MiCOM 30 Series

Transformer Differential Protection

Application Guide
Issue F, June 2003

Contents
1

Introduction.........................................................................................................4

Mode of Operation and Basic Setting Instructions ...............................................5

2.1

Amplitude Matching............................................................................................5

2.2

Vector Group Matching and Zero-Sequence Current Filtering .................................8

2.3
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
2.3.4
2.3.5

Tripping Characteristic ......................................................................................12

Definition of Id and IR ........................................................................................12
First Section of the Tripping Characteristic ..........................................................13
Second Section of the Tripping Characteristic .....................................................14
Third Section of the Tripping Characteristic.........................................................15
Algorithmic Treatment of Id and IR ......................................................................17

Setting Instructions for Special Applications ......................................................18

3.1

Unfavorable Primary Nominal Transformer Current .............................................18

3.2

In-Zone Grounding Transformer ........................................................................19

3.3

Tap-Changing Transformers ..............................................................................20

3.4
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.4.3
3.4.4

Autotransformers ..............................................................................................23
Delta Tertiary Winding without Feeders ..............................................................25
Neutral Grounding with Phase-Segregated CTs ..................................................25
CTs in Series with Delta Tertiary Winding ...........................................................26
CTs outside Delta Tertiary Winding ....................................................................28

3.5

Generators and Motors .....................................................................................28

3.6

CT Delta Connection ........................................................................................29

Instructions for Commissioning and Testing ......................................................33

4.1

Checking the Phase Angle of the Phase Currents .................................................33

4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2

Checking the Basic Threshold Value of the Tripping Characteristic ........................34

Single-End, Three-Phase Symmetrical Infeed ......................................................34
Single-End, Single-Phase Infeed ........................................................................34

Appendix
A

Vector Groups and Transformer Configurations

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Symbols and Subscripts

Symbols
I

Current phasor

Operator for phase rotation of +120

Voltage

Angle

Power

Matching factor

Subscripts
prim

Primary quantity

sec

Secondary quantity

rel

Variable within relay

nom

Nominal quantity

ref

Reference quantity

max

Maximum value

max-1

Second largest value

mid

Mean value

min

Minimum value

CT

Main current transformer (set)

A, B, C

Phase A, B, or C

Dummy variable for phase A, B, or C

x+1
C

Dummy variable for the lagging phase in the cycle with respect to phase A, B, or

x-1
C

Dummy variable for the leading phase in the cycle with respect to phase A, B, or

amp

Amplitude-matched

vec

Amplitude-matched and vector-group-matched (including zero-sequence current

filtering)

zero

Zero-sequence component

pos

Positive-sequence component

neg

Negative-sequence component

1, 2, 3

Measuring system 1, 2, or 3

Dummy variable for measuring system 1, 2, or 3

a, b, c, d

End or winding a, b, c, or d of the protected object

Dummy variable for end or winding a, b, c, or d of the protected object

Differential variable

Restraining variable

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1 Introduction
Protection devices in the MiCOM 30 series are described in detail in the respective operating
manuals as regards technical properties, functional characteristics, and proper handling
during installation, connection, commissioning, and operation. However, the operating
manuals do not provide any information regarding the philosophy behind each specific
product or the way in which the functional possibilities of a particular protection device can be
used to handle special applications.
The present application guide is intended to close this gap. For the transformer differential
protection function group of MiCOM P63x devices, the purpose is to give the reader a better
understanding of the design of the individual function blocks and then to provide related
instructions for settings, commissioning, and testing.

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2 Mode of Operation and Basic Setting Instructions

Transformer differential protection is based on the principle of comparison of measured
variables, i.e., the instantaneous values of the phase currents of all ends are compared with
one another. Both the absolute value and the phase of the measured variables in question
are included in the current comparison.

2.1

Amplitude Matching

Before the phase currents of the individual windings or ends can be compared, they must first
be matched with respect to the absolute value transformations resulting from the rated
transformation ratios of the transformer and the main current transformer.
Winding a

Winding b

C
C
B
B
A
A

kamp,a

)
I(xprim
,a

)
I(sec)
I(xrel
x,a
,a

kamp,b

Iamp,x,a

Iamp ,x,b

)
I(xrel
,b

I(sec)
x,b

)
I(xprim
,b

The goal of amplitude matching is that in fault-free operation under idealized conditions the
corresponding phase currents of the individual ends will be scaled so that they are equivalent
in absolute value. Phase currents that have been matched so as to be equal in absolute value
are referred to as amplitude-matched phase currents:
Iamp ,x,a = Iamp ,x,b
Scaling to produce identical absolute values is achieved by means of one amplitude-matching
factor kamp for each end:
)
(rel )
k amp,a I(xrel
,a = k amp,b I x,b

The phase current in the relays can be expressed as primary phase current for each end by
means of the individual rated transformation ratios, i.e., via the nominal current of the relay
and the secondary and primary nominal current of the main current transformer:

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)
( rel )
k amp ,a I(xrel
,a = k amp ,b I x,b

k amp,a

k amp ,a

I(sec)
x ,a
Inom,rel,a

)
I(xprim
,a
prim)
I(nom
,CT,a

= k amp ,b

I(sec)
x,b
Inom,rel,b
)
I(xprim
,b

= k amp ,b

(prim )
Inom
,CT,b

Inom,rel,a

I(sec)
nom,CT,a

(sec)
Inom
,CT,b

Inom,rel,b

Under the condition that for each end the nominal current of the relay and the secondary
nominal current of the main current transformer agree, we obtain:
k amp ,a

