On-load tests : case study

P1 P2 P2 P1
2000/1 5km of cable 2000/1
400kV
S1 S2 S2 S1
85 MW Exp 83 MW Imp
38 MVAR Imp 45 MVAR Imp
134A 136A
[30 minutes] B1 B2
OP

 A feeder comprising 5km of cable is protected by a simple biased differential

protection, one phase of which is shown above.
 The feeder is placed on load for on-load tests, with MW, MVAR and Amps on the
metering at each end as shown.
Secondary currents are taken as follows: B1 = 67mA
B2 = 68mA
Op = 60mA
Conclude whether the CT polarity is correct
 What additional action could be taken to help confirm the conclusion
 If the cable charging current is known to be 24A/km, would this help in concluding
CT polarity
 Case study solution
134A 83 MWIMP
85 MW EXP
45 MVARIMP (119 - j65)A
P1 38 MVAR IMP P1 P1
S1 (122 + j55)A (-119 + j65)A S1
S1

(61 + j28) mA B1 B2
OP (j61mA) MW EXP
(60 - j33) mA
(+)
I1 I2
METHOD 1  Paper exercise to verify accuracy of drawing
(+j) (-j)
 Change MW and MVAR to amps using j notation for MVAR MVAR MVAR
 Convert primary amps to secondary amps IMP EXP
 Op coil = I1 - I2 = (61 + j28) - (60 - j33) = j61 mA (-)
MW IMP
So calculated value = measured value
METHOD 2  The MVAR imbalance between the two ends = feeder capacitance MVAR
38 MVAR +45 MVAR = 83 MVAR approx, so feeder capacitance 83 MVAR
 For correct balance of CTs the capacitance current will flow in Op coil
 83 MVAR = 120 primary currents = 60 mA secondary current = measured current in Op coil
ADDITIONAL ACTION  If remote end is switched out, only capacitance current will flow.
This should result in 60 mA in Op coil - same value as when load current is present
CHARGING CURRENT  If cable changing current = 24A/km, total charging current = 120A, this confirms that secondary
Op coil current should be 60 mA