Current Transformers Saturation and its
Implications in Protective Differential Schemes
Detection and Operation Decision using Wavelet
Transform and Artificial Neural Networks
*Farfilho Consulting,Trading and Representations LTDA, Brazil, farfilho@farfilho.com.br, Siemens, Brazil,
rodrigo.benes@siemens.com,
Abstract--This paper presents the development of an
algorithm for identifying the saturation and locating the
fault in relation to the protected object (internal or
external fault). The methodology applied was based on the
ability of detecting sudden changes of the signal through
the Discrete Wavelet Transform and on the learning
capacity of the Artificial Neural Network. In the
localization stage, a decision criterion was used in the time
for the corresponding current shifting calculation within a
frame of a cycle. The results show that the protection
device may take this methodology as an alternative for
faster decisions even under eventual CT saturation
conditions.
KeywordsDifferential Protection, Artificial Neural
Networks, CT Saturation, Discrete Wavelet Transform.
INTRODUCTION
n the occurrence of a fault in the electrical power system, the
Ipurpose of the protection system is to identify and isolate the
fault, enabling a faster system recovery.
A largely used protective scheme, regarded as the most
selective one, is the differential protection (ANSI 87), in which
the protection device must send a command to open the
breakers on both ends, in case of an internal fault to the
protected zone. In the event of an external fault, this protection
must not operate.
The critical devices in this protective scheme are the current
transformers (CT), since, like every ferromagnetic, they work
with a hysteresis curve. For their proper operation, the CTs are
dimensioned to work within the linear range of this curve,
however, there are situations that are hard to estimate, which
cause their saturation, such as the DC level of the short-circuit
current and the residual flow of the CT. The protection device
must detect this phenomenon to avoid undesired operation of
the differential protection.
This work aims at developing a methodology to detect
current transformers saturation and locate the fault in relation
to the protected zone, even under CTs saturation in a
differential protection scheme. The protection object chosen
Rodrigo A. Benes Ferreira Works at Siemens E D EA, Jundia, SP, Brasil
(rodrigobenes@yahoo.com.br)
Francisco A. Reis Filho is a consultant belong his own company Farfilho
Consultoria Comrcio e Representaes LTDA, So Paulo, SP, Brasil .
1
was a Transmission Line with a 345 kV voltage level and 1,54
km length.
I - WORK PROPOSAL
The project is divided in two main stages:
A. Stage 1: Trainings
The functioning of the electric power system is simulated in
the ATPDraw 3.5 program, which generates a text file
containing the specified measurements at a defined sampling
rate. The data acquisition, the fault detection and the treatment
of the Artificial Neural Network signals were performed by a
program developed with the Matlab 7.0 Software.
The electric power system used at this stage is a single-
phase circuit including the CT model with the hysteresis curve,
which enables the variation of the angle of incidence of the
fault, of the fault current, its DC component and the residual
flow variation (See Figure 1 below).
The data treatment is performed by the Discrete Wavelet
Transform (DWT). This tool is able to detect signal
distortions, thus allowing the creation of representative data of
normal faults and faults with CT saturation, mainly using their
logarithmic scale and the characteristics presented in [1,2].
After that, these data are presented to the multilayers Artificial
Neural Network for supervised training and by that explore the
network capability to learn through examples and, then, be
used to recognize the standards not included in the training.
Thus, after the training, the Neural Network is able to
generalize the knowledge acquired. The parameters of the
Neural Network (number of layers, number of neurons in each
layer, weights and bias) are saved to be used in the next stage.
B. Stage 2: Tests
At this stage, a three-phase circuit of a 345 kV / 1,54 km
transmission line is used to simulate several fault types to test
the algorithm (See Figure 2 below).
After that, a program in the Matlab makes the data
acquisition, detects the moment that the fault occurs, makes the
separation of the -cycle sliding window and the treatment of
the signal by the Discrete Wavelet Transform. These data are
presented to the Neural Network trained in the previous stage,
thus making the saturation detection. This process is carried
out for the three phases of the current on both TL terminals.

