• Introduction of Transformer

• Transformer Classification
• Classification of Transformer Fault
• Common Causes of Failure
• Causes of slow-damaging faults
• Factors controlling the effects of Winding faults
• Frequency of different types of faults
• Vector Group of Power Transformer

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 2
Introduction of Transformer

A transformer is a It involves interchange of

device that changes AC electric energy between
electric power from one two or more electric
voltage level to another systems
voltage level through
the action of a magnetic
field. Transformers provide
much needed capability
of changing the voltage
and current levels easily.
• They are used to step-
up generator voltage to
an appropriate voltage
level for power
There are two or more transfer.
stationary electric • Stepping down the
circuits that are coupled transmission voltage at
magnetically. various levels for
distribution and power
utilization.

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 3
Transformer Classification Advantages of tertiary
winding:
• Reducing 3rd
In terms of • Conventional transformer: two windings harmonics
• Auto-transformer: single winding with tertiary
number of winding
• Providing facility for
connecting auxiliary
windings • Others: more than two windings transformers
• Allowing to connect
unbalanced load and
path for zero
In terms of • Single-phase transformer sequence current for
Yyn transformers
number of phases • Three-phase transformer
• Reduce the voltage
rise due to
unbalanced loading

Depending on the • Step-up transformer: primary winding connected Power transformer is

voltage level at to a lower voltage system the most valuable
which the winding • Ste-down transformer: primary winding asset of an
connected to a higher voltage system electrical substation
is operated
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 4
Classification of Transformer Faults

Internal failure (Class-B): causing

Internal failure (Class-A): causing
slow damage over long period of External fault
immediate serious damage
time
Abnormal operating conditions
Winding and terminal fault Poor electrical connection of conductors • Over-loading: causes I2R
• Ph-G fault losses
Core fault that causes limited arching under
• Ph-Ph fault the oil
• Continuous operating in over-
voltage
• 3-ph fault
Tank fault causing leakage of oil • Encountering transient over-
• Inter-turn fault
voltage
Clogged oil or slug formation

Core fault Coolant failure causing temperature rise Persistent or uncleared external
fault
Bad load sharing during parallel operation
On-load Tap Changer (OLTC) fault causing circulating current and over-heating • Ph-G fault
• Ph-Ph fault
High resistance in OLTC contacts • 3-ph fault
Transformer accessories fault
Over-heating

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 5
Common causes of failure
Expansion and
contraction
due to thermal
cycling
vibration

Excessive
Local heating Process heating due to
due to eddy that lead overloading or
current inadequate
to failures cooling

Thermal and
mechanical
forces due to
flow of
through-fault
currents

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 6
Causes of slow damaging faults
Faulty
termination Improper size
Unbalanced
of connecting
loading
accessories

Prolonged Prolonged
Over-loading short-circuits

Seepage of Faulty tap-

water in oil changer

Causes of
slow Lack of
Insufficient
insulation
Oil level damaging checks
faults

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 7
Factors controlling the effects of Winding Faults

Factors controlling fault magnitude

Source impedance

Neutral earthing
impedance

Transformer leakage
reactance

Fault voltage

Winding connection
and impedance

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 8
Frequency of different types of faults
STATISTICS OF POWER TRANSFORMER FAILURE

Coolant Tank
5% 3%
Others
6%
Core Insulation
8% Failure
41%

OLTC
10%

Bushing
13%
Winding Fault
14%

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 9
 VECTOR GROUP
OF
POWER TRANSFORMER

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 10
Different vector groups and neutral connections

Yy Yd Dy Yd+z
YN yn0 (d1) YN d1 D yn11 YN d11 + zn

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 11
Different winding arrangements

Autotransformer 2-winding transf.

+ tertiary + Auxiliary
e.g.. YN Auto d1 transformer

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 12
Vector configurations

VA (Δ) VA (Δ)
Va (Y) Va (Y)
12
11 1
30˚ Dyn1 30˚ Dyn11

10 2

9 3

VA (Y) VA (Y)
8 4 Va (Δ) Va (Δ)

7 5 YNd1 YNd11
6 30˚ 30˚

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 13
Vector configurations

A
A-B A-C
12
11 1
-B -C
10 2

9 3 C-B B-C

8 4
C B

7 5
6 C-A B-A
-A

Reference Circle

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 14
 Vector configurations
Draw for Dyn1

A (Y) A (Y)
A-B (Δ) A-C (Δ) A-B (Δ)
VA (Δ)
VA (Δ) Va (Y)
Va (Y)
-B (Y) -C (Y)
30˚ 30˚

C-B (Δ) B-C (Δ)

C (Y) B (Y)

C-A (Δ) B-A (Δ)

-A (Y)
Positive sign means start of the winding
Negative sign means end of the winding
Reference Circle
Allocate each single letter for Y-connection A-B : Connect start of winding A to end of winding B
& double letter for Δ-connection
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 15
 Vector configurations
Draw for Dyn1

A (Y)
A-B (Δ)

A a

B b

C c

n
A-B : Connect start of winding A to end of winding B

and so on… …

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 16
 Vector configurations
Draw for YNd1 VA (Y)
Va (Δ)
A (Y)
A-C (Δ)
30˚

A a

B b

C c

N
A-C : Connect start of winding A to end of winding C

and so on… …

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 17
 Vector configurations
Draw for YNd5 VA (Y)

A (Y)

A c

B a
Va (Δ)

C b

B-A (Δ)
N
B-A : Connect start of winding B to end of winding A
But, this winding will correspond to Phase-A

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 18
Vector configurations VA (Δ)

Draw for Dd8

A-B (Δ) A b
Va (Δ)

B c

C a

C-A (Δ)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 19
Vector configurations
VA (Y)
Draw for YNyn6

A a
A (Y)

B b
Va (Y)

C c

N n

-A (Y)
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 20
Vector configurations
Connection over core

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 21
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 22
• Effect of external fault
• Winding capability for external fault
• Transformer Protection-Why is it needed?
• Important consideration when applying protection
• Protection of Power Transformer
• Transformer protection in Transmission network
• Grouping of protection
• Basics of Differential protection
• Required features of a Differential protection relay
• Quality of a differential protection relay
• Differential protection

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 23
Effect of external fault
Fault current distribution in D-Y transformer

