1

Adaptive Differential Protection for Power

Transformer Based on Transient Signal Analysis
M. O. Oliveira, Member, IEEE, G. D. Ferreira, F. H. Garca, A. S. Bretas, Member, IEEE,
O. E. Perrone and J. H. Reversat

Abstract--Power transformer protection is a technical and

economic task that considers initial investments, operating costs
and efficiency. In this context, this paper presents an adaptive
relaying scheme for percentage differential protection of threephase power transformers. The proposed formulation uses
discrete wavelet transform to extract transitory features of the
differential current signal, which presents the advantage of
having an adaptive threshold value. The spectral energy of the
low frequency wavelet coefficient is calculated and the change in
this energy is used as decision criteria to produce the
Trip/Restrain signal relay and distinguish internal faults from
transient inrush currents. The proposed algorithm was
implemented on MATLAB environment and had its
performance evaluated through simulation of several transient
events using ATP software. Test results show that the wavelet
transform can be efficiently used to identify fault conditions in
power transformers making the proposed differential protection
approach highly reliable, fast and accurate.
Index TermsAdaptive differential protection,
wavelet transform, transient signal analysis.

discrete

I. INTRODUCTION

URRENTLY percentage differential protection is a

common practice for power transformer (PT) protection.
However, several cases of misoperation in the protection relay
due to magnetizing inrush currents, over-excitation and
current transformer (CT) saturation have been reported in
recent years, reducing the reliability of the differential
protection scheme [1]. This misoperation produces great
economic losses for electric companies because of the
necessary restoration time. To mitigate these problems some
differential relays are equipped with harmonic restraint,
however this methodology still presents limited efficiency [2].
Electromagnetic transients in electric power systems (EPS)
are generally caused by lightning discharges and/or certain
operating conditions, such as: faults in equipment and
This work was supported in part by CAPES (Coordenao de
Aperfeioamento de Pessoal de Nvel Superior) and CNPq (Conselho
Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientfico e Tecnolgico).
M. O. Oliveira, O. E. Perrone and J. H. Reversat are with the Energy Study
Center to Development (CEED) and with National University of Misiones,
Ober, Argentina, CP 3360 (phone: +54 3755 421170; e-mails:
oliveira@fio.unam.edu.ar, moliveira@ece.ufrgs.br, perrone@fio.unam.edu.ar,
hreversat@fio.unam.edu.ar).
G. D. Ferreira, A. S. Bretas and F. H. Garca are with the Federal
University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto alegre, RS, Brazil. (e-mails:
abretas@ece.ufrgs.br, gustavoferreira@ece.ufrgs.br, fhz@ece.ufrgs.br).

978-1-4673-2729-9/12/$31.00 2012 IEEE

transmission lines, switching of electric power system devices,

voltage sags, capacitor switching and transmission line
energization and deenergization [3]. The analysis of
electromagnetic transients associated with abnormal
conditions in three-phase transformers can be fundamental in
explaining the cause and location of the transient event. A
transformer fault typically causes a low frequency oscillatory
type of transient, with a spectral content less than 5 kHz, a
typical duration of 0.3-50 ms and a magnitude range of 0-4
p.u. [4]. On the other hand, the waveforms associated with fast
electromagnetic transients are typically non-periodic and
contain both high frequency oscillations and localized
superimposed impulses on power frequency and its
harmonics. These characteristic present problems for
traditional Fourier analysis because the latter assumes a
periodic signal needs longer time periods to maintain good
resolution in the low frequency [5].
This paper presents an adaptive differential protection
scheme for a three-phase power transformer based on transient
signal analysis with discrete wavelet transform (DWT). The
proposed technique uses a logic decision algorithm based on
the spectral energy variation of the wavelets coefficient to
identify and correctly differentiate inrush current from
incipient internal faults. The identification and discrimination
of the transient electric events in a power transformer is
implemented computationally from three-phase differential
currents analysis using the MATLAB platform [6]. This
protection methodology was tested with simulated fault cases
under ATP (Alternative Transient Program) [7]. Results show
that the adaptive threshold characteristic used in the proposed
algorithm is not affected by EPS configuration, given an
efficient and reliable relay operation.
II. PROBLEM FORMULATION
A. Three-Phase Power Transformer Protection
Differential protection is widely used by electric companies
in order to avoid abnormal operating conditions in EPS
equipment (power transformers, power buses, large motors
and generator protection). The differential relay is regarded as
the main protection equipment for large PTs. However it has
major disadvantages because it presents false tripping due
mainly to magnetizing inrush currents. In this sense,
considering a PT above 10 MVA, the percentage differential
protection with harmonic restraint is the most commonly used
protection scheme [1].