)
I(xprim
,a
prim )
I(nom
,CT,a

= k amp,b

)
I(xprim
,b
( prim )
Inom
,CT,b

The ratio of the primary currents is obtained from the ratio of the nominal transformer
voltages as follows:
)
I(xprim
,a
)
I(xprim
,b

prim)
k amp,b I(nom
,CT,a
(prim )
k amp,a Inom
,CT,b

( prim)
Vnom
,b
( prim)
Vnom
,a

As one can see, the equation does not determine the absolute values of the individual
amplitude-matching factors but rather the ratio of these factors:
k amp,a
k amp,b

(prim ) ( prim )
Vnom
,a Inom,CT,a
( prim ) (prim )
Vnom
,b Inom,CT,b

The absolute value of the amplitude-matching factors in each case is now defined
advantageously so that matching results in scaling to the nominal transformer currents. This is
done by introducing reference power Sref as a common reference quantity for all ends:

k amp,a
k amp,b

(prim ) ( prim )
Vnom
,a Inom,CT,a
( prim) ( prim )
Vnom
,b Inom,CT,b

prim )
I(nom
,CT,a
1
( prim)
Vnom
,a
(prim )
Inom
,CT,b
1
( prim)
Vnom
,b

prim )
I(nom
,CT,a
prim )
I(nom
,CT,a

prim)
S(ref

( prim )
3 Vnom
,a
(prim )
Inom
,CT,b
prim)
S(ref

prim)
I(ref
,a
prim )
I(nom
,CT,b
prim)
I(ref
,b

( prim )
3 Vnom
,b

Scaling to the nominal transformer currents is thus only possible in cases in which the
nominal powers of the individual windings of all ends are equal and can thus be set to be the
common reference power Sref. In three-winding transformers, the nominal powers of the
individual windings generally differ. In such cases it is recommended that the nominal power
of the highest-power winding be set as the reference power Sref.

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In each case, a common reference power Sref must be set for all ends. The amplitudematching factors are obtained in each case as follows:
k amp ,z =

(prim )
Inom
,CT,z
prim)
I(ref
,z

( prim )
Inom
,CT,z

prim )
S(ref
( prim)
3 Vnom
,z

The amplitude-matched phase currents are formed by scalar multiplication, whereby the
individual phase currents are multiplied by the corresponding amplitude-matching factor:
Iamp ,x,z = k amp ,z Ix,z =

(prim )
Inom
,CT,z
prim )
I(ref
,z

I x, z =

( prim)
Inom
,CT,z
prim )
S(ref

Ix,z

(prim )
3 Vnom
,z

Setting the amplitude-matching function is very simple and does not require any calculations.
Only the following primary nominal values need to be set:
Winding a

Winding b

C
C
B
B
A
A

(prim )
Inom
,CT,a

( prim )
Vnom
,b

( prim )
Vnom
,a

prim )
I(nom
,CT,b

prim )
prim )
S(ref
= S(nom
,max

The amplitude-matching factors are calculated automatically by the protection device. The
device also checks automatically to see whether the resulting amplitude-matching
factors kamp,z are within the limits specified by requirements of numerical processing:
None of the amplitude-matching factors kamp,z must exceed a value of 16:
k amp ,z 16
The second-largest amplitude-matching factor kamp,max-1 must not fall below a value of 0.5:
k amp ,max 1 0.5
Note:
For the devices P631/632/633/634 the following harder restrictions are valid for SW versions
-601 and -602:
k amp ,z 5

k amp ,max
k amp,max 1

k amp ,max 1 0.7

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2.2

Vector Group Matching and Zero-Sequence Current Filtering

Since the phase of the measured variables is also included in the current comparison, the
phase relations of the amplitude-matched phase currents of the ends in question must also be
matched in accordance with the respective vector group. Basically, this matching operation
can be carried out regardless of the phase winding connections, since the phase relation is
described unambiguously by the characteristic vector group number.
Vector group matching is therefore performed solely by mathematical phasor operations on
the amplitude-matched phase currents of the low-voltage side in accordance with the
characteristic vector group number. This is shown in the following figure for vector group
characteristic number 5, where vector group Yd5 is used as the example:
Winding a

Winding b

A
Iamp,C,b - Iamp,A,b

Iamp,A,a

1/3(Iamp,C,b - Iamp,A,b)

- Iamp,A,b

Iamp,C,b

Iamp,B,b
530

Iamp,C,a

Iamp,B,a
Iamp,A,b

No operation is carried out on the high-voltage side in connection with vector group
matching. However, one should note that the phase windings are connected in a wye
configuration, the neutral of which is operationally grounded. In the event of system faults to
ground, the circuit for the zero-sequence component of the fault current would close via the
grounded neutral that lies within the transformer differential protection zone and would thus
appear in the measuring systems as differential current. The consequence would be
undesirable tripping.

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For this reason the zero-sequence component of the three-phase system must be eliminated
from the phase currents on the high-voltage side. In accordance with its definition, the zerosequence current is determined as follows from the amplitude-matched phase currents:
Iamp ,zero,z =

1
I
+I
+I
3 amp ,A,z amp ,B,z amp ,C,z

On the low-voltage side, the zero-sequence current in the example shown above is
automatically filtered out based on the mathematical phasor operations. This is not always
necessary and also not always desired, but is basically the result of any subtraction of two
phase current phasors:
Iamp ,A,z = Iamp ,zero,z + Iamp ,pos,z + Iamp ,neg,z
2
Iamp ,B,z = Iamp ,zero,z + a Iamp,pos,z + a Iamp,neg,z
2
Iamp,C,z = Iamp ,zero,z + a Iamp ,pos,z + a Iamp,neg,z

