SWITCH-2016

Innovation & Technology Summit

Standardization of Transformer Protection testing using

Smart Testing Equipment

K.N. Dinesh Babu P K Gargava Jorge Cardinas

Sr. Application Engineer Executive Engineer Application Manager
Megger MPPTCL General Electric
India India Spain

Abstract

Transformers are critical assets of power system network and their adequate protection is a matter of vital
importance. Modern protection relays are usually defined as intelligent electronic device (IED) s, and they
provide huge flexibility and enhanced protection features to assure correct operation of the equipment.
Transformer protection IEDs are equipped with key features such as differential and restricted earth fault
(REF) protection along with several other functionalities as per the guidelines of IEEE C37.91. These
functions are available with enhanced facilities such that it can incorporate the difference in phase angle
based on vector rotation, ratio correction of current transformers used, interposing CT corrections etc…
The increase in flexibility of the IED has also increased the complexity of programming it where a trivial
error in the configuration will result in unwarranted operation causing loss of power and reduction of
equipment life.

Perfect implementation of protection needs proper testing of all programming and configurations, where
the complexities of transformer vector shift, magnitude compensation, 2nd harmonic interlock, differential
& restrain algorithm of various manufacturer with unique characteristic complicates the testing procedure.
This paper discusses about testing vector groups and the facilities in IEDs to adapt to it, along with
different field cases where the IEDs have misbehaved due to improper testing, and to address the same
various methodologies and features available in modern testing equipments, through which the testing of
IEDs is standardized ensuring proper commissioning of the system.

Keywords

Differential protection, vector group shifting, single phase testing, intelligent electronic device (IED), 2nd
harmonic, inrush inhibit

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 [Link]
Differential relays provide critical protection for EHV transformers. Proper configuration and
settings has to be incorporated to ensure protection of the transformer. The increased availability of IED
models with various manufacturers has led to enhanced development in algorithms to adapt to the
complexities in the protection schemes. On the other hand the increase in number of models with different
software, developed from R&D centres across the globe, has complicated the configuration process which
enforces proper testing of the IEDs. Numerical testing equipment with advanced features facilitate testing
of these functions using inbuilt automated modules where stability, pickup, drop off, timing, curve test
etc… can be verified automatically to meet the characteristics provided by the manufacturer. In some
cases, while testing an electromechanical relay, it may so happen that the testing engineer is not having
access to the differential characteristics of the relay. Even in such cases, smart test equipment provide the
facility to identify the curve based on the relay operation.
This paper talks about the fundamentals of vector group and the provisions available in IEDs to adapt
to various configurations in section II & III. In section IV, the current that has to be injected in the IEDs
for various vector shift is taken up. Section V talks about the standard inbuilt modules available in testing
equipment. The final section talks about few case studies and the effort to eliminate mis-operation of
transformer protection relays by the use of end to end testing and all the discussed sophisticated testing
modules in smart relay test equipments.

[Link] VECTOR GROUPS

Transformer with Y-Y connection imposes difficulties involved in designing windings for large currents.
GOST [1] restricts the maximum transformer power in the case of Y-Y 12 connection. If the load is
irregular, the current in the transformer neutral wire should not exceed 25% of the rated current of the low
voltage winding. When the rated secondary voltage exceeds 400V, GOST stipulates the use of Y/∆-11
winding connection [2]. Due to these facts the concept of phase shifting resulting in vector group was
hosted.

Table 1: Classification of commonly used vector groups

Vector Group Phase Displacement Types
Group I 0° Yy0, Dy0
Group II 180° Yy6, Dd6
Group III 30° lag Yd1, Dy1
Group IV 30° lead Yd11, Dy11

Vector group can be classified in four major categories as shown in table 1. The notations used in vector
group and the explanations are available in literature [2]. For further understanding of the protection
concepts, the understanding of the vector group is mandatory and hence, a commonly used vector group
Yd1 is discussed here. The high voltage (HV) and low voltage (LV) winding of a transformer is shown in
Fig 1. Assume that the connections and terminations are not made and is to be made based on the vector
group. The procedure followed would be to following the sequence as Fig1a followed by Fig2a, Fig2b
followed by Fig1b. To derive a Yd1 clock position, the HV winding needs to be star and hence the
windings A2, B2 and C2 are joined together in Fig 1a. The other end A1, B1 and C1 are connected to R, Y
and B phase respectively.