On the other hand, many extra efforts have been made to

solve this false tripping problem. These include: de-sensitizing
the relay for a given time or introducing an intentional time
delay when energizing the transformer. These solutions can
help in some cases but in other cases they affect the sensitivity
and speed of the relay. This may be not acceptable in
particular situations. Another presented solution is obtained
through the use of a supervising or restraining voltage signal.
Voltage supervision is not the preferred option, as the under
voltage relay is slow, and consequently the entire protection
becomes slower. More importantly, this type of protection
requires a voltage source for the transformer relay, which is an
added expense and may be not justifiable in many cases [1].
The ratio of the second harmonic content against the
fundamental has also been used to distinguish between
magnetizing inrush and internal fault conditions [1], [8].
However, using the second harmonics content as a
discriminating quantity has shown some weakness due to the
improvement of the transformer core industry that has used
low loss amorphous materials that reduce the harmonics
content of the inrush current [9]. Also, it has been found to
cause changes in the differential fault current due to nonlinear
fault resistance, CT saturation, system resonance conditions,
distributed capacitance in the transmission line to which the
transformer is connected and/or due to the use of extra high
voltage underground cables [10].
In order to overcome such limitations, a significant number
of relaying formulations have been proposed [11]-[18]. These
formulations are based on finite elements, artificial neural
networks, fuzzy systems, dynamical principal components
analysis, wavelet transform (WT) and symmetrical
component. However, all of the above mentioned relaying
formulations have parameters that are hard to design, which
make real life construction difficult.
III. WAVELET TRANSFORM ANALYSIS
Faulted EPS signals are associated with fast
electromagnetic transients and are typically non-periodic with
high-frequency oscillations. These characteristics present a
problem for traditional Fourier analysis because it assumes a
periodic signal and a wide-band signal requires denser
sampling and longer time periods to maintain good resolution
in low frequencies [5]. WT on the other hand, is a powerful
tool in the analysis of transient phenomena in power systems.
It has the ability to extract information from the transient
signals simultaneously in both time and frequency domains,
and has replaced the Fourier analysis in many applications
[19]. This ability to tailor the frequency resolution can greatly
facilitate the detection of signal features that may be useful in
characterizing the transient cause or the state of the postdisturbance system [5].
A. Discrete Wavelet Transform
Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is derived from a
continuous wavelet transform and is defined as:

DWT [ m, n] =

a m nb
x[ k ] k 0 m 0
k =
a0

a0m

(1)

where is the mother wavelet and x[k] is the discretized

signal function. The mother wavelets may be dilated and
translated discretely by selecting the scaling and translation
parameters a=a0m and b=b0a0m respectively (with fixed
constants a0 >1, b0 >1, m and n belonging the set of positive
integers) [19].
The main difference between DWT and shorttime Fourier
transform (STFT) is the time-scaling parameter. The result is
geometric scaling, i.e. 1, 1/a, 1/a2, ; and translation by 0, n,
2n, and so on. This scaling gives the DWT logarithmic
frequency coverage in contrast to the uniform frequency
coverage of the STFT, as compared in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1. Comparison of the STFT uniform frequency coverage (a) to the

logarithmic coverage of the DWT (b).