( )
= (a a ) I

Iamp,A,z Iamp ,B,z = 1 a Iamp ,pos,z + (1 a ) Iamp ,neg,z

2

Iamp ,B,z Iamp,C,z

amp,pos,z

+ a a 2 Iamp ,neg,z

2
Iamp ,C,z Iamp ,A,z = (a 1) Iamp,pos,z + a 1 Iamp ,neg,z

The following tables show that for all odd-numbered vector group characteristics the zerosequence current on the low-voltage side is basically always filtered out, whereas for evennumbered vector group characteristics the zero-sequence current on the low-voltage side is
basically never filtered out automatically. The latter is also true for the high-voltage side since
in that case, as explained above, no mathematical phasor operations are performed.
Vector group matching and zero-sequence current filtering must therefore always be viewed
in combination. The following tables list all the mathematical phasor operations.
Mathematical operations on the high-voltage side:
With Izero filtering

Without Izero filtering

Ivec ,y,z = Iamp,x,z Iamp ,zero,z

Ivec , y,z = Iamp, x,z

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Mathematical operations on the low-voltage side for an even-numbered vector group

characteristic:
VG

With Izero filtering

Without Izero filtering

Ivec ,y,z = Iamp,x,z Iamp ,zero,z

Ivec , y,z = Iamp, x,z

Ivec ,y,z = Iamp ,x +1,z Iamp,zero,z

Ivec ,y,z = Iamp,x 1,z Iamp,zero,z

Ivec ,y,z = Iamp ,x,z Iamp,zero,z

Ivec ,y,z = Iamp,x +1,z Iamp ,zero,z

10

Ivec ,y,z = Iamp ,x 1,z Iamp,zero,z

Ivec ,y,z = Iamp ,x +1,z

Ivec ,y,z = Iamp,x 1,z

Ivec ,y,z = Iamp ,x,z

Ivec ,y,z = Iamp ,x +1,z

Ivec ,y,z = Iamp ,x 1,z

Mathematical operations on the low-voltage side for an odd-numbered vector group

characteristic:
With Izero filtering

VG
1
3

Ivec ,y,z =
Ivec ,y,z =

Ivec ,y,z =

Ivec ,y,z =

9
11

Ivec ,y,z =
Ivec ,y,z =

1
3
1
3
1
3
1
3
1
3
1
3

Without Izero filtering

Ivec , y,z =

Ivec , y,z =

Iamp ,x,z Iamp,x +1,z

Iamp ,x 1,z Iamp ,x +1,z

Iamp ,x 1,z Iamp ,x,z
Iamp ,x +1,z Iamp,x,z

Iamp ,x +1,z Iamp,x 1,z

Iamp ,x,z Iamp,x 1,z

Ivec ,y,z =
Ivec , y,z =

Ivec , y,z =
Ivec ,y,z =

1
3
1
3

3
1

Iamp, x 1,z Iamp ,x, z + Iamp,zero, z

Iamp, x +1,z Iamp ,x,z + Iamp,zero, z

3
3

Iamp ,x 1,z Iamp , x +1,z + Iamp, zero, z

Iamp ,x,z Iamp,x +1,z + Iamp,zero,z

Iamp ,x + 1, z Iamp, x 1,z + Iamp, zero, z

1
3

Iamp ,x,z Iamp,x 1,z + Iamp ,zero,z

Note:
For the devices P631/632/633/634 the addition of zero-sequence current in case of odd
numbered vector groups (column Without Izero filtering) are not realized for SW versions -601
and -602.

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10

Setting the vector group matching function is very simple and does not require any
calculations. Only the characteristic vector group number needs to be set:
Winding a

Winding b

C
C
B
B
A
A

0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11
Setting the zero-sequence current filtering function is very simple and does not require any
calculations. Zero-sequence current filtering should only be activated for those ends where
there is operational grounding of a neutral point:
Winding a

Winding b

C
C
B
B
A
A

with I0 filtering

without I0 filtering

11

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2.3

Tripping Characteristic

After the currents of the individual ends have been matched, the transformer being protected
can be viewed as a current node as defined by the first Kirchhoff law. According to this law,
the sum of the current phasors of all ends is equal to zero in fault-free operation under
idealized conditions. Only an internal fault in the protection zone of differential protection will
generate a phasor sum of end currents that differs from zero, namely the differential
current Id. The magnitude of the differential current Id can therefore be used as the criterion
for detecting an internal fault.
In practice, however, differential currents even occur in fault-free operation and can be
attributed essentially to the following influencing factors:
Magnetizing transformer current, which flows only from the infeed end and therefore
appears as differential current
Current-dependent transformation errors of the participating current transformer sets,
which also result in a differential current
Whereas the magnetizing current is determined by the level of the system voltage and can
therefore be viewed as constant, irrespective of load level, the transformation errors of the
participating current transformer sets are a function of the respective current level. The
threshold value of a transformer differential protection device is therefore not implemented as
a constant differential current threshold but is formed as a function of the restraining
current IR. The restraining current corresponds to the current level in the transformer being
protected. The function Id = f(IR) is represented as the tripping characteristic in the Id-IR plane.
2.3.1 Definition of Id and IR
According to the first Kirchhoff law, the differential current Id is always defined as the phasor
sum of the end currents:
Id, y = Ivec , y,a + Ivec , y,b + Ivec , y,c + K
The restraining current IR represents the through-current of the transformer being protected,
and for two-winding differential protection it is defined as the phasor difference, as follows:
IR, y =

1
Ivec , y,a Ivec , y,b
2

When the infeed to an internal fault from both ends is exactly equal as regards amplitude and
angle, then both currents cancel one another out, i.e., the restraining current becomes zero
and the restraining effect disappears. Disappearance of the restraining effect when there is
an internal fault is a desirable result since in this case transformer differential protection
attains maximum sensitivity.
In the case of transformer differential protection for more than two ends, we must work with a
different definition of restraining current IR since the phasor difference between more than two
variables is not defined:
IR, y =

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1
Ivec , y,a + Ivec , y,b + Ivec , y,c + K
2

