Transformer Protection Fundamentals

This webinar brought to you by the Relion product family
Advanced protection and control IEDs from ABB

Relion. Thinking beyond the box.
Designed to seamlessly consolidate functions, Relion relays are
smarter, more flexible and more adaptable. Easy to integrate and
with an extensive function library, the Relion family of protection
and control delivers advanced functionality and improved
performance.
ABB Group
October 27, 2015 | Slide 1
ABB protective relay school webinar series

Disclaimer
ABB is pleased to provide you with technical information regarding
protective relays. The material included is not intended to be a complete
presentation of all potential problems and solutions related to this topic.
The content is generic and may not be applicable for circumstances or
equipment at any specific facility. By participating in ABB's web-based
Protective Relay School, you agree that ABB is providing this information
to you on an informational basis only and makes no warranties,
representations or guarantees as to the efficacy or commercial utility of
the information for any specific application or purpose, and ABB is not
responsible for any action taken in reliance on the information contained
herein. ABB consultants and service representatives are available to
study specific operations and make recommendations on improving
safety, efficiency, and profitability. Contact an ABB sales representative
for further information.
ABB Group
ABB protective relay school webinar series
Transformer protection fundamentals

October 27, 2015
ABB Group
Presenter
Bob Wilson
Bob graduated from Purdue University and joined Westinghouse

Electric Corp. After receiving a Masters degree in Electrical
Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, Bob was a
Systems Analysis Engineer responsible for software designed to
automate system-wide coordination. He then transferred to
Kansas City where he assumed the role of District Engineer and
eventually moved to the Houston area where he currently
resides.
In his current role as Regional Technical Manager, he supports
ABBs Substation Automation and Protection Division, providing
technical support to customers throughout the South Central
United States. Bob is a senior member of IEEE and has
authored and presented several papers in power system
protection at a variety of technical conferences throughout the
United States. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in the
states of Pennsylvania and Texas.
ABB Group
Learning objectives
ABB Group
Transformer basics
Transformer winding connections
Basic differential protection
Basic differential protection settings
Differential measurement issues
Complementary protection functions
Transformer protection
ABB Group
Transformer basics
Transformer basics
Construction
Power transformer:
1. HV side bushings
2. LV side bushings
3. Load tap changer
4. Load tap changer
operating device
5. Control panel
6. Oil thermometer
7. Gas relay
8. Radiators
9. Oil conservator
N. Neutral bushings
ABB Group
Transformer basics
Construction
Power transformer
Iron core
HV voltage
winding
ABB Group
MV voltage winding
LV voltage winding
Transformer basics
Different winding arrangements
ABB Group
Transformer basics
Types of failures
Winding failures
Turn-to-turn insulation failure
Moisture
Deterioration
Internal and external faults
ABB Group
Mechanical and insulation integrity
Tap changer failures
Mechanical
Electrical
Short circuit
Oil leak
Overheating
Transformer basics
Types of failures
ABB Group
Bushing failures
Aging, contamination, and cracking
Flashover due to animals
Moisture
Low oil
Core failures
Core insulation failure
Ground strap burned away
Loose clamps, bolts, wedges
Transformer basics
Types of failures
ABB Group
Miscellaneous failures
Bushing current transformer failure
Metal particles in oil
Damage in shipment
External faults
Poor tank weld
Overvoltages
Overloads
Transformer basics
Cause of failures
Cause of Transformer Failures*
Winding failure
55
Tap changer failures
21
Bushing failures
10
Terminal board failures
Core failures
Miscellaneous failures
All causes
*IEEE Guide
100
ABB Group
Transformer basics
Single-phase transformer
This quantity cannot

be directly measured
npIp - np (Ih + Im ) = nsIs
ABB Group
Three-phase transformer
Considerations for three-phase transformers
ABB Group
Winding connections
Number of windings
Core construction and