Alongside the above algorithm, the localization algorithm is
performed and it will indicate whether the fault was internal or
external to the differential protection zone, where the tripping
signal is released when saturation is detected and the internal
fault is identified.
II METHODOLY
C. Description of the Electric Power System (Modeling)
The circuit shown in Fig. 1 is used in the first stage to
generate data of normal faults and with saturation for the ANN
training.
Fig. 1. Training Circuit
In this circuit, the resistance R1 simulates the system
current and the resistance R2 and the inductance X2 model the
fault current, besides enabling the DC component variation of
these currents through the X2/R2 ratio. In the CT circuit, the
ideal transformer model is used together with the model of the
excitation curve, given as typical, where, through the
Fig. 2 Test Circuit
2
HYSTERESIS subroutine, its respective Hysteresis curve is
obtained, representing its residual flow.
The three-phase circuit shown in Fig. 2 models a 345 kV /
1,54 km transmission line of USIMINAS Steel Plant (Cubato-
SP-Brazil) and the CTs of the three phases on both line
terminals. The hysteresis curve was inserted in the transformer
model itself. This circuit is used in the second stage to
simulate faults and test the detection and localization
algorithms.
D. Data Generation
1) Sampling and Digital Treatment of Signals:
Sampling and signal treatment tool are fundamental
decisions for good outcomes. The Discrete Wavelet Transform
was the tool used for the signal treatment, due to its sensitivity
to sudden signal variations, facilitating the identification of the
CT saturation, and to having a logarithmic scale (scaling) for
each presented level. For further information, please refer to
bibliographic reference [1].
The sampling rate used was of 256 samples per cycle
(15360 Hz). This sampling rate intended to meet the
commitment to obtaining a fast algorithm and having a
reasonable number of Wavelet coefficients.
A frame of a cycle was used, which provides a 64
samples, in which the Discrete Wavelet Transform was
applied. The Daubechies 10 mother function was used, as
shown in Fig. 3.
 3

2) Data Organization

For the Neural Network learning to be effective, that is, the

knowledge be acquired and a good generalization be obtained,
Fig. 3 Daubechies 10 Function it is necessary that the representative data of the situations it
must classify be presented.
This function is very sensitive to signal variations due to Using the proposed single-phase circuit, the simulation
saturation and the number of Wavelet coefficients of each results in several situations were stored, varying the circuit
detail is calculated according to formula (1): parameters. The load resistance was varied from 5 to 10 and
the fault incidence angles were 0, 90, 180 and 270. In each
of these situations, the data of non-saturated and saturated
(01) faults were extracted. A total of 22 circuit simulations were
performed, from which 704 normal faults frames and 704
saturated faults frames were extracted. These data were
alternately organized in the training matrix, generating a
Where: N=Daubechies function number, n=number of samples 41x1408 matrix, in which each column represents the Discrete
and floor=the nearest lowest integer. Wavelet Transform of a frame.
In order to previously evaluate if the signal treatment was
Therefore, there are 41 level 1 detail coefficients. adequate and what would be the work of the Neural Network
At this point, the evaluation of the established commitments to classify, the average and the maximum value of the module
can be based on data to determine the sampling rate. As it can of each training matrix column were chosen to represent them
be noticed, the number of final samples used to identify in a plotted plan. Fig. 4 shows this representation.
saturation is drastically reduced. With a rate of 256
samples/cycle and a cycle frame, 41 coefficients are
obtained. Should a rate of 128 have been used, 25 coefficients
would be obtained. It was taken into consideration the
possibility of using another level of detail of the Wavelet
Transform, in case of necessity. Due to the decimalization
used in the Transform calculation, the number of samples was
even more reduced at each level. Then, considering the 256
samples per cycle, there is a good number of level 1 Wavelet
coefficients per cycle, and with a cycle frame, a faster
algorithm is achieved. Fig. 4 shows the level 1 Wavelet
Transform, where s is the input signal and d1 the detail
coefficients.

Fig. 4 Separation in the plan: Maximum x Average

Two separate clusters can be seen in this chart: data with

saturation (red points) and data without saturation (blue
points).
E. Normalization
The normalization of the Artificial Neural Network entry
data is a reference heuristic concept, which aims at the best
performance of the training algorithm. The normalization
method chosen was the division of data by the table maximum
value. This maximum value was called normalization factor,
Fig. 4 Discrete Wavelet Transform
before which, the wavelet coefficients modules are calculated.
F. Modeling and Training of the Artificial Neural Network
In this figure, it can be noticed that the coefficients of the
The decision as to occurrence or not of saturation is taken
chosen detail present high values when wave form deformation
by the multilayer Artificial Neural Network. The training
and sudden changes of signal occur, characterizing the
algorithm used was based on backpropagation with adaptive
saturation phenomenon.
 4

learning rate and momentum. The network function is to Power System

classify the input signal as saturated (flag=1) and non-saturated Simulation
(ATP)
(flag=0). Its architecture after the tests was 41-1-1, with one
output layer and one intermediate layer with 1 neuron and 41
Data acquisition
inputs without neurons. The linear and the logistic sigmoid from file .lis
activation functions were used in the intermediate and in the for the Matlab
output layers, respectively. Fig. 5 shows the identification
process from the current sliding frame to the Neural Network If at least one
frame. current >
pickup

