Presentation 21.

Commissioning of Transformer Differential Relays

Anuchit Somjuntr, Electricity and Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)

Currently, all modern test equipment have advanced

testing tools to support the functional and qualification
Abstract
test of different types of relays, such as the OMICRON
CMC256 Relay Test Set. In this paper, we will discuss
Modern Relay Test Equipment offers many useful tools
how the Advanced Differential module of the OMICRON
to simplify the testing of transformer differential relays.
Test Universe software is applied for testing of the
In this paper, we will look at the testing practices for
SEL587 Transformer Differential Relay.
transformer differential relays used by the Electricity
Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and how the
OMICRON Advanced Differential software module can
2. Preparing for the Test
be used to perform these tests. We will also discuss
some of the limitations of the testing software and
Before starting the test, it is necessary to make the
parameters which we need to consider in order to make
following preparations:
the test successful.
1. Prepare in-service setting: Collect all setting
parameters for the SEL587 Relay that we are using to
1. Introduction
protect the power transformer (e.g 50MVA, 115/22 kV)
as per Table 1. Then enter the parameters into
The power transformer is one of the very important
OMICRON program directly or through tools such as
equipment used in the electric power systems. It is used
XRIO Converters.
to connect systems which have different voltage levels.
The different power transformers have the different
2. Connect the CMC256 Test Set to the relay: Figure 1
characteristics such as switching transformers (e.g.
shows the wiring connections between the CMC256
230/115 kV), and load transformers (e.g. 115/22 kV), for
Test Set and the SEL587 Relay (for two winding
examples. That is the reason why protection systems
transformers). This includes 6 current signals, 125V DC
must have security and reliability.
supply, and output trip contact. Once completely wired,
the test will run automatically without the need to
Differential relay is the main protection for power
remove any wires when testing different fault types and
transformers. It detects the fault that occurs in the
phases.
power transformer by measuring the difference between
current flowing in and flowing out the power transformer
List Data
via current transformers. The tripping characteristic is
biased with a slope to make the relay stable during high 1. Transformer 50 MVA
through fault current. HV 115 kV
LV 22 kV
Before applying the differential relays in EGAT Vector Group Yy0d1
protection system, the relays have to be tested for
performance and quality evaluation to make sure that 2. CT CT HV 400/5 A.
the relays can work with our protection system properly. CT LV 1800/5 A.
These tests include the following: 3. Service relay
setting
Stability test by injecting through faults (all fault
types in every phase), and checking that the relay
is stable (does not trip).
Test biased slope characteristic by injecting
internal faults (all fault types in every phase), and
checking that the relay has a tripping characteristic
corresponding to the biased slope.
Test Harmonic blocking function for 2nd and 5th Table1: perform relay SEL587 as protect power transformer 50
harmonics. MVA
Test Operating Time at 150% of pick up current.

OMICRON electronics GmbH 2007 International Protection Testing Symposium

 Presentation 21.2

Figure 1: Connection diagram of CMC256 to SEL587

3. Input data Hardware Configuration: Select the appropriate inputs and outputs of the CMC256 Test Set that are
necessary for the relay testing. For example (Figure 2): select current output 6x12.5A, Current Output Group A to be I
prim A, I prim B, I prim C, Current Output Group B to be I sec A, I sec B, I sec C, and select Binary Input 1 to be the trip
contact from relay.

Figure 2: CMC256 Hardware Configuration

4. Input Test Object Parameters: Input relay settings from Table 1 into dialogue box Protected Object shown in Figure 3,
CT shown in Figure 4, Protection Device shown in Figure 5, and Characteristic Definition shown in Figure 6.

Figure 3: Protected Object Parameters Figure 4: CT Parameters

OMICRON electronics GmbH 2007 International Protection Testing Symposium

 Presentation 21.3

Figure 5: Protection Device Parameters Figure 6: Characteristic Definition Parameters

- If the relay works incorrectly, the result from the

3. Testing and Analyzing the Results
The following is the procedure which EGAT uses for
testing and assessment of the SEL587 Relay.
test will be outside the tolerance boundaries of the
nominal characteristic, and the test program will
show a Red cross sign beside each test line.

