Transformer Differential Protection:

Challenges and Solutions

Prepared & Presented By:
Mohit Sharma
Relay Applications Engineer
January 19th, 2017

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 Moderator

 Jamie Smith
• Digital Marketing Specialist

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 Q&A

 Send us your questions and comments during

the presentation

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 Today’s Presenter

 Mohit Sharma
• Megger Relay Applications Engineer

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 Scope:
• Transformer differential protection scheme
• Challenges to transformer differential
• Adopted methods by relay manufacturers

 For future scope:

• Performance of schemes discussed
• Assessment of algorithms/methods adopted by relay manufacturers
• Transformer differential testing

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 Outline

 Introduction
 Transformer Protection Schemes – A Functional Overview
 Phase Differential Protection
• Operation Principle
• Challenges to Differential
• Logics/Algorithms Adopted by Some Manufacturers
 Conclusion

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 Outline

 Introduction
 Transformer Protection Schemes – A Functional Overview
 Phase Differential Protection
• Operation Principle
• Challenges to Differential
• Logics/Algorithms Adopted by Some Manufacturers
 Conclusion

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 What is a Power Transformer?

 IEC 421-01 Definition - A static piece of

apparatus with two or more windings which, by
electromagnetic induction, transforms a system
of alternating voltage and current into another
system of voltage and current usually of different
values and at the same frequency for the
purpose of transmitting electrical power

 IEEE C57.12.80 Definition - A transformer that

transfers electric energy in any part of the circuit
between the generator and the distribution
primary circuits

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 Transformer Components

 Bushings
 Windings
 Core
 Radiators
 Tank
 Tap changers
 Insulation

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 What constitute transformer failures?

Winding Failures

26% Tap-changer Failures

37%
Bushing Failures
1%
Terminal Board
3% Failures
11%
Core Failures
22%
Miscellaneous

IEEE C37.91 2000 U.S Data for 1983-88

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 Why do we need protection?

 High cost of repair and replacement

 Minimize the risk of damage to adjacent equipment
 Limit damage to the faulted equipment
 Minimize the possibility of fire
 Improve personnel safety
 Avoid unnecessary cascade tripping

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 Outline

 Introduction
 Transformer Protection Schemes – A Functional Overview
 Phase Differential Protection
• Operation Principle
• Challenges to Differential
• Logics/Algorithms Adopted by Some Manufacturers
 Conclusion

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 How do we protect?

 Electrical Protection:
Differential (87T)
Overcurrent (50/51)
Volts/Hz (24)
Over-frequency (81)

 Mechanical Protection:
Buchholz relay
SPR/RPR
Thermal overload

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 Outline

 Introduction
 Transformer Protection Schemes – A Functional Overview
 Phase Differential Protection
• Operation Principle
• Challenges to Differential
• Logics/Algorithms Adopted by Some Manufacturers
 Conclusion

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 Operation Principle: Single Phase

C.T- 1 C.T- 2

No two C.Ts can be

similar !!!!
Operate = 0

Relay

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 Operation Principle: Single Phase

C.T- 1 C.T- 2

Ideally, no current in
operating coil for external
faults
Operate = 0

Rest-1 Rest-2

Relay

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 Operation Principle: Single Phase

C.T- 1 C.T- 2 Operate when

IO > k x IR
IO Io = IR1 + IR2
Operate

Rest-1 Rest-2
IR =( IR1 + IR2 )/2
Relay
IR1 IR2

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 Operation Principle: Three Phase

DAB Wye
A a

B b

C c

Operate
A phase

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 Primary Protection: Differential

 Sensitive:
Operates for low level inputs
 Clear distinction:
Clearly differentiates in-zone
and out-zone faults.
 Dependability:
Operate as intended
 Secured:
Does not operate incorrectly
 Speed:
No intentional time delay
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 Outline
 Introduction
 Transformer Protection Schemes – A Functional Overview
 Phase Differential Protection
• Operation Principle
• Challenges to Differential
• Logics/Algorithms Adopted by Some Manufacturers
 Conclusion

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 Challenges to Transformer Differential

 Current mismatch caused by C.Ts

 Different C.T ratios
 Phase shift due to winding configuration
 Zero sequence current
 Errors due to Tap Changers
 C.T saturation
 Over-excitation
 Magnetizing inrush
 Switch onto fault

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 C.T Mismatch Errors

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 C.T Mismatch Errors

 50 MVA, 110/33 kV Transformer

50 ∗ 103
I primary = = 454.54 A
110
50 ∗ 103
I secondary = = 1515.15 A
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Let’s assume CT selected for primary side = 500 :5
CT selected for secondary side = 1600:5
Relay readings:
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Winding-1 current = 454.54 * = 4.545 A
500
5
Winding-2 current = 1515.15 * = 4.735 A
1600

Selecting relay tap of 4.6 on both windings –

4.735 4.545
% Mismatch = ( - ) * 100 = 4.13 %
4.6 4.6
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 C.T Mismatch Errors: How to Overcome?