The WT is well suited to wide-band signals that may not be

periodic and contain both sinusoidal and impulse components
as is typical in fast power system transients. In particular, the
ability of wavelets to focus on short time intervals for highfrequency components improves the analysis of signals with
localized impulses and oscillations, particularly in the
presence of a fundamental and low-order harmonics [5].
B. Wavelet Transform Implementation
Since the purpose of the discretization process is to
eliminate the redundancy of the continuous form and to ensure
inversion, the choice of a0 and b0 must be made so that mother
wavelets form an orthonormal basis. This condition originates
a signal processing technique called Mallats multi-resolution
analysis (MRA) [20]. With the variable swap of k for n,
equation (1) can be rewritten as:

DWT [m, n] =

m
x[k ]g[a0 n k ]

a0m k

(2)

This suggest that g[a0-mn-k] is the impulse response of a

low-pass digital filter with transfer function G(w) [21]. Then
by selecting a0 = 2, or a0-m = 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and so on, each

dilation of g[n] effectively halves the bandwidth of G(w).

Observing the structure of equation (1), DWT can be
implemented by a multistage filter bank, as illustrated in Fig.
2.

Fig. 2. DWT filter bank framework.

IV. PROPOSED PROTECTION METHODOLOGY

Aimed at a practical application, the methodology was
developed as a subroutine of a main digital relay program
based on differential currents, measured through current
transformers (CTs).
A. Electrical Disturbance Detection
The percentage differential relay can be implemented on a
power transformer through a overcurrent relay (R) together
with operation (o) and restriction (r) coils, as illustrated on
Figure 3. Here, N1 and N2 are the number of turns of the
primary and secondary windings of the protected PT,
respectively.

I a = k ir = k

(i2 p + i2 s )
2

(3)

where i2p and i2s are the secondary currents of the CTs
connected to the primary and secondary side of a three-phase
protected transformer.
B. Fault Discrimination Criterion
The input signals corresponding to differential currents, are
preprocessed by a DWT. After the differential current signal
passes through the filter bank, the proposed algorithm
analyzes the variation of the coefficients in the first detail. The
decision for discriminating between internal faults and inrush
currents is made based on a ratio (Irat) quantified in the certain
window of analysis. The Irat index is defined as the relation
between the maximum coefficient from the first detail of the
DWT decomposition (CDWT, max) and the spectral energy of the
other frequency components present in the same detail (E[n]).
The spectral energy is defined in [3]. Then, the index Irat is
given by:
C
C
(4)
I rat = DWT , max . = N DWT , max
2
[ n]
d ( n) t
n =1

where CDWT, max is the maximum coefficient from detail 1, n is

the coefficient n from detail 1, N is the total number of
coefficients of detail 1, and t is the sampling period.
When an electromagnetic transient is presented on the
three-phase transformer, abrupt changes in the detail
coefficients in respect to time are observed. Therefore, Irat
assumes different values for different situations (internal fault
or inrush current) and is compared with an adaptive threshold
value (Th) and thus a logical decision is made.
C. Adaptive Threshold Relay
In this work an adaptive threshold value (Th) is proposed.
This is necessary to process a threshold value independent of
the electrical system configuration to which the PT is
connected and for the proposed methodology to become more
robust. Thus, the adaptive threshold value is defined by:

Th = k1 (i2 p i2 S ) = k1.id

Fig. 3. Schemes of a single-phase transformer using a percentage differential

protection scheme.

