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Current transformers are among the most commonly used items of electrical apparatus and yet,
surprisingly, there seems to be a general lack of even the most elementary knowledge
concerning their characteristics, performance and limitations among those engineers who are
continually using them. The importance of current transformers in the transmission and
distribution of electrical energy cannot be over emphasised because it is upon the efficiency of
current transformers, and the associated voltage transformers, that the accurate metering and
effective protection of those distribution circuits and plant depend.
Current and voltage transformers insulate the secondary (relay, instrument and meter) circuits
from primary (power) circuit and provide quantities in the secondary which are proportional to
those in the primary. The role of a current transformer in protective relaying is not as readily
defined as that for metering and instrumentation. Whereas the essential role of a measuring
transformer is to deliver from its secondary winding a quantity accurately representative of that
which is applied to the primary side, a protective transformer varies in its role according to the
type of protective gear it serves.
Failure of a protective system to perform its function correctly is often due to incorrect selection
of the associated current transformer. Hence, current and voltage transformers must be
regarded as constituting part of the protective system and carefully matched with the relays to
fulfil the essential requirements of the protection system.
There are two basic groups of current transformer, the requirements of which are often radically
different. It is true in some cases the same transformer may serve both purposes but in modern
practice this is the exception rather than the rule:
1. Measurement CT`s - The measuring current transformer is required to retain a specified
accuracy over the normal range of load currents.
2. Protection CT`s - The protective current transformer must be capable of providing an
adequate output over a wide range of fault conditions, from a fraction of full load to many
times full load.
Therefore they generally have different characteristics.
IEC 185:1987
IEC 44-6:1992
IEC 186:1987
BS 7625
BS 7626
BS 7628
BS 3938:1973
BS 3941:1975
ANSI C51.13.1978
CSA CAN3-C13-M83
AS 1675-1986
CTs
CTs
VTs
VTs
CTs
CT+VT
CTs
VTs
CTs and VTs
CTs and VTs
CTs
Page 1
Please note that the above are the applicable standards at the time of print of this document and
therefore they may vary.
PRIMARY
SECONDARY
2. Wound Type With this device it is possible to change the number of primary turns, thus
increasing the CT output voltage with altering the turns ratio. Therefore, for the same output
the wound CT is smaller in CSA than the bar type.
PRIMARY
SECONDARY
Page 2
P2
P1
Ip
S2
S1
2.
3.
Page 3
Equation 1
Where :
Is
ZB
ZS
ZL
=
=
=
=
In any given case, several of these quantities are known or can usually be estimated in order to
predict the performance of the transformers. From the ac magnetisation characteristic,
commonly plotted in secondary volts versus exciting current, Es can be determined for a
minimum exciting current. The equation for the relevant circuit voltage given above then
indicates whether the voltage required is adequate.
Page 4
EXAMPLE
Assume that a bar primary type 2000/5A (CROSS core) current transformer having a core csa
area of 20 square cm's is available with a secondary resistance of 031 ohm. The maximum
current up to which the transformer must maintain its current ratio is 40,000 amperes. It is
required to determine the maximum secondary burden permissible if core saturation is to be
avoided. Assume that the current transformer core will start to saturate at 16 tesla.
From the data given :
N = 2000/5 = 400 turns
f = 50 Hz
Secondary current (Is) with a primary current of 40,000A is given by :
s = 40,000 x
5
2000
= 100 amps
= 284 volts
Maximum burden permissible (including ct secondary resistance and lead burden) is equal to
284 / 100
= 284 ohms
Consequently, the connected burden including that of the pilots can be as high as 2.84 - 031 = 2
53 ohms for negligible saturation in the core. Thus it may be seen that the secondary burden
and the maximum available fault current are two important criteria in determining the
performance of a given current transformer.
A current transformer may operate satisfactorily :
a)
b)
Page 5
The amount of exciting current drawn by a current transformer depends upon the core material
and the amount of flux which must be developed in the core to satisfy the burden requirements of
the current transformer. The appropriate current may be obtained directly from the exciting
characteristic of the transformer since the secondary e.m.f. and therefore the flux developed is
proportional to the product of secondary current and burden impedance.