1. Test the Stability of the relay during simulated

through fault conditions: Select the Dif Configuration
Test Module as shown in Figure 7. Select the test
current and fault type, then press Start and observe
the response of the relay.
Assessment:
If the relay does not trip, it means the test is
passed then press Passed button
If the relay trips, it means the test is failed then
press Failed button Figure 8: Biased Slope Characteristic Test using 'Diff
Operating Characteristic' Test Module

3. Test Harmonic Blocking function: Select the Diff

Harmonic Restraint' Test Module as shown in Figure 9.
Select the test points on the characteristic (above and
below the harmonic restraint setting) and select the fault
types. Then press Start button and observe the
response of the relay.
Assessment:
If the relay works correctly, the result from the test
will be within the tolerance boundaries, and the test
Figure7: Stability Test using 'Diff Configuration' Test Module
program will show a Green plus sign beside each
test line.
2. Test the Biased Slope Characteristic: Select the Diff
If the relay works incorrectly, the result from the
Operation Characteristic Test Module as shown in
test will be outside the tolerance boundaries of the
Figure 8. Select the test points on the slope and select
nominal characteristic, and the test program will
the fault types. Then press Start button and observe
show a Red cross sign beside each test line.
the response of the relay.
Assessment:
4. Operating Time Test: Select the Diff Trip Time
If the relay works correctly, the result from the test
Characteristic Test Module as shown in Figure 10.
will be within the tolerance boundaries of the
Select the test current and fault types then press Start
nominal characteristic, and the test program will
button and observe the response of the relay.
show a Green plus sign beside each test line.
Assessment:

OMICRON electronics GmbH 2007 International Protection Testing Symposium

 Presentation 21.4

If the relay works correctly, the result from the test

will be within the tolerance boundaries, and the test
program will show a Green plus sign beside each
test line.
If the relay works incorrectly, the result from the
test will be outside the tolerance boundaries of the
nominal characteristic, and the test program will
show a Red cross sign beside each test line.

Figure12: Assume test point X on slope

On Figure 12, assuming that the test point is X, we

have to calculate I1 and I2 at point X on the slope. For
testing, we inject the current I1 and I2, fix I1 at the
calculated value and vary the value of I2. Then we need
to find the value of I2 that make the relay operate and
record the result.

The test becomes a lot easier and faster by using CMC

256-6 with Advanced Differential Software Modules. We
Figure 9: Harmonic Blocking Test Module
only need to input information such as transformer data,
CT ratio and relay characteristics into the program. The
program will calculate the currents which need to be
injected to the relays considering CT ratio, vector group
of the transformer and zero sequence component
automatically.

5. Problem and Suggestion

One limitations of the CMC256 for testing differential

relay (with 5A nominal input) is that the biased slope
test can only be done at low operating points because
of the hardware current limit of 12.5A. However, if
Figure 10: Operating Time Test Module
results from all slope tests are passed, it means that the
relay is working correctly. But if we want to test the
relay at higher operating point to check the relay
4. Traditional Test Method
operations during high fault current conditions, we need
higher current from the test equipment.
Using traditional, non-programmable relay test sets to
test differential relays is complicated and takes too
much time. It is very easy to make a mistake because
6. Summary
modern differential relays have CT matching, phase
correction, and zero sequence compensation built into
The power transformer is very important to support
the relay. For example, if we use a Doble Relay Test
electric power transmission and distribution. It is
Set to test biased slope of differential relay type MBCH,
therefore very significant that Differential Relay have to
we have to connect two current sources as shown in
work correctly. The results from the tests are used to
Figure 11.
verify performance of the relays at in-service setting
before it is applied into the power system of Electricity
Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT. In this test, we
consider all functions that are used in the real
applications, for example, the stability during through
fault condition, biased slope operating characteristic
test, harmonic blocking functions test, and operating
time test.

Performance testing of Differential Relay using

Figure11: Doble connect in to relay MBCH OMICRON type CM256-6 gives EGAT the confidence

OMICRON electronics GmbH 2007 International Protection Testing Symposium

 Presentation 21.5

that the relay that pass all these tests will work properly
in the real system. It also increases the reliability to
EGAT protection systems. In addition, this powerful test
equipment works very fast and effective, allowing EGAT
to save time and lower the overall cost for testing and
commissioning protection systems.

References

[1] User Manual, Test Universe Version 2.1,

OMICRON Electronics GmbH.

[2] SEL-587 Instruction Manual, SCHWEITZER

ENGINEERING LABORATORIES, INC.

OMICRON electronics GmbH 2007 International Protection Testing Symposium