3Phase fault on LV side

132/33kV
T2
A a
250A ?? If=1000A

B b
250A ?? If=1000A

C c
250A ??
If=1000A

What would be phase currents? n

=144A

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 24
Effect of external fault
Fault current distribution in D-Y transformer
Single phase earth fault on LV side
nx1.732 n
132/33kV
T2 Voltage ratio=a:1
A a
Turns Ratio= (aX1.732):1
a=(132/33)=4

B b
144A

C c
144A 144A
If=1000A

What would be phase currents? n

=144A
Two phase over current on delta side
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 25
Effect of external fault
Fault current distribution in D-Y transformer
Phase –Phase fault on LV side

132/33kV
T2
A a
288A 144A
If=1000A

B b
144A 144A If=1000A

C c
144A

What would be phase currents? n

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 26
Winding capability for external fault

• System short-circuits produce a relatively

intense heating of the feeding
transformers
• Mechanical forces applied on the core and
winding also increases proportionately

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 27
Transformer Protection- Why is it needed?
Most of the protections cannot prevent faults

With certain types of protections, damage can be prevented in faulty transformer

Prevent potential damage to non-faulty equipment

Prevent danger to personnel

Reduce the time of abnormal operating conditions

Prevent potential damage to the associated power system elements, such as generators,
motors etc.
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 28
Important consideration when applying protection
Speed
• Minimizes damage and danger, system stability

Selectivity
• Accurate discrimination of fault position; only the faulty equipment should be isolated, not the healthy one

Reliability
• Must operate when required, faults are rare but protection should always be healthy even after years of inactive

Security/Stability
• Must always operate in case of relevant scenario, should not operate due to load switching, power swing and external
faults
Overlap of protection
• There should not be any uncovered zone

Economic
• Economic aspects should also be kept under consideration

Phase selectivity
• Not applicable for transformer, incorporated in line protection
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 29
Protection of Power Transformer

Protections • Transformer Differential Protection (87T)

• Restricted Earth Fault (REF) Protection (87N)
provided by • Time Delayed Over-current and Earth-fault Protection (51/51N)
external • Instantaneous Over-current and Earth-fault Protection (50/50N)
• Directional Over-current and Earth-fault Protection (67/67N)
protective • Thermal Overload Protection (49)
relays • Over-fluxing Protection (24)

Mechanical/self • Main Tank Buchholz Protection (Alarm/Trip)

• OLTC Buchholz Protection (Trip)
protection • Pressure Relief Device (PRD) Protection (Trip)
(provided • Winding Temperature Protection (Alarm/Trip)
• Oil Temperature Protection (Alarm/Trip)
within the • Oil Level (Alarm)
transformer)
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 30
Transformer protection in Transmission network
2-winding Transformer (Part-1)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 31
Transformer protection in Transmission network
2-winding Transformer (Part-2)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 32
Transformer protection in Transmission network
2-winding Transformer (Part-3)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 33
Transformer protection in Transmission network
Auto-Transformer (Part-1)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 34
Transformer protection in Transmission network
Auto-Transformer (Part-2)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 35
Transformer protection in Transmission network
Auto-Transformer (Part-3)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 36
Transformer protection in Transmission network
Auto-Transformer (Part-4)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 37
Transformer protection in Transmission network
Auto-Transformer (Part-5)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 38
Transformer protection in Transmission network
Auto-Transformer (Part-6)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 39
Transformer protection in Transmission network
Auto-Transformer (Part-7)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 40
Transformer protection in Transmission network
Auto-Transformer (Part-8)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 41
Grouping of protection

Group-1 Self-differential Group-2 Overall differential

(supplied protection (supplied protection
from DC-1) from DC-2)
Back-up O/C & E/F
Mechanical protection
protection

Mechanical protection Lock-out relay-2

Lock-out relay-1 Trip coil-2

Trip coil-1

Point to be noted: Lock-out relay-1 & 2 and Trip Coil-1 & 2 will be actuated with all means of protection

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 42
DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 43
Basics of Differential protection

Transformer differential protection is a unit protection scheme that

compares currents of each side of the transformer

Any difference in currents between/among the sides that is beyond

the set value indicates transformer internal fault and the relay
instantaneously trips the relevant circuit breakers

Transformer differential protection detects faults within the

differential protection zone, including inter-turn short circuits

In case of transformers, overall differential protection is also

implemented

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 44
Required Features of a Differential protection relay
Phase compensation (due to phase shift from HV to LV)

Filtering of zero-sequence current

Generally
Ratio correction applied for
transformers
Magnetizing inrush during energization above 5MVA
rating
Winding configuration, impedance

Over-fluxing/over-excitation

Harmonics restrain

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 45
Quality of a Differential protection relay
Extremely stable under through-fault condition and magnetic inrush

Should operate instantaneously during all types of internal faults

Stability against external through-fault

Able to restrain second harmonics and fifth harmonics

Stability against heavy CT saturation

Built-in voltage ratio and phase angle compensation in modern relays

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 46
Differential protection

• Nominal current through the protected equipment

I Diff = 0 : No tripping

R I diff = 0

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 47
Differential protection
• Through fault current

I Diff = 0 : No tripping

R I diff = 0

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 48
Differential protection

• Internal Fault
I Diff = 0 : Tripping

R I diff = 0

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 49
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 50
• Transformer biased differential protection operating characteristics
• Advantage of transformer biased differential protection
• Differential protection of D-Y transformer
• Differential protection of D-Y transformer with matching CT
• Differential protection Auto-transformer
• Basics of Restricted Earth Fault (REF) protection
• Effect of resistive earth faults
• Effect of solid earth faults
• Combined REF and Differential protection
• REF protection for Auto-transformer
• Effect of inter-turn faults

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 51
 Transformer Biased Differential Protection Operating
Characteristics
• Differential current = |I1+I2 |
What is bias • Biasing/restraining current
 ABB, SIEMENS (SIPROTEC 5):
characteristic ? Max (|I1|, |I2|, |I3|)
IDiff
Formula of Restraining current  SIEMENS (SIPROTEC 4):
varies across manufacturer |I1|+|I2|+|I3|

 ALSTOM/GE/Schneider:
(| | | | | |)
Tripping region

Restraining/non-tripping region

IBias

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 52
Differential protection

Why bias characteristic ?