operating characteristics
Basic Three-phase transformer
ABB Group
No connections
High voltage bushings
H1, H2, H3 => system A, B, C
H0 if neutral provided
Low voltage bushings
X1, X2, X3 => system A, B, C
X0 if neutral provided
Tertiary
Third winding
Y1, Y2, Y3 => system A, B, C
Turns ratio - N
High-to-low
ANSI standard
High voltage reference is in phase
with low voltage reference
ABB Group
High voltage reference leads the

low voltage reference by 30O
Wye-wye connected transformer
ABB Group
No phase shift
Effective turns ratio = N
Same applies for delta - delta
connection
Auto-transformers
ANSI Standard Connections

High Voltage
Low Voltage
High voltage reference phase
voltage leads the low voltage
reference phase voltage by 30O
Wye-delta
Delta-wye
ABB Group
Wye-delta connected transformer
Phase shift
H1 leads X1 by 30O
Effective turns ratio
n=N 3
ABB Group
Delta-wye connected transformer
Phase shift
H1 leads X1 by 30O
Effective turns ratio
ABB Group
N
n=
3
ABB Group
Transformer basics
Transformer differential protection

Typical transformer phase differential configuration
N:1 (Phase shift )
Y or
Y/1
X/1
Z/1
M:1 (Phase shift )
Winding-2 Inputs
IA-1
IB-1 Winding-1 Inputs
IC-1
IA-2
IB-2
IC-2
IA-3
Winding-3 Inputs
(3-Winding units only) IB-3
IC-3
ABB Group
Y or
Y or

Zone of protection defined by current transformers (CTs)
N:1 (Phase shift )
Y/1
Y or
X/1
Z/1
M:1 (Phase shift )
Winding-2 Inputs
IA-1
IC-1
IA-2
IB-2
IC-2
IA-3
Winding-3 Inputs
IC-3
ABB Group
Y or
Y or

Non-trip zone for phase differential protection
N:1 (Phase shift )
Y/1
Y or
X/1
Z/1
M:1 (Phase shift )
Winding-2 Inputs
IA-1
IC-1
IA-2
IB-2
IC-2
IA-3
Winding-3 Inputs
IC-3
ABB Group
Y or
Y or

Ideally what comes in equals what goes out:
IIN = IOUT
N:1 (Phase shift )
Y or
Y/1
X/1
Z/1
IIN
M:1 (Phase shift )
Winding-2 Inputs
IA-1
IC-1
IA-2
IB-2
IC-2
IA-3
Winding-3 Inputs
IC-3
ABB Group
IOUT

Transformer differential protection is generally quite simple, but requires the
correct application and connection of current transformers and an
understanding of the power transformer winding connections, characteristics
and operation.
N:1 (Phase shift )
Y or
Y/1
X/1
Z/1
IIN
Winding-2 Inputs
IA-1
IC-1
Y or
IOUT
M:1 (Phase shift )
IA-2
IB-2
IC-2
IA-3
Winding-3 Inputs
IC-3
ABB Group
Y or

CT1=250/5
69kV
13.8kV
25 MVA
CT2=1200/5
n(Ia-Ic)
A
Ia
nIa
n(Ib-Ia)
B
Ib
nIb
n(Ic-Ib)
C
nIc
Ic
Ia/CT1
R
Ib/CT1
n(Ib-Ia)/CT2
O
R
Ic/CT1
n(Ic-Ib)/CT2
O
R
ABB Group
n(Ia-Ic)/CT2

Rated primary currents
IH
25 *103
=
= 209.2 A
3 * 69
25 *103
IL =
= 1045.92 A e j 30
3 *13.8
Tap settings
CT secondary currents
I HSec = 209.2 / 50 = 4.18 A = 1 p.u
I LSec = 1046 / 240 = 4.36 A = 1 p.u e j 30
Differential current
I DIFF = I HSec + I LSec = 1 1e

ABB Group
j 30
= 0.52 p.u ==> TRIP!