The general shape of the exciting characteristic for a typical grade of CROSS (cold rolled grain
orientated silicon steel) is shown. The characteristic is divided into three regions, defined by
ankle-point and the knee-point. The working range of a protective current transformer extends
over the full range between the ankle-point and the knee-point and beyond, while a measuring
current transformer usually only operates in the region of the ankle-point. The difference in
working ranges between metering and protective current transformers stems from the radical
difference in their functions. Metering current transformers work over the range 10% to 120% full
load and it is even an advantage if the current transformer saturates for currents above this
range in order to provide thermal protection for the instruments. Protection current transformers
on the other hand are required to operate correctly at many times rated current.
knee point
ankle point
MMF ampere-turns per metre
KNEE-POINT
The knee-point of the excitation characteristic is defined as the point at which a 10% increase in
secondary voltage produces a 50% increase in exciting current. It may, therefore, be regarded
as practical limit beyond which a specified current ratio may be maintained.
The current transformer magnetisation curve, is usually expressed in terms of Kv and Ki which
when multiplied by the flux density in teslas and ampere-turns per cm respectively gives
corresponding volts and amperes :
Es = 444
f B A N volts.
Page 6
In this equation, the flux density B is in teslas and the core cross-sectional area is in square
meters.
When the flux density B is in teslas and the cross-sectional area is in square centimetres :
Es = 4.44 x 50 x B x
= 222 B A N 10
But K v =
A
10
xN
-4
Es
B
AN
45
Kv =
The exciting current Ie in amps can be obtained from the MMF using the relationship;
Ie = Ki x
Ki =
MMF
e
MMF
L
where L is in metres
N
Ki =
L
where L is in cms
N
EXAMPLE
Consider the case of a current transformer ratio 100/5A connected to an earth fault relay. Relay
burden at minimum tap setting of 10% of rated current is given as 2 VA. Calculate the required
values of Kv and Ki to provide the necessary output up to 10 times the plug setting, with :
i)
ii)
Page 7
i)
2
0.5
= 4 volts
Therefore, 40 volts must correspond to the knee-point of the saturation curve which
represents a flux density of 16 tesla.
With a bar primary, secondary number of turns = 20
444 f B A N
444 x 50 x 16 x A x 20 x 10-4. (A in cm)
40
A
=
= 56.3 cm 2
0.71
Assume stacking factor = 092
Ek
40
=
=
Assuming :
I.D.
=
O.D. =
Depth =
18 cms
30 cms
102 cms
30 cm
18 cm
AN
56.3 x 20
=
= 25
45
45
L
24
Ki =
=
= 3.77 cm / turn
N
20
Kv =
Page 8
10.2 cm
ii)
Wound Primary CT
Secondary turns = 5 x
100
5
= 100
A =
11.26
40
= 12.24 cm 2
= 11.26 cm 2 ie, csa =
0.92
3.55
Assuming :
I.D.
=
O.D. =
Depth =
18 cm
30 cm
204 cm
30 cm
2.04 cm
18 cm
AN
11.26 x 100
=
= 25
45
45
L
24
Ki =
=
= 0.754 cm / turn
N
100
Kv =
The secondary circuit of a current transformer should never be left open-circuited whilst primary
continues to flow. In these circumstances only the primary winding is effective and thus the
current transformer behaves as a highly saturated choke (induction) to the flow of primary
winding current. Thus a peaky and relatively high value of voltage appears at the secondary
output of terminals, endangering life, not to mention the possible resulting breakdown of
secondary circuit insulation.
In those cases where current transformers are associated with the high impedance type earth
fault relay the secondary circuit burden may have ohmic values up to several thousands of ohms.
Page 9
EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT
The errors of a current transformer may be considered as due to the whole of the primary current
not being transformed, a component thereof being required to excite the core. Alternatively, we
may consider that the whole of the primary current is transformed without loss, but that the
secondary current is shunted by a parallel circuit the impedance of which is such that the
equivalent of the exciting current flows there in. The circuit shown is the equivalent circuit of the
current transformer. The primary current is assumed to be transformed perfectly, with no ratio or
phase single error, to a current IP/N which is often called 'the primary current referred to the
secondary'. A part of the current may be considered consumed in exciting the core and this
current Ie is called the secondary excitation current. The remainder Is is a true secondary
current. It will be evident that the excitation current is a function of the secondary excitation
voltage Es and the secondary excitation impedance Ze. It will also be evident that the secondary
current is a function of Es and the total impedance in the secondary circuit. This total impedance
consists of the effective resistance (and any leakage reactance) of the secondary winding and
the impedance of the burden.