12

In this case the restraining effect never disappears when there is an internal fault; the
restraining effect is even reinforced in the case of multi-end infeed. However, the restraining
current factor means that the differential current Id has twice the value of the restraining
current IR so that safe and reliable tripping is also guaranteed in the case of multi-end infeed.
2.3.2 First Section of the Tripping Characteristic
The first section represents the most sensitive region of the tripping characteristic in the form
of the settable basic threshold value Id>. The default setting of 0.2 takes into account the
magnetizing current of the transformer, which flows even in a no-load condition and is
generally less than 5% of the nominal transformer current.
The first section of the tripping curve runs horizontally until it reaches the load line for singleend infeed. This is advantageous for commissioning and testing. In the case of single-end
infeed, the desired characteristic value is always identical to the set basic threshold value Id>
so that in this regard no special calculation of the characteristic threshold value is necessary.

Id/Iref

Load line
for single-end infeed

First section of
tripping characteristic

Magnetizing current
characteristic

Id>
0

13

IR/Iref

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The line of the first section of the tripping curve corresponds to the horizontal line of
differential current, given the basic threshold value Id>. The characteristic equation for the
first section of the tripping characteristic is as follows:

( )

Id,y IR,y = Id >

The intersection of the first section of the tripping curve with the load line occurs at a
restraining current IR,m1, which is a function of the setting of the basic threshold value Id>:
IR,m1 = 0.5 Id >
2.3.3 Second Section of the Tripping Characteristic
The second section of the tripping curve covers the load current range, so that in this section
we must reckon not only with the transformer magnetizing current, which appears as
differential current, but also with differential currents that can be attributed to the
transformation errors of the current transformer sets.
If we calculate the "worst case" with Class 10P current transformers, then the maximum
allowable amplitude error according to DIN EN 60044-1 is 3 % for nominal current. The
phase-angle error can be assumed to be 2 for nominal current. The maximum allowable
total error for nominal current is then obtained, in approximation, as (0.03 + sin 2) 6.5 %. If the current is increased to the nominal accuracy limit current, then the
total error for Class 10P current transformers can be 10 % maximum. Beyond the nominal
accuracy limit current, the transformation error can be of any magnitude.
The dependence of the total error of a current transformer on current is therefore non-linear.
In the operating current range, i.e., in the current range below the nominal accuracy limit
current, we can expect a "worst case" total error of approximately 10 % per current
transformer set.
The second section of the tripping characteristic forms a straight line, the slope of which
should correspond to the cumulative total error of the participating current transformer sets.
The curve slope m1 can be set. The default setting for m1 is defined as 0.3 with respect to
protection of three-winding transformers.

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14

Id/Iref

Load line
for single-end infeed

Second section of
tripping characteristic
First knee point of
tripping characteristic

m1

Transformation error
characteristics
for two or three
current transformer sets

Id>
0

IR/Iref

The line of the second section of the tripping characteristic runs through the intersection of the
load line for single-end infeed with the line of the first section of the tripping characteristic.
The characteristic equation for the second section of the tripping characteristic is as follows:

( )

Id,y IR,y = m1 IR,y + Id > (1 0,5 m1 )

A parallel shift of the first section of the tripping curve resulting from a change in the basic
threshold value Id> also brings about a parallel shift of the second section of the tripping
curve.
2.3.4 Third Section of the Tripping Characteristic
The second knee point of the tripping characteristic determines the end of the overcurrent
zone in the direction of increasing restraining current in fault-free operation. It can be as high
as four times the nominal current in certain operating cases such as when a parallel
transformer has failed.
Therefore, the second knee point can be set (IR,m2) for a default setting of 4Iref. IR,m2 must be
set in accordance with the maximum possible operating current.

15

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Id/Iref

Load line
for single-end infeed

Third section of
tripping characteristic

m2

Second knee point of

tripping characteristic

m1

Id>
0

4
IR,m2

IR/Iref

Restraining currents that go beyond the set knee point are then evaluated as continuous fault
currents. For truly continuous fault currents, the third section of the tripping characteristic
could therefore be given an infinitely large slope. Since, however, we also need to take into
account the possibility that a fault can occur in the transformer differential protection zone as
the result of the system fault, a finite slope m2 is provided for the third section of the tripping
curve. The default setting for m2 is 0.7.
The line of the third section of the tripping characteristic runs through the intersection of the
vertical restraining current line at IR,m2 with the line for the second section of the tripping
characteristic. The characteristic equation for the third section of the tripping characteristic is
as follows:

( )

Id, y IR, y = m2 IR, y + Id > (1 0,5 m1 ) + IR,m2 (m1 m 2 )

A parallel shift of the first section of the tripping characteristic resulting from a change in the
basic threshold value Id> also brings about a parallel shift of the third section of the tripping
characteristic.

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16

2.3.5 Algorithmic Treatment of Id and IR

For evaluating differential current Id and restraining current IR in the Id-IR plane, the
instantaneous values of the rectified quantities are not used since they do not guarantee
stable tripping under all conditions.
Differential current Id and restraining current IR therefore undergo numerical smoothing. One
purpose of this smoothing is to provide the lowest possible residual ripple; it should also be
characterized by the shortest possible settling time (transient recovery time). Since the two
requirements are contradictory in nature, a balance must be struck between the two. Double
smoothing of differential current Id and restraining current IR is achieved as the result of
complicated algorithmic analysis.
The rectified differential current Id and the rectified restraining current IR first undergo halfperiod, non-recursive smoothing, which has a very fast settling time. The starting quantities
for this first smoothing operation are referred to as singly smoothed quantities.
In a subsequent second smoothing operation, the singly smoothed quantities undergo an
additional recursive smoothing process. The starting quantities for this second smoothing
operation are referred to as doubly smoothed quantities.