 Select most appropriate taps on electro-mechanical relays

 Micro-processor relays do some math to eliminate such errors

Relay input

For wye-connected C.Ts, C =1

For delta-connected C.Ts, C = √3
MVA = Maximum power transformer capacity
VWDG = Winding Line-Line voltage setting in kV
CTRn = Current transformer ratio setting
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 C.T Mismatch Errors: How to Overcome?

 Some relays will auto-compute the high and low side taps
using MVA, high and low side voltage, C.T ratios and
connection types across the transformer

 Other relays will determine a magnitude compensation factor

due to CT mismatch error. These relays only use MVA and
voltage values to do the correction. They correct the CT ratio
to decimal values.

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 Phase Shift due to Winding Configuration

Ia - Ib DAB
Ia
Wye
A a

B b

C c

w 87
w
1 2

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 Phase Shift due to Winding Configuration

V  VAB  VA  VB
VA  VM 0  VM   120
VAB  VM 1  cos 120  j sin 120
3 3
 VM   j 
2 2 
VC
VB  3VM 30

VM = Magnitude of VA or VB
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 Phase Shift Issues: How to Overcome?
Dy1
Wye Delta
 For electromechanical relays simply
connect C.Ts in Delta if the
transformer winding is Wye and vice-
versa (External Compensation)

 Microprocessor relays do some math

calculations internally to compensate
(Internal Compensation)

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 Phase Shift Issues: How to Overcome?
 Transformer type: Dy1 with a DAB for HV , C.Ts are Wye
and DAB respectively for HV and LV side
HV Winding LV Winding

IAW1 IAW2

• No compensation from the relay is required. C.T

connections solved the issue.
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 Phase Shift Issues: How to Overcome?
 Transformer type: Yd7 with a DAB for d7 , C.Ts are Wye
connected on both sides
HV Winding LV Winding
IAW1

IAW2
• 7 x 30 = 210 deg CCW compensation required

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 Phase Shift Issues: How to Overcome?
 Manufacturer-1: Each winding is given a number 0-12, which
corresponds to the number of 30 deg angle increments to be rotated
in CCW direction for ABC phase rotation. Each winding is corrected
back to zero degrees.

 Manufacturer-2: Compensation for both transformer and C.T is

done. Transformer windings are given a number from 0-11, whereas
C.T windings are given from 13-23. The number corresponds to the
number of 30 deg angle increments to be rotated in CCW direction
for ABC phase rotation.

 Manufacturer-3: Each winding is given an angle which corresponds

to the lagging angle relative to the designated reference winding
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 Zero Sequence Currents

 Only present during ground faults: SLG, L-L-G, 3ph-G

 Gets trapped in delta winding as circulating current

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 Zero Sequence Current
 Why do we worry about it in differential protection?
SLG
Fault

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 Zero Sequence Elimination

 The simplest way to eliminate zero sequence currents is to have wye

connected CTs on the side of a delta connected transformer winding
and vice versa

 In micro-processor relays that are connected from wye connected

CTs for a Delta-Wye transformer, the zero sequence current is
removed numerically by applying compensation matrices. All
compensation matrix numbers from 1-12 remove zero sequence
mathematically

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 Zero Sequence Elimination

1
Ia  Ib  1
 
I 1  I 2  I 0   2 I 1  I 2  I 0
 1  1 0   Ia  3 3

CTC (1)  1   0 1  1   Ib  1 Ib  Ic   1  2 I1  I 2  I 0  I1   2 I 2  I 0 
3 3 3
 1 0 1   Ic  1
Ic  Ia  1
 
I 1   2 I 2  I 0  I 1  I 2  I 0
3 3

 Matrix 1 is equivalent to a delta connection

 Note that zero sequence current is still present in the circuit. The
settings tell the relay how to ignore it

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 Tap Changer Issues

 A tap-changer is a mechanism in
transformers that allows for
variable turn ratios to be selected
in discrete steps
 If operators change the tap without
the setting engineer’s knowledge,
this could create enough current
mismatch to trip
 LTCs : (13716-12470)/12470 =
10% (Maximum of +/- 10%
Mismatch)
 NLTCs: Maximum of +/- 5%
Mismatch

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 Tap Changer Issues: How to Overcome?

 Percentage restraint

Provide additional slope in slope

characteristic to provide a margin
for such errors

Add 10-15% to slope setting

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 CT Saturation

 Once CT saturation occurs, ratio error increases and secondary current is

no more linear to primary current
 AC Saturation (AC components):
• High symmetrical faults
• Contains only odd harmonics
 DC Saturation (DC + AC components):
• Asymmetrical faults
• Motor starting
• Generator synchronization
• Contains both odd and even harmonics

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 Percentage Restrained Characteristic
 Region 1 and Region 2: Steady state and Proportional Error Compensation
a) CT Accuracy Errors ( 5% typical)
b) LTC and NLTC Errors (10 + 5 = 15%)
c) Tap Mismatch Errors
d) Magnetizing Current Errors
d) Relay Measuring Errors (< 5%)
e) Extra Margin
Slope 1 = Around 30-35%
 Region 3: Transient Error Compensation
a) CT Saturation on Through Faults
Slope 2 = Around 60% to 70% (Depends on type of restraint equation used)
 Unrestrained: Clearly indicates internal fault