CT1=250/5
69kV
13.8kV
25 MVA
CT2=1200/5
n(Ia-Ic)
A
Ia
nIa
n(Ib-Ia)
B
Ib
nIb
n(Ic-Ib)
C
nIc
Ic
IA
Ia/CT1
n(Ia-Ic)/CT2
O
R
Ib/CT1
n(Ib-Ia)/CT2
O
R
n(Ic-Ib)/CT2
O
R
IA= I1 + I2 + I0
IA nIA
Ic/CT1
nIA
nIA= nI1 + nI2 + nI0

nI0= n(Ia-Ic) + n(Ib-Ia) + n(Ic-Ib) = 0
ABB Group

CT1=250/5
69kV
13.8kV
25 MVA
CT2=1200/5
n(Ia-Ic)
A
Ia
nIa
n(Ib-Ia)
B
Ib
nIb
Ia/CT1
n(Ic-Ib)
C
nIc
Ic
Ic/CT1
Change CT connections
from wye to delta
IA
(Ia-Ic)/CT1
nIA
(Ib-Ia)/CT1
(Ic-Ib)/CT1
n(Ic-Ib)/CT2
O
R
IA= I1 + I2
n(Ib-Ia)/CT2
O
R
ABB Group
n(Ia-Ic)/CT2
nIA= nI1 + nI2

CT secondary currents
I HSec = 209.2 / 50
Tap settings
3e j30 = 7.24 A = 1 p.u e j 30
I LSec = 1046 / 240 = 4.36 A = 1 p.u e j 30
Differential current
I DIFF = I HSec + I LSec = 1e

Issues
ABB Group
Tap setting
Phase Shift
j 30
1e
j 30
= 0 ==> NO TRIP!
Transformers with delta and wye windings
Phase shift and magnitude (3) compensation must

be applied
Zero sequence currents for external ground faults

must be blocked
Solution
Conventional differential protection
CT on the wye side connected in delta
CT on delta side connected in wye
Numerical protection
Connect all winding CTs in wye
Apply compensating factors and I0 filtering
ABB Group
Vendor Specific

Compensation factors for numerical relays
Transformer connections
HIGH
LOW
ANGLE
(H leads L)
COMPENSATING
FACTOR
H
L
ANGLE HV LEADS LV
120
30
00
00
30
150
180
*ANSI
All CT'S assumed wye connected
ABB Group
0
0
60
300
REFERENCE
330
3
240
330
90
210
330
300
270
ABB Group
Transformer basics
Differential protection settings
Example:
Transformer data:
25MVA (Max); 69 kV to 13.8/7.967 Grd Y; Xt=7%
CT1=250/5
CT2=1200/5
1. Phase shift is 30 degrees, low side CF = 3
2. High side current 209.2(A) and low side current 1046(A )
25 *10 6
IH =
= 209.184( A)
3
3 * 69 *10
25 *10 6
IL =
= 1045.924( A)
3
3 *13.8 *10
ABB Group

3.
Through fault current:
25 *10 6
IH =
= 2988( A)
3
3 * 69 *10 * 0.07
25 *10 6
IL =
= 14,942( A)
3
3 *13.8 *10 * 0.07
4.
5.
6.
7.
ABB Group
CT ratio: CT1=250/5 = 50 and CT2 = 1200/5 = 240

Secondary current
IH (sec) = 209.2/50=4.18(A)
IL (sec) = 1046/240=4.36(A)
Relay current at maximum load are:
high side = 4.18 (A)
low side = 4.36*3 = 7.55 (A)

Tap settings are 4.2 (A) and 7.5 (A)
8.
9.
Set harmonic restraint method

Select a linear percentage slope of 30% for
transformer with +/- 10% load tap changer
10. Select minimum operating current of 0.3pu with +/10% load tap changer
11. Set 87H (unrestrained) to 6.0 [times Tap]
ABB Group