In this study, the three-phase differential current has a

sample frequency of 25 kHz. The proposed protection
algorithm is activated when any of the measured differential
currents exceeds the restriction current (ir) value setting in the
differential percentage relay. This setting is accomplished
through an index k known as the percentage differential
characteristic and is used to avoid false operations due to CT
saturation or abrupt tap changes [1]. Equation (3) describes
the activation of the current algorithm (Ia):

(5)

where k1 represents the protection algorithm sensitivity setting

and is a fixed percentage value.
An external fault power transformer generates a small
differential current, id. Thus, the adaptive threshold value
decreases directly with the differential current, increasing the
restriction zone of the relay. On the other hand, internal faults
in the transformers produce high differential currents
increasing the trip zone of the relay.
D. Proposed Algorithm Architecture
A simplified flow chart of the decision making logic is
illustrated in Fig. 4. The structure of the proposed algorithm
consists mainly of two operational subroutines described

below.
Subroutine 1: firstly the on-line monitoring of three-phase
differential current is made on stage (a). Stage (b) calculates
the three-phase activation currents through equation (3); the
setting of the restraining currents is made using the factor k at
stage (b). Stage (c) compares the activation currents with the
three-phase differential currents values and stage (d) is
activated if, and only if, any one of three-phase differential
current is higher than the activation current setting in (b). If
these conditions are not met, a new sampling instant is
considered, returning to stage (a).
Subroutine 2: fulfilled condition (c), stage (d) implements
the DWT through the filter bank. Stage (e) carries out the
calculation of Irat index with equation (4). This index is
calculated in three consecutive windows to avoid mistakes in
the decision logic. The maximum number of windows
analyzed is given by a factor named Nw, where stage (f)
verifies this condition. The windows analysis moves 1/4 cycle
for each index calculated. Stage (g) compares the values of
Irat, calculated in stage (e) with the adaptive threshold value
Th. This stage outputs the relay diagnosis.

V. TRANSIENT EVENT SIMULATION ON POWER TRANSFORMER

A. Case Study
The simulation studies have been performed with ATP
software. The power system structure is shown in Fig. 5 and
consists of: A) three-phase generator: 13.8 kV, 40 MVA, 50
Hz; B) three-phase power transform: Sn=30 MVA,
=13.8/138 kV, YNd11 connection; C) current transformer:
1220/5 and 200/5; D) transmission line of 150 km; E) load of
10 MVA. The transformer to be protected was represented
with an appropriate saturated model that is not described in
the paper due to space constraints.

Fig. 5. Schematic diagram of the EPS under study.

B. Energization Phenomenon (Inrush Current)

Fig. 6(a) shows typical transformer energization voltage
waveforms in the low voltage (LV) side, primary coil. Fig.
6(b) illustrates the three-phase differential inrush current
waveforms caused by energization phenomenon and the
second harmonic content.

Fig. 6. Transient signal caused by energization of the PT.

Fig. 4. Flow chart of relay decision-making logic.

C. Internal Faults in Power Transformer

Fig. 7(a) shows the voltage waveforms of three-phase
internal fault on the secondary side of the power transformer.
The fault resistance (Rf) in each phase are: phase-A = 20,
phase-B = 10 and phase-C = 1. Fig. 7(b) shows the threephase differential currents on the conventional protection
relay. We can see that greater resistance faults produce small
differential currents, highlighting the need to identify and

evaluate high impedance faults.

Transformer
energization:
comprising
inception angles of 0, 30, 60 and 90.

switching

Fig. 7. Transient signal caused by internal fault in PT.

VI. RESULTS ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

In order to evaluate the efficiency of the proposed
protection algorithm, internal faults and transient inrush
currents were simulated with ATP software. For each
simulation, the proposed algorithm used different mother
wavelet to evaluate accuracy and speed. The mother wavelets
tested in this study were: Daubechies (Db), Symlet (Sy), Haar
(Hr), Coiflet (Coif) and Morlet (Mo).
A. Simulation Results
Depending on the voltage angle in which the transformer is
connected to the EPS, its retained residual flux can cause
transient inrush currents which are correctly discriminated by
the proposed protection algorithm. Fig. 8 shows the
algorithms response in discriminating the transient inrush
current. Three window analyses (Nw) are necessary to
guarantee a correct decision in this methodology.
Fig. 9(b) shows the first detail of the DWT decomposition
where a maximum number of three window analyses are
implemented on a detailed coefficient of the WT. The window
analysis is moving 1/4 cycle for each ratio index (Irat)
calculated to avoid false operations of the protection
algorithm. After calculating and analyzing the ratio index for
event discrimination, the proposed algorithm sends a trip
signal to the protection relay. Note on Fig. 9(c) the adaptive
threshold value is proportional to the differential current
caused for internal fault.
B. Test Case Set
The following conditions were simulated to evaluate the
proposed protection scheme efficiency:
Internal faults: both primary and secondary sides of PT
with faults resistances values of: 0.01, 10, 50 and
100.

