PIPSPC Introduction

Protection
Practical

Control
Power System

Practical
Introduction
To
Power System Protection
And
Control

Prepared by
Eng: Ahmed Safie Eldin

2005
 Contents

POWER SYSTEMS PRINCIPALS ……………………….……………… 1

POWER SYSTEM FAULTS ………………………...……………………... 1

Fault Causes ………………………………………………………………. 2
Fault Effects ……………………………………………………………… 3
Fault Types ………………………………………………………………… 3
Symmetrical Components and Fault Types ……………………………4

INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMER …………………………………... …….5

Basic Idea of Instrument Transformer …………………………………5
Current Transformer ……………………………………………….……. 6
Measuring And Protection Cores …………………………………. 7
Open Circuit Current Transformer …………………………..……9
Voltage Transformer …………………………………………………..…10

DC SYSTEM ……………………………………………………..………………12
DC-Earth Fault Alarm Device ……………………………………….…13

PROTECTION RELAYS ………………………………………………….…14

Over Current Protection ……………………………………………...…15
Instantaneous Over Current Relay …………………………….…15
Definite Time Over Current Relay ……………………………..…16
Inverse Time Over Current Relay ……………………………...…19
Direction Over Current Relay …………………………………..…19

Earth Fault Relay …………………………………………...……………21

Instantaneous, Definite Time, and Inverse Time Types …………21
Directional Earth Fault Relay ……………………………..………24

Transmission Line Protection …………………………………..………25

Distance Relays ………………………………………………….…27
Directional Impedance Relay Characteristics ……..……………28
Mho Characteristic …………….…………………………….……29
Multi-Stage Distance Relay ……………………………………..…29
Quadrilateral Characteristics …………………………………..…30
Under Reach …………………………………………………….…31
Over Reach ……………………………...…………………………33
Ground Faults and Compensation Factor ………………………. 33
Distance Protection Schemes ………………………………...……34
Power Swing ……………………………………………………...…40

I
 Differential Relays …………………………………………………..……41
Principles Of Differential Relay ………………………………..…41
External Fault Condition ……………………………………….…42
Internal Fault Condition ………………………………………...…42
Biased Differential Relay ……………………………………….….43
Practical Example Of Differential Relay …………………………44
Tripping Characteristics And Harmonic Restrain ………………46
Differential Relays And Inrush Current …………………………48

Restricted Earth Fault Relay ……………………………..……………50

Mechanical Protection ……………………………………………..……52

Buchholz Relay ………………………………………………….…52
Winding Temperature Indicator …………………………………54
Oil Temperature Indicator …………………………………...……56
Pressure Relief …………………………………………………..…56

Bus Bar Protection ………………………………………………………59

External Faults ………………………………………………….…60
Internal Fault ………………………………………………….……60
Practical Example Of Bus Bar Protection …..……………………62
Tripping Circuit of Bus Bar Protection ……………………..……63

Breaker Failure……………………………………………………………65

CONTROL AND INTERLOCKING ……………………………..………67

PARALLEL OPERATION OF POWER TRANSFORMERS ……83

II
 POWER SYSTEMS PRINCIPALS

In general, the definition of an electric power system includes some

stages. Firstly, Power Plants as a source of power. Then, high voltage
transmission lines are used to transfer power from power plants to power
substations. power substations with their step down transformers are
installed for reducing the voltage to suitable levels to be distributed. As a
last stage, Distribution systems are used to give the costumer his need of
electricity. All these stages are as shown in figure (1).

Figure 1 Complete Power System

( Generation, Transmission, and Distribution )

1
 POWER SYSTEM FAULTS

Power substations as a target of study consists of some elements

which must be protected against different types of fault. These elements
are Transmission Lines, Bus Bars, Power Transformers, Outgoing
Feeders, and Bus Couplers. Before we go through different functions of
protection relays, some of fault causes, fault effects, and fault types must
be considered.

Fault Causes
1- Fault Current
Healthy insulation in the equipment subjected to either transient
over voltages of small time duration due to switching and lightning
strokes, direct or indirect. Failure of insulation may be happened,
resulting in very high fault current. This current may be more than 10
times the rated or nominal current of the equipment.

2- Insulation Aging
Aging of power equipments may cause breakdown of it even at
normal power frequency voltage.

3- External Causes
External object such as bird, kite string, or tree branch are
considered as external cause of fault. These objects may span one
conductor and ground causing single line to ground fault (phase-earth) or
span two conductors causing phase-phase fault

2
Fault Effects
The fault must be cleared as fast as possible. Many equipments
may be destroyed if the fault is not cleared rapidly. The dangerous of the
faults depends on the type of the fault, as example the three phase short
circuit is the most dangerous fault because the short circuit current is
maximum. Some of the effects of short circuit current are listed here
under.

1- Due to overheating and the mechanical forces developed by

faults, electrical equipments such as bus bars, generators,
transformers will be damaged
2- Negative sequence current arises from unsymmetrical faults
will lead to overheating.
3- Voltage profiles may be reduced to unacceptable limits as a
result of faults. A frequency drop may lead to instability

Fault Types
The fault can be classified due to the NATURE of the fault to
1- Permanent
2- Transient

Or due to PARTICIPATED PHASES as

1- Phase-Earth
2- Phase-Phase
3- Phase-Phase-Earth
4- Three-Phase or Three-Phase-Earth

3
Symmetrical Components and Fault Types
Every type of fault contains different components, Table1 below
shows some of these types:-

Table1 Symmetrical Components and Fault Types

Type Positive Negative Zero
Healthy
Phase-Earth
Phase-Phase
Phase-Phase-Earth
Three Phase
Three Phase-Earth

4
INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMER
High voltage network components are subject to high voltage
magnitudes (220 kV, 66 kV or at least 11 kV) and hundreds of amperes
are passing through them. Instrument transformers are used to reduce the
values of volts and current to standard secondary values which are (100 v
or 110 v) and (1 or 5) amperes. These values are suitable for protection
and measuring relays. Advantage of using instrument transformers is
isolating the current and voltage coils of relays from high voltages of the
power system.

Basic Idea of Instrument Transformer

Instrument transformer is similar to power transformer in the idea
of work which depends on, when alternating current (AC) follow through
primary winding of the transformer, this currents creates a magne-motive
force (M.M.F.) causing an alternating flux in the core, which is translated
as a current in the secondary winding of the transformer. This study is
concentrated on the practical view of current transformer, differential
between metering and protection cores of current transformer, stare and
open delta of Voltage transformer.

5
Current Transformer
Current transformer consists at least of two secondary cores. The
first core is usually designed for measuring, the second (and third…if
exist) is (are) used for protection. The secondary of current transformers
are almost connected in star.

The stare point of each secondary core must be earthed. All relays
of each core are connected in series. Figure (2) shows the secondary
connection of one secondary core of a current transformer and the relays
connected with it.

Note: Due to capacitance between primary and secondary winding

of current transformer, high voltage may be induced on the
secondary winding. So, the secondary core must be earthed
to prevent secondary leads and relays from high voltage.