1
Uses nexT
2 frame
Transformada
Janela Wavelet Identificao
Deslizante Discreta 3 da saturao
e
(Corrente) Discrete Comparison
Normalizao
Wavelet of same-phase
Transform values
41 A and B ends
Absolut value
and
Fig. 5 Saturation Identification Process Normalization

Same
Artificial Neural polarity in more No External
G. Final Treatment
Network than 70% of the Fault
This stage aims at interpreting the Neural Network output, frame
so as to avoid identification errors. The Neural Network output Yes

varies from 0 to 1. This project considered that an output Non Final

greater than 0,8 was interpreted as 1 (Saturation). Besides that,
a confirmation was considered necessary, that is, for the
saturation to be identified, at least by two consecutive frames,
the ANN output should be greater than 0,8.
H. Fault Localization
To locate the fault, the corresponding currents at each line
terminal are compared. This comparison is made on a sample-
sample base of each cycle frame. The criterion to determine
the fault localization was the following: if more than 70% (45
samples) of the signals in a frame of each line terminal have
the same polarity, the fault is classified as internal. Otherwise,
it is an external fault.
I. Operation Decision
The localization algorithm is performed in parallel with the
saturation algorithm. When the saturation is identified and the
fault is internal, the general algorithm is finalized and a
tripping signal is generated. When the saturation is identified
and the fault is external, the tripping signal is blocked. When
the saturation is not identified, the conventional algorithm of
the differential protection (not included in the scope of this
paper) follows its normal performance.
Fig. 6 concisely presents the blocking diagram of the test
stage algorithm described in the previous items:
saturation Treatment
Saturation Internal Fault
&
TRIP
Fig. 6 Test Stage Algorithm
II OUTCOMES
For the tests herein considered, five main cases were
generated: Single-Phase Internal Fault, Single-Phase Internal
Fault with Fault Impedance, Single-Phase External Fault,
Three-Phase Internal Fault and Three-Phase External Fault. In
these conditions, the algorithm performed satisfactorily,
operating correctly.
Figures 7 and 8 show the results for Single-Phase Internal
Fault. The circle in the first chart identifies the last sample of
the frame where the saturation identification occurred and the
protection operation. The second chart shows the shifting
between the respective B phases on both line terminals,
indicating that it was an internal fault.
 5

Fig. 7 Single-phase Internal Fault Saturation identification and operation Fig. 10 Three-phase External Fault Shifting between A Phases on both
ends

In Figures 11 and 12, the same previous methodology is

presented for an internal fault with high impedance (Rf = 50
).

Fig. 8 Single-phase Internal Fault - Shifting between B Phases on both ends

Figures 9 and 10 show the results for Three-Phase External

Fault. The red circles of the first chart represent the last sample
of the frame in which the saturation was identified, but without
the tripping signal. The second chart represents the shifting
Fig. 11 Single-phase Internal Fault with Fault Resistance Saturation
between the A phases currents on both line terminals. Identification and Operation

Fig. 9 - Three-phase External Fault Saturation Identification

Fig. 12 Single-phase Internal Fault with Fault Resistance - Shifting between
B Phases on both ends
 6

III - CONCLUSIONS

This paper presented a methodology for differential relay

decision making to operate under current transformers
saturation, where the correct identification of saturation
enables a more sensitive pick-up setting of said protection.
On the other hand, the Discrete Wavelet Transform showed
to be effective in discriminating the normal fault condition,
with and without CT saturation, thus facilitating the
classification work of the Artificial Neural Network, as well as
the localization criterion for the presented cases. It is worth
mentioning that this process lasted for a cycle as a whole
and the results achieved were encouraging.
To validate the methodology, at a later stage, it will be
necessary to generate a greater number of tests and vary some
system parameters, such as: the incidence of the fault angle,
the fault resistance, the DC level of the fault current, the
residual flow of the CTs and the respective system source
impedances.

IV BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES

[IV-1] Reis Filho,F.A : Senger,E.C ; Saturation of Current

Transformers and its Implications in Differential Protection
Schemes. Paradigms and Possible solutions
IX STPC/2008(Language - Portuguese).
(www.farfilho.com.br,Folder-Published Works item 1.16)
[IV-2] Reis Filho,F.A : Ferreira, R. A. Benes; Saturation
of Current Transformers and its Implications in Differential
Protection Schemes. Part II. Detection and Performance using
the Wavelet Transform and Artificial Neural Networks"
XSTPC(Language - Portuguese)/2010.
(www.farfilho.com.br, Folder-Published Works item 1.17)
[IV-3]W.Rebizant,K.Feser,T.Hayder,L.Schiel: Differential
Relay with Adaptation During Saturation Period of Current
Transformers.
[IV-4]B.Kaztenny,E.Rosolowski,M.Lukovicz,J.Izykowski:
Current Related Relaying Algorithms Immune to Saturarion
of Current Transformers