Is
Ip
N
Ip
Ze
Ip
N
Zb
Zs
Ze
Ie
Is
Es
Vt
Ie
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
Zs
Es
Vt
Zb
SATURATION
Beyond the knee-point the current transformer is said to enter saturation. In this region the major
part of the primary current is utilised to maintain the core flux and since the shunt admittance is
not linear, both the exciting and secondary currents depart from a sine wave. For example, in
the case of a wholly resistive burden, correct transformation takes place until saturation flux
density is reached. The secondary volts and current then collapse instantly to zero, where they
Page 10
remain until next primary current zero is reached. This process is repeated each half cycle and
results in a pulse waveform as shown.
Flux
Density
Primary Current
Flux Density
Secondary Current
and Voltage
Flux
Density
Time
Assumed
Magnetisation
Curve
Ampere-Turns
Per Core Length
Mean Magnetic Path
The error associated with current transformers are the current error and the phase error. The
errors for metering and protection current transformers are quite different, those for protection
transformers being less exacting, as might be expected.
For Classes 0.1 to 1 the current error and phase displacement at rated frequency shall not
exceed the values given in Table 1 when the secondary burden is any value from 25% to 100%
of the rated burden. For Class 3 and Class 5, the current error at rated frequency shall not
exceed the values given in Table 2 when the secondary burden is any value from 50% to 100%
of the rated burden. The secondary burden used for test purposes shall have a power factor of 0
8 lagging, except where a burden is less than 5VA a power factor of 1 shall be used. In no case
shall the test burden be less than 1VA.
TABLE 1
Limits of Error for Accuracy Classes 0.1 to 1
CLAS
S
0.1
0.2
0.5
1
% RATIO ERROR AT
PERCENTAGE OF RATED
CURRENT SHOWN
BELOW
100
20 UPTO
10
UPT
BUS
UPTO
O
NOT
BUT
INCL 100 120
NOT
INCL 20
0.25
0.5
1.0
2.0
0.2
0.35
0.75
1.5
0.1
0.2
0.5
1.0
10
UPTO
BUT
NOT
INCL 20
10
20
60
120
Page 11
20
UPTO
BUS
NOT
INCL
100
8
15
45
90
100
UPT
O
120
10
UPTO
BUT
NOT
INCL. 20
5
10
30
60
0.3
0.6
1.8
3.6
20
UPTO
BUS
NOT
INCL
100
0.24
0.45
1.35
2.7
100
UPT
O
120
0.15
0.3
0.9
1.8
Table 2
Limits of Error for Accuracy Classes 3 and 5
% RATIO ERROR AT
PERCENTAGE OF
RATED CURRENT
SHOWN BELOW
50
120
3
3
5
5
CLASS
3
5
LIMITS OF ERROR FOR PROTECTION CT`s - At rated frequency and with rated burden
connected the current error, phase displacement and composite error shall not exceed the
values given in Table 3. For test purposes, when determining the current error and phase
displacement, the burden shall have a power factor of 0.8 inductive except where the burden is
less than 5VA a power factor of 1.0 is permissible.
TABLE 3
Limits of Error for Accuracy Class 5P and Class 10P
ACCURAC
Y CLASS
CURRENT ERROR
AT RATED
PRIMARY
CURRENT (%)
PHASE DISPLACEMENT AT
RATED PRIMARY CURRENT
MINUTES
5P
10P
1
3
60
CENTIRADIAN
S
1.8
COMPOSITE ERROR
AT RATED
ACCURACY
LIMIT PRIMARY
CURRENT (%)
5
10
Considering the excitation impedance (Ze) as a constant, the vectorial relationships between Ip
and Is' is Ie. Ic constitutes the current error and Iq the component of Ie in quadrature with Is
which results in the phase difference.
If Ze were in fact a constant impedance, the vectorial error Ie of the diagram would be the
composite error, but in practice the magnetising impedance Ze is not constant with the result that
the exciting current Ie contains some harmonics of the fundamental frequency which increases
its rms value and thus increases the composite error. This effect is most noticeable in the region
approaching saturation of the core when the wave-forms of the primary, secondary and exciting
currents would be somewhat as shown.
Page 12
Ip
Zs
Is
Ie
Es
Ze
Zb
Iq
Ip
Ie
Ic
I's
Ep
Es
The ratio error is defined as the error in the secondary current due to the incorrect ratio and is
expressed as a percentage, by the expression :
(Kns - p)
100
p
Where :
Kn
Is
Ip
The ratio is considered positive when the actual secondary current of the transformer is
larger than the rated current
The phase angle error is the angle by which the secondary current vector, when reversed, differs
in phase from the primary current. This angle is considered as positive if the reversed secondary
current vector leads the primary current.