RELAY1 RELAY2

Figure 2: Two relays connected in series at the same core

6
Measuring And Protection Cores

The measuring core of current transformer is connected to current

coils of Ammeters, Wattmeters, Watt-hour meters, Var-Meters, and Var-
Hour-Metes. The zone of work of all these relays below the rated of
secondary of current transformer.

The measuring cores must have high to accurate monitor of the

system quantities accuracy in the range of load levels. In fault conditions,
Current is very high and may reach 20 times the rated value, So
measuring core must be saturated to avoid the damage of measuring
instruments.

Protection cores are designed to work at high levels of current (at

fault). The accuracy of these cores may be less comparing with measuring
cores. The saturation level of these cores are very higher than measuring
cores. Magnetization curve of current transformer with measuring and
protection cores is shown in figure (3), and different regions of
magnetization curve is shown in figure (4).

Note : The knee point can be defined as the point at which a 10%
increase flux density causes 50% increase in exciting
ampere -turns.

7
Flux Density
Protection

Metering

Ampere Turns
Figure 3: Protection and Metering Cores
Flux Density

Saturation Region

Knee Point
n
egio
ar R
Line

Ankle Point

Ampere Turns

Figure 4: Different Regions of Magnetization Curve

8
Open Circuit Current Transformer
If by mistake, secondary is open circuited. The voltage across the
secondary rises to very high level. The process results in zero secondary
current, hence reduced back E.M.F. The working flux Φ increase and
core gets saturated the secondary E.M.F. Increase due to increased flux
some problems rises from the open circuit of current transformer is:

• The primary winding and the core are over heated. This heat
may be sufficient to damage the current transformer.
• High voltage induced between secondary terminals of
current transformer is very dangers on the persons and the
relays connected with it.

Note: Dangerous of open circuit depends on some factors, load

current at which the current transformer is opened, and the
material of core and winding.

9
Voltage Transformer
Voltage transformer is often consists of to cores. The first core is
connected in star, and the stare point must be earthed. The second core is
connected as open delta. Voltage coils of protection relays and measuring
meters are connected in parallel with the star core. Open delta core is
used fore directional earth fault relay. Connection of stare and open delta
core with protection relays and measuring meters are shown in figure (5),
and figure (6) respectively.

All Protection and Metering Relays

Figure 5: Star Connection of Voltage Transformer

10
 R

D.E.F Relay

Figure 6: Open Delta Connection of Voltage Transformer

11
DC System
Because protective equipment must be ready to clear faults all
times. The reliability will not achieve without an absolutely reliable
source of supply to operate the trip coils of circuit breakers and all
auxiliary relays participation in the tripping process.

To reach this reliability, Battery with nominal voltage of (110 or

220) V is installed. This battery is charged by one of two charges. One of
the two charges is connected to the battery and the other is stand by to be
connected if the first charger is disconnected. The load is connected to
battery and the charger by dc buses. In this situation, the charger acts as a
source of dc to feed the load and charge the battery. If the AC supply of
the charger is switched, then the charger is out of service and the battery
acts as a source of DC to feed the DC load. Connection of charger,
battery, and loads as shown in figure (7).

CHARGER
BATTARY

+VE

-VE

LOAD

Figure 7: DC System of a Substation

12
DC-Earth Fault Alarm Device
Three resistor are used in this device as shown in figure (8). R1,R2
can be replaced by two lamps (L1,L2 ). If there is an earth leakage on the
positive side then light of L1 will be decreased according to the resistance
of earth path and will be off in the case of soil earth path . In the opposite,
the light of L2 will be increased .

+VE

-VE
.

R1 R2

L1 L2

R3

Figure 8: DC-Earth Fault Alarm Device

13
 PROTECTION RELAYS

There are different function of protection relays, Each one of these

relays are able to deal with certain type of faults. Every equipment needs
different type of protection relays. As example, Distance relays are
suitable for transmission lines, and differential relays for power
transformers and bus bars. Before go through protection relays, let us list
different types of protection relays by its function and ANSI code as
shown in table (2).

Table2 ANSI Code and Relay Function

ANSI Number DESPRIPTION
2 Time-delay
21 Distance
25 Synchronism-check
27 Undervoltage
30 Annunciator
32 Directional power
37 Undercurrent or underpower
38 Bearing
40 Field
46 Reverse-phase
47 Phase-sequence voltage
49 Thermal
50 Instantaneous overcurrent
51 AC time overcurrent
59 Overvoltage
60 Voltage balance
63 Pressure
64 Apparatus ground
67 AC directional overcurrent
68 Blocking
69 Permissive
74 Alarm
76 DC overcurrent
78 Out-of-step
79 AC reclosing
81 Frequency
85 Carrier or pilot-wire
86 Lock out
87 Differential
94 Tripping

14
Over Current Protection
Over current protection is practical application of magnitude relays
since it picks up when the magnitude of current exceeds some value
(setting value ). There are four types of over current relays.

Instantaneous Over Current Relay

Instantaneous over current. Relays which operation criteria is only
current magnitude (without time delay) as shown in figure (9). This type
is applied to the out going feeders. The connection diagram of
instantaneous over current relay is shown in figure (10).

NO TRIP TRIP

I
Figure 9: Tripping Characteristics of Instantaneous Over Current Relay

15
 R

To Trip +VE
To Alarm +VE

Figure 10: Connection Diagram of Instantaneous Over Current Relays

Definite Time Over Current Relay

In this type, Two conditions must be satisfied for operation
(tripping), Current must exceed the setting value and the fault must be
continuous at least for a time equal to time setting of the relay. Modern
relays may contain more than one stage of protection each stage includes
each own current and time setting. Figure (11) shows a multi stage over
current relay.

16
 T

T3

T2

T1

I1 I2 I3 I

Figure 11 Tripping Characteristics of

Multi-Stage Definite Time Over Current Relay

The connection diagram of definite time over current relays with

internal and external timers are as shown in figure (12), and figure (13)
respectively.
Definite time over current relay is the most applied type of over
current. It is used as :
1- Backup protection of distance relay of transmission
line with time delay equal to fourth stage of distance
relay which is 2.5 second in 220 kV lines, and 1.5
second in 66 kV lines
2- Backup protection to differential relay of power
transformer with time delay equal to 2.0 second in
220/66 kV transformers, and 1.1 second in the 66/11
kV transformers

17
 3- Main protection to out going feeders and bus couplers
with adjustable time delay setting.

Timer
+VE -VE

To Trip +VE
To Alarm +VE

Figure 12: Definite Time Over Current Relay with Internal Timer

Timer
-VE +VE

To Trip +VE
To Alarm +VE

18
 Figure 13: Definite Time Over Current Relay with External Timer

Inverse Time Over Current Relay

In this tape of relays, operating time is inversely changed with
current. So, high currents will operate over current relay faster than lower
ones. Different currents of inverse time type are defined as standard
inverse, very inverse , extremely inverse all these types are shown in
figure (14).