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 Slope Characteristics

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 Magnetizing Inrush

 Inrush is high magnetizing current drawn by a transformer

from the source during:
a) Energization after complete de-energization
b) Post fault voltage recovery
c) Energization of a parallel transformer

Point of switching Transformer

switched on at
primary voltage zero
crossing

𝐸 = 𝑁 𝑑∅/𝑑𝑡
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 Effects on Differential Protection

 Usually of the order of 10 p.u. Magnitude and duration depends on

factors like point-on-wave of switching, remnant flux, sizing, source
impedance etc.
 Transient in nature (Few milliseconds)
 Not an internal fault
 Operating current higher than slope
might cause false trip

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Magnetizing Inrush Problem: How to Overcome?

 Even Harmonic Blocking Method

Inrush is rich in even harmonics especially 2nd and 4th harmonics.

• A typical setting of 15-20% provides enough security

I diff mag(120Hz)2 + I diff mag(240Hz)2
• If > setting, then block 87
I diff mag(60Hz)
• Electro-mechanical relays have filter circuits to detect 2nd harmonics
• Micro-processor relays look for inrush conditions(above) before
issuing a percentage restrained differential trip in their differential
logic

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Magnetizing Inrush Problem: How to Overcome?

 Low Second Harmonic Detection Methods

Typically, one phase exhibits low second-harmonic content
Cross-phase Blocking:

Cross-phase Averaging:

Used with fundamental component

in each of the phases (independent)

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 Over-excitation

 Nothing but over-fluxing in transformer or excessive V/Hz

 Rich in 5th harmonics
 ANSI C37.106 and C57.12 – Secondary V/Hz > 1.05 p.u full load, 0.8 pf
Secondary V/Hz > 1.1 p.u no-load
 Possible reasons:
• Sudden load loss causing voltage rise
• Generator start up at low frequency
• Transmission line is lightly loaded and proper shunt compensation is not
provided

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 Effects on Differential Protection

 V/f = 4.44 x A x N x B
V = Voltage applied
f = Frequency applied
A = cross sectional area of core
N = # of turns
B = Magnetic flux density
I = Excitation current

 Transformer core saturation leads to high

magnetizing current from the source
 Increase in differential current activates 87
 No time for AVRs and Capacitor Banks to
kick-in to correct the problem
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 Over-excitation: How to Overcome?

 Method-1
• 5th harmonic restraint, 87 gets blocked if 5th
harmonic in current is higher than set value

 Method-2
• Raises minimum pick-up level when 5th
harmonic exceeds a set value
• Security of the relay remains intact
To keep the element secure against undesired tripping, yet allow the
element to release if an internal fault occurs during the over-excitation
event
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 Switch Onto Fault
 If a transformer experiences an internal fault on energization,
the harmonic restraint feature could delay tripping

 Microprocessor relays employ unrestrained

element set above max expected inrush
current, typically 8-12 p.u

 Electromechanical relays have instantaneous

o/c unit in series with differential unit

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 Outline
 Introduction
 Transformer Protection Schemes – A Functional Overview
 Phase Differential Protection
• Operation Principle
• Challenges to Differential
• Logics/Algorithms Adopted by Some Manufacturers
 Conclusion

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 Conclusion
 Transformer differential is one of the most popular protection
scheme. However, it requires extreme care and attention while
setting up.
 Knowledge about possible challenges and solutions is the key to
design an effective differential scheme
 Relay engineers should understand the characteristics of transformer
and CT and should procure the right data

 Validation of scheme is crucial!!! - For both manufacturers

and customers
Tests- Commissioning (Scheme based, element based), Acceptance

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 Megger Solutions

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 Hardware
 SMRT-410/410D : 10 Current Channels (Max)
60 Amps secondary

 SMRT 46/46D : 6 Current Channels (Max)

60 Amps secondary

 SMRT-1 : 2 Current Channels (Max)

Tests all electromechanical
differential relays
60 Amps secondary

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 Software: RTMS
 Manual testing feature
 Automated slope tests with slope
characteristics of various relays

 Stabilization test
 Automated pick up tests
 Automated harmonic restraint tests

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 Survey & Contact Info

 Contact Information
• Presenter
– Mohit Sharma
– Mohit.sharma@megger.com

• USA and Mexico Sales

– sales@megger.com
– +1 800 723 2861
• Canada Sales
– caenquiries@megger.com Please help us improve by filling out
the survey after the webinar ends
– +1 800 297 9688
"Corona discharge 1" by Nitromethane - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons -
54 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Corona_discharge_1.JPG#/media/File:Corona_discharge_1.JPG
 Join us for our next webinar

 Introduction to Sweep Frequency Response Analysis

 Presenter: Robert Foster, Applications Engineer, Megger

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