Fig. 8. Logical decision of the proposed algorithm to energization

phenomenon.

Fig. 9. Logical decision of the proposed algorithm to internal fault in PT in A

and B phases.

The magnitude and shape of inrush current changes

depending on several factors such as the energization instant,
core remnant flux, CT saturation and non-linearities in the
transformer core. However, in this work only the switching
instant is evaluated. Twelve energization cases were simulated
for each switching angle and evaluated with the following
mother wavelet: Daubechies (Db), Harr (Hr), Symlet (Sy),

Coiflet (Coif) and Morlet (Mo). Table I shows the proposed

algorithms performance in the number of correct operations
(OC[%]) for transformer energization. In test development, the
Daubechies mother wavelets present the best performance for
all switching angles with 97.11% correct operation. Harr
mother wavelet type was proven to be the least efficient with
only 18.75% correct operation. Furthermore, a 90 switching
angle showed the worse energization condition with the least
correctly identified index (56.66%). Others switch angles
tested did not present a significant effect on the inrush current
identification of the proposed protection methodology.
TABLE I
PERFORMANCE OF THE PROPOSED ALGORITHM IN PERCENTAGE OF CORRECT
OPERATION (OC) [%] TO DIFFERENT SWITCHING INSTANT
Mother Wavelet Type

Switch
Angle

Db

Hr

Sy

Coif

Mo

[%]

0
30
60
90
OC [%]

12
12
12
11
97.11

7
2
0
0
18.75

12
12
10
9
89.58

12
12
12
8
91.66

12
12
10
6
85.41

91.66
83.33
73.33
56.66

OC

Table II summarizes the performance methodology for

different types of internal faults and different fault resistances
(RF). The performance was evaluated considering a constant
load of 10 MVA on the end of the transmission line and load
harmonics were not considered.
TABLE II
PERFORMANCE OF THE PROPOSED ALGORITHM TO INTERNAL FAULT CASES
Mother
Wavelet

Db

Hr

Sy

Coif

Mo

Internal Faults Type

RF
[]

A-g

AB

AB-g

ABC

0.01
10
50
100
0.01
10
50
100
0.01
10
50
100
0.01
10
50
100
0.01

100.0
100.0
99.22
98.90
82.36
76.32
72.65
70.18
99.38
98.75
97.81
97.18
100.0
99.38
98.75
97.65
97.21

100.0
100.0
98.28
97.66
81.65
76.54
71.54
69.32
100.0
98.75
97.65
97.03
100.0
98.75
91.25
87.66
96.54

100.0
100.0
100.0
98.44
83.15
75.18
73.21
70.15
100.0
99.68
98.75
98.12
100.0
100.0
97.50
96.87
94.65

100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
84.15
75.36
73.26
70.15
100.0
100.0
98.75
95.75
100.0
97.34
92.81
88.28
94.36