Standard Inverse

Very Inverse

Extremly Inverse

Figure 14: Tripping Characteristics of Inverse Time Over Current Relays

Direction Over Current Relay

The directional over current relay is an over current relay operates
in on direction of current flow and blocks in the opposite direction. Three
condition must be satisfied for operation the previous two conditions
which are current magnitude and time delay must be considered and the

19
third condition which is added in this type is the directionality. The
directionality of current flow is identified using voltage as a reference of
direction. The connection diagram of current circuit and voltage circuit of
directional over current. relays are as shown in figure (15). Almost, this
type is installed on the low side of power transformer

IR
R

S IS

IT
T

VR

VS

VT

Figure 15: Connection Diagram of Directional Over Current Relay

20
Earth Fault Relay

Types of earth fault relays are similar to over current relays but
with only one coil for current in the case of instantaneous, definite time,
or inverse time earth fault types. One voltage coil is added in the case of
directional earth fault relays.

Instantaneous, Definite Time, and Inverse Time Types

Tripping characteristics instantaneous Earth Fault, definite time
earth fault, or inverse time earth fault relays are similar to the case of
over current type. Different connection of current circuits are exist .
• Current coil may be connected to return path
(neutral) of a current transformer as shown in
figure (16).
• Current coil may be connected to the secondary
of current transformer which is installed at the
stare point of power transformer as shown in
figure (17) .
• Current coil may be connected to secondary of
ring type current transformer installed at power
cables as shown in figure (18).

21
 O/C

E/F
R

Timer
-VE +VE

To Trip
+VE
To Alarm +VE

Figure 16: Earth Fault Relay connected at

The Neutral Point of Current Transformer

Timer
-VE +VE

To Trip +VE
To Alarm +VE

Figure 17: Earth Fault Relay connected Star Point of

Power Transformer

22
R S T

Timer
-VE +VE

To Trip +VE
To Alarm +VE

Figure18: Earth Fault Relay connected to Ring Type Current

Transformer

23
Directional Earth Fault Relay
Directional earth fault relay consists of one current coil feed by
current of neutral path of current transformer , and voltage coil feed by
open delta core of voltage transformer. Figure (19) shows a connection
diagram of directional earth fault relay.

O.C. Relay

D.E.F Relay

Figure 19 : Connection Diagram of Directional Earth Fault Relay

24
Transmission Line Protection
Firstly, Let us assume the following example as shown in
figure (20)

Z1
s1
V Z2
Z3

Figure 20: Simple Circuit for a Transmission Line

Let
Z3 approximately equal 0.1 Z1
Z2 approximately equal 100 Z1
Case 1
Normally current flow (I ) can be calculated from the relation

I = V / ( Z1 + Z2 )

= V / 101 Z1
from the above equation it seems that load current (I ) is absolutely low.

Case 2
When s1 is switched on then equivalent impedance of Z2, and Z3 is
equal to Z2 parallel with Z3 approximately equal to Z3 , and in this case
current (If ) can be calculated from the formula

If = V / ( Z1 + Z3 )

25
 = V / 1.1 Z1

Which is very high compared with the current obtained from case 1

Transmission line healthy and faulted cases is similar to the above cases.

Where

I The normal (load ) current

If The fault current

More details are given in the next example which is shown in figure (21).

Z1/n Z1

V
Z3

Figure 21: Different Faults at Different Locations

For a transmission line let the series impedance Z1 is divided into n

equal segments and the switch S1 can be switched into any segment
which is an indication of fault location

26
For near faults

Total impedance (ZT ) can be calculated from the formula

ZT = Z3 = 0.1 Z1

Fault in mid point of Transmission Line

ZT = Z3 + Z1 / 2 = 0.6 Z1

Fault at Line End

ZT = Z3 + Z1 = 1.1 Z1

From the previous cases, the total impedance (ZT ) is proportional to

location (distance ) of fault

ZT ∝ distance

Which is the idea of working distance relays.

Distance Relays
Faults on transmission lines are associated with increasing of
current and decreasing of voltage which yields decreasing the value of Z.
The idea of distance relays are based on the fact that
• On normal condition, The value of Z is very high so
the distance relay does not operate .

27
 • On fault condition, The value of Z is decreased and
distance relay will operate. figure (22) shown the
change from health condition ( Z1 ) to fault condition
(Z2) in the impedance relay characteristics.

Z1

Z2
R

Figure 22: From Healthy to Faulted

Directional Impedance Relay Characteristics

Adding the directionality criteria to the previous situation, Then the
characteristic of operation and blocking of the distance relay is as shown
in figure (23).

X
te
ra
e
Op

R
k
oc
Bl

Figure 23: Operate and Block Regions of Directional Impedance Relay

28
Mho Characteristic
In this case, most of the circle is in the forward direction. Figure
(24) shows the characteristics curve of shifted mho distance relay. Shifted
Mho distance relay characteristics can be obtained when the curve is
shifted such that, the curve does not pass through the origin.

e
at
er
Op

k
oc
Bl

Figure 24: Mho Distance Relay

Multi-Stage Distance Relay

All previous cases assumes one stage of operation. For more
security, Equipments must be protected by more than one relay. So,
distance relay can be applied as main protection only for one stage
(first stage) with zero time delay, and as a backup protection to another
transmission lines (2nd ,3rd,………stages). Figure (25) shows the
characteristic curve for four stage distance relay.

29
 X

α
R

Figure 25: Four Stages Mho Distance Relay

Quadrilateral Characteristics

Mho characteristics is good for phase-phase faults but it is not

suitable for phase-earth fault and specially with high fault resistance and
arcing resistance.

Quadrilateral characteristics with their availabilities to be increased

only in one direction (R or X) is used to over come the problem of high
resistance fault. For each stage of distance relay the characteristics can be
extended only in R direction with fixed X setting. Figure (26) shows a
four stage quadrilateral distance relay characteristics. For that relay zones
1, 2, and 3 are in the forward direction and zone 4 in the reverse direction.

30
 X

Z3
Z2
Z1
α
R
Z4

Figure 26: Four Stages Quadrilateral Characteristics Distance Relay

Under Reach
A distance relays is said to under-reach when the impedance
presented to it is greater than the apparent impedance to the fault. This
may happen when two lines are connected in parallel and a faults occurs
as shown in figure (27).