100 / 1 100/50 KV 200 / 1

LOAD
1A 1A = 200 A

R 0A
I1 I2

OLTC Setting is at mid tap

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 53
Differential protection
100 / 1 100/50 KV 200 / 1
LOAD
0.9 A 1A = 200 A

R
0.1 A

OLTC SETTING IS AT 10%

Differential current = 0.1 A

Relay pickup setting = O.2 A, So the Relay restrains

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 54
Differential protection
100 / 1 100/50 KV 200 / 1

9A 10 A
2000 A

R
1A

OLTC SETTING IS AT 10%

Relay Pickup Setting is O.2 A
So the Relay Operates
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 55
Differential protection
100 / 1 100/50 KV 200 / 1

9A 10 A
2000 A

R
1A

9A Bais coil Bais coil 10 A

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 56
Transformer Biased Differential Protection Operating
Characteristics

IDiff

Operating point lies

approximately here

So, does not operate

IBias

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 57
Transformer Biased Differential Protection Operating
Characteristics

100 / 1 100/50 KV 200 / 1

9A 10 A
2000 A

R
19 A

9A Bais coil Bais coil 10 A

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 58
Transformer Biased Differential Protection Operating
Characteristics

IDiff

Operating point lies

approximately here

So, relay operates

IBias

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 59
Transformer Biased Differential Protection Operating
Characteristics

IDiff

Typical setting of Unrestrained limit

= 120% of highest through-fault
current of the transformer

• At this much current, there is no

doubt that the fault is absolutely
internal

IBias

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 60
Advantages of Transformer Biased Differential Protection
Allow for current mismatch due to OLTC operation

Stability against heavy through-fault

Stability against CT saturation

Allowing current mismatch due to measurement errors

Stability against inrush current

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 61
Differential protection of D-Y Transformer

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 62
Differential protection of D-Y Transformer with matching CT

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 63
Differential protection of D-Y Transformer with matching CT

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 64 64
Differential protection Auto-Transformer

B-QA A-QA FG Autotransformer side1

MP
I-3ph FG Circuit Breaker A-QA
I-3ph 1
49 I-3ph 50BF
MP
I-3ph 2 Ctrl
U-3ph 59 81

MP Measured Values BI
CB
U-3ph 1 BO

FG Autotransformer
FG Circuit Breaker B-QA

I-3ph 50BF
87T
FG Autotransformer side 2
Ctrl
MP
I-3ph 87TNode
I-3ph 3
BI
50 51 CB
BO
Measured Values
FG Circuit Breaker C-QA

I-3ph 50BF

FG Autotr. Comp. Side Ctrl

MP
I-3ph
I-3ph 4 BI
CB
50 51 BO

Measured Values
FG Circuit Breaker D-QA

C-QA D-QA I-3ph 50BF

FG Autotr. Ground Side Ctrl

MP
I-3ph
I-3ph 5 BI
CB
Measured Values BO

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 65
RESTRICTED EARTH FAULT (REF)
PROTECTION

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 66
Basics of Restricted Earth Fault (REF) protection

Improve the sensitivity

REF protection or zero-sequence
Unit protection scheme with significantly compared to
differential protection is implemented in
instantaneous tripping traditional differential
the star-winding side of the transformer
protection

Ground current through the

transformer neutral is used as the Relays operates for the faults
Should not operate in case reference and is compared to the within the region between current
of unbalanced loading zero-sequence current at the transformers, typically for faults
terminals to determine fault inside the star winding
location

Relay remains stable against Can be high-impedance or

external faults low-impedance type

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 67
Effect of resistive earth faults
Earth fault on Transformer winding of resistive neutral

Winding earth fault current depends on the

earthing impedance value

Proportional to the distance of the fault

from neutral point, since the fault voltage
will be directly proportional to the distance

Primary current during fault will now

depend on the ratio of Primary turns to
short-circuited secondary turns

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 68
Effect of resistive earth faults
Fault current in primary ∞
(fraction of the winding short
circuited)2
• When a part of the winding is short-
circuited, the effective impedance of the
transformer changes
• The impedance found to be minimum when
100% of the winding is earthed and the
impedance increases as the fault location
move towards the neutral
• Proportionately, fault current also decreases
• In practice, faults in lower third of the
winding produce very little current in the
primary winding, making fault detection by
primary current measurement difficult
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 69
Effect of resistive earth faults
The ratio of transformation between the primary winding and the short circuited turns
also varies with the position of the fault
132/33kV

Vph
a*n*1.732 nx
R

Earthing resistance is rated to pass

full load current on earth fault.
Voltage ratio=a:1
Full load current IFL= vph/R
Turns Ratio= (aX1.732):1
For a fault at nx
a=(132/33)=4
Fault current IF=x.IFL
Effective turns Ratio= a*1.732: X
IP nx
= I P=
nx*IF
= (0.577*X2*IFL)/a
IF a*n*1.732 a*n*1.732
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 70
Effect of resistive earth faults
If Primary CT ratio is based on full load primary current for example,
IFL=1000A, CT ratio of HV side= 250/1
Then, IP = 0.577*X2*1000/4 = 0.577*X2*250
So, IP/250 = 0.577*X2
So, fault current on CT secondary= 0.577*X2.
If differential setting, Id= 20%
For relay operation 0.577*X2 > 20%
X> 58.9%
Therefore differential relay will operate if fault is beyond 58.9% of secondary winding, i.e. 58.9% of the
winding is uncovered.

Differential relay setting % of winding protected

10% 58.4%
20% 41.1%
30% 27.9%
40% 16.7%
50% 6.9%

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 71
Effect of solid earth faults
Earth fault on Transformer winding of solid Grounding
132/33kV

fault current limited only by the leakage reactance

of the winding, so it has a complex relationship
with the reactance

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 72
Restricted Earth Fault (REF) protection

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 73
Restricted Earth Fault (REF) protection
REF Case I : Normal Condition
Stability level : usually maximum through fault level of transformer
P1 P2
S1 S2
P1 P2
S1 S2
P1 P2
S1 S2

P1 S1

P2 S2

Under normal conditions no current flows through Relay

So, No Operation
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 74
Restricted Earth Fault (REF) protection
REF Case II : External Earth Fault

External earth fault - Current circulates between the phase & neutral CTs;
no current through the relay
So, No Operation
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 75
Restricted Earth Fault (REF) protection
REF Case III : Internal Earth Fault

For an internal earth fault the unbalanced current flows through the relay

So, Relay Operates

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 76
Restricted Earth Fault (REF) protection

Restricted Earth Fault Protection Setting

50MVA
(12%) 1000/1 Setting will require calculation
132/33kV RCT = 4.9
of :
 Setting stability voltage (VS)
 Value of stabilising resistor
required
IF
1000/1
RS  Peak voltage developed by
RCT = 4.8 VS CT’s for internal fault
IS = 0.1 Amp

