Transformer protection

in MV/LV distribution network

MV/LV transformer protection in

distribution networks : MV fuses or CB ?

MV / LV distribution network using RMU technologies

IEC standard or equivalent
oil-immersed distribution transformer (from 100 kVA up to 2500 kVA)

RM6 IDI Vietnam Riyanto SEA - 2005

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Utilities requirement : limited outage and

optimised network investment
Qualitative criteria :
Continuity of service
Selectivity
Easiness of use
Security :
personnel safety
fire
Potential risk :
material destruction
Network disturbance
Law regulation

Purchasing cost :
Switchgear
protection type
Aux. Supply needed or not
Transformer type and rating
Operation cost :
maintenance
Network versatility
Network incident costs :
restoration
disturbance for consumers

The choice of a protection system for MV/LV transformer is

always the result of a technical and economical compromise

RM6 IDI Vietnam Riyanto SEA - 2005

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Recently designed compact switchgear

offers new alternative to utilities
Fuse-switch combination has been historically used by most of
the utilities because it was the only available solution
Most advanced manufacturers have recently developed circuitbreaker function inside RMU range with an equivalent price level
Schneider Electric recommends the use of circuit breaker in
MV/LV distribution networks for its matchless technical qualities

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Common issues during installation and

operation with MV fuses
Heavy handling precaution

Fuse technology -metal wires or ribbon parallel connected in sand makes them mechanically fragile during handling or transport
Use of damaged fuse is equivalent to using an abnormal low fuse
rating and leads to temperature rise phenomena
Measurement of internal resistance is necessary just before
installation

Possible damage on MV switchgear due to fuse problems

Needs of spare fuses for replacement purpose

Cost of spare parts

Spare parts procurement
Storage and on-site availability

Risk of wrong fuse rating selection

Transformer upgrading requiring fuse replacement

RM6 IDI Vietnam Riyanto SEA - 2005

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Common issues during installation and

operation with RM6 CB protection
Heavy handling precaution
Factory
Factoryassembled
assembledand
andtested
testedprotection
protectionunit
unit

Possible damage on MV switchgear due to fuse problems

No
Nooverheating
overheatingnor
norminimum
minimuminterrupting
interruptingcurrent
currentwith
withCB
CB

Needs of spare fuses for replacement purpose

No
Nospare
spareparts
partsneed,
need,Maintenance
Maintenancefree
freeCB
CBfunction
function

Risk of wrong fuse rating selection

Simple
Simplechoice
choiceofofCurrent
Currentsetting
settingof
ofprotection
protectionrelay
relay

Transformer upgrading requiring fuse replacement

Setting
Settingmodification
modificationinincase
caseofoftransformer
transformerupgrading
upgrading

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Transformer protection
Main type of fault to detect and clear
Optional

Transformer internal
fault between MV
bushings ( < 1 %)

Transformer internal
fault inside primary
windings ( 60 %)

Short Circuit inside

LV switchboard
busbar( < 20 %)

Purpose of transformer protection is to limit consequences of their

fault on MV network , maintaining quality of service

RM6 IDI Vietnam Riyanto SEA - 2005

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Transformer protection : interest of

additional earth fault protection with VIP35
Earth fault protection could present an interest in two cases

Connection between MV switchgear and transformer going outside

Transformer primary winding phase to earth internal fault

on isolated or Petersen coil network earthing system

in case of high power distribution transformer

RM6 IDI Vietnam Riyanto SEA - 2005

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Transformer protection : built-in overload

protection with CB protection

Most utilities give priority to network quality of service and do not

consider overload protection
Abnormal transformer maintained overload leads to exceeding
temperature rise in some points and would reduce transformer
life expectancy
Acceptable overload currents vary according to site conditions
(temperature, ..)

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RM6 CB protection for MV/LV transformer

self-powered protection relays

Three toroid CTs factory assembled, connected and tested

Protection relay range adapted to the different protection needs

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Ideal design of CB with operation similar

to load-break switch

Mastered SF6 breaking technology

on CB tripping, arc extinguish is carried out with arc rotation together with
self-expansion
Built-in disconnector performance (isolating distance)

Easy operation

Same operations as for load-break switches

Circuit breaker 3-position architecture
visible earthing
Short circuit making capacity (5 closing) on CB earthing switch

RM6 IDI Vietnam Riyanto SEA - 2005

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Benefits of using RMU-CB

RMU with Fuse
fixed protection curve
Technical

Operational

no earth fault protection

no
require to replace 3 MV fuses when a
fault happen
require time to replace
risk of putting wrong fuse
need to have spare fuses
must change fuse when the
transformer is upgraded

RMU with CB
adjustable setting
no minimum breaking current
built in overload protection
earth fault protection
yes

Benefit
Maximize protection and minimize
failures
Ready for SCADA

no
no
no
no

Minimize operational cost

adjust setting only

Service quality

depend on availability of spare fuses improve SAIDI and SAIFI

Economy

higher operational cost due to fuse

replacement
loss of electricity supply due time
required to replace fuses

Better service and improve image

no such cost

Increase payback of investment

very minimum

Increase profitability

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