I2

I1+I2

R1
I1 Z2 F

A Z1 B
Figure 27: Under Reach of Distance Relay

31
For the fault F with respect to distance relay R1, The expected Values of
current, impedance, and voltage are as follows (Assuming one line, no
parallel lines).
• Current = I1
• Impedance =Z1+Z2
• Volt (V) = I1(Z1+Z2)

Actually, due to the I2 feed

V = I1(Z1)+ Z 2 (I1+I2)

Then, the effective reach of the distance relay is changed to be Z1+ Z 2

To overcome this problem, and due to the fact that V, and I1 are constants

I1(Z1+Z2) = I1(Z1)+ Z 2 (I1+I2)

Or
I1 Z2 = Z 2 (I1+I2)

I +I
Then the setting must be increased by a factor equal to ( 1 2 )
I
1
So, the Setting to be installed on the relay must be equal to

I +I
Z1+Z2 ( 1 2 )
I
1

32
Over Reach

A B
Figure 28: Over Reach of Distance Relay

A distance relay is said to be over reach when the impedance

presented to the relay less than the apparent a impedance to the fault.
Over reach will happen when two transmission lines are connected in
parallel, and when one of them is disconnected and earthed from the two
ends as shown in figure (28). Mutual coupling between line causes the
relay for the line in service to over reach. To over come this problem.
Setting impedance of phase-Earth relay must be reduced to nearly (0.65%
to 80%) from its original setting.

Ground Faults and Compensation Factor

In phase to ground faults, the setting is increased by a factor of

k0 * Z1 to be Z1(1+ k0)

k0 = (Z0- Z1 )/3Z1

Where:

k0 = Compensation Factor For Ground Faults

33
 Z0 = Zero Sequence Impedance

Z1 = Positive Sequence Impedance

Distance Protection Schemes

Here, some of the distance protection schemes are described. The

system used is consists of Four substations (Station A, Station B,
Station C, and Station D)

T_L_BC: Transmission Line between Station B and Station C

starting at Station B and ends at Station C

T_L_CB : Transmission Line between Station C, and Station B

starting at Station C and ends at Station B

T_L_BC_T1: First Stage of Distance Relay installed at station B to

protect line BC with time delay T1

T_L_BC_T2: Second Stage of Distance Relay installed at station B

to protect line BC with time delay T2

T_L_BC_T3: Third Stage of Distance Relay installed at station B to

protect line BC with time delay T3

T_L_CB_T1: First Stage of Distance Relay installed at station C to

protect line CB with time delay T1

T_L_CB_T2: Second Stage of Distance Relay installed at station C

to protect line CB with time delay T2

T_L_CB_T3: Third Stage of Distance Relay installed at station C to

protect line CB with time delay T3

34
 The first example of distance schemes is shown in figure (29). It
shows a transmission line BC, and this transmission line is protected by
two distance relays (one at each end). Every relay consists of three stages
in the forward direction with three different time delays T1, T2, and T3.

The second example figure (30) shows a fault nearly at the mid
point of the transmission line BC. This fault is classified by both relays as
a first stage fault ( fault at Zone1). The two circuit breakers associated
with the two relays will be tripped by a time delay equal to T1 (almost T1
is zero).

The third example figure (31) shows a fault near to substation C.

This fault is classified by relay C as a first stage fault (fault at Zone1),
and by relay B as a second stage fault (fault at Zone2). Relay C will
operate by a time delay equal to T1, and the fault is still feed by station B
which will operate by a time delay equal to T2 (almost T2 = 0.45 : 0.5
second).

The fourth example figure (32) shows a fault like to the previous
example but with applying the under reach scheme. In this example the
circuit breaker at station C will be tripped with a time delay equal to T1.
In this case, the operation of relay B depends on two condition

1- Starting Zone2 of relay B

2- Receive signal from relay C ( due to first stage

tripping )

The previous two condition will lead relay B to operate without the time
delay T2.

35
 T_L_BC_T3
Circuit Distance
T_L_BC_T2
Breaker Relay
T_L_BC_T1
36

Station A Station B T_L_CB_T1 Station C Station D

T_L_CB_T2

T_L_CB_T3
 T_L_BC_T3
Circuit Distance
T_L_BC_T2
Breaker Relay
T_L_BC_T1
37

Station A Station B T_L_CB_T1 Station C Station D

T_L_CB_T2

T_L_CB_T3
T_L_BC_T3
38

Station D
 T_L_BC_T3
Circuit Distance
T_L_BC_T2
Breaker Relay
T_L_BC_T1

Send
39

Station A Station B T_L_CB_T1 Station C Station D

T_L_CB_T2

T_L_CB_T3
Power Swing
Some of the faults are transient and there is no need to operate the
distance relays or to trip circuit breakers. These transients are classified as
power swing as shown in figure (33). Some conditions must be verified to
detect power swing which are listed below:
• No earth fault detection (absence of zero sequence current)
• No phase-phase fault (absence of negative sequence current)
• Change in impedance with time is three-phase and less than
some setting value (∆R, and ∆X).

Figure 33: Power Swing

40
Differential Relays
Different relay is that relay which checks the different between the
input and output currents for a power system current. The difference
between the currents may be in magnitude or in phase angle or in both.
For healthy operation, magnitude and angle differences must be zero. If
there is a difference and that difference exceeds some value (setting
valued, the relay will operate and associated circuit breaker will trip .

Principles of differential relay

Let us assume a simple example of a power transformer with
transformation ratio 1:1 and (Y / Y) connection and the CT1 and CT2
have the same transformation ratio as shown in figure (35). The current
flow in the primary and secondary sides of power transformer are
identical, assuming ideal transformer. The secondary current I1, and I2 are
equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. So, the net current in the
differential coil is zero at load condition (without fault), and the relay will
not operate .

I1 I2

Diff. Relay

I1 I2

Figure 35: Differential Relay at Healthy Transformer

41
External Fault Condition

I1 I2
F

OP

I1 I2

Diff. Relay

Figure 36: Differential Relay at External Fault

Assuming the previous power transformer with an external fault F

as shown in figure (36). In this case the two currents I1, and I2 will
increase to very high magnitudes values but there is no change in phase
angle. So, the net current in the differential coil is still zero and the relay
will not operate.

Internal Fault Condition

For an internal fault F as shown in figure (37). Here, there are two
expected situation :
• There is another source to feed the fault so I2P has a nonzero
value Idiff = I1S + I2S which will be very high and sufficient
to operate the diff relay.

42
 • Redial system , I2P = 0. So, Idiff = I1S and also the relay will
operate and trip the circuit breaker.

I1P I2P

I1S F I2S

Diff. Relay

I1S I2S

Figure 37: Differential Relay at Internal Fault

Biased differential relay

Large external fault may cause false operation of simple

differential relay. To make the differential relay more stable to external
faults and improve relay quality, its respectively to operation was
increased by inserting restraining coils. Two restraining (Biasing) coils
and one operating are used as shown in figure (38). Restraining coils will
opposite the operation of operating coil. The relay will operate only when
the operating force is higher than restraining force.

43
 I1 I2

Rest1 Rest2
OP

I1 I2

Diff. Relay

Figure 38: Biased Differential Relay

Practical Example of Differential Relay

The previous example assume 1:1 transformation ratio of power
transformer, Y/Y connection , and equal current transformation ratio.
Practically, all these may be changed. Assume a power transformer as
shown in figure (39) with the following data:-

25 MVA 66/11 KV ∆Y11

C.T.R. (66 KV Side) = 400/5
C.T.R. (11 KV Side) = 1500/5

44
 25 MVA
400/5 66/11 1500/5
R

T
4.37

Matching
Rest OP Rest

2.73 2.73

Diff. Realy

Figure 39: Practical Example of Differential Relay

For the ∆Y transformer, There is a phase angle difference between

primary and secondary equal to -30°. So, an aux current transformer
(matching) is installed in the secondary circuit of 11 kV current
transformer side to compensate the magnitude and phase.