2 Core 7/0.67mm
(7.41/km)
100m Long

Maximum through fault current IF=

15000A M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 77
Restricted Earth Fault (REF) protection
(1) Setting voltage RCT= CT Resistance Typical Settings for REF Protection
VS = IF (RCT + 2RL) RL= Lead Resistance
Solidly earthed transformer:
10 - 60% of winding rated current
Assuming “earth” CT saturates,
Resistance earthed:
RCT = 4.8 ohms 10 - 25% minimum earth fault current
for fault at transformer terminals
2RL = 2 x 100 x 7.41 x 10-3 = 1.482 ohms
 Setting voltage = 15 (4.8 + 1.482)
= 94.23 Volts
(2) Stabilising Resistor (RS)
RS = VS/IS - (VA)/IS2
Where IS = relay current setting
VA= Relay Burden
 RS = 94.23/0.1 - 1/ 0.12 = 842 ohms

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 78
Combined REF and Differential protection

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 79
REF protection for Auto-transformer

With common neutral CT

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 80
REF protection for Auto-transformer

With separate neutral CT

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 81
Effect of inter-turn faults

Inter-Turn Fault
132/33kV

CT
E
Shorted Load
turn

Nominal turns ratio : 132000 / (33000/1.732)

Fault turns ratio : 132000 / 1

Current ratio :1 / 132000
Primary Secondary

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 82
Effect of inter-turn faults

Inter-Turn Fault

CT
E
Shorted
turn

Nominal turns ratio : 132000 / (33000/1.732)

Fault turns ratio : 132000 / 1

Current ratio :1 / 132000
Primary Secondary

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 83
Effect of inter-turn faults
Transformer equivalent circuit
R1 X1 a2R2 a2X2
• In case of interturn faults,
I1 I2/a equivalent impedance
becomes lower. As a result,
V1 E1=aE2 aV2 fault current becomes greater
than the rated current
• But, if the portion of the
shorted turns is low compared
to the full winding, the current
R1 X1 a2R’2 a2X’2
seen by the relay will not be
significant enough to actuate
I’1
I’2/a the relay
• The primary current will rise as
V1 E1=aE2 aV’2
the portion of the shorter
turns increases

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 84
Effect of inter-turn faults
Interturn Fault Current / Number of
Turns Short Circuited
Primary current
(multiples of
rated current)

Fault current
(multiples of
rated current)

Turn short-circuited
(percentage of
winding)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 85
Effect of inter-turn faults
Interturn Fault Current / Number of
Turns Short Circuited
Primary current
(multiples of
rated current)

Fault current
(multiples of
rated current)

Fault current very high

Detected by Bucholz relay

Primary phase current very low

Not detected by current

operated relays
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 86
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 87
• Earth fault at Delta-connected side of the transformer
• Use of Zig-Zag transformer
• Magnetizing inrush
• Factors affecting magnetizing inrush
• Effects of magnetizing inrush
• Methods of minimizing magnetizing inrush
• Thermal over-load protection (49)
• Over-fluxing protection (24)
• Magnetizing inrush and over-fluxing restrain
• Over-current and Earth fault
• Factors to be considered for O/C & E/F protection
• O/C & E/F protection characteristics

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 88
Earth Fault at Delta (Δ) connected side of the Transformer
Some basic questions
Transformation ratio = n

VA Va
What happens when earth-fault occurs at
VB Vb delta side of the transformer?
VC Vc
How to reduce the consequences of earth-
fault appearing on the delta side?

What are the purposes of Zig Zag transformer?

What are the advantages they offer?

How fault currents are distributed in presence

of Zig Zag transformer?

How to reduce the fault current?

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 89
Earth Fault at Delta (Δ) connected side of the Transformer
Va 0
Phase to phase
voltage (33kV) n'
appears on each of
the healthy
19kV
terminals which is
√3 times of the 33kV 33kV
33kV 33kV
design value
19kV n n
19kV

33kV
Vc Vb Vc Vb

For better understanding, lets assume So, Phase to neutral voltage appeared on LV side will be
Van = Vbn = Vcn = = = = 19.05kV
VAB = VBC = VCA = 132kV
Vab = Vbc = Vca = 33kV
Phase to ground insulation is designed for 19kV

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 90
Earth Fault at Delta (Δ) connected side of the Transformer

Transformation ratio = n What happens when earth-fault

VA Va
occurs at delta side of the
transformer?
VB Vb

VC Vc
• Dangerous over-voltage appears on
the healthy windings
• As there will be no fault current as
there is no close path for the
current; hence, the fault will not be
detected with any protective relay
• The condition will persist until
insulation failure take place
How to reduce the
consequences of • The fault current needs a close or
earth-fault appearing low-impedance path to flow
on the delta side?

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 91
Earth Fault at Delta (Δ) connected side of the Transformer
One possible solution:
Transformation ratio = n Installing a transformer with Y-winding or a
reactor
VA Va

VB Vb

VC Vc

But the impedance of the transformer will

be

Z = R + jX ≈ jX; considering R negligible

The value, X of a transformer will be

significantly high for the fault current to flow

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 92
Earth Fault at Delta (Δ) connected side of the Transformer
Transformation ratio = n

VA Va

VB Vb

VC Vc

• At any instance, direction of current

flown through the top winding is opposite
to the direction of current flown through
the bottom winding of the same limb.
• Hence, the directions of the resulting flux
oppose one another causing the resultant
reactance to be zero

This allows a very low impedance path for

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN the fault current to flow 93
 Earth Fault at Delta (Δ) connected side of the Transformer
Transformation ratio = n
Turn ratio = n/√3 I 2I
I 3
3 IF
3n
VA Va
I
3n I
VB 3
Vb
I
3 I
VC 3 Vc
I
I
3 3

IF
0

I I I
3 3 3
Point to be noted:
• There is no phase
I I I angle differences
• Fault current receives closed path 3 3 3
among the currents
• HV side also remains stable as the IF shown here as they
residual current is 0A
all are zero sequence
currents.
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 94
 Earth Fault at Delta (Δ) connected side of the Transformer
Transformation ratio = n
Turn ratio = n/√3 I 2I
I 3
3 IF
3n
VA Va
I
3n I
VB 3
Vb
I
3 I
VC 3 Vc
I
I
3 3

IF
0

I I I
3 3 3
• Fault current can be reduced by
inserting NGR (Neutral Grounding
Resistance) I I I
• The value needs to be calculated by 3 3 3

considering the allowable fault IF

NGR
current and probable voltage
appearing due to the resistance
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 95
Magnetizing Inrush
Transient condition - occurs when a transformer is energized

Transformer steel core retains a static magnetic field if power is removed i.e. if the transformer is taken out of service

If normal operating flux of a transformer is close to saturation level

This residual field causes a high inrush current when power is reapplied (i.e. if the transformer is put back into service)

Residual flux can increase the magnetizing current

This high inrush current exists only at the source side of power transformer.