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 Fig1: Transformer vector group Yd1 – winding connections

Fig 2 shows the procedure adapted to draw Yd1 connection. The star connection winding of Fig1a is
represented in Fig2a such that an anticlockwise rotation of the phasor will represent the sequence A1-B1-
C1 corresponding to R-Y-B. The windings A2, B2 and C2 are joined in Fig2a as shorted in Fig1a. The
delta winding does not have a neutral point and hence and dotted line ‘o-n’ is drawn in Fig2b which
represents the imaginary neutral.

Fig2: Transformer vector group Yd1 – Clock position shift

The line a1-n represents 1’O’ clock position which represents 30° lag with respect to 0-n. To visualize
the lag concept, we need to rotate the vector in anticlockwise direction with a fixed point in the first
quadrant. The HV voltage A1N represented by the dotted line will touch the point first before the LV
voltage a1n, thus justifying the concept of LV lags HV by 30°. The other lines a2-n and b2-n are drawn
120° apart from each other and the delta connections are formed by joining the corners. The lines which
are parallel to Fig2a is drawn in Fig2b and named in sequence. If the lines are not in parallel to Fig2a, then
such a vector group will not exist however in this case, as parallel lines are available, Yd1 vector group
exists. At each junction, the alphabets which are together is connected in Fig1b which completes Yd1. In
similar lines, any vector group can be realised. With this understanding on vector group, we proceed to the
protection concept employed in IEDs in the next section.

[Link] PROTECTION AND VECTOR COMPENSATION IN IEDS

The fundamental protection element realizes the Merz-price scheme of differential protection [3] which
calculates the incoming and outgoing current. The CTs are connected to the relay ensuring that the
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incoming and outgoing current nullifies each other resulting in null differential current during an healthy
operation of the transformer. During a transformer fault condition, the incoming and outgoing current will
not be the same as there exists another path (fault path) for the current to flow. The incoming current is
represented by 1∟0° and the outgoing is represented as 1∟180°. The values discussed represent a perfect
system, however in reality, the values need to be tuned based on current magnitude shift, phase angle shift
due to vector group and zero sequence current compensation [4] as discussed in the subsequent sections.

Fig 3 shows the facility available in Numerical transformer protection IED, where it can be observed that
four different windings with independent voltage rating, star/delta selection, grounding option and vector
group can be configured thus providing the flexibility of this IED to be adapted to any kind of
configuration discussed in the previous section.

Fig3: Flexibility in IED for various vector configurations

This kind of flexibility is provided by most of the leading IED manufacturers with inbuilt algorithms
where they follow unique characteristic. The equipment utilised to test these functionalities should be
capable of adapting to the manufacturer algorithm which is discussed in further sections. The following
section details about the current that has to be injected in the IED from the test kit for respective vector
groups.
[Link] CURRENT VALUES FOR A SPECIFIC VECTOR GROUP

The software used to drive the test set is shown in Fig 4. The primary current R,Y,B is represented as I1, I2
and I3 respectively and in similar lines the secondary currents are I4, I5 and I6 respectively The system is
configured for R phase(I1) at 0° reference, Y phase(I2) will reach 0° reference on rotation of 240° and B
phase(I3) will reach 0° reference on rotation of 120°. In this figure, assume that the 0° is the 12 ‘O’ clock
position and I1 current is in line with it. The LV current (I4) will be 30° lag in 1 ‘O’ clock position and
hence it will be positioned in the 2nd quadrant. The 180° vector shift (due to CT connection) from 30°
would result in 150° which places the I4 current in the third quadrant. The other phases are calculated and
injected in similar fashion for verifying the differential stability.