P= 3VI

25 ∗ 10 6
I = = 218.69 A
66P 3 ∗ 66 ∗103

I
I = 66P = 2.73 A
66S (400/5)

25 ∗ 106
I = = 1312.2
11P 11 ∗ 103 ∗ 3

I
I = 11P = 4.37 ( Input to differences matching circuit )
11S (1500/5)

45
For equilibrium of differential relay:-

Current of 11 kV of differential relay must be equal to current of 66kv

side of differential relay = 2.73
But, Input current of matching = I11S = 4.37

Out put current of matching (input relay to diff relay) must be equal to
I66S = 2.73

Note: Matching connection must be Y / ∆ to compensate the

original angle of power transformer ( IS_Matching = ILine / 3 )

I
P_Matching 4.37 4.37
= =
I 2.73/ 3 1.579
S_Matching

N
P_Matching 1.579
= ≅ 0.36
N 4.37
S_Matching

Tripping Characteristics and Harmonic Restrain

Differential current must exceed a pre set value to trip the

associated circuit breaker(s). this value is the min value to operate the
relay . In this case the expected tripping characteristic is as shown in
figure (40)

46
 Idiff / IN

Trip

Block

Figure 40 : Tripping Characteristics of Simple Differential Relay

If there is a ratio mismatch in current transformers ratio, In this

case there will be a small differential current in the load condition. This
value is not sufficient to operate the differential relay but in the case of
external fault condition this value may exceed the setting value and this
leads to false operation of the relay .

To prevent the false operation of directional relays due to external

false , stabilizing current is used to resist the operation of the directional
relay. figure (41) shows a more stable characteristics.

47
 Idiff/In

2
pe
Operate Slo

e1 Block
Slop
Threshold

Istab/In

Figure 41 : Tripping Characteristics of Biased Differential Relay with

Two Stages (Two Slops)

This characteristics consists of two regions with two slaps .In this
characteristics when , the stabilizing current increases , the differential
current needed for operation will be very high .

Note :

I = I +I
diff 1 2

I = I + I
stab 1 2

Differential Relays And Inrush Current

When a power transformer is re-energized after along time of de-

energizing and when the primary side circuit breaker is switched on,
Inrush current will be only in the primary side of power transformer. This

48
current may lead to relay operation and circuit breaker tripping .In fact,
the inrush current is a current with a frequency equal to twice the normal
frequency (second harmonic). This current is separated from the
fundamental current and used to resist the operation of the differential
relay. figure (42) shows a second harmonic blocking diagram .

Figure 42 : Tripping and Blocking Characteristics due to

Second Harmonics

IN= Rated current of power transformer.

IFN=Rated frequency current.

I100=Second harmonic current.

49
Restricted Earth Fault

Restricted earth fault relay is that relay which can be defined as

half differential relay. Figure (43) Shows a connection diagram for the
restricted earth fault relay.

This definition is due to its connection. This is relay compare the

current flow in :

1- The neutral path of current transformer connected on the star

side of power transformer:

2- Current flow in the current transformer connected on the star

point of the power transformer.

• For internal faults ( between the two current

transformers), There is differential current which is
transformed to volt by a very high shunt resister
(metrosil) and this value of volt is sufficient for
operation of the relay.

• For external faults (as example: outgoing feeders

faults), the differential current in this case is zero and
the relay will not operate, and no tripping for circuit
breakers will occur.

50
 Earthing
Resistor

R.E.F
and
Metrosil

Figure 43: Restricted Earth Fault Relay

51
Mechanical Protection

There are several mechanical protection relays installed on the

power transformer, Almost the operation of these relays is
instantaneously (no time delay). As a target of this study, buchholz relay,
winding temperature indicator, oil temperature indicator, and pressure
relief are explained by their mechanical operation, and electrical circuit
needed for alarm and tripping circuits.

Buchholz Relays
A buchholz relay is a protection device for monitoring the gas and
oil movements in oil immersed transformers. It is used on practically all
power transformers with the exception of small distribution sizes. In
practice it has proved to be the only protective device that can clear
certain types of faults. The buchholz relay relies on the principle that
during fault conditions, gas is generated inside the transformer tank from
the insulating oil. An example of a buchholz relay device is shown in
figure (44).

Figure 44: Buchholz Relay

The buchholz relay is sited in the pipe work between the

transformer and its conservator as illustrated in figure (45), and is filled
with oil during normal transformer operation.

52
 Conservator

Buchholz
Relay

Transformer
Tank
Wiring to Trip and Alarm Circuits

Figure 45: Location of the buchholz relay on the transformer

The internal mechanism of a buchholz relay mainly comprises two

floats and is illustrated in figure (46). During normal operation, the relay
is completely filled with oil keeping the floats in their top limit or rest
position. The contact mechanisms in the relays respond to:

Slight faults causing a slow evolution of gas in the transformer

(e.g. overheating)

Serious faults creating an immediate surge of oil (e.g. short-
circuits etc.)

Oil leakage

53
 Trip
Alarm
Breaker

GAS
Oil Level
OIL
Electrical
Contacts

To
To
Transformer
Conservator
Tank Oil Flow
During Faults

Figure 46: Schematic Diagram of a Buchholz Relay Arrangement

Buchholz Relay Operation

When a slight fault occurs in the transformer, the small bubbles of
gas which pass upwards towards the oil conservator tank are trapped in
the relay housing this causing its oil level to fall. As a result, the upper
float drops and activates the external alarm switch. If gas continues to be
generated then the second float operates the second switch that is
normally used to isolate (trip) the transformer.

Winding Temperature Indicator

By making a "Thermal Image" of the winding the Winding
Temperature Indicator, simulates the winding temperature. The
temperature of the winding depends on the transformer load (i.e. the
current through the winding) and the temperature of the cooling medium
(the oil). These two parameters are measured and made to interact in the

54
instrument. The oil temperature is measured as usual with a bulb in a
pocket. The measuring system also has a specially designed heating
element, to measure the transformer load. This heating element is a
thermal model of the winding. The heating element is connected to the
current transformer (CT) via a Matching Resistance or a Matching Unit,
to allow setting the correct winding temperature gradient.

Figure 47: Winding Temperature Indicator

The winding temperature indicator shown in figure (47) is consists

of four contacts which are normally open and closes in series according to
pre set closing value(temperature). These contacts can be assigned as
follows:-
1- The first contact is used for automatic operation of
first fan group
2- The second contact is used for automatic operation of
second fan group, this value is almost higher than the

55
 first contact setting
3- 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.
4- As a last step, the fourth contact is applied for tripping
to prevent the transformer from high temperatures.