In the case of three phase transformer, the point-on-wave at switch-on differs for each phase and hence, also the
inrush currents
Transformer protection devices must be selected to allow this harmless inrush to pass through it.

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 96
Factors affecting inrush current
The source
impedance

The use of pre-

The size of the
insertion
transformer
resistors

The location
The remanence
energized
of the core
winding

The magnetic The point of

properties of wave when the
the core switch closes

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 97
Typical magnitudes of magnetizing inrush

MVA Magnetizing Inrush Current (Crest Inrush Current as

Rating p.u. of Crest Full Load Current)
Cold Rolled Steel Hot-Rolled Steel
HV LV HV LV
1.0 8.4 14.0 4.8 7.0
5.0 6.0 10.0 3.9 5.7
10.0 5.0 10.0 3.2 3.2
50.0 4.5 9.0 2.5 2.5

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 98
Magnetizing Inrush
Transformer Magnetising Characteristic

Twice
Normal Flux

Normal
Flux

Normal
No Load Current

No Load Current
at Twice Normal
Flux
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 99
Magnetizing Inrush
Inrush Current
V
+ m 
Im
STEADY STATE

- m

Im
2 m
 SWITCH ON AT VOLTAGE
V ZERO - NO RESIDUAL FLUX

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 100

Effects of Magnetizing Inrush

Appears on
May cause
one side of Transient Can make mal-
adverse effect
transformer magnetising Makes CT operation of
on transformer
only; can be inrush could transient zero sequence
life
seen as fault cause relay to saturation relay at
by differential operate primary
relay

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 101

Magnetizing Inrush
Effect of magnetising current

Example of disturbance records

with detail

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 102

Methods of minimizing magnetizing inrush
Resistance energization: A series resistance is inserted in the switching circuit of the transformer.

Capacitance for reducing residual magnetism: A capacitor is connected in parallel with the
transformer so that, when it is suspended from the supply the damped oscillation in the tuned circuit
so formed eventually eliminates any residual magnetism (still not proven very effective)

By using Controlled Applicable for single-phase operated Circuit Breakers

Switching Devices (CSD)
or Programmable Typically used in 400kV or higher voltage levels
Switching Devices (PSD)
Switches the phase where inrush is minimum i.e. voltage peak of the particular phase

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 103

Typical CSD/PSD used in PGCB’s system

ABB PWC600
SIEMENS PSD02

GE RPH3

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 104

Thermal over-load protection (49)

During over load

condition excessive To prevent damage of
load current through the winding
the transformer insulation, thermal
causes over heating of overload protection is
transformer winding applied.
and insulating oil.

It is basically an over
Tripping is time
current protection
delayed. Firstly alarm
implemented in both
is generated then
windings of the
tripping is executed.
transformer.

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 105

Effect of Overload on Transformer Insulation Life

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 106

Thermal Overload Protection (49)
Rise of temperature

Trip

Alarm

 Time

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 107

Over-fluxing protection (24)
Result of the following Over-voltage
conditions
Low system frequency
Expressed in terms of Volts/Hz

Transformers are designed to operate at or below a maximum magnetic flux density in their
core.

Above that design limit the eddy current in the core and nearby conductive components causes
overheating which within a very short time may cause severe damage.

The magnetic flux in the core is proportional to the voltage applied to the winding divided by the
impedance of the winding.

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 108

Over-fluxing protection (24)
The flux in the core increases with either increasing voltage or decreasing frequency-

EMF = E = 4.44fΦmN =>E/f = 4.44 ΦmN

During startup or shutdown of a generator-connected transformer, or following a load rejection, the transformer
may experience an excessive ratio of volts to hertz, and becomes overexcited.
Overexcited transformer becomes overheated and damaged

Over fluxing protection is specially required for generator transformers

The protection is also incorporated in the grid transformers considering the value of the asset

Over-excitation capability curve is usually provided by the transformer manufacturer

Low system frequency leads to over-fluxing of the transformer

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 109

Effects of Over-fluxing

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 110

Over-fluxing protection (24)
 multi-stage element
 Usually applied for DT characteristics
 5 to 6 stages can be provided with
modern numerical relays

Typical setting table

Trip time
V/Hz (%)
(min)
140 0.06
132 0.14
125 0.3
120 1.0
112 10.0
105 110
Figure: Typical over-excitation capability curve of transformer for V/Hz protection

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 111

Magnetizing Inrush & Over-fluxing Restrain
2nd (and 5th) harmonic restraint

Differential relays are immune to magnetising inrush: Since the inrush current exists only at the
source side of power transformer, so it appears at the differential protection circuit and will
operate the relay if it is not blocked or bypassed

2nd harmonic is commonly used to identify a magnetizing inrush current waveform

5th harmonics is commonly used to identify the current waveform during over-fluxed condition

Slow operation may result for genuine transformer faults if CT saturation occurs

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 112

Over-current and Earth-fault protection

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 113

Over-current and Earth-fault protection
Typical CT and VT connections for O/C & E/F Protection

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 114

Over-current and Earth-fault protection
Directional protection: suitable where Non-directional protection: suitable
power flow can flow in both directions where power can flow in only one
and parallel line/transformer feeders direction

Over-current protection Over-current protection

• Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) • Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT)
O/C: 67 O/C: 51
• Instantaneous O/C: 50

Earth fault protection Earth fault protection

• Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) • Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT)
E/F: 67N E/F: 51N
• Instantaneous E/F: 50N

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 115

Factors to be considered for O/C & E/F protection

Discrimination Operation Non-operation Non-operation

Fast operation
with within for short or for
for primary
downstream transformer long term magnetizing
short-circuits
protections withstand overloads inrush

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 116

Over-current and Earth-fault protection (some basic definitions)
Pickup level It is approximately 120% of the nominal current for O/C and 20% of the nominal current for E/F
• The value of actuating quantity (current or voltage) which is on the threshold (border) above which the relay
operates
Reset level
• The value of current or voltage below which a relay opens its contacts & comes to original position . It is
approximately 90% of pickup level
Operating time
• The time which elapses between the instant when the actuating quantity exceeds the pick up value to the instant
when the relay contacts close
Reset time
• The time which elapses between the instant when the actuating quantity becomes less than the reset value to the
instant when the relay contact returns to its normal position
Time Multiplier Setting (TMS)
• Time setting Multiplier is to be used to convert the time derived from time curve into the actual operating time

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 117

Over-current and Earth-fault protection operating characteristics

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 118

IDMT Characteristics Curves (Example)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 119

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 120
• O/C & E/F protection co-ordination
• Transformer fault current calculation
• Over-voltage and Under-voltage protection

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 121

Over-current and Earth-fault protection co-ordination
Co-ordination of protective relays refers to co-relating the settings of various
relays/protection systems for harmonious and selective operation.