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 Fig4: Test kit software for injecting Stability current for vector group Yd1

In this manner, any vector group shift can be tested by the use of the basic screen. Nevertheless, these
settings and modifications has been incorporated as inbuilt module in modern smart test kits in order to
eliminate manual mistakes. These sophistications are taken up in the following section.

[Link] in numercial test equipments

The flexibility discussed in the previous sections induces complexity which may result in mal functioning
of the IED if proper testing procedure is not followed. To facilitate proper functionality of the relay, a
series of test such as stabilization test, timing test, pickup test, characteristic test, 2nd harmonic block test
and Nth harmonic short test should be performed. These test cases are embedded as inbuilt modules in
smart test kit which is controlled by software which is discussed in detail in this section. The preliminary
section in the differential module configuration provides the option to enter the details of the transformer
and the associated measuring instruments as shown in Fig 5. It can be observed in the figure that the
software can accepts all the details of the transformer as per nameplate and in the bottom of the screen, the
details of the settings adapted in the IED with manufacturer specific algorithm can be entered.

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 Fig5: Main screen for Transformer testing

These details facilitate the software to create automated test plans for performing the above mentioned test
cases. One such complex test case is performing the characteristic test as manufacturer specific algorithm
complicates the routine process. Fig 6 shows the characteristic test plan derived automatically from the
values entered in Fig 5. The red line shows the theoretical value of the IED based on the name plate details
and the vertical lines are drawn at various points based on the requirement of the user standards. As the
vertical lines are drawn, the corresponding pickup values are appended in the adjacent table which records
the exact operated value and provides the test results with error.

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 Fig6: Test screen for Differential characteristics testing

With the help of the discussed facilities, the IEDs can be tested perfectly and commissioned as per the
utility requirement, however there are few filed cases which can lead to mal operation even if the IED is
tested perfectly. Such scenarios can be prevented by the use of End to End testing which is discussed in the
following section.
[Link] for End to End testing

In one of the substation in Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation limited (MPPTCL), a
220/132 kV 160 MVA transformer tripped on restricted earth fault (REF) during charging. The IED testing
results did not show any abnormality. The disturbance record (DR) of the IED is shown in Fig 7. It can be
observed that the IED would show perfect results during secondary injection, however if the CT polarity is
reversed for Ground CT, then the difference in current between the calculated and measured would not
nullify and would result in trip. Such instances can be avoided by performing a stability test with single
phase injection.

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 Fig 7: Transformer tripping on REF due to CT issues

In another case in MPPTCL, a 40 MVA 132/33 kV transformer tripped twice due to operation of
differential relay on external fault. Complete testing of relay did not disclose any evidence on the origin of
the fault. Settings were further verified and observed to be in line with the standard. The DR was checked
meticulously and found that ‘B’ phase CT is not responding correctly as shown in Fig 8. It was concluded
that the B phase CT is saturating while feeding the fault current even if the current is lower than its
unsaturated zone of CT. The defective CT was replaced and the issue was resolved.

Fig 8: Transformer tripping on differential due to CT issues

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From the above two cases, it can be concluded that the equipment used to monitor/sense & protect generate
more anxieties than the equipment being protected. Thus the need for end to end testing arises where the
above two issues will be addressed. One of the major end to end test is single phase injection in
transformer primary winding for REF stability check which has been adapted in many utilities but the test
procedure should include restrain and tripping test which is not being followed thereby resulting in REF
mal operation in many cases. Another method is the “Through fault stability Test” which is done by
injecting LT voltage on HV/LV or winding of transformer and shorting other side of transformer, out of
Zone and inside Zone. This test provides clear picture of CT connections and relay configuration and
settings. These cases not only enforce the testing of the IED but that of the entire system.