6
Unrestrained Operating Region

5
Operating
Region
IDIFF in pu
Restraining
Region
IOP - MIN
0
ABB Group
IRES in pu

6

5
Operating
Region
1
IDIFF in pu
IOP - MIN
IOP - MIN
0
ABB Group
5-10%
Margin
LTC Range
Max difference in HV & LV
CT error for min. thru-fault
Excitation Current
10%
20%
2%
1
4
IRES in pu

6

5
Operating
Region
IDIFF in pu
Margin - 5-10%
3
LTC Range - 10%

2
Max difference in HV & LV CT

error for max. thru-fault - 20%
0
ABB Group
1.25
IRES in pu
Example:
CT error = +/- 10%
LTC variation = 10%
Excitation current at rated voltage = 1.4%
Margin = 5%
Relay minimum operating current setting:
(CT error)@HV side+(CT error)@LV side +LTC + Ie +Margin =
0.1+0.1 +0.1+0.02 + 0.05=0.37 pu
Relay slope setting:
(CT error)@HV side+(CT error)@LV side +LTC + Margin =
0.1+0.1 +0.1+0.05 = 35%
ABB Group

Westinghouse HU electro-mechanical relay characteristic
I - Operate Current in Per Unit of Tap
100
IopMIN
ABB Group
IopTH
10
HU 35%
1
HU 30%
0.1
0.1
10
I - Larger Restraint Current in Per Unit of Tap
100

6
IUNRES
IDIFF in pu
Operating
Region
4
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
3
m3
2
Restraining
Region
% Slope
m2
m=
IOP-MIN
1
ABB Group
3
4
IRES in pu
I DIFF
100%
I RES
ABB Group
If LTC position is monitored improved sensitivity can be

provided
In this case the minimum operate current setting and slope

can be set in the range of 0.15-0.25 pu.
ABB Group
Transformer basics
ABB Group
Zero sequence current
Transformer inrush
CT saturation
Overvoltage (over-excitation)
Zero sequence elimination

CT1=250/5
69kV
13.8kV
25 MVA
CT2=1200/5
n(Ia-Ic)
A
Ia
nIa
n(Ib-Ia)
B
Ib
nIb
Ia/CT1
n(Ic-Ib)
C
nIc
Ic
Ic/CT1
Change CT connections
from wye to delta
IA
(Ia-Ic)/CT1
nIA
(Ib-Ia)/CT1
(Ic-Ib)/CT1
n(Ic-Ib)/CT2
O
R
IA= I1 + I2
n(Ib-Ia)/CT2
O
R
ABB Group
n(Ia-Ic)/CT2
nIA= nI1 + nI2
Inrush current
Influencing factors
ABB Group
The peak value of the magnetizing current is generally

higher for smaller transformers
Duration of the inrush current is longer for the larger

transformers
Switching instant
The maximum inrush current will happen when the

transformer is switched at voltage zero transition
Statistical data indicates every 5th or 6th transformer

energization will result in high values of the inrush
Inrush current
Influencing factors
Energizing side
Inductance is function of geometry. Low voltage winding that

is wound closer to the magnetic core has less impedance
than the outer winding. Consequently, energizing the
transformer from the LV winding will cause more inrush than
energizing from the HV winding.
Typical values:
ABB Group
LV side: magnitude of inrush current is 10-20 times the rated

current
HV side: magnitude of inrush current is 5-10 times the rated

current
Remanence (residual flux) in the core
Higher remanence results in the higher inrush
Impedance of the system
Energizing from lower source impedance results in the higher

inrush
Highest inrush generally at generating plants
Harmonic analysis-typical
Internal Fault Current
Differential current due to:

