Current transformers

Principle of operation Definitions Standards Tests Typical Specifications

Principle of operation A current transformer is defined as "as an instrument transformer in which the secondary current is substantially proportional to the primary current (under normal conditions of operation) and differs in phase from it by an angle which is approximately zero for an appropriate direction of the connections." This highlights the accuracy requirement of the current transformer but also important is the isolating function, which means no matter what the system voltage the secondary circuit need be insulated only for a low voltage. The current transformer works on the principle of variable flux. In the "ideal" current transformer, secondary current would be exactly equal (when multiplied by the turns ratio) and opposite to the primary current. But, as in the voltage transformer, some of the primary current or the primary ampere-turns is utilized for magnetizing the core, thus leaving less than the actual primary ampere turns to be "transformed" into the secondary ampere-turns. This naturally introduces an error in the transformation. The error is classified into two-the current or ratio error and the phase error. Kappa CT s are designed to minimise the errors using the best quality electrical steels for the core of the transformer. Both toroidal (round) and rectangular CT s are manufactured. Definitions Rated primary current: The value of current which is to be transformed to a lower value. In CT parlance, the "load" of the CT refers to the primary current. Rated secondary current: The current in the secondary circuit and on which the performance of the CT is based. Typical values of secondary current are 1 A or 5 A. In the case of transformer differential protection, secondary currents of 1/ root 3 A and 5/ root 3 A are also specified. Rated burden: The apparent power of the secondary circuit in Volt-amperes expressed at the rated secondary current and at a specific power factor (0.8 for almost all standards) Accuracy class: In the case of metering CT s, accuracy class is typically, 0.2, 0.5, 1 or 3. This means that the errors have to be within the limits specified in the standards for that particular accuracy class. The metering CT has to be accurate from 5% to 120% of the

rated primary current, at 25% and 100% of the rated burden at the specified power factor. In the case of protection CT s, the CT s should pass both the ratio and phase errors at the specified accuracy class, usually 5P or 10P, as well as composite error at the accuracy limit factor of the CT. Composite error: The rms value of the difference between the instantaneous primary current and the instantaneous secondary current multiplied by the turns ratio, under steady state conditions. Accuracy limit factor: The value of primary current upto which the CT complies with composite error requirements. This is typically 5, 10 or 15, which means that the composite error of the CT has to be within specified limits at 5, 10 or 15 times the rated primary current. Short time rating: The value of primary current (in kA) that the CT should be able to withstand both thermally and dynamically without damage to the windings, with the secondary circuit being short-circuited. The time specified is usually 1 or 3 seconds. Instrument security factor (factor of security): This typically takes a value of less than 5 or less than 10 though it could be much higher if the ratio is very low. If the factor of security of the CT is 5, it means that the composite error of the metering CT at 5 times the rated primary current is equal to or greater than 10%. This means that heavy currents on the primary are not passed on to the secondary circuit and instruments are therefore protected. In the case of double ratio CT's, FS is applicable for the lowest ratio only. Class PS/ X CT: In balance systems of protection, CT s with a high degree of similarity in their characteristics are required. These requirements are met by Class PS (X) CT s. Their performance is defined in terms of a knee-point voltage (KPV), the magnetizing current (Imag) at the knee point voltage or 1/2 or 1/4 the knee-point voltage, and the resistance of the CT secondary winding corrected to 75C. Accuracy is defined in terms of the turns ratio. Knee point voltage: That point on the magnetizing curve where an increase of 10% in the flux density (voltage) causes an increase of 50% in the magnetizing force (current). Summation CT: When the currents in a number of feeders need not be individually metered but summated to a single meter or instrument, a summation current transformer can be used. The summation CT consists of two or more primary windings which are connected to the feeders to be summated, and a single secondary winding, which feeds a current proportional to the summated primary current. A typical ratio would be 5+5+5/ 5A, which means that three primary feeders of 5 are to be summated to a single 5A meter. Core balance CT (CBCT): The CBCT, also known as a zero sequence CT, is used for earth leakage and earth fault protection. The concept is similar to the RVT. In the CBCT, the three core cable or three single cores of a three phase system pass through the inner diameter of the CT. When the system is fault free, no current flows in the secondary of the CBCT. When there is an earth fault, the residual current (zero phase sequence current) of

the system flows through the secondary of the CBCT and this operates the relay. In order to design the CBCT, the inner diameter of the CT, the relay type, the relay setting and the primary operating current need to be furnished. Interposing CT's (ICT's) : Interposing CT's are used when the ratio of transformation is very high. It is also used to correct for phase displacement for differential protection of transformers. Standards The Indian and international standard references for CT s are as given in the table below: Standard Indian British International Electro technical Commission (IEC) Australian Australian American Standard Number 2705 BS EN 60044-1 IEC 60044-1 Year 1992 1999 2000