17

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3 Setting Instructions for Special Applications

3.1

Unfavorable Primary Nominal Transformer Current

Amplitude Matching
In rare cases, there may be the problem that one of the conditions for the amplitude
matching factors is no longer satisfied. The following example shows one such case:
Winding a

400 / 1 A

52.5 kV

Winding b

1000 / 1 A

10.5 kV

Dy7
36 MVA

1000 / 1 A

Sref,prim = 36 MVA
Iref,prim,a = 396 A
kamp,a = 1.010

kamp,a / kamp,b = 2

Iref,prim,b = 1979 A
kamp,b = 0.505

Sref,prim = 25 MVA
Iref,prim,a = 275 A
kamp,a = 1.455

kamp,a / kamp,b = 2

Iref,prim,b = 1375 A
kamp,b = 0.727

If one selects the nominal power Snom of the transformer as the reference power Sref , as is
recommended, then the condition kamp 0.7 is not satisfied on the low-voltage side. This is
due to the unusually large difference between the primary nominal current of the main
current transformer set, which is only 1000 A, and the nominal and reference current of the
transformer low-voltage winding, which is 1979 A.
One solution is to vary the reference power. The ratio of the amplitude matching factor
calculated above to the minimum required amplitude matching factor is 0.505 / 0.7 = 0.72.
If we reduce the reference power that was set above by at least this factor to
0.7236 MVA = 25.9 MVA 25 MVA, then amplitude matching is possible without any
problem.
Tripping Characteristic
One should note, however, that due to amplitude matching, which differs from the nominal
transformer quantities, the phase currents are rated more highly by a factor of
1.455 / 1.010 = 1.44. For this reason, the basic threshold value Id> of the tripping
characteristic should be increased by the same factor to 1.440.2 = 0.288 0.3.

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18

3.2

In-Zone Grounding Transformer

Vector Group Matching and Zero-Sequence Current Filtering

If there is a grounding transformer on one end of the transformer within the zone of
protection, then zero-sequence current filtering must always be activated on this end. This
applies even if the phase windings on the grounding transformer end are delta-connected.
Basically, zero-sequence current filtering must always be enabled if there is operational
neutral grounding in the zone of protection on the end in question.
The following diagram shows the current distribution for such a configuration in the event of
an external single-phase-to-ground fault:
Winding a

Winding b

On the high-voltage side, zero-sequence current filtering remains deactivated because the
neutral point is not grounded, so that no current phasor operation is necessary for forming
the vector-group-matched current variables.
Worthy of note on the low-voltage side are both zero-sequence current filtering and vector
group matching for the characteristic vector group number 5, in connection with the fact that
the phase currents of the low-voltage side must be set to be a factor of 3 smaller than the
phase currents of the high-voltage side. This means that for the phase C measuring system
the matched currents of both sides are zero and that for the phase A and B measuring
systems the matched currents of the two sides cancel one another out.

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In the case of an internal single-phase fault, on the other hand, transformer differential
protection will be tripped. The following diagram shows the corresponding current distribution
in the case of single-end infeed of the fault from the high-voltage side:
Winding a

Winding b

In the case of single-end infeed of the fault from the high-voltage side, the current
transformer set on the low-voltage side remains at zero current. When the phase currents on
the high-voltage side in Phases A and B are of sufficient intensity, they lead to tripping of
transformer differential protection.

3.3

Tap-Changing Transformers

Amplitude Matching
The infeed transformer is equipped with a tap changer on its high-voltage end for regulating
the voltage of the input system. The rated transformation ratio of the transformer is changed
by adjusting the tap changer, i.e., the nominal voltage on the high-voltage side and also the
corresponding nominal current on the high-voltage side are not constant but are determined
by a range which corresponds to the range of adjustment of the tap changer.

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20

Ix,a

Winding a

Winding b

Ix,b

C
B
B
A
A
( prim )
( prim)
Vnom
,a,min K Vnom,a,max

( prim )
Vnom
,b

(prim )
( prim )
Inom
,a,max K Inom,a,min

prim )
I(nom
,b

Amplitude matching can therefore only occur for a mean nominal voltage on the highvoltage side that still needs to be defined. Depending on the actual tap-change position,
there appears a differential current Id that is more or less large and increases linearly with the
restraining current IR. An adjustment of the tap changer brings about a change in the slope of
this tap changer characteristic.

Id/Iref

m2

m1

Tap changer characteristic

at a given tap position

Id>
0

4
IR,m2

Id/Iref

With regard to the tripping characteristic of differential protection, amplitude matching must
be carried out by selecting a suitable mean value for the nominal voltage on the high-voltage
side such that the slope of the tap changer curve is identical for the two outermost tapping
positions:
Ivec ,y,a,max + Ivec ,y,b
1
I
I
2 vec ,y,a,max vec ,y,b

Ivec ,y,a,min + Ivec ,y,b

1
I
I
2 vec ,y,a,min vec ,y,b

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For a load flow from the high-voltage side a in the direction of the low-voltage side b,
Ivec,y,a = Ivec,y,a and Ivec,y,b = -Ivec,y,b:
Ivec ,y,a,max Ivec ,y,b

Furthermore, Ivec,y,a,max

Ivec ,y,a,min Ivec ,y,b

1
1
Ivec ,y,a,max + Ivec ,y,b
Ivec ,y,a,min + Ivec ,y,b
2
2
> Ivec,y,b and Ivec,y,a,min < Ivec,y,b:
Ivec ,y,a,max Ivec ,y,b
I vec ,y,a,max + Ivec ,y,b

Ivec ,y,b Ivec ,y,a,min

Ivec ,y,a,min + Ivec ,y,b

With the desired mean value Ivec,y,a,mid = Ivec,y,b, amplitude matching is complete:
Ivec ,y,a,max Ivec ,y,a,mid
I vec ,y,a,max + I vec ,y,a,mid