Basic requirements of a good protection system include selectivity, discrimination,

adequateness, stability, sensitivity, reliability and time characteristics .To achieve these
desirable requirements proper co-ordination of relay settings is essential.

Neighboring protective zones overlap. Hence there is a need for coordinating the time
settings so that only faulty part gets quickly disconnected without disturbances to
healthy part.

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 122

Over-current and Earth-fault protection co-ordination

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 123

Over-current and Earth-fault protection co-ordination grading
margin

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 124

Over-current and Earth-fault protection co-ordination grading
margin
Operating time difference between two devices to ensure that
downstream device will clear fault before upstream device trips

Must include the following:

• Breaker opening time: downstream CB should be allowed to completely de-energize

before the upstream relay operates
• Relay timing error: all relays have errors in their timing compared to the ideal
characteristics
• Relay overshoot time: when a relay is de-energized, operation may continue for a little
longer until the stored energy has been completely dissipated
• CT errors: CT errors due to exciting current may cause delayed operation
• Safety margin

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 125

Over-current and Earth-fault protection co-ordination typical
grading margin
• Typical grading margin (between relays)
– CB opening time 0.10 sec
– Relay timing error 0.05 sec
– Relay overshoot time 0.05 sec
– CT measurement error 0.05 sec
– Safety margin 0.05 sec
Total 0.3 sec

Modern numerical relays are well enough with 0.2 seconds, but less than that is not reliable

• Co-ordination can be made with respect to:

– Time
– Current
– Both Time and Current

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 126

Transformer fault current calculation
Required data:

• 3-ph fault current of source bus

• 1-ph fault current of source bus
• Transformer MVA rating
• HV voltage level
• MV voltage level (for 3-winding transformer)
• LV voltage level
• Positive sequence % impedance (across each pair of windings for 3-winding
transformer)
• Zero sequence % impedance (across each pair of windings for 3-winding
transformer)
• Vector Group of the transformer
• Base MVA to be considered as 100MVA
• Base voltage to be considered as per the respective voltage level

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 127

Transformer fault current calculation

Formula to be used:

• 3-phase fault MVA, MVAF3PH = 3 x VP x IF3PH

• 1-phase fault MVA, MVAF1PH = VP x IF1PH
• Base impedance, Zbase = Vbase2/MVAbase
• Base current, Ibase = MVAbase/(√3 x Vbase)
• Positive sequence source impedance, ZS1 = MVAbase/MVAF3PH
• Negative sequence source impedance, ZS2 = ZS1
• Zero sequence source impedance, ZS0 = MVAbase/MVAF1PH-2 x ZS1
• Positive sequence transformer impedance, ZT1 = %ZPos x 100/MVATr
• Negative sequence transformer impedance, ZT2 = ZT1
• Zero sequence transformer impedance, ZT0 = %ZZero x 100/MVATr

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 128

Transformer fault current calculation
• Symmetrical components

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 129

Transformer fault current calculation
• Sequence diagram need to know:

Equivalent circuit for Balanced 3 phase fault at LV side considering HV side as source

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 130

Transformer fault current calculation
• Sequence diagram need to know:

Zero sequence network for 1 phase to ground fault at LV side considering HV side as source
Vector Group: Δ-Y
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 131
Transformer fault current calculation
• Sequence diagram need to know:

Zero sequence network for 1 phase to ground fault at LV side considering HV side as source
Vector Group: Δ-Δ
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 132
Transformer fault current calculation
• Sequence diagram need to know:

Zero sequence network for 1 phase to ground fault at LV side considering HV side as source
Vector Group: Y-Δ
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 133
Transformer fault current calculation
• Sequence diagram need to know:

Zero sequence network for 1 phase to ground fault at LV side considering HV side as source
Vector Group: Y-Y
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 134
Transformer fault current calculation
Example:
• 3-ph Bus fault current = 20kA
• 1-ph Bus fault current = 24kA

Please determine the fault current during a fault at

33kV bus for the following cases:
• 3-phase short-circuit when only T-1 is connected
• 3-phase short-circuit when both run in parallel
• Single ph-g fault when only T-1 is connected
• Single ph-g fault when both run in parallel

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 135

Transformer fault current calculation
3-phase short-
circuit when only • 3076.09 A (LV) & 769.02 A (HV)
T-1 is connected

3-phase short- • 5916.88 A (LV) & 1479.22 A (HV)

circuit when both • Contribution from T-1 = 740.62 A
run in parallel • Contribution from T-2 = 738.60 A

Single ph-g fault

when only T-1 is • 3275.56 A (LV) & 472.79 A (HV)
connected

Single ph-g fault • 6368.78 A (LV) & 919.25 A (HV)

when both run in • Contribution from T-1 = 460.26 A
parallel • Contribution from T-2 = 459.00 A

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 136

Transformer fault current calculation
A short-cut technique:
Maximum 3-phase fault current through a transformer during a
3-phase bolted fault at the transformer terminals of the load
side can be determined with the following formula:

Maximum fault current =

For example, 3-phase fault current of T-1 in
the given image will be

= = = 3203A (at LV side)

And correspondingly, 800.75A at HV side

This fault current is also called ‘Maximum through-fault current’

Limitation: this much fault current does not appear in practical as source impedance is assumed as 0
here; practically source impedance never be 0 and fault current is limited by source impedance.
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 137
Over-voltage and Under-voltage protection

Over-voltage Under-voltage
protection (ANSI 59) protection (ANSI 27)

Stage-1: Usually Stage-1: Usually

activated for activated for Definite Time (DT)
alarm alarm curves are used
for both
protections
Stage-2: Stage-2:
Activated for Activated for
time delayed trip time delayed trip