Note: These values can be chosen as (55,65,80,90) respectively.

Oil Temperature Indicator

Oil temperature indicator is similar to winding temperature
indicator except that it depends only on the temperature transferred by the
bulb (no current transformer is used). This consists only of two contacts.
These contacts are similar to the third and the fourth contacts of the
winding temperature indicator but with pre set values less than winding
temperature indicator by approximately 5 degrees.

Note: These values can be chosen as (75,85) respectively.

Pressure relief
A pressure relief valve is a device designed to protect a power
transformers during overpressure event. An overpressure event refers to
any condition which could cause pressure in the transformer to increase
beyond the specified design pressure.

During internal faults of a power transformer, there will be an

56
increase of temperature associated with impurities in oil and some
increase in pressure. This pressure is sufficient to damage the
transformer. The pressure relief device is applied to prevent the
transformer from this dangerous

The pressure relief device consists of a spring which normally is

uncompressed an when the pressure increased in the transformer, the
spring is get compressed and give a path of gases to go out of the
transformer. Compressing the spring may close an electrical contact, and
this contact will give trip to circuit breakers associated with alarm. Figure
(48) shows the pressure relief device in the normal condition (before the
fault occurrence), while figure (49) shows the fault condition at which the
compressed gases are get out from the transformer.

+VE
To Trip

Figure 48: Pressure Relief Before Fault Occurrence

57
 +VE
To Trip
Gases Gases

Figure 49: Pressure Relief Durring Fault

58
Bus Bar Protection

Bus bar protection relays depends mainly on khirchoff’s current

low, which states that the sum of current inter to any node must be equal
to the sum of the currents leaving it.

Ip Is Is Ip

Figure 50: Simple Bus Bar Protection Relay with Two Equipments

Figure (50) shows current direction of two equipments connected

to the same bus bar in the normal condition (without faults), In this
example one of the equipments acts as a source to the bus and the other is
a load and they have equal current magnitude and opposite in direction.
In this case, the differential current through the differential relay is zero
and the relay is stable and dose not operate.

59
External Faults

This case is similar to the pervious healthy case in that the two
current will increase to very high values but still equal in magnitude and
opposite in direction and the relay will not operate due to the zero current
in the differential relay coil as shown in figure (51).

Ip Is Is Ip

Figure 51: Bus Bar Protection Relay at External Fault

Internal Fault

In the internal fault case shown in figure (52), There are two
expected situation:

1- Non redial system, then I2P has a non zero value. In this case
the differential current is equal to (i1S+i2S) and this value is
sufficient to operate the relay and trip all the equipments
connected.

2- Redial system, then I2P= 0.0

60
 F

I2p I2s I1s I1p

Figure 52: Bus Bar Protection Relay at Internal Fault

In this case the differential current is equal to i1S and this value is
also sufficient to operate the relay and trip all equipments connected to
the bus bar.

Note:- All equipment’s current transformers must have the same

transformer ratio, if different ratios are exist Aux current
transformers (matching current transformers) must be used
to compensate these difference. These matching may be
internally in the relay (Taps) or externally by separate
matching current transformers.

There are different types of bus differential protection relays. Low

impedance and high impedance relays may be considered there is some
difference between them, but it is not considered in this study.

61
Practical Example Of Bus Bar Protection

Assume the following system shown in figure (53) which consists

of two bus bars and four equipments two on each bus and a bus coupler
between the two buses.

Bus I

Bus II

I2

I1

I3 I4 I5 I6

Figure 53: Simple Two Bus Bar System

• Each equipment contains one current transformer. Connected on

it except the bus coupler which contains two current
transformers one on each side of the circuit breaker. For
equilibrium, each bus is stable in load condition (without
faults).

There are two cases:-

1- Case bus coupler is disconnected:-

I3+ I4=0

I5+ I6=0

62
2- Case2 bus coupler is connected

I1+ I3+I4=0

I2+ I5+I6=0

Note: CT1 (of the coupler) is connected between circuit breaker

and bus1 and for equilibrium it is added to CT3, and Ct4

which are connected to bus2, and CT2 (of the coupler) is

connected between circuit breaker and bus2 and for

equilibrium it is connected to CT5, CT6 which are connected

to bus1. The advantage of these connections is to protect the

zone between circuit breaker and current transformer of the

coupler. If one CT is installed for the coupler, the zone

between circuit breaker and current transformer is not

protected by bus protection.

Tripping Circuit of Bus Bar Protection

A simple description of the tripping circuit and a connection diagram of it

is shown in figure (54). C3, and C4 are n.o. contacts. contact from bus
isolator2 of equipment’s 3, and 4 respectively, connected on bus 2 so
contacts C3, C4 are closed and ready to transfer trip to trip coils of
associated circuit breakers if differential coil is operated by differential
current. The tripping process is executed through Aux contacts of
isolators.

63
 +VE I3+I4

I3 I4

Trip Bus

C4 C3

To Trip Coil of To Trip Coil of

Equipment 4 Equipment 3

Figure 54: Tripping Circuit of Bus Bar Protection

At fault I3+I4 ≠ 0, so the differential coil will operate and transfer

a trip signal to a trip bus and so to trip coils of equipments connected to
the same bus.

A similar circuit for bus1 (equipment 5,and 6) is exist .

Note:- The previous examples assumes that the coupler is not

connected . If the coupler is connected before fault
occurrence, the circuit breaker of it is disconnected at the
beginning of the fault to isolate bus1 From Bus2 and then
identify which bus from1 and 2 is faulted and then trip all
equipment’s connected to it and leave the healthy bus as it is.

64
Breaker Failure
Breaker failure relays are called back-up protection devices are
applied as back-up protection relays for the main relays. As example
Breaker failure relay is used as a back up device for differential relay of a
power Transformer and also for distance relay of a Transmission line .

Why Breaker Failure

In the fault condition of any equipment it is expected that the
circuit breaker of this equipment will be tripped by main protection relays
of such equipment if there is a failure in the tripping circuit of the circuit
breaker or in the circuit breaker it self . in this case the circuit breaker will
not tripped and so, to isolate this fault ,the bus bar at which this
equipment is connected must by completely isolated by tripping all the
equipment connected to it by a delayed time .then , the only connected
equipment to this bus bar is the faulted one. In this case , the faulted
equipment has no current passing through it so , it is can be disconnected
manly by isolates.

65
How Breaker Failure Operate
There are three conditions must be satisfied For operation of
breaker failure relay which are

• Tripping signal from any main protection relay

of the faulted equipment is exist.
• Circuit breaker of the faulted equipment is still
connect (n.o. auxiliary contact from circuit
breaker is used).
• There is current passing through this equipment
even if it is value is very small.

Although one of the second and third condition is sufficient for

healthy operation of breaker failure relay, it is preferable to use both for
more security. Figure (55) shows wiring diagram of breaker failure
circuit. Tripping circuit of breaker failure relay is similar to tripping
circuit of bus bar protection relay. In general breaker failure relay may
use the same tripping circuit of bus bar protection relay.

