Experiment 1: Study of a transformer differential protection by using microprocessor based VAMP relay

and observe the different point on differential over current characteristics curve by injecting additional
differential current in one of the differential coil.

Theory:

A transformer is a static electrical device used in electric power systems to transfer power between
circuits through the use of electromagnetic induction. The term power transformer is used to refer to
those transformers used in the generator and the distribution circuits, and these are usually rated at 500
KVA and above. Power systems typically consist of a large number of generation locations, distribution
points and interconnections within the system or with nearby systems, such as a neighboring utility. The
complexity of the system leads to a variety of transmission and distribution voltages. Power
transformers must be used at each of these points where there is a transition between voltage levels.
For all larger rated and important distribution transformers, over current protection along with
restricted earth fault protection is applied. Differential protection should be provided in the
transformers rated above 5 MVA. Depending upon the normal service condition, nature of transformer
faults, degree of sustained over load, scheme of tap changing, and many other factors, the suitable
transformer protection schemes are chosen. Here we used a microprocessor based differential relay
VAMP 265 which is normally used in large power transformer to protect the transformer from any kind
of electrical fault like phase to phase and phase to neutral. In this experiment we also observe the
different point on differential over current characteristics curve by injecting additional differential
current into one phase. And finally we block the 2nd harmonic component of the magnetizing inrush
current which occurs primarily when the primary side is energized under no load condition by using this
relay.

Causes of phase to phase and phase to ground fault:

1. The most common type of fault being the winding to core faults because of weakening of insulation.
Phase faults inside the transformers are rare. However, such faults may occur on terminals, the phase
faults in an electrical transformer may be occurred due to bushing flash over and faults in tap changer
equipment.
2. Power transformers are generally provided with on-line tap changing (OLTC) gear. This is another
major area of occurrence of fault.
3. Transformers experience large inrush currents that are rich in harmonic content at the time of
switching on to unloaded condition.
4. A transformer may develop inter turn faults giving rise to local hot spots within the winding.
5. Transformers may suffer from over fluxing due to under