Component
Internal Fault
CT Saturation
Magnetic
Inrush
145%
126%
244%
DC
38
58
Fund.
100
100
100
2nd
63
3rd
32
22
4th
5th
32
6th
7th
Peak
Values in % of fundamental
ABB Group
October 27, 2015 | 52
Internal Fault Current with CT Saturation
Transformer Inrush Current
Inrush current
ABB Group
Protection commonly uses 2nd harmonic value in % of

fundamental to distinguish between inrush current and short
circuit current
Short circuit current has only a small 2nd harmonic
Inrush current has significant 2nd harmonic
Minimum % 2nd harmonic and maximum peak on inrush occur

when the transformer is energized at voltage-angle = 0
Protection engineers should set relaying based on data

provided by the transformer manufacturer
CT saturation
How to avoid delayed trips for an internal fault that
saturates a CT?
Waveform restraint designed to detect the 2nd harmonic

wave form, differentiate it from saturated CT secondary
current, and block tripping
Adaptive 2nd harmonic operation
ABB Group
Setting
2nd harmonic always in
Conditional 2nd harmonic
Logic to detect when 2nd harmonic restraint is applied
Transformer energization
CT saturation on external faults
Overvoltage/overexcitation current
ed)
90 180
360
540
ZS
720
Transformer
Magnetizing
Characteristics
0
90 180
360
Ie
Overexcitation waveform produces

predominately high odd harmonics
3rd, 5th, 7th, etc.
Typical % of fundamental
2nd = 0
3rd = 70 (*never use)
4th = 0
5th = 30
6th = 0
7th = 2
540
Over Excitation Current
Total Flux
rat
(satu
720
* 3rd harmonics are a prevalent quantity

on the power system produced from
many sources
Over-excitation detection
ABB Group
Over-excitation exists if the per unit V/Hz exceeds the

design limit of transformer
Voltage exceeds 105% at full load or 110% no load

at rated frequency
The frequency goes below 95% (fl) to 90% (nl) of

rated at rated voltage
Use manufacturers V/Hz Time curve
How to detect over-excitation?
V/Hz relay using the VT input from the primary
Differential relay with fifth harmonic current restraint

can be used if VT unavailable Apply blocking or
tripping with caution !
ABB Group
Transformer basics
Ground differential protection (87G) - REF

Internal Fault
I0
X
I0
Circuit
Breaker
I0
3I0
6I0
3I0
3I0
Optional Z
External Fault
I0
X
I0
Circuit
Breaker
I0
3I0
ABB Group
3I0
3I0
Optional Z
Restricted Earth Fault (REF)

Protects only the wye-grounded
transformer winding for all internal
ground faults
Idiff = IN + 3I0
Ires = Max(Ia, Ib, Ic, IN), I1
A directional criteria is also applied in

order to increase stability against
heavy external faults with CT
saturation
Turn-to-turn fault detection
Np - Nt
Np
Np
Nt
Ns
Ns
Ns
Turn-to-turn fault
Usually involves a small number of

adjacent turns
A small unbalance in primary to

secondary turns ratio,
(Np-Nt)/Ns
Undetectable with normal differential

protection
High current in shorted turns
(Np-Nt)Ip + NtIt + NsIs = 0
Not measurable (no access)
Sudden Pressure Relay (SPR)
Slow
Tendency to mis-operate
Block on thru-fault current
Negative sequence differential
Negative sequence differential protection
I2S1
I2S1
Z2S1
I2S2
Z2S2
E2f
Negative
Sequence Zero
Potential
I2S1
I2S1
Relay
I2diff = 0
Negative sequence current for external fault

Relative phase between them is 180 degrees
Negative sequence differential protection

I2S1
I2S2
Z2S2
Z2S1
E2f
Negative
Sequence Zero
Potential
I2S2
I2S1
Relay
I2diff = I2S1 + I2S2
Negative sequence current for internal fault