Ivec ,y,a,mid Ivec ,y,a,min

Ivec ,y,a,min + Ivec ,y,a,mid

Ivec ,y,a,max I vec ,y,a,min + Ivec ,y,a,max Ivec ,y,a,mid Ivec ,y,a,mid Ivec ,y,a,min I2vec ,y,a,mid =
2
= I vec ,y,a,max Ivec ,y,a,mid I vec ,y,a,max Ivec ,y,a,min Ivec ,y,a,mid I vec ,y,a,min + Ivec
,y,a,mid

2
2 Ivec
,y,a,mid = 2 I vec , y,a,max Ivec ,y,a,min

Ivec ,y,a,mid = Ivec ,y,a,max Ivec ,y,a,min

For amplitude matching, therefore, the geometric mean of the minimum and maximum
nominal voltage must be set on the high-voltage side:
( prim)
(prim )
( prim)
Vnom
,a,mid = Vnom,a,min Vnom,a,max

Tripping Characteristic
Slope m1 of the second section of the tripping characteristic must be increased in accordance
with the slope of the tap changer characteristic for the outermost tapping position, i.e., the
setting for m1 must be increased by the following value:
( prim)
( prim )
Inom
,a,max Inom,a,mid

1 (prim )
(prim )
Inom,a,max + Inom
,a,mid
2

Px3x TransformerDifferential ApplicationGuide EN f.doc

or

22

(prim )
(prim )
Inom
,a,mid Inom,a,min

1 (prim )
I
+ I(prim )
2 nom,a,min nom,a,mid

3.4

Autotransformers

Autotransformers are designed as three-phase units or consist of a group of three singlephase units. They are used for interconnection of solidly grounded EHV and HV networks if
the rated voltages of both networks dont differ by more than factor 2 to 3. Material and
weight as well as losses can be saved by autotransformers compared with separate-winding
transformers.
Autotransformers with star connection of primary and secondary winding (serial and common
winding) are usually equipped with a delta stabilizing winding (tertiary winding) rated about
one third of the throughput rating.
C
B
A

C
B
A
Serial
winding
Common
winding

Tertiary
winding
Delta
connection

Shunt reactors or capacitors for power factor correction can be connected to such a tertiary
winding. A booster transformer consisting of energizing and regulating winding for voltage
adjustment by in-phase or phase-angle regulation can be accommodated in the same tank.

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Px3x TransformerDifferential ApplicationGuide EN f.doc

C
B
A

C
B
A

Serial
winding

Energizing
winding
Regulating
winding

Common
winding

-60/0/+60
phase-angle
Delta
connection

Tertiary
winding

C
B
A

Depending on the application various possibilities with different features can be used for
differential protection of autotransformers:
Delta tertiary Neutral grounding CTs in series CTs outside delta
winding without
with phasewith delta tertiary tertiary winding
feeders
segregated CTs
winding
Differential protection
Amplitude matching

Two-end
Vnom,a Vnom,b 1)

Three-end
Vnom,a = Vnom,b
1
= Vnom,c )

Three-end

Three-end

3Vnom,c 1)

Vnom,c )

VGa-b = 0

VGa-b = 0
VGa-c = 0

VGa-b = 0
VGa-c = 0

VGa-b = 0
VGa-c = odd

Zero sequence current filt.

With

Without

Without

With

Inrush stabilization

With

Without

With

With

Phase-segregation

No

Yes

Yes

No

Affected by voltage
adjustment

Yes

No

No

Yes

Sensitivity for ground faults

Low

High

High

Low

Protection against turn-toturn faults

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Protection of the delta

tertiary winding

No

No

Yes

Yes

Vector group matching

Each individual application is discussed below.

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24

3.4.1 Delta Tertiary Winding without Feeders

A two-end differential protection may be applied in any case if the tertiary winding is used as
delta stabilizing winding only i.e. if there is no additional feeding from the tertiary winding:
C
B
A

C
B
A

Id/I

The setting of the differential protection corresponds to the setting of a separate-winding

transformer with neutral grounding at both ends.
3.4.2 Neutral Grounding with Phase-Segregated CTs
In case of neutral grounding with phase-segregated CTs its the ideal solution to apply a
three-end differential protection. The protected zone corresponds to a galvanic connected
electrical node.
Amplitude Matching
Because of the galvanic connected electrical node the primary nominal voltages of all three
ends have to be set to the same value (primary nominal voltage of the serial or of the
common winding).
Vector Group Matching
Because of the galvanic connected electrical node both vector group numbers have to be set
to 0.

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 Zero-Sequence Current Filtering

Because of the inclusion of the neutral-to-ground current zero-sequence current filtering may
be disabled for all three ends.
Inrush Stabilization
Because of the galvanic connected electrical node there is no transformer coupling and
therefore inrush stabilization may be disabled.
C
B
A

C
B
A

Id/I

The differential protection described above operates strictly phase-segregated particularly due
to the fact that inrush stabilization is not required. Sensitivity for ground fault detection is high.
However turn-to-turn faults and faults on the tertiary winding cannot be detected on principle.
3.4.3 CTs in Series with Delta Tertiary Winding
If the corresponding current through the tertiary winding is measured instead of the neutralto-ground current per phase a transformer coupling will be given.
Amplitude Matching
Because of transformer coupling amplitude matching has to be based on the individual
primary nominal voltages of the ends. Considering that the CTs of the third end are located
in series with the delta tertiary winding 3 times of the corresponding primary nominal
voltage has to be used for amplitude matching calculation.