Stage-3:
Activated for
faster trip

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 138

Over-voltage and Under-voltage protection

Over-voltage • Transient surge voltages: arise from faults, switching, and lightning
disturbances; may cause internal insulation failure
conditions are of two • Power frequency overvoltage: occurs due to the abnormal operating
conditions; put stress on the insulation and proportionately increase the
kinds: working flux; leads to increase iron loss and magnetizing current

• Under-voltage due to fault: there is no direct impact on transformer, but

Under-voltage fault that causes the under-voltage situation may have detrimental
effects
conditions are also of • Under-voltage due to abnormal operation: occurs due to the abnormal
two kinds: operating conditions; no significant effect on transformer directly, but
can be dangerous for rotating objects connected to the transformer

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 139

Over-voltage and Under-voltage protection
As per Electricity Grid Code-2019 of Bangladesh
 Allowable voltage variation for normal operation (continuous)
 ±5% for 400kV i.e. 380kV to 420kV
 ±6% for 230kV i.e. 216.2kV to 243.8kV
 ±6% for 132kV i.e. 124.08kV to 139.92kV

 Allowable voltage variation during emergency (for short period of

time)
 ±10% for 400kV i.e. 360kV to 440kV
 -15% to +10% for 230kV i.e. 195.5kV to 253kV
 -15% to +10% for 132kV i.e. 112.2kV to 145.2kV

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 140

 Over-voltage and Under-voltage protection
Setting values implemented in Power plants and transmission system as per decision of combined technical team
Protection Parameter Unit GSUT Generator Grid Transformers
Pick up Volt 110% of UN 105% of UN
Over-voltage Usually not
Time Delay Second 60.0 60.0
(Stage-1) enabled
Function - Alarm Alarm
Pick up Volt 115% of UN 115.5% of UN
Over-voltage Usually not
Time Delay Second 5.0 6.0
(Stage-2) enabled
Function - Trip Trip
Pick up Volt 126% of UN
Over-voltage Usually not Usually not
Time Delay Second 0.5
(Stage-3) enabled enabled
Function - Trip
Pick up Volt 95% of UN 95% of UN
Under-voltage Usually not
Time Delay Second 30.0 30.0
(Stage-1) enabled
Function - Alarm Alarm
Pick up Volt 85.5% of UN 80% of UN
Under-voltage Usually not
Time Delay Second 3.0 5.0
(Stage-2) enabled
Function - Trip Trip
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 141
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 142
• Buchholz protection
• Operating mechanism of Buchholz relay
• Analyzing accumulated gas of Buchholz relay
• Pressure Relief Device
• PRD operating mechanism
• Winding Temperature Protection
• Operating mechanism of WTI
• Oil Temperature Protection
• Typical setting values of WTI and OTI
• Transformer Dehydrating Breather
• Oil Level Indicator
• Application of Different Types of Protections
• Condition monitoring of Transformer
• Distribution Transformer Protection
– DOFC, HRC Fuse, MCCB

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 143

Mechanical/Self Protection of Transformer

Buchholz Relay
(Main Tank &
OLTC)- Alarm and
Trip

Pressure Relief
Oil Level Device (may be
Indicator (Main several
Tank & OLTC)- depending on
Alarm only Typical tank size)- Trip
Mechanical/Sel only
f Protections of
Power
Transformers:

Oil Temperature
Winding
(may be several
Temperature (for
depending on
each winding)-
tank size)- Alarm
Alarm and Trip
and Trip

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 144

Buchholz Protection

Oil conservator

Bucholz Relay

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 145

Buchholz Protection

Buchholz Relay Installation

3 x internal pipe To oil conservator
diameter (minimum)
5 x internal pipe
diameter (minimum)

76 mm typical

Transformer

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 146

Buchholz Protection
Basics of The internal mechanism
Buchholz comprises of two floats
Relay:
During normal operation, the
relay is completely filled with oil
keeping the floats in the thier top
limit or reset position

The contacts of the relays respond Slight faults causing a slow evolution
of gas in the transformer (such as
to the following:
over-heating)
Serious faults creating an immediate
surge of oil (such as short-circuit)
Unattended oil leakage resulting to
slow reduction of oil level
M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 147
Operating Mechanism of Buchholz Protection

When a slight fault

occurs in the
If gas continues to
transformer, the
be generated then If an arc forms, gas
small bubbles of gas As a result, the This flow of oil
the second float accumulation is
which pass upper float drops operates a switch
operates the rapid, and oil flows
towards the oil and activates the attached to a vane
second switch that rapidly into the
conservator tank are external alarm located in the path
is normally used to conservator which is
trapped in the relay switch. of the moving oil.
isolate (trip) the called oil surge.
housing, causing oil
transformer.
level in side the
casing to fall.

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 148

Buchholz Protection

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 149

Buchholz Protection

Buchholz Protection Application

• Accumulation of gas
• Oil Leakage
• Severe winding faults

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 150

Buchholz Protection
Buchholz Relay
Petcock
Alarm bucket

Mercury switch

To oil
conservat
or
From
transformer Trip bucket

Deflector plate

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 151

Buchholz Protection
Buchholz Relay
Accumulation of gas

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 152

Buchholz Protection
Buchholz Relay
Accumulation of gas

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 153

Buchholz Protection
Buchholz Relay
Accumulation of gas

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 154

Buchholz Protection Colour of gas indicates
the type of fault
Buchholz Relay
Accumulation of gas White or Yellow :
Insulation burnt

Grey :
Dissociated oil

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 155

Buchholz Protection
Gas can be extracted
Buchholz Relay for detailed analysis
Accumulation of gas

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 156

Buchholz Protection

Buchholz Protection Application

• Accumulation of gas
• Oil Leakage
• Severe winding faults

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 157

Buchholz Protection
Buchholz Relay
Oil leakage

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 158

Buchholz Protection
Buchholz Relay
Oil leakage

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 159

Buchholz Protection
Buchholz Relay
Oil leakage

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 160

Buchholz Protection
Buchholz Relay
Oil leakage

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 161

Buchholz Protection

Buccholz Protection Application

• Accumulation of gas
• Oil Leakage
• Severe winding faults

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 162

Buchholz Protection
Buchholz Relay
Severe winding fault

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 163

Buchholz Protection
Buchholz Relay
Severe winding fault

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 164

Buchholz Protection
Buchholz Relay
Severe winding fault

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 165

Analyzing accumulated gas of Buchholz relay

Presence of gases Location & type of fault

H2 (Hydrogen) & C2H2 (Acetylene) Arching in oil between constructional

parts
H2 (Hydrogen), C2H2 (Acetylene) & Arching with some deterioration of
CH4 (Methane) phenolic insulation, e.g. fault in tap
changer.