66
 +Ve

N.O. Contact from C.B.

Current
Relay

Tripping Contact of any

+Ve Protection Relay

Timer

-Ve
To Trip

Figure 55: Wiring Diagram Of Breaker Failure Circuit

67
 CONTROL AND INTERLOCKING

The word control here means the process of switching on and

switching off of an equipment (circuit breaker or an isolator). The
interlocking are the conditions which must be satisfied to complete the
control process, and this can be classified into three main items as
follows:-

1. Local/ Remote Switch

This switch must be on the right position to complete the switching on
or switching off process. This position must be associated with the
location of switching process, location may be control room,
marshalling box , or the equipment itself

2. Internal lock
This means the conditions inside the equipment itself, and for example
for a circuit breaker these conditions can be listed as follows:
a. Aux contacts of the circuit breaker
b. Limit switch of the spring
c. Low pressure of Sf6 gas

3. External lock
This interlock is associated with another equipments. As example of
this type, the isolator of an equipment must be connected before its
circuit breaker and inversely, the circuit breaker must be switched off
before the isolator.

68
Some of the previous interlocking are graphed and explained, and the
symbols are listed hereunder.

M Motor
Y1 ON Coil
Y2 OFF Coil
K1 Antipumping Relay
K2 Auxiliary Relay to block ON and OFF processes if the
Pressure is not sufficient
PS Pressure Switch (SF6)
S1 Auxiliary Switches from Circuit Breaker
S2 Limit Switch from the Spring

69
 +VE Off SF6 Anti Pumping On

K2_1
S2_1 S1_3 K2_2
PS K1_1

K1_2

M Y2 K2 Y1

S1_2 K1 S1_1

S2_2

-VE -VE -VE

Figure 56: Original Situation of Circuit Breaker

• Circuit Breaker OFF

• DC ON
• Spring Charged (S2 Opened)
• Gas Pressure Sufficient for ON/OFF operations (PS is
Opened)
• Circuit Breaker ready for ON

There are be five cases will be studied with different conditions of spring,
pressure of SF6 gas, and circuit breaker states(on/off).

70
71
 +VE Off SF6 Anti Pumping On

K2_1
S2_1 S1_3 K2_2
PS K1_1

K1_2

M Y2 K2 Y1

S1_2 K1 S1_1

S2_2

-VE -VE -VE

Figure 57: Case1(Spring Uncharged and Gas Pressure Insufficient)

• Circuit Breaker OFF

1- S1_1 Closed
2- S1_2 Opened
3- S1_3 Opened
• DC ON
• Spring Uncharged
1- S2_1 Closed
2- S2_2 Closed
• Gas Pressure Insufficient for ON/OFF operations
1- PS Closed
2- K2 Energized
• Circuit Breaker is not ready for ON

72
 +VE Off SF6 Anti Pumping On

K2_1
S2_1 S1_3 K2_2
PS K1_1

K1_2

M Y2 K2 Y1

S1_2 K1 S1_1

S2_2

-VE -VE -VE

Figure 58: Case2 (Spring Charged and Gas Pressure Insufficient)

• Circuit Breaker OFF

1- S1_1 Closed
2- S1_2 Opened
3- S1_3 Opened
• DC ON
• Spring Charged
1- S2_1 Opened
2- S2_2 Opened
• Gas Pressure Insufficient for ON/OFF operations
1- PS Closed
2- K2 Energized
• Circuit Breaker is not ready for ON

73
 +VE Off SF6 Anti Pumping On

K2_1
S2_1 S1_3 K2_2
PS K1_1

K1_2

M Y2 K2 Y1

S1_2 K1 S1_1

S2_2

-VE -VE -VE

Figure 59: Case3(Spring Charged and Gas Pressure Sufficient)

• Circuit Breaker OFF

1- S1_1 Closed
2- S1_2 Opened
3- S1_3 Opened
• DC ON
• Spring Charged
1- S2_1 Opened
2- S2_2 Opened
• Gas Pressure Sufficient for ON/OFF operations
1- PS Opened
2- K2 De-energized
• Circuit Breaker is ready for ON

74
 +VE Off SF6 Anti Pumping On

K2_1
S2_1 S1_3 K2_2
PS K1_1

K1_2

M Y2 K2 Y1

S1_2 K1 S1_1

S2_2

-VE -VE -VE

Figure 60: Case4 (Circuit Breaker ON)

• Circuit Breaker ON
1- S1_1 Opened
2- S1_2 Closed
3- S1_3 Closed
• DC ON
• Spring Charged
1- S2_1 Opened
2- S2_2 Opened
• Gas Pressure Sufficient for ON/OFF operations
1- PS Opened
2- K2 De-energized
Circuit Breaker is ready for OFF

75
 +VE Off SF6 Anti Pumping On

K2_1
S2_1 S1_3 K2_2
PS K1_1

K1_2

M Y2 K2 Y1

S1_2 K1 S1_1

S2_2

-VE -VE -VE

Figure 61: Case5 (Circuit Breaker OFF)

• Circuit Breaker OFF

1- S1_1 Closed
2- S1_2 Opened
3- S1_3 Opened
• DC ON
• Spring Charged
1- S2_1 Opened
2- S2_2 Opened
• Gas Pressure Sufficient for ON/OFF operations
1- PS Opened
2- K2 De-energized
Circuit Breaker is ready for ON Again

76
Anti-Pumping

When the circuit breaker is closed, the auxiliary contact S1_1 is

changed from the closed to the open position to prevent the ON coil from
damage if the pulse is still exist after the circuit breaker state is changed
to the ON state.

If We try to close the circuit breaker and there was a fault still exist
on the equipment (outgoing feeder as example), the following stages
explained what will happen:

• The state of the circuit breaker is changed from the off

position to the on position, and S1_1 is changed from the
closed to the open position
• Due to fault, the circuit will tripped by protection relays.
• If the ON pulse is still exist( due to error ON bush button or
any other reason), the circuit breaker will be closed
• These stages will be repeated, and the circuit breaker may be
get damaged due to the repeating of ON/OFF operations.

To prevent the circuit breaker from this dangerous, Anti Pumping

Relay (K1) is used as shown in figure (62), and figure (63).

77
The circuit breaker is switched ON
• S1_1 Opened
• S1_3 Closed

K1 is Energized
• K1_1 Closed (Self Hold for K1
Coil)
• K1_2 Opened (Opens the ON
Circuit)

+VE Off SF6 Anti Pumping On

K2_1
S2_1 S1_3 K2_2
PS K1_1

K1_2

M Y2 K2 Y1

S1_2 K1 S1_1

S2_2

-VE -VE -VE

Figure 62: Anti Pumping Relay while the Circuit Breaker is ON

78
 The circuit breaker is switched OFF (By Protection Relays)
• S1_1 Closed
• S1_3 Opened

K1 is still Energized
• K1_1 Closed (Self Hold for K1
Coil)
• K1_2 Opened (Opens the ON
Circuit)

+VE Off SF6 Anti Pumping On

K2_1
S2_1 S1_3 K2_2
PS K1_1

K1_2

M Y2 K2 Y1

S1_2 K1 S1_1

S2_2

-VE -VE -VE

Figure 63: Anti Pumping Relay while the Circuit Breaker is OFF

79
External Interlocking

Assume the following simple example as shown in figure (64),

which is consists of two transmission lines, a bus coupler with two
transverse isolators, and two bus bars with four longitudinal isolators.