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26

 Vector Group Matching

Because of the limb related measuring systems both vector group numbers have to be set
to 0.
Zero-Sequence Current Filtering
Because of the inclusion of the neutral-to-ground current via measuring the current through
the transformer coupled tertiary winding zero-sequence current filtering may be disabled for
all three ends.
Inrush Stabilization
Because of the transformer coupling within the protected zone inrush stabilization has to be
enabled.
C
B
A

C
B
A

Id/I

C
B
A

The differential protection described above provides the same degree of ground fault
sensitivity in comparison to the differential protection according to chapter 3.4.2 .
Furthermore turn-to-turn faults can be detected on principle due to transformer coupling of
the measured currents and the tertiary winding is included in the protected zone. Ground
faults on the regulating winding will be detected too whereas the differential measuring
systems are not affected by voltage adjustment. Only the requirement of inrush stabilization is
unfavorable.

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3.4.4 CTs outside Delta Tertiary Winding

If the CTs of the tertiary winding are not located in series but outside the delta winding a
three-end differential protection may be applied likewise. This differential protection offers the
largest protection zone in comparison to all the applications described above. However the
requirement of zero-sequence current filtering leads to reduced ground fault sensitivity. The
setting of the differential protection corresponds to the setting of a separate-winding
transformer. The differential measuring systems are affected by in-phase or phase-angle
regulation.
C
B
A

C
B
A

Id/I

C
B
A

Tripping Characteristic
This overall differential protection is affected by voltage adjustment. This has to be taken into
consideration for the setting of the tripping characteristic according to chapter 3.3.

3.5

Generators and Motors

Inrush Stabilization
In case of generators and motors there is no transformer coupling between both ends but a
galvanic connection. Therefore inrush stabilization may be disabled.

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28

3.6

CT Delta Connection

Vector Matching
Power transformer Yd1 with CT delta -30 connection on side a:
Winding a

Winding b

C
C
B
B
A
A
-130

Yd1

Setting for Vector Group ID: 1+(-1)=0

Power transformer Yd5 with CT delta +30 connection on side a:

Winding a

Winding b

+130

Yd5

Setting for Vector Group ID: 5+(+1)=6

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Power transformer Yd7 with CT delta -30 connection on side a:

Winding a

Winding b

-130

Yd7

Setting for Vector Group ID: 7+(-1)=6

Power transformer Yd11 with CT delta +30 connection on side a:

Winding a

Winding b
C

C
B
B
A
A

+130

Yd11

Setting for Vector Group ID: 11+(+1)=120

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30

Power transformer Dy1 with CT delta +30 connection on side b:

Winding a

Winding b

C
C
B
B
A
A

Dy1

+130

Setting for Vector Group ID: 1-(+1)=0

Power transformer Dy5 with CT delta -30 connection on side b:

Winding a

Winding b

Dy5

-130

Setting for Vector Group ID: 5-(-1)=6

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Power transformer Dy7 with CT delta +30 connection on side b:

Winding a

Winding b

Dy7

+130

Setting for Vector Group ID: 7-(+1)=6

Power transformer Dy11 with CT delta -30 connection on side b:

Winding a

Winding b
C

C
B
B
A
A
Dy11

-130

Setting for Vector Group ID: 11-(-1)=120

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32

4 Instructions for Commissioning and Testing

4.1

Checking the Phase Angle of the Phase Currents

It is possible to make an estimate regarding correct connection of the phase currents by using
the phase angles that are provided as measured operating values.
With an ideally symmetrical load through the transformer, the phase angles between the
phase currents of a given end must be displayed as follows, depending on the rotary field
direction in the system:
Clockwise Rotating Field

Counterclockwise Rotating Field

AB,z = BC,z = CA,z = 120

AB,z = BC,z = CA ,z = 120

The setting of the function parameter for direction of rotating field has no effect in this case.
The phase angles of a given phase between the phase currents of two ends must be
displayed as follows, depending on the transformer vector group:
Vector Group
0

x,a z = 180

x,a z = 150

x,a z = 120

x,a z = 90

x,a z = 60

x,a z = 30

x,a z = 0

x,a z = 30

x,a z = 60

x,a z = 90

10

x,a z = 120

11

x,a z = 150

The setting for the function parameter for the vector group has no effect in this case. On the
other hand, a change in the setting of the function parameter for the connection direction of
a given main current transformer set affects the corresponding measured operating value
by 180.

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4.2

Checking the Basic Threshold Value of the Tripping Characteristic

The basic threshold value Id> of the tripping characteristic can be easily checked by means of
single-end current infeed (s. Section 2.3.2).
4.2.1 Single-End, Three-Phase Symmetrical Infeed
For single-end, three-phase symmetrical infeed, the operate current Ix,z is obtained as follows,
taking into account the amplitude matching factor kamp,z:
Ix,z =

Id >
Inom,z
k amp ,z

The differential and restraining currents displayed as measured operating values are obtained
as follows:
Id,y =

IR,y =

k amp ,z Ix,z
Inom,z
1 k amp ,z Ix,z

2
Inom,z

4.2.2 Single-End, Single-Phase Infeed

In the case of single-end, single-phase infeed, it is necessary to consider not only the
amplitude matching factor kamp,z but also another matching factor kvec,z corresponding to the
vector group matching and zero-sequence current filter settings. The tripping current Ix,z is
then obtained as follows:
I x, z =

Id >
Inom,z
k amp ,z k vec ,z

The corresponding matching factor kvec,z can be taken from the following tables.
The differential and restraining currents displayed as measured operating values are obtained
as follows:
Id,y =