10

96.24

95.64

95.63

94.62

50

95.12

96.35

94.32

93.12

100

90.15

84.71

85.63

89.34

As observed, there was an important drop in accuracy of

the protection algorithm in internal fault cases in fault types

AB and ABC. However, the discrimination of fault types A-g

and AB-g showed little sensitivity to variation of RF. It can be
noted that the mother wavelet Daubechies shows an excellent
performance and high efficiency in the discrimination of
simulated disturbances. This is because the decomposition
solutions using Daubechies wavelet function are orthogonal
and no marginal overlaps will happen during the signal
reconstruction. The mothers wavelets Symlet and Coiflet
presented satisfactory performance with a greater efficient
than the Morlet type. On the other hand, the wavelet Haar type
did not achieve good performance, presenting many
inaccuracies in the discrimination of all simulated
disturbances.
VII. CONCLUSION
In this paper a novel formulation for adaptive differential
protection of three-phase transformers, based on the
differential current transient analysis is proposed. The
algorithms performance is evaluated using fault simulations
in a typical electrical system under ATP software. The
algorithm considers the different magnitudes assumed by the
DWT coefficients, induced by internal faults and inrush
currents. The wavelet decomposition allows good time and
frequency precision to characterize the transient events.
The use of WT to analyze differential signals produced by
transient phenomenon was proven to be an effective and
robust tool. Moreover, the spectral energy change of wavelet
coefficients proved an effective measure for discrimination of
the events studied in this work. Also, the proposed algorithm
does not use the second order harmonics restraint to
discriminate inrush currents and thus presents greater benefits.
The surge voltage in the differential zone of the power
transformer and high impedance fault were not evaluated in
this study, however, the protection methodology proposed
operates correctly for cases where a faulted transformer is
energized.
The algorithm is easily comprehensible and feasible for
implementation showing a correct operation with the adaptive
threshold value. The different mother wavelets used
demonstrated that the Daubechies is the most suitable for this
analysis. The results obtained through various simulated fault
cases and non-fault disturbances show that the proposed
algorithm operates correctly, which confirms the suitability
and effectiveness of the proposed method.
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7
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IX. BIOGRAPHIES
Mario Orlando Oliveira (M09) was born in Capiovi, Misiones, Argentina,
on May 13, 1979. He received the Eletromechanical Engineering degree from
the National University of Misiones (UNaM), Argentina, in 2005 and M.Eng.
degree from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto
Alegre, Brazil, in 2009. Currently, he is researcher of the Energy Study Center
to Development (CEED) and auxiliary professor of the UNaM. His research
interests include electrical machines protection and modeling, faults detection
and location.
Gustavo D. Ferreira received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in electrical
engineering from the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria,
RS, Brazil, in 2006 and 2009, respectively. He si currently pursuing his Ph.D
at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS,
Brazil. His research interests include distribution systems' protection,
reliability and analysis.

Felipe Hernndez Garca received the Electrical Engineering degree in 1989

from the Orient University, of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. In 1999 he received
the MSc. degree by the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul,
Porto Alegre, Brazil, and in 2004 received the Ph.D. from the Federal
University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. He was with the Solar
Energy Research Center, in Cuba, until 2008. Currently, he is an Associate
Researcher at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul. His fields of
interest include power quality and renewable energies.
Arturo Suman Bretas (M98) was born in Bauru, So Paulo, Brazil, on July
5, 1972. He received the E.E and M.Eng. degrees from the University of So
Paulo, Brazil, in 1995 and 1998 respectively, and the Ph.D. degree in
electrical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University,
Blacksburg, VA, in 2001. Currently, he is an Associate professor of the
Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. His research
interests include power system protection, control and restoration.
Oscar Eduardo Perrone was born in Venado Tuerto, Santa Fe, Argentina, on
December 8, 1954. He received the Eletromechanical Engineering degree
from the National University of Cordoba (UNC), Argentina, in 1982.
Currently, he is researcher of the Energy Study Center to Development
(CEED), director of electromechanical department and professor of the
UNaM. His research interests include electrical measurements and lighting
analysis.
Jose Horacio Reversat was born in Jardin America, Misiones, Argentina, on
November 25, 1963. He received the Electrical Engineering degree and Plant
Production Specialist from the National University of Misiones (UNaM),
Argentina, in 1996 and 2000 respectively. Currently, he is researcher of the
Energy Study Center to Development (CEED) and professor of the UNaM.
His research interests include electrical machines protection and electrical
measurements.