AS 1675 AS 60044-1 ANSI C.57.13

1986 2007 1993

Kappa manufactures CT s to international standards. Our designs are backed up by extensive up by extensive type testing at national and international laboratories. Tests A number of routine and type tests have to be conducted on CT s before they can meet the standards specified above. The tests can be classified as : a. Accuracy tests to determine whether the errors of the CT are within specified limits. b. Dielectric insulation tests such as power frequency withstand voltage test on primary and secondary windings for one minute, inter-turn insulation test at power frequency voltage, impulse tests with 1.2u/50 wave, and partial discharge tests (for voltage >=6.6kv) to determine whether the discharge is below the specified limits. c. Temperature rise tests. d. Short time current tests. e. Verification of terminal markings and polarity. Kappa conducts routine tests on each and every CT produced and all designs are type tested. Typical specification for a 11 kV CT

System voltage:11 kV Insulation level voltage (ILV) : 12/28/75 kV Ratio: 200/1 - 1 - 0.577 A Core 1: 1A, metering, 15 VA/class 1, ISF<10 Core 2: 1 A, protection, 15 VA/5P10 Core 3: 0.577 A, Class PS, KPV>= 150 V, Imag at Vk/2 <=30 mA, RCT at 75 C<=2 ohms Short time rating:20 kA for 1 second Instrument transformers - A reference manual Kappa has published a handy reference manual for instrument transformers. The manual runs to about 160 pages and further details on all of the above topics as well as on much more, including Australian and ANSI standards can be found in the manual. The table of contents of the manual is reproduced below: Introduction to instrument transformers Current transformers - a discussion on theory, specifications and operational aspects. Definitions - Ideal and practical CT - Magnetic alloys for cores - equivalent circuits - open circuits voltages in CTs - leakage reactance - modification of current transformer errors operational aspects - standard specifications for CT s. Metering or measurement current transformers Accuracy - instrument security factor - accuracy requirements for various applications - use of CT s in indicating and metering units - summation CT. Protection CTs Composite error - Accuracy limits - transient stability and class PS CTs - Basic protection schemes - CT requirement for various protection schemes - CBCTs. Further notes on current transformers Transient performance - non conventional CTs - screening of CTs. Voltage transformer - theory and specifications Operating principles - difference between power transformer and VT - circle diagrams and VT errors - three phase VTs - voltage transformer protection - transients in VTs construction of VT s. specifications for VTs. Voltage transformers for measurement and protection Measurement VTs protection VTs- Residual VTs - Cascade VTs - Capacitors VTs . A discussion on partial discharge Definition - partial discharge and breakdown in a cavity - study of partial discharges Appendix I - Testing of instrument transformers by the user

Appendix II - Information required with enquiries and orders Appendix III - List of Indian and international standards that may be read in conjunction with this book.

Medium voltage current and voltage transformers upto 33 kV application

Kappa manufactures instrument transformers upto 33 kV system, for both indoor and outdoor application. Kappa Electricals Current transformers Voltage transformers Voltage transformers of standard ratios 3.3kV/110 V, 6.6kV/110V, 11 kV/110V are available in four constructions -

1.Single phase single pole VT for 3.Three phase, three limb VT for effectively earthed system, earthed,non-effectively earthed and unearthed systems. 2.Single phase double pole VT 4.Three phase, five limb residual VT as above The VTs are available with provision for fuse and without. Fuses are also provided by Kappa. VTs are manufactured in open execution and with enclosure, both stationary and draw-out, comprising a fixed and moving portion. Oil-immersed and epoxy resin cast constructions are available.

11 kV Draw-out voltage transformer 33 kV single pole voltage transformer Typical burdens that can be offered are from 50 VA to 200 VA, with accuracy of 0.5 and 1. Double secondaries can be provided. VT can be designed for a voltage factor of 1.2 continuous, 1.5 and 1.9 for 30 seconds, and 1.9 for 8 hours depending on system earthing. Both measuring and protective VTs are manufactured. 11 kV indoor single pole VTs typically have widths of 150/160 or 170 mm. 22kV VTs have 196 mm width and 33 kV VTs 220mm width.

11 kV metering unit Kappa also manufactures outdoor 11 kV metering units in oil-cooled and dry type construction. The metering units are used together with energy meters for measurement of electrical parameters. Typical VT specification Standard Kappa Electricals Current transformers

Kappa manufactures both indoor and outdoor current transformers upto 33 kV in ring type, window type, bar primary and wound primary constructions in ratios ranging from 10/5 A

to 4000/5 A. Metering, protection and special purpose (Class PS or Class X) CTs are manufactured by Kappa. The typical burden for the CT is 15 VA and Class of accuracy ranges from Class 0.2 for high accuracy CTs to Class 5 for WTI CTs. The CTs have been tested for short time ratings (STR) upto 20 kA for 3 seconds for wound primary CTs and upto 110 kA for 1 second for bar primary CTs. 11 kV indoor CTs typically have widths of 148 mm, and 160mm and 180 mm. 22 kV CTs are offered in 180mm construction and 33 kV CTs in 220 mm width. These are in line with standard dimensions the world over and are suitable for a variety of panels.

11 kV wound primary CT

11 kV bar primary CT

11 kV & 33 kV outdoor oil immersed CT

In-house software is used for the generation of designs as also for costing. Designs thus generated are validated in line with established ISO 9001 procedures.