Page 13
On very low burden power factors the phase angle error may be negative. Only on rare
occasions is it necessary to determine the phase error of a CT used for relaying. These
occasions occur when very low circuit settings ie 1% - 5% of rated current, are used in relays
which are directionalised by voltage transformer inputs. For example, sensitive reverse power
relays may require taking phase error into account in order to ensure correct directional
operation where very low power factor primary currents are involved eg 1% - 3% power when
certain types of prime movers are being motored eg, steam turbines and hydro sets.
12.5
52
= 0.5 - ohm
CT burdens are usually given in preferred values, such as, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, 30VA
Continuous Rated Current - This is the maximum current the current transformer can carry
continuously. It is usually the rated primary current.
Short Time Rated Current This is the amount of current which can flow for a given time period
without any harmful effects. This is usually specified for 0.5, 1, 2 or 3 seconds and with the
secondary short circuited.
Rated Secondary Current This is the maximum continuous current the secondary is rated to
carry. It is usually 1 or 5A.
Accuracy Limit Factor (ALF) - A current transformer is designed to maintain its ratio within
specified limits up to a certain value of primary current, expressed as a multiple of its rated
primary current. This multiple is termed its rated accuracy limit factor.
In determining the accuracy limit factor it is necessary to consider the maximum value of primary
current up to which the current transformer is required to maintain its ratio. (The ratio of
accuracy limit primary current to the rated primary current).
The c.t. primary rating is usually chosen to be equal to or greater than the normal full load current
of the protected circuit. Standard primary ratings are given in B.S. 3938:1973. Generally
speaking, the maximum ratio of c.t.s is usually limited to about 3000/1. This is due to ( i )
limitation of size of c.t. and more importantly ( ii ) the fact that the open circuit volts would be
dangerously high for large c.t primary ratings, such as those encountered on large turbo
alternators, e.g. 5,000 amperes. It is standard practice in such applications to use a cascade
arrangement of say 5,000/20A together with 20/1A interposing auxiliary c.t.
Page 14
The total secondary burden of a current transformer includes not only the internal impedance of
the secondary winding, the impedance of the instruments and relays which are connected to it,
but also of the secondary leads. In modern outdoor switchgear, the distance between the
current transformers and the relay panels may be considerable and with a rated secondary
current of 5 amperes, the impedance of these leads constitutes a considerable burden. Because
the losses vary as the square of the current, they are reduced to 1/25 at 1 ampere and to 1/100
at 0.5A. In most installations, the use of 1 ampere secondaries is sufficient to keep the pilot
losses within reasonable limits and 0.5 ampere should be used only in very special cases. N.B.
The same pilot cable size ( 7/029 or 2.5mm2 ) is used for both 1A and 5A CTs
Generally speaking, the usual value of rated secondary current is 5 amperes provided that the
length of the pilots between the current transformers and the connected apparatus does not
exceed about 25 yards. Up to this length the additional burden to the resistance of the pilots is
reasonably small in relation to the total output of the transformer.
Current transformers are usually designated as either Class `P` or Class `X`:
Class P Usually specified in terms or:
Rated Burden
VK =
VA
. ALF
N
or when the internal voltage drop in the ct needs to be taken into account
VA
VK = (ALF) NR CT +
N
Class X The performance of Class X current transformers of the low (secondary) reactance
type shall be specified in terms of each of the following characteristics :
(i)
( ii )
Turns ratio. (The error in turns ratio shall not exceed 0.25%)
Page 15
( iii )
Knee-point voltage
( iv )
(v)
Rated outputs higher than 15VA and rated accuracy limit factors higher than 10 are not
recommended for general purposes. It is possible, however, to combine a higher rated accuracy
limit factor with lower rated output and vice versa. But when the product of these two exceeds
150 the resulting current transformer may be uneconomical, and/or of unduly large dimensions.
Relays With Inverse & Definite Minimum Time Lag Characteristic - In general, for both
directional and non-directional relays class 10P current transformers should be used. However,
where time grading is tight it may be beneficial to use 5P.
