Tapchanger Controls

Application Tip
App Tip #8

Using ∆VARTM2 Paralleling Option

The theoretical basis for the ∆VARTM Method of paralleling is that paralleled transformers are
meant to SHARE the VAr load (as well as the KW load) of the load bus. Since the KW sharing
of the parallel transformers is determined by the relative transformer impedances and NOT
the tap position, KW flow should not effect tap position choice. Further, that the best choice of
loading parallel transformers is to maintain the VAr sharing regardless of KW loading which
can be accomplished with relative tap positioning.

The ∆VARTM Method will result in the VAr flow to the substation load to be shared in the
appropriate ratio of the paralleled transformers’ ratings. It should be noted that auxiliary CT’s
are required in circulating current schemes to balance the currents when transformers with
different impedances are paralleled. Those auxiliary CT’s are not necessary when the ∆VARTM
Method is used.

The ∆VARTM2 implementation is limited to use with no more than two transformers and each
transformer current is input to each control. This eliminates the need for the parallel balancing
module and removes the path for the installation of the overcurrent relay. For this
implementation, the sensitivity setting is added to the M-2001B Tapchanger Control along
with a circulating current overcurrent inhibit function. The ∆VARTM2 implementation also
contains a CT ratio-matching setting making it unnecessary to match CT ratios exactly to
transformer MVA ratings for proper operation.

The ∆VARTM2 Method is incorporated in the Beckwith Electric M-2001B Tapchanger Control,
as an option. This option internally calculates and compares the individual transformer VAr
flows. Decisions for voltage setpoint biasing are then made and implemented to change tap
positions in such a manner that the difference in VAr flow is minimized.

EXAMPLES OF OPERATIONS
Two paralleled transformers (50 MVA, equal impedances)
* T1 = 10 MVAr load (∆=-2) T2 = 12 MVAr load (∆=+2)
* Setpoint bias = +1 V (adjustable) Setpoint bias = -1 V (adjustable)
* Biases to raise tap, increasing VAr load Biases to lower tap, decreasing VAr load

Action is taken continuously as the MVAr load is changing such that the magnitude of difference
in VAr loading is minimized (depending on the VAr difference of one, off-optimum, tap position).

The use of LDC (line drop compensation) is precluded when the ∆VARTM2 is used since no
provision is made for the increase in load currents in one transformer when the other is out of
service. The result would be doubling the LDC effect when in independent operation.

Connection
As shown in the figure, the current input is connected to the load current terminals of the control
and then into the circulating current terminals (Ip) of the paralleled transformer control. Each
control now sees the same voltage and each transformer current separately. This allows each
control to calculate the VAr flows in both transformers for comparison, without externally sorting
out the load and circulating current values. Breaker contact 52-3b is used to signal the M-2001
control to disable paralleling using the neutral light input (Redefined when ∆VARTM2 selected).
An external independent/parallel switch (43P) is suggested to provide manual control for testing
and maintenance. The effectiveness of this grounding is important for the recognition of this
condition.
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 Tapchanger Controls: App Tip #8

Main CT
T1

52-1
2 1
5.0A Auxiliary Current
Transformer
0.2A
4 3
Main VT

90 Relay
1
6 VT
52-3b 3
5 IP
7 LOADS
R
PAR
Disable L
4 Motor 9 L R
IL Power In 52-3
2
43P 8
Motor
Auxiliary
Relay Coils

Main CT
T2

52-2
2 1
5.0A Auxiliary Current
Transformer
0.2A
4 3
Main VT

90 Relay
1
6 VT
52-3b 3
5 IP
7
R
PAR
Disable L
4 Motor 9 L R
IL Power In
2
43P 8
Motor
Auxiliary
∆ VAR2 Paralleling Scheme Relay Coils

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 Tapchanger Controls: App Tip #8

Operation
The controls will now bias their respective setpoints to operate the tapchangers to minimize the VAr flow difference
between the inputs. The sensitivity must be set to the appropriate level (same in both controls) so that hunting is not
initiated.
APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS
1. Sensitivity is an important issue. The VAr flow change through the transformers (leading transformer increases VAr
flow and vice-versa) for a one tap off optimum must not cause “hunting” to occur. The sensitivity setting can be
determined in the following manner:

* With the auto/manual switch in manual - SET the controls to identical BANDCENTER, BANDWIDTH and TUNER
settings, set the R and X LINE DROP COMPENSATION settings to 0, and set the ∆VARTM2 sensitivity settings to 0.

* Manually place the transformer taps on the position (Tap) which minimizes the circulating current shown in the
M-2001B. Follow the lead of the M-2001B raise or lower lights on each control to find the appropriate tap positions. As
you do so, the CONTROL CIRC I’s should be reducing in magnitude. (Depending on the bandwidth setting, there may
be two or three or more relative tap positions which have the same minimum circulating current. Choose the ones
which results in a voltage closest to the bandcenter setpoints on the controls.)

* Read each M-2001B CONTROL CIRC I value which should be near zero amps if the transformers and current
transformers are properly matched. If there is a small circulating current, one must be LEAD and the other LAG.

*Manually raise one transformer one tap and lower the other transformer one tap. Each M-2001B CONTROL CIRC I
value should be equal, one LAG and one LEAD. The CONTROL LOAD I’s should remain approximately unchanged.

A) If either transformer operates toward the other, the sensitivity settings (0) are appropriate.
B) If both transformers operate back to the original tap positions, the sensitivities should be one step LESS
SENSITIVE and the test retried.
C) If neither transformer operates, the sensitivities should be one step MORE SENSITIVE until one transformer
operates toward the other.
D) Continue until A) above is satisfied.

2. Reactive difference limit: The circulating current method of paralleling usually includes an overcurrent device
located in the path of the circulating current. When using the ∆VARTM2 paralleling method, there is no external path
for the circulating current. Therefore this function is completed inside each control with the setting of the DVAR
REAC I LIMIT. The suggested setting for this limit is approximately 3.5 times the CONTROL CIRC I from the
M-2001B when the taps are one step apart from optimum described above.

3. ∆VAR2 I RATIO is the input location for compensating for CT ratios on the two transformers that are not in the
same relationship as the transformer ratings. (No compensation is required for equally rated units/CTs with different
impedances). If the MVA ratings and the CT ratings are equal, the “no compensation” setting of 1.0 is used. The
M-2001B Instruction Book details the use of this compensation for applications where the ratio of the CT ratios is
different than the ratio of the MVAs.

The ∆VARTM2 feature on the M-2001B will be disabled if the “paralleled transformer” current input reduces to zero MVA
and can also be disabled with an external contact closure or by SCADA input if required.

For more information, contact:

E-mail: support@beckwithelectric.com
Phone: 727-544-2326
Online: www.beckwithelectric.com
© Beckwith Electric Co.
APTP08-04-03 -3- Printed in the U.S.A.