CONCLUSION

IEDs are very versatile and have many features and protection elements which results in numerous setting
and configuration thus challenging the protection engineer. If some important setting/configuration is
ignored or overlooked, it can cause unwanted operation of relay. Detailed testing of the enabled features is
a mandatory requirement and to facilitate the same, smart testing equipment are available which
encompasses built in modules for testing of protection elements. The paper discussed and exhibited
methods of verifying some important settings and correctness of connections so that full features of IEDs
can be used judiciously.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1] [Link]
[2] Electrical Machines by [Link], L. Piotrovsky, Chapter 15
[3] Switchgear and protection, Sunil S. Rao, Khanna Publishers, Fourth Reprint
[4] Universal testing method for power transformer differential protection, SA2008-000355

BIBLIOGRAPHY

K N Dinesh Babu is a professional power system protection engineer in India with extensive
experience in HV / EHV sub stations and industries. His work background includes
experience in working for Alstom, ABB, GE and Megger in various roles like testing;
commissioning; design and application engineering. A major portion of this experience has
been in the area of protective relaying with a major focus on the application and coordination
of protective facilities on electrical power systems. His experience includes the development of protection
philosophies, implementation of new technologies in the field; control logic requirements for protective
systems; development of specifications for protective relay settings; and analysis of disturbances and faults
in electric power systems. He also trains protection engineers, field engineers and O&M engineers on IEDs,
SCADA, power system protection and synchrophasors for major utilities and industries in India and
Abroad.
He holds a doctorate in electrical engineering and is a DFSS certified six sigma green belt. He is a senior
member of IEEE and member of CIGRE. His areas of contribution are electric traction, power system
protection and renewable energy utilization and have published several articles in international journals and
conferences.
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: +91 9790920721, :[Link]@[Link]

PK Gargava has a bachelor of electrical engineering from Government Engineering

College Ujjain (M.P.). He is MBA and Certified Energy Auditor. He is currently working
for M.P. Power Transmission Company Limited as an Executive Engineer (Testing). He
has more than 27 years of vast experience of operation, maintenance, testing and
commissioning of EHV equipments up to 400 KV. He has developed expertise in state of
art numerical relays testing technologies and also well acquainted with commissioning and
testing of different make of relays. He has thorough experience of inspections of electrical equipments
(transformers, circuit breakers, relays, etc) at the works of manufacturers
: +91 9425804959, :pkgargava@[Link]

Jorge Cardenas received his engineering degree from the Universidad de Ingenieria (Peru) in
1977 and his MBA from the Universidad Politecnica de Madrid (Spain) in 1998. He began his
career with the Utility Electroperu (Peru) in 1978, as a Protection & Control engineer. In 1987 he
moved to ABB (Spain) as HV equipment Sales Engineer, and then promoted to a Control Design
Engineer. In 1989 he joined GE, where he has held several positions. Currently Jorge works as
Europe Application manager with GE Digital Energy, Jorge has worked with some of the world’s
leading Utility and Oil & Gas businesses. He has authored and co-authored more than 50 papers
on protective relaying (presented in the most important conferences in the world as CIGRE, Texas
AM, WRPC, CIRED, etc.), is a member of the CIGRÉ WG B5.31 and WG B5.43 and a contributor of the magazines
GE P&C Journal and Pacworld (USA) and Energia (Spain). Jorge has made several contributions in the design of
new products related with Generator, Bus, Line, Transformer, Motor, Feeder and Network protection. Jorge also has
represented GE as member of CIGRE´s Organization Conference Russian Committee in 2013 and since 2009 he is
mentoring recent graduate students from the Wroclaw and Warsaw Universities in Poland though R&D scholarship
programs in GE Spain.

: +34 917329208, :[Link]@[Link]

Corresponding Author

Name : Dr K N Dinesh Babu

Title : Senior Application Engineer
Company : Megger
Email Address : [Link]@[Link]
Contact Number : 9790920721
Full Address : New No:37 / Old N0:19
Apparswamy Koil Street
Mylapore
Chennai 600004
Tamil Nadu