Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Author
Florian Fink | florian.fink@omicronenergy.com
Date
May 12, 2017
Application Area
Transformer differential protection
Keywords
RelaySimTest, System Testing, Transformer differential protection
Version
v2.0
Document ID
ANS_16001
Abstract
Due to the high short-circuit power on power transformers and to guarantee the continuity of power supply, it
is necessary to switch off appearing faults selectively and in a short time. The transformer differential
protection can provide these functionality for different applications. It serves as the main protection of
transformers in case of winding failure. The protective zone of a differential protection includes all the
equipment between the current transformers on the primary and secondary side of the power transformer.
To test such a protection system properly, a simulation of the transmission ratio and phase shift is
necessary.
This application note describes how this could be done in an easy and comfortable way using RelaySimTest.
RelaySimTest offers simulation based system testing methods. To perform a test a fault scenario is
calculated based on the simulation of the power system. The resulting voltages and currents for the different
relay locations can be used to test the correct behavior of the differential protection system.
General information
OMICRON electronics GmbH including all international branch offices is henceforth referred to as
OMICRON.
The product information, specifications, and technical data embodied in this application note represent the
technical status at the time of writing and are subject to change without prior notice.
We have done our best to ensure that the information given in this application note is useful, accurate and
entirely reliable. However, OMICRON does not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies which may be
present.
OMICRON translates this application note from the source language English into a number of other
languages. Any translation of this document is done for local requirements, and in the event of a dispute
between the English and a non-English version, the English version of this note shall govern.
All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction of any kind, for example, photocopying, microfilming,
optical character recognition and/or storage in electronic data processing systems, requires the explicit
consent of OMICRON. Reprinting, wholly or partly, is not permitted.
OMICRON 2017. All rights reserved. This application note is a publication of OMICRON.
DANGER
Death or severe injury caused by high-voltage or current if the respective
protective measures are not complied with.
Carefully read and understand the contents of this application note (as well
as the manuals of the systems involved) before you start to work with it.
Please contact OMICRON Support if you have any questions or doubts
regarding the safety or operating instructions.
Follow each instruction listed in the manuals particularly the safety
instructions, since this is the only way to avoid danger that can occur when
working at high-voltage or high current systems.
Only use the equipment according to its intended purpose to guarantee safe
operation.
Existing national safety standards for accident prevention and
environmental protection may supplement the equipments manual.
Only experienced and competent professionals who are trained for working in high-voltage or high current
environments may perform the applications in this document. In addition the following qualifications are
required:
Authorized to work in environments of energy generation, transmission or distribution and familiar
with the approved operating practices in such environments.
Familiar with the five safety rules.
Good knowledge of CMC test sets.
Before you get started with this application note, read the Getting Started manual [1] of RelaySimTest.
Please make sure that you also have a good knowledge about the CMC test system.
This application note describes how transformer differential protection systems could be tested using
RelaySimTest. Therefore it shows the following content:
1. Transformer Differential Protection (general information)
2. Defining the System under Test
3. Defining Test cases
The application note doesnt describe wiring checks and parameter tests. To test the protection properly
such tests are also recommended.
2.3 Template
For this application note a corresponding template is installed with setup of RelaySimTest.
The template Transformer Differential Protection.rstt contains the same system under test and test cases
described in the application note.
Differential Relay
Protected area
I1 I2
A significant differential current indicates a fault inside of the protected area and the protection system
should switch off the protected area as fast as possible.
Differential Relay
Protected area
I1 I2
Some effects like measurement errors can lead to differential current even if there is no fault. To prevent
unwanted tripping due to these disturbances the protection system has to be stabilized. For this reason
transformer differential relays calculate a stabilization current Ibias as a function depending on the load flow
through the transformer. The operating characteristic defines depending on Ibias which differential currents
will trip and which not.
The protected area is defined by the installation points of both current transformers. The protection system
has to take the ratio and vector group of the transformer into account. That means a transformer differential
protection system provides 100% selectivity for the protected area, but no back-up protection. Faults outside
of the protected area should not lead to a trip of the differential protection system.
Differential Relay
Fault outside
of the
protected area
Protected area
I1 I2
IF
Figure 5 shows the transformer with its differential protection system which is used as an example.
Figure 5: Example protected transformer (CT: Current Transformer, CB: Circuit Breaker)
CB settings:
Type: 3-pole
Trip time: 20 ms
Close time: 50 ms
CT settings:
CT A: 250/1 A
CT B: 2500/1 A
This chapter describes test scenarios that fit the application. Figure 6: Suitable test cases gives an overview
of the different test cases, while the following chapters describe them in detail. Because each protection
scheme is very individual, these test cases are just examples for tests. They should explain testing methods
with RelaySimTest in general.
Suitable test cases are:
Stability Tests:
1. Stable load flow
2. Fault on HV Busbar
3. Fault on LV Busbar
Faults in Protected Area:
4. Fault on HV Winding
5. Fault on LV Winding
6. Double Ground Fault on LV Side
2 4 5 3
1 1 1 1
For the faults in the different test cases at least the following Fault types should be used:
> L1-N
> L2-L3
> L1-L2-L3
Depending on the relays under test, on the relays parameter, and on the grid where the protection system is
used, you may need to add more fault types.
The nominal trip time of the differential protection is 0 s, therefore the simulation time after a fault or
switching event is at least 0.5 s. Hence, the protection system has enough time to show its reaction on the
event.
Sometimes the behavior of the protection system depends on the prefault condition e.g. load current.
However, for this example, this distinction is not considered.
This test case is the initial test. If it fails there could be a wiring or configuration error (e.g. wrong vector
group of the transformer or CT direction/ratio).
The fault current doesnt flow through the protected area. There is a differential current on the HV side of
the transformer must be compensated by the protection system. Therefore the differential protection is not
allowed to trip.
The fault current flows through the protected area. There is no differential current. Therefore the
differential protection is not allowed to trip.
A fault on the primary winding side leads to a differential current. Therefore the protection system has to
trip.
In case of a phase-phase fault a fault on the secondary winding side leads to a differential current.
Therefore the protection system has to trip. Because of the delta winding the low voltage side of the
transformer is galvanically isolated against the primary system. In the case of phase-ground faults the
system is not able to trip (except there is an extra protection system to detect and trip these faults).
Figure 12: Test Case 6 Double ground fault on low voltage side of the transformer
Double ground fault inside or in- and outside of the protected area leads to a differential current.
Therefore the protection system has to trip.