Date: 17/02/2025
Transformer Protection System – Q&A
Q1: Why is a protection system required for transformers?
A transformer protection system is essential to:
- Protect against overcurrent, short circuits, and earth faults.
- Detect internal and external faults.
- Prevent damage from overheating, overloading, or voltage surges.
Q2: What are the main protection systems used for transformers?
The key transformer protection methods include:
⃣ Buchholz Relay – Detects internal gas accumulation and trips the transformer in case of faults.
⃣ Differential Protection Relay – Compares current on the primary and secondary sides to detect internal faults.
⃣ Overcurrent Relay (OCR) – Activates when excessive current flows through the transformer.
⃣ Earth Fault Relay (EFR) – Trips the transformer in case of an earth fault.
⃣ Over-temperature Protection – Shuts down the transformer if it overheats.
⃣ Surge/Lightning Arresters – Protect against voltage surges and lightning strikes.
Q3: How does a Buchholz Relay work?
The Buchholz Relay is a gas-sensing relay used exclusively for internal transformer faults.
- Small faults generate gas bubbles, which accumulate in the relay.
- When a certain amount of gas collects, the relay triggers a warning alarm.
- In case of severe faults, a pressure surge occurs, causing the relay to trip the transformer immediately.
Q4: How does Differential Protection protect a transformer?
Differential Protection (87T Relay) works by comparing current on the transformer's primary and secondary sides.
- Normal Condition: Input and output currents are nearly equal.
- Internal Fault: A difference in current (exceeding a set threshold) indicates an internal fault.
- When a fault is detected, the relay trips the circuit breaker to prevent damage.
- External Faults (e.g., transmission line faults) do not activate this protection, as current remains balanced on both
sides.
Q5: How do Overcurrent and Earth Fault Protection work in a transformer?
� Overcurrent Relay (OCR): Activates when the transformer draws more current than its rated capacity, triggering
a trip after a preset time delay.
� Earth Fault Relay (EFR): Detects excessive neutral current or grounding current, indicating a short circuit or
insulation failure.
Q6: What is Transformer Protection Coordination?
Protection Coordination ensures that different relays and circuit breakers operate in a logical sequence to
minimize unnecessary shutdowns.
- Primary Protection: Fast-acting relays that trip first in case of a fault.
- Backup Protection: Operates if the primary protection fails or if faults persist.
- Time Coordination: Ensures that only the faulty section is isolated, preventing complete system failure.
Q7: How do Surge Arresters protect a transformer?
Surge Arresters protect transformers from lightning strikes and switching surges by:
- Diverting excessive voltage safely to the ground.
- Limiting overvoltage to a safe level.
- Preventing insulation breakdown and internal arcing.
Q8: What are common transformer faults and their causes?
� Overheating – Caused by overloading, poor ventilation, or insulation failure.
� Short Circuit – Due to winding faults or external faults.
� Oil Leakage – Leads to insulation breakdown and overheating.
� Harmonic Distortion – Affects transformer performance, often due to nonlinear loads.
� Core Faults – Caused by mechanical damage or overvoltage conditions.
Q9: What is the function of a Restricted Earth Fault (REF) relay?
The Restricted Earth Fault (REF) relay detects internal winding faults in the transformer by measuring the
difference between neutral and phase currents. It provides high sensitivity for detecting earth faults within the
transformer winding.
Q10: Why is temperature monitoring essential in transformers?
Temperature monitoring prevents thermal degradation of insulation and detects early signs of overloading or
cooling failure. The Winding Temperature Indicator (WTI) and Oil Temperature Indicator (OTI) are commonly
used for monitoring and protection.
Q11: What is the significance of a Transformer Oil Analysis?
Transformer oil analysis helps in detecting insulation breakdown, moisture content, dissolved gases, and
contamination. Regular oil testing enhances transformer lifespan and reliability.
Q12: How does a Transformer Tap Changer affect protection?
The Tap Changer adjusts the transformer output voltage, and faults in the tap changer can lead to arcing,
overheating, or voltage instability. Proper tap changer monitoring and protection relays are essential to prevent
damage.
Conclusion:
A proper transformer protection system enhances reliability, reduces downtime, and prevents costly damage.
Ensuring correct relay settings, periodic maintenance, and proper coordination is crucial for the long-term safety
of transformers.
Prepared By:
Md. Yeasir Arafat
Engineer (Operation, Maintenance & Service)
Power Generation, Engine, Electro Mechanical Sector.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yeasirkhulna/
WhatsApp: +8801645702716