Differential Protection - Class X specification are generally applicable to differential/unit
systems where balancing of outputs from each end of the protected plant is vital. This balance,
or stability during through fault conditions, is essentially of a transient nature and thus the extent
of the unsaturated (or linear) zone is of paramount importance. Hence a statement of kneepoint
voltage is the parameter of prime importance and it is normal to derive, from heavy current test
results, a formula stating the lowest permissible value of VK if stable operation is to be
guaranteed, e.g.
RCT -
Page 16
Rogowski Coils
Invented in 1912, this system may be regarded as a poorly coupled transformer since there is no
magnetic circuit to intensify the flux. Applying a primary current (Ip) gives rise to a magnetising
force creating a flux, which couples with the secondary winding producing a voltage. The voltage
is proportional to the rate at which the flux changes; however, since the flux is set-up by the
current we can say E=M.dIp/dt.
The core can be solid or flexible and of a non-magnetic material, its purpose is to support the
secondary windings. Unlike traditional magnetic CT`s, Rogowski coils are not susceptible to
saturation and remenance. Since there is no inductance they are able to reproduce the primary
signal with less distortion than a traditional ct. The inductance in a traditional ct creates a back
emf which can distort the waveform being transformed.
However, they only produce a small output, which in not a problem for modern relays but was in
the past. Since they differentiate the signal the protective device needs to integrate the signal
before it can be used. Any harmonics on the system are amplified by the harmonic number. They
are also susceptible to noise on the system.
Optical CT`s
Optical ct`(OCT) were first used for high voltage current measurement in the late 1960`s. The
main difference between OCT`s and traditional ct`s is that the power output from OCT`s is
typically a few micro watts as oppose to several watts from a traditional CT.
OCT`s detect rotation of the plane of polarisation of linearly polarised light in proportion to a
magnetic field through the material.
They have a number of advantages over traditional ct`s, such as:
Light weight
Smaller support structure
Noise Immunity
Safe
No Saturation
However, they do have a number of disadvantages:
Detectors can be expensive
Affected by changes in environmental conditions
Delicate
The voltage transformer (v.t.) is a device which will provide isolation from the high voltages on
the system and can transform (in the case of protection applications) reasonably accurately, the
h.v. system voltage to which it is connected, to a value which is more convenient to handle,
typically 110 / 63.5V.
The accuracy requirement for measuring v.t.s is, of course, far more demanding than that
necessary for protection v.t.s but this aspect is outside the scope of the lecture.
Page 17
The diagramillustrate where, on the B H curve, the v.t. is situated. Because the v.t.s main role
is the representation of system voltage, and accuracy is relevant, it can be seen that the flux
density employed is somewhat lower than that used for c.t.s when at their maximum output.
Flux Density
B
Saturation
Cross C.T.s & Power Transformers
1.6
V.T.s
Tesla
1.0
1000
2000
3000
Magnetising Force
AT/m
PROTECTION APPLICATIONS
Protection v.t.s are of two main types :- Electromagnetic and capacitor :Electromagnetic V.T.s
The equivalent circuit of this type of transformer is shown.
The secondary output voltage Vs is required to be an accurate replica of the input primary
voltage Vp in both magnitude and phase over a specified range of output. Winding impedances
are kept small and the magnetising current is kept low over the required range of operating
voltages and burdens, by ensuring that the normal operating flux density in the core is well below
the saturation level.
NP / NS
LP
RP
= Kn
IP
VP
LS
RS
IS
LM
E P = E S IM
Page 18
Re
IC
VS
ZB
(Burden)
(Kn . Vs - Vp)
x 100%
Vp
The turns ratio will not necessarily be equal to Kn due to the use of compensating turns to
spread the errors over the range of burdens (i.e. ve errors at low burdens and +ve errors at high
burdens).
The phase error is the angle between the primary and secondary voltages. It is positive when
the secondary voltage leads the primary voltage.
For the operation of meters and instruments the accuracy of a v.t. is usually only important at or
about the normal system voltage, so that with a given burden the errors are practically constant.
For protection, however, whilst the accuracy requirements may not be very exacting, the errors
are required to be within certain limits over the wide range of voltage possible under system fault
conditions. This range may be from 5% to 150% or 190% of rated primary voltage for v.t.s
connected between line and earth. This requires a corresponding range of core flux density and
thus appreciable change in the value of the exciting impedance Ze. over this range. This results
in a change in the no-load errors which may increase considerably unless attention is given to
this problem at the design stage.