• Transmission line 1 consists of two bus isolators (Q1, and

Q2), Circuit Breaker (Q3), and a line isolator (Q4)
• Transmission line 2 consists of two bus isolators (Q8, and
Q9), Circuit Breaker (Q10), and a line isolator (Q11)
• Bus Coupler consists of two transverse isolators (Q5, and
Q7), Circuit Breaker (Q6)
• Bus Bars consists of four quarters and four longitudinal
isolators (Q11,Q12,Q21,Q22)

Q11 Q12

Q21 Q22
Q1 Q2 Q5 Q7 Q8 Q9

Q6
Q3 Q10

Q4 Q11

Figure 64: Interlocking between Equipments

80
To Close or Open Q1

Q2 NOT
AND
Q3 NOT

To Close or
OR
Q2 Open Q1

Q11

Q7
AND
Q6

Q5

Q21

Figure 65: Closing & Opening Q1

To Close or Open Q3

• Q1 is completely ON or completely OFF

• Q2 is completely ON or completely OFF
• Q4 is completely ON or completely OFF

81
To Close or Open Q9

Q8 NOT
AND
Q10 NOT

To Close or
OR
Q8 Open Q9

Q22

Q7
AND
Q6

Q5

Q12

Figure 66: Closing & Opening Q9

To Close or Open Q10

• Q8 is completely ON or completely OFF

• Q9 is completely ON or completely OFF
• Q11 is completely ON or completely OFF

82
To Close or Open Q11

NOT Q7

AND
Q12 NOT To Close or
OR
Open Q11

Q12 AND

Q9 and all Equipment

connected to the same bus

Figure 67: Closing & Opening Q11

To Close or Open Q5

• Q6 must be Open

To Close Q6

• Q11 is completely ON or completely OFF

• Q12 is completely ON or completely OFF
• Q21 is completely ON or completely OFF
• Q22 is completely ON or completely OFF
• Q5 is completely ON or completely OFF
• Q7 is completely ON or completely OFF

83
To Open Q6

Q1 and all Equipment

connected to the same bus

NOT

OR

NOT

Q2 and all Equipment

connected to the same bus

To Open Q6
AND

Q8 and all Equipment

connected to the same bus

NOT

OR

NOT

Q9 and all Equipment

connected to the same bus

Figure 68: Opening Q6

84
 PARALLEL OPERATION OF POWER TRANSFORMERS

Some of disadvantages of parallel operation of power transformers are

1- High short circuit current levels. The main reason of these
high currents is the low impedance of parallel connection (
impedances in parallel).
2- In the fault condition, all parallel transformers may be to
tripped due to a single fault

Although there are some advantages of parallel operation

of power transformers, in some cases there is a need for this
parallel operation. Some conditions must be satisfied for the
parallel operation which can be listed as follows:

1- The same frequency

2- The primary and the secondary rated voltages must be
the same
3- Vector group is the same in all parallel transformers
4- Equal impedance voltage (% impedances)

Practically, condition 1 must be satisfied but in the case of small

difference in one of the conditions 2, 3, or 4 parallel operation may be
possible. Parallel operation with these differences will be explained
hereunder.

85
Parallel operation of transformers with different voltage ratios

When power transformers with different voltage ratios are

connected in parallel, the difference will appear as circulating current
between transformers in the case of no load. At load condition, the power
transformers will be differently loaded due to the difference in voltage
ratio. Assume two power transformers with different voltage ratios ( the
same primary voltage and different secondary voltage). In this case the
circulating current can be obtained from the following equation

∆K
I CIR =
Z1 0 0 Z2 00
+
I S1 I S2

K 2 − K1
∆K = , K = K1 K 2
K

Where:

K1, K2 Transformation ratios of transformers 1, and 2

respectively
Z1%, Z2% Percentage impedances of transformers 1, and 2
respectively

IS1, IS2 Rated secondary current of transformers 1, and

2 respectively

86
Circulating current is usually expressed as percentage of the rated current
of transformer. Taking transformer 1 as a reference

∆K ∗ 100
I CIR =
I S1
Z1 0 0 + Z 2 0 0
I S2

87
Parallel operation of transformers with different vector group

Different cases of parallel operation of different vector groups

power transformers are listed in the following table

Table 3 Parallel operation of transformers with different vector group

For parallel operation
Vector Group
High Voltage Side Low Voltage Side
1 RST rst

5 RST trs
STR rst
1 RST rst

7 RTS srt
TSR rts
SRT tsr
1 RST rst

11 RTS rts
TSR tsr
SRT srt
5 RST rst

7 RTS rts
TSR tsr
SRT srt
5 RST rst

11 RTS tsr
TSR srt
SRT rts
7 RST rst

11 RST trs
STR rst

88
Parallel operation of transformers with different % impedances

Let us assume the example of three power transformers T1, T2, and T3
with the following data

P1max = 100 MVA Z1% = 10

P2max = 150 MVA Z2% = 9
P3max = 150 MVA Z3% = 8

From the previous data, the expected maximum power available is

P1max + P1max + P3max = 100 + 150 + 150 = 400

Actually:

1 1 1
P1 : P2 : P3 = : :
Z1 0 Z 2 0 Z 3 0 0
0 0

Assume the total required load to be 400 MVA. The participation of each
transformer can be calculated from the formula

Pt Pi
Pi = ∗
3
Pi Zi 0 0
∑
i =1 Z i 0
0

Where:
Pi Power taken from transformer no. ( i )
Pt Total required power

89
Then P1 can be calculated as

400 100
P1 = ∗ = 88.073
100 150 150 10
+ +
10 9 8

Similarly

P2 = 146.7889
P3 = 165.137 ( overloaded )

But, P3 must not exceed 150 MVA

So, let P3 = 150 MVA

According to the new value of P3 , new values of P1, and P2 can be

calculated from the formula

P1old P2old P3old

= =
P1new P2new P3new

For P1

88.073 165.137
new
=
P1 150.0

So, P1new = 80 MVA

90
For P2

146.7889 165.137
new
=
P2 150.0

So, P2new = 133.3 MVA

In this case, the maximum available power from the three transformers is
equal to

80 + 133.3 + 150 = 363.3 MVA

Comparing this value with the total required power ( 400 MVA ). The
available power in this case is only ( 90.8% ) from the required power.

Note : For high differences between percentage impedances of

power transformers, the ratio between the available power to
the summation of the total MVA of the transformers will
decrease to very small values. So, the differences between
percentages impedances of transformers connected in
parallel must not exceed 10% from the mean value of them.

91