001-4000 A = ∅ 65 & 125 mm
•Stud, nema pad or clamp type primary
terminals are available.
45
 EMEK DESIGN

Vacuum &
Oil Filling pipes

Heaters

Oil Impregnation
Heat and vacuum are applied to the fully
insulated windings after assembly of the
current transformer for drying purposes (around
3-4 days), followed immediately by the oil filling
under vacuum.

46
 EMEK DESIGN

Oil Filling Tap

Oil Level Indicator

Insulating Oil Drain plug for taking samples and oil

The insulating oil is mineral oil in refilling facilities are provided on
conformity with IEC 296. request.

Before impregnation, moisture and Floating type oil level indicator is

gases are removed from the oil by standard supply.
special processes.

47
EMEK DESIGN

Hermetic Seal
Oil volume variations are compensated
with stainless steel bellows placed in the
head of the current transformers. With
this facility there will be no contact
between air and oil in the transformers.

The dielectric strength will remain

unchanged for the life time of the CT.

48
EMEK DESIGN

Changing of Ratio
Changing of Ratio Ratio change can be achieved
Ratio change can be achieved by by secondary taps located in
primary series-parallel connection the secondary terminal box..

Primary ratio changing terminal is

located in the primary connection
box which is on the head of
transformer.
49
 EMEK DESIGN

Secondary Terminal Box Name Plate

Hinged type boxes are used and are sealable Name plates are stainless steel
on request. They are made from aluminium and weatherproof.
or stainless steel.

Clamp type secondary terminals are used.

Other secondary terminals are available on

request
50
 EMEK DESIGN

External Binding Elements

Earthing All external bolts, nuts, washers etc. are
M10 or M16 earthing terminals are used either stainless steel or hot dip galvanised
and are located on the base of the steel.
transformers. Clamp type terminals are
available on request. Painting
External surface of the transformers,
which are already corrosion protected, are
additionally painted grey . Other colours
are available on request.
51
EMEK DESIGN

Optional Accessories

•Steel support structure

• Primary connectors

• Marshalling box

52
 EMEK DESIGN

Earthquake Design Altitude

Standard design is up to 0.6g. Standard design is suitable up to 1000 m
above sea level. Higher values on request.
Mechanical Strength
Applied load to the primary terminal in Maintenance
horizontal and vertical is in conformity Maintenance free, simple recommendations :
with IEC 44-1. Clean the porcelain bushing at regular
intervals depending on the degree of
Ambient Temperature pollution.
Standard design is suitable for Ensure that there is no oil leakage.
temperature range -50° C to +50° C.
Spare Part
Other ranges on request. There are no user serviceable parts,
therefore no spare parts are required.

Special Tools
No special tools are required for
maintenance

53
 EMEK DESIGN

Assembly Packing
Before the assembly, following visual • The transformers are packed in
checks should be made. rugged wooden crates which are
• There are no oil leaks, suitable for overseas transportation.
• The porcelain is not damaged, • The transformers are encapsulated
• The aluminium protective cover on the in polyethylene covers to keep them
bellows is not damaged, from environmental effects such as
• There is no damage on the primary rain-fall, dust and sand etc. (during
terminals, transport and storage).
• The oil level indicator indicates sufficient • Wooden crates can be lifted by
oil level. either a fork lift or by a crane with
slings.
Storage
• It is recommended to store the
transformers packed prior to installation.

54
EMEK DESIGN

TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is only possible in the upright (vertical) position. The CT should never be
transported or stored in the horizontal position. The crates should not be put on top of each
other. Attention should be paid to the red “UP” arrows on the crate.

For transformers which have been transported and/or stored in horizontal position for
any reason, factory level re-conditioning and testing is necessary.

The vehicle used for transportation must be of adequate size. The packing must be
tightly tied to the chassis of the transportation vehicle.

If unpaved and rough roads are to be travelled, care should be given to prevent
rigorous vibration. Prolonged and rough vibration may lead to oil disturbances.