Relative phase between them is 0 degrees
Overcurrent protection coordination
Category
I
II
III
IV
ABB Group
Single phase
(Minimum nameplate
kVA)
5-500
501-1667
1668-10,000
Above 10,000
Three phase
(Minimum nameplate
kVA)
15-500
501-5000
5001-30,000
Above 30,000
Through fault protection
C57.109-1985 considers both thermal and mechanical

effects for through fault (external faults)
Category I transformer ==> thermal effect is considered
Category II and III transformer ==> thermal effect is

considered; mechanical effect depending on the
frequency of external fault
Category IV transformer ==> thermal and mechanical

effect is considered
Transformer capability curve
Category I
Category II and III with low fault

frequency
Overcurrent protection
ABB Group
Fuse
Overcurrent relays
Transformer capability curve
Category II and III with high fault

frequency
Category IV
High speed differential protection
Backup overcurrent protection
ABB Group

Fault cleared by transformer
differential or primary side
device
Fault cleared by transformer

primary or optional secondary
main breaker device
Transformer
Protection
Fuse
Recloser
Feeder
Protection
Fault cleared by feeder

protection
Infrequent Fault Zone

ABB Group
Frequent Fault Zone
ABB Group
ABB Group
Time-overcurrent protection
Inverse time characteristic relay provides the best

coordination
Pickup settings of 200 to 300% of the transformers

self-cooled ratings
Fast operation is not possible (coordination with other

relays)
Instantaneous protection
Fast operation on heavy internal faults
Settings 125% of the maximum through fault (low side

3 fault)
Settings should be above the inrush current
This webinar brought to you by the Relion product family

Advanced protection and control IEDs from ABB
Relion. Thinking beyond the box.

Designed to seamlessly consolidate functions, Relion relays are
smarter, more flexible and more adaptable. Easy to integrate and
with an extensive function library, the Relion family of protection
and control delivers advanced functionality and improved
performance.
ABB Group
Thank you for your participation

Shortly, you will receive a link to an archive of this presentation.
To view a schedule of remaining webinars in this series, or for more
information on ABBs protection and control solutions, visit:
www.abb.com/relion
ABB Group

Transformer Protection Fundamentals

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Transformer Protection Fundamentals

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Copyright:

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This webinar brought to you by the Relion product family

Advanced protection and control IEDs from ABB

ABB protective relay school webinar series

ABB protective relay school webinar series

Transformer protection fundamentals

Bob graduated from Purdue University and joined Westinghouse

Transformer winding connections

Basic differential protection

Basic differential protection settings

Differential measurement issues

Complementary protection functions

Transformer winding connections

Basic differential protection

Basic differential protection settings

Differential measurement issues

Complementary protection functions

Turn-to-turn insulation failure

Internal and external faults

Mechanical and insulation integrity

Tap changer failures

Aging, contamination, and cracking

Flashover due to animals

Core insulation failure

Ground strap burned away

Loose clamps, bolts, wedges

Bushing current transformer failure

Metal particles in oil

Poor tank weld

Tap changer failures

Terminal board failures

Transformer winding connections

Basic differential protection

Basic differential protection settings

Differential measurement issues

Complementary protection functions

This quantity cannot

Core construction and

Basic Three-phase transformer

High voltage reference leads the

Wye-wye connected transformer

ANSI Standard Connections

Wye-delta connected transformer

Delta-wye connected transformer

Transformer winding connections

Basic differential protection

Basic differential protection settings

Differential measurement issues

Complementary protection functions

Transformer differential protection

M:1 (Phase shift )

Transformer differential protection

M:1 (Phase shift )

Transformer differential protection

M:1 (Phase shift )

Transformer differential protection

Transformer differential protection

M:1 (Phase shift )

Transformer differential protection

Transformer differential protection

I HSec = 209.2 / 50 = 4.18 A = 1 p.u

I LSec = 1046 / 240 = 4.36 A = 1 p.u e j 30

I DIFF = I HSec + I LSec = 1 1e

= 0.52 p.u ==> TRIP!

Transformer differential protection