Buchholz relay
In electric power distribution and transmission, a Buchholz relay is a safety device mounted
on some oil-filled power transformers and reactors, equipped with an external overhead oil
reservoir called a "conservator".
Buchholz Relay
The Buchholz relay is used as a protective device sensitive to the effects of dielectric failure
inside the equipment. A generic designation for this type of device is "gas detector relay".
Application
Two ball-shaped floats and two glass-enclosed reed switches are visible inside this cutaway view of a Buchholz relay
Buchholz relays have been applied on oil-filled power and distribution transformers at least
since the 1940s. The relay is connected to the oil piping between the overhead conservator
tank and the main oil tank of a transformer. The piping between the main tank and
conservator is arranged so that any gas evolved in the main tank tends to flow upward
toward the conservator and gas detector relay. [1]
Schematic diagram of a large oil-filled power transformer. The conservator tank, green, at right, is marked 3 and the
Buchholz relay is marked 5
Operation
Depending on the model, the relay has multiple methods to detect a failing transformer. On a
slow accumulation of gas, due perhaps to slight overload, gas produced by decomposition of
insulating oil accumulates in the top of the relay and forces the oil level down. A float switch
in the relay is used to initiate an alarm signal. Depending on design, a second float may also
serve to detect slow oil leaks.
If an electrical arc forms, gas accumulation is rapid, and oil flows rapidly into the conservator.
This flow of oil operates a switch attached to a vane located in the path of the moving oil.
This switch normally will operate a circuit breaker to isolate the apparatus before the fault
causes additional damage. Buchholz relays have a test port to allow the accumulated gas to
be withdrawn for testing. Flammable gas found in the relay indicates some internal fault such
as overheating or arcing, whereas air found in the relay may only indicate low oil level or a
leak. [2]
Through a connected gas sampling device the control can also be made from the ground.
Depending on the requirements, the Buchholz relay has a flange or threaded connection. The
classic Buchholz relay has to comply with the requirements of the DIN EN 50216-2 standard.
Depending on the requirements, it is equipped with up to four (2 per float) switches or
change-over switches, which can either send a light signal or switch off the transformer.[3]
The relay was first developed by Max Buchholz (1875–1956) in 1921.[4]
See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Buchholz relays.
Relay
References
1. "Tutorial T5" ([Link]
[Link]/[Link]) . Archived from the original ([Link]
[Link]) on 2008-07-13. Retrieved 2008-07-17. Tutorial T5
2. C. Christopoulos, A. Wright, Electrical Power System Protection Second Edition, Springer
Science & Business Media, 1999, ISBN 0412817608 page 215
3. Operating principle of buchholz relay ([Link]
accessories/protection-devices/[Link])
4. US 1642397 ([Link]
"Method and means for protecting liquid-insulated electric apparatus"
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