TOP max 15° TOP

EMEK EMEK

EMEK

TOP
55
CORRECT MAX INCLINATION WRONG
EMEK DESIGN

NEVER Lift the transformers

Use the primary terminals by using the holes
for lifting the transformers provided on the base

56
CASCADED TYPE (245-420 KV)

CASCADED TYPE CURRENT TRANSFORMERS

In this part we will explain basic technical characteristics of cascaded type current
transformers.

The CT’s have both dielectric and magnetic cascade arrangements. The upper
part and lower part have independent oil compartment therefore no oil
connection is made between the units. Each unit has a magnetic circuit, high
voltage ( high amps ) and low voltage ( low amps ) winding, insulation, oil and
stainless steel bellows for oil volume compensation. In other words each unit is
an independent CT itself such that when they are connected in series they share
the line voltage and the turns ratio of the cascaded CT is the combination of
turns ratio of each unit.

No connections are necessary between the two units. Each unit has its own
stainless steel bellow for compensating the change in the oil volume. A simple
electrical connection is made between the upper part and lower part.

Cascade design CT’s are not new. They have been around since system levels of
400kV and above have been in use. They are feasible for levels of 245kV and
above. For lower levels the single piece design has an economic advantages.
57
 CASCADED TYPE (245-420 KV)

1600 A
Upper part primary winding
UPPER PART

UPPER PART
Cores

150 A Upper part secondary winding

150 A Lower part primary winding

LOWER PART

LOWER PART
Cores

1A Lower part secondary winding

1A

SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM OF 1600/1-1 A

CASCADECURRENT TRANSFORMER

58
CASCADED TYPE (245-420 KV)

1
1. Aluminium Rain Cover
2
2. Stainless Steel Bellows
3 3. Oil Level Indicator
4 4. Primary Terminals
5 5. Aluminium Head
6
6. Primary Winding
7 7. Insulating Oil
8
8. Paper Insulation
9
9. Porcelain Bushing
10 10. Secondary Support
11 11. Oil Sampling Valve
12 12. Stainless Steel Bellows
13. Paper Insulation
13 14. Porcelain Bushing
14 15. Secondary Cores
16. Insulating Oil
17. Lifting Holes
15
18. Secondary Terminal Box
16
19. Oil Sampling Valve
17

19 18 59
CASCADED TYPE (245-420 KV)

Cascade type current transformers are made up

from two individual and independent CT’s which are
connected in series.

The upper and lower part have independent oil

compartments therefore no oil connection is made
between the units.

Each unit has its own stainless steel bellow for

compensating the change in the oil volume.

Minimum ferrous surfaces are subjected to the

environment to minimise corrosion. Ferrous surfaces
are hot dip galvanised and painted.

The height of the units is suitable for upright

(vertical) transport on normal trucks and they will
pass under standard bridges. This way complications
of horizontal transport are avoided.

60
 CASCADED TYPE (245-420 KV)

Both units are assembled on site. Simple

electrical connection is made between the
upper part and the lower part. No special
tools are required for connection.

61
CASCADED TYPE (245-420 KV)

The line (and test) voltage is shared

equally by both units. The insulation

275/√3/2 = 137/√3 KV
task of each unit is actually half of the

V/2 task of a single piece unit. Therefore

there is considerably less strain on the

insulation. Less insulation strain means

275/√3/2 = 137/√3 KV
longer life.

0
62
CASCADED TYPE (245-420 KV)

Better Short Circuit Characteristics :

Only the upper part is prone to
thermal and dynamic effects
40 KA / 1 sec resulting from a short circuit. The
bottom unit is never effected with
thermal and dynamic forces because
the upper part saturates around 30
Core saturate at 50 times of to 50 times ( according to core
rated secondary 50 x 150 A characteristics ) the rated current
= 7.5 KA and anything above this level is not
passed onwards to bottom unit.

Because of its short height, the

upper part is not severely effected
7.5 KA is the short time
from a short circuit. The primary
current pass through bottom
conductors carrying the short circuit
part which is negligible
current is far shorter than the ones in
compare to 40 KA
a single piece hairpin design. Shorter
conductor means less heating and
smaller dynamic forces.

63