H2 (Hydrogen), CH4 (Methane) & C2H4 Hot spot in core joint

(Ethylene)

H2 (Hydrogen), C2H4 (Ethylene), CO2 Hot spot in winding

(Carbon Dioxide) & C3H6 (Propane)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 166

Pressure Relief Device/Valve (PRD/PRV)
During an internal faults of a power transformer, there will be an increment in temperature associated
with formation of gases, impurities in oil etc. The pressure may be sufficient enough to damage the
transformer.

Pressure relief device (PRD) is applied to prevent the transformer from this danger.

Pressure Relief Device is a safety element of the transformer that employs to prevent heavy damages of the tank
in case of sudden rise of the internal pressure.

Designed to remove the excess pressure in a very short time as soon as the pressure in the tank rises above
predetermined safety limit

PRD operates and allows the pressure to dip instantaneously and avoids damage of the transformer body.

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 167

Pressure Relief Device/Valve (PRD/PRV)

Fig. Pressure Relief Device

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 168
PRD operating mechanism

The pressure relief device Compressing the

consists of a spring which spring closes an Following Figure
normally is uncompressed and electrical contact, (shows the pressure
when transformer tank pressure and this contact relief device in the
increases the spring gets gives trip command normal condition
compressed and gives a path of to circuit breakers (before the fault
gases to go out of the associated with inception):
transformer. alarm.

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 169

PRD operating mechanism
Following figure shows the fault condition at which the compressed gases get passage to let the gases
out from the transformer.

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 170

Winding Temperature Protection
By making a "Thermal Image" The temperature of the
of the winding the winding winding depends on the
Temperature is measured
temperature indicator, transformer load (i.e. the
with a bulb in a pocket.
simulates the winding current through the winding)
temperature. and the temperature of oil.

The heating element is

connected to the current
This heating element is a It has a specially designed
transformer (CT) via a Matching
thermal model of the heating element, to measure
Resistance or a Matching Unit,
winding. the transformer load.
to allow setting the correct
winding temperature gradient.

Simulation of thermal image is

required as the oil is a good Winding Temperature Indicator (WTI)
insulator and transfers the heat
very slowly to the oil from the
winding.

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 171

Winding Temperature Indicator (WTI) operating mechanism

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 172

Winding Temperature Indicator (WTI) operating mechanism

Generally winding temperature indicator consists of four N/O contacts which

normally close as per the pre set value of temperature.

These contacts can be assigned as follows:

• The first contact is used for automatic operation of first fan group.
• The second contact is used for automatic operation of second fan group, this value is
higher than the first contact setting.
• If the cooling fans are not sufficient to retain the transformer temperature to its
normal value, the third contact is applied to feed alarm circuit.
• As a last step, the fourth contact is applied for tripping to prevent the transformer from
high temperature condition. Normally it trips the load side breaker, (i.e. the secondary
side CB)

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 173

Oil Temperature Protection
Oil temperature indicator is
similar to winding temperature
indicator except that it depends
It consists only of two contacts.
only on the temperature
transferred by the bulb (no
current transformer is used).

These contacts are similar to

the third and the fourth
contacts of the winding
Oil Temperature Indicator (OTI) temperature indicator but with
preset values less than winding
temperature indicator by
approximately 5-10 degrees.

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 174 174

Typical setting values of WTI and OTI protection
Data required from Transformer nameplate:
• Ambient temperature
• Oil temperature rise value
• Winding temperature rise value

Pump for
Fan Group-1 Fan Group-2 Alarm Trip
OFAF
Ambient temp +
OTI - - - Trip temp - 5˚C
Oil temp rise
Alarm temp - Fan Gr.-1 temp Fan Gr.-2 temp Ambient temp +
WTI Trip temp - 5˚C
30˚C + 5˚C + 10˚C Winding temp rise

Recommendation from the manufacturer should also be followed

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 175

Transformer Dehydrating Breather

When the insulating oil

A transformer of the transformer gets
It is attached to heated up, it expands
breather is an
the oil and goes back to the
accessory of oil conservator tank and
conservator subsequently pushes
filled
tank the dry air out of the
transformers conservator tank
through this breather

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 176

Transformer Dehydrating Breather
The silica gel dries
It is filled up the moisture
with some content of the air
desiccating that goes back in
agent, e.g. to the conservator
silica gel. tank.

When the oil cools If the silica gel looses its

down, it retracts and moisture absorbing capability
sucks fresh air from then the oil in the conservator
the atmosphere gets contaminated and
through the eventually losses the insulating
breather property.

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 177 177

Oil Level Indicator
Oil level indicator with magnetic joint is usually used on transformer conservator.

It is mounted on the body of the conservator.

Its function is to give a visual alarm of the oil level contained in the conservator.

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 178

Application of Different Types of Protections

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 179

Condition monitoring of Transformer

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 180

Distribution Transformer

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 181

Distribution Transformer Protection

Typical protection arrangement for 11/0.415kV Transformers

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 182
Distribution Transformer Protection

HRC Fuse (11kV)

High Rupturing Capacity Fuse

DOFC Fuse (11kV)

Drop-Out Fuse Cutout
MCCB(415V)
Molded Case Circuit Breaker

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 183

Operating mechanisms of Distribution Transformer protection

DOFC
• Operates when the fault current exceeds the thermal
(Drop Out Fuse limit of the fuse, can also be opened manually
Cutout)

HRC Fuse • Fuse filament blows in case of short circuit. Very fast in
operation with large fault currents, but are extremely
(High Rupturing slow with currents of less than three times their rated
Capacity) value

MCCB • Used when rated current exceeds typically 125A

• Pick-up current can be user settable
(Molded Case Circuit • Interrupting current ranges from 10kA to 85kA (typically)
Breaker) • Applicable for low and high breaking capacity

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 184

Distribution Transformer protection
Some important points to be noted:
• Fuse must have rating well above the maximum transformer load current to
withstand possible short duration over-load
• Must withstand the magnetizing inrush currents
Typical operating current:
 Should be set approximately 2~3 times of the rated current for fuse
 1.2 ~ 1.5 times of the rated current for MCCB

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 185

M. AFSAR HOSSAIN 186