Protective v.t.s must meet the requirements of Table 7, BS 3941, detailed below :Accuracy Class
3P
6P
Percentage Voltage
(ratio) error
+ or 3.0
+ or 6.0
Phase Displacement
Minutes
Centiradians
+ or 120
+ or 3.5
+ or 240
+ or 7.0
Note - If the v.t. is also required for a measurement function it must, additionally, comply with
BS 3941 : 1975 Table 6 and conform to one of the accuracy classes in it.
For protective v.t.s, the voltage error and phase displacement, at rated frequency, shall not
exceed the values given in Table 7 at 5% rated voltage, and at rated voltage multiplied by the
rated voltage factor (1.2, 1.5 or 1.9) with burdens of between 25% and 100% of rated burden at a
power factor of 0.8 lagging.
At 2% of rated voltage, the limits of error and phase displacement with burdens of between 25%
and 100% rated burden at a power factor of 0.8 lagging shall be twice as high as those given in
table 7.
Page 19
Voltage factors. The voltage factor Vf is determined by the maximum operating voltage, which in
turn is dependent on the system and v.t. earthing conditions, together with the permissible
duration of the maximum operating voltage, as given in the table below :Voltage Factor Vf
1.1
1.5
1.9
Duration
Earthing Conditions
v.t. Primary
System
Windings
Non-earthed
Eff or non-eff earthed
Earthed
Effectively earthed
Earthed
Non-eff earthed
Not limited
30 sec
30 sec or 8 hr
Residual voltages. For applications such as directional earth-fault protection residual voltages
are required and are usually provided by windings connected in open delta.
da
dn
Under normal conditions, the three phase-to-earth voltages are of equal magnitude and 120
degrees apart and the residual voltage (of system frequency) is zero, but under earth-fault
conditions the voltage to earth of one phase collapses, either totally or partially depending on the
location of the fault, the voltage applied to the other two phase-to-earth windings is increased
and changed in phase, by amounts dependent on the method of earthing the system neutral, and
a residual voltage Vr appears.
Note that the third harmonic voltages add up in an open delta connected winding, and if present
in the applied voltages will appear at the terminals of that winding.
CAPACITOR V.T.s
At 132kV and high voltages, capacitor v.t.s may be more economic than electromagnetic types,
particularly when the h.v. capacitors can also be employed for carrier-current coupling. In fact,
the main difference between an E.M. and a CAP. V.T. is the addition of a capacitor divider to the
front end of an electromagnetic v.t., which virtually converts it into a capacitor v.t.This diagram
shows the basic circuit usually employed.
C1
VP
C2
L
T
VC2
Vi
Page 20
VS
ZB
The line to ground voltage Vp is applied across the capacitor voltage divider comprising C1 and
C2 and the intermediate voltage VC2 is fed to the primary winding of an electromagnetic
transformer T via a tuning inductance L which resonates approximately with C1 + C2 at the
system frequency. The transformer T steps down to the secondary voltage Vs.
There are numerous versions of this basic circuit. The inductance L may be a separate unit or it
may be incorporated in the form of leakage inductance in the transformer T. Because the
capacitors C1 and C2 cannot conveniently be made to close tolerances it is necessary to provide
adjustments of ratio by means of tappings either on the transformer T or on a separate autotransformer in the secondary circuit. Adjustments of the tuning inductance L is also necessary
and this may be effected variously by tappings, by a separate tapped inductor in the secondary
circuit, by adjustment of gaps in iron cores, or by shunting with a variable capacitor.
As for electromagnetic v.t.s, certain types of protection capacitor v.t.s must have magnitude and
phase errors within prescribed limits over a wide range of primary voltage such as from 5 to 150
or 190% of rated voltages. Because the core of the intermediate transformer is usually operated
at a low flux density at normal voltage, little difficulty is experienced in maintaining the required
accuracy at voltages above the nominal value. At very low system voltages, however, the core
flux density falls to a level at which the permeability of the core material is relatively low and thus
the exciting impedance Ze (Fig. 9) is reduced. Because the series reactance in the intermediate
voltage circuit, through which the exciting current Ie must flow, is usually capacitive (a part of the
inductance being in the transformer T and in the secondary circuit) and a positive phase error
(output voltage leading). These increases in errors at 5% of rated voltage may be as great as
+5% in amplitude and +5 degrees in phase in capacitor v.t.s of relatively poor basic accuracy,
but in the transformers now being supplied, which permit variation of the burden from 25% to the
rated value without adjustment (full range transformers), the increase in errors, due to the
smaller series reactance, may be no more than +1.5% and +60 minutes.
Page 21