IR,y =

Px3x TransformerDifferential ApplicationGuide EN f.doc

k amp ,z k vec ,z Ix,z

Inom,z
1 k amp ,z k vec ,z Ix,z

2
Inom,z

34

Matching factor kvec,z for the individual measuring systems y as a function of the supplied
phase x for the high-voltage side:
x=A

x=B

x=C

y=1

y=2

y=3

y=1

y=2

y=3

y=1

y=2

y=3

1/0.67

0/0.33

0/0.33

0/0.33

1/0.67

0/0.33

0/0.33

0/0.33

1/0.67

Without Izero filtering / with Izero filtering

Matching factor kvec,z for the individual measuring systems y as a function of the supplied
phase x and as a function of the set vector group for the low-voltage side in question:
Vector
Group

x=A

x=B

x=C

y=1

y=2

y=3

y=1

y=2

y=3

y=1

y=2

y=3

1/0.67

0/0.33

0/0.33

0/0.33

1/0.67

0/0.33

0/0.33

0/0.33

1/0.67

0.91/0.58

0.33/0

0.24/0.58

0.24/0.58

0.91/0.58

0.33/0

0.33/0

0.24/0.58

0.91/0.58

0/0.33

0/0.33

1/0.67

1/0.67

0/0.33

0/0.33

0/0.33

1/0.67

0/0.33

0.33/0

0.91/0.58

0.24/0.58

0.24/0.58

0.33/0

0.91/0.58

0.91/0.58

0.24/0.58

0.33/0

0/0.33

1/0.67

0/0.33

0/0.33

0/0.33

1/0.67

1/0.67

0/0.33

0/0.33

0.24/0.58

0.91/0.58

0.33/0

0.33/0

0.24/0.58

0.91/0.58

0.91/0.58

0.33/0

0.24/0.58

1/0.67

0/0.33

0/0.33

0/0.33

1/0.67

0/0.33

0/0.33

0/0.33

1/0.67

0.24/0.58

0.33/0

0.91/0.58

0.91/0.58

0.24/0.58

0.33/0

0.33/0

0.91/0.58

0.24/0.58

0/0.33

0/0.33

1/0.67

1/0.67

0/0.33

0/0.33

0/0.33

1/0.67

0/0.33

0.33/0

0.24/0.58

0.91/0.58

0.91/0.58

0.33/0

0.24/0.58

0.24/0.58

0.91/0.58

0.33/0

10

0/0.33

1/0.67

0/0.33

0/0.33

0/0.33

1/0.67

1/0.67

0/0.33

0/0.33

11

0.91/0.58

0.24/0.58

0.33/0

0.33/0

0.91/0.58

0.24/0.58

0.24/0.58

0.33/0

0.91/0.58

Without Izero filtering / with Izero filtering

Note:
For the devices P631/632/633/634 the addition of zero-sequence current in case of odd
numbered vector groups are not realized for SW versions -601 and -602. For these SW
versions the value related to without Izero filtering has to be considered to be equal to
with Izero filtering in case of odd numbered vector groups.

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Appendix
A Vector Groups and Transformer Configurations
The vector group identifies the connection of the windings and the phase relation of the
voltage phasors assigned to them. It consists of code letters that specify the connection of the
phase windings and a code number that defines the phase displacement.
For three-phase alternating current, a distinction is made between the following phase
winding connections:
Delta connection (D,d)
Wye connection (Y,y)
Zigzag connection (Z,z)
The upper-case letters are used for the high-voltage windings, and the lower-case letters for
the medium and low-voltage windings. The upper-case letter appears first in the vector
group. If several windings have the same nominal voltages, the upper-case letter is assigned
to the winding having the highest nominal power, and if the windings have identical nominal
powers, the upper-case letter is assigned to the winding that is first according to the order of
connections given above. If the neutral point of a winding is wye-connected or zigzagconnected, then the identifying symbol is YN or ZN or yn or zn, respectively.
For phase displacement, the phasor of the high-voltage winding is considered to be the
reference quantity. The code number, when multiplied by 30, specifies the angle by which
the phasor of the low-voltage winding lags behind the phasor of the high-voltage winding.
For multi-winding transformers, the phasor of the high-voltage winding is the reference
quantity; the symbol for this winding is given first. The other symbols follow in the order of
decreasing nominal winding voltages.
By definition, therefore, the vector group is a function of the viewing direction. The vector
groups related to the two viewing directions are complementary and add up to the
number 12.
Vector groups for which the corresponding phase windings belong to the same phase are
referred to as "true" vector groups. The following listing includes only "true" vector groups; it
also contains all the "true" vector groups that are possible.
"Untrue" vector groups are formed from the "true" vector groups by cyclical reversal or
transposition of phases.
By transposing phases A with C, B with A, and C with B, we obtain the following:
from the "true" vector group Yy0: the "untrue" vector group Yy4
from the "true" vector group Yy6: the "untrue" vector group Yy10
from the "true" vector group Yy5: the "untrue" vector group Yy9
By transposing phases A with B, B with C, and C with A, we obtain the following:
from the "true" vector group Yy0: the "untrue" vector group Yy8
from the "true" vector group Yy6: the "untrue" vector group Yy2
from the "true" vector group Yy7: the "untrue" vector group Yy3

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36

All "true" vector groups with Yy connections:

Yy6

Yy0
C

C
B
B
A
A
Yy0

Yy6

All "true" vector groups with Dy or Yd connections:

Dy11
C

Dy1

A
Yd1

Yd11

Dy7

Dy5

Yd5

Yd7

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All "true" vector groups with Yz or Zy connections:

Yz11

Yz1

C
C

B
B

A
A

Zy1

Zy11

Yz7

Yz5

Zy5

Px3x TransformerDifferential ApplicationGuide EN f.doc

Zy7

38

All "true" vector groups with Dz or Zd connections:

Dz10
C

Dz0
C

C
B

Zd2

Zd0

Dz8

Dz2

C
B
A

Zd4

Zd10

Dz6

Dz4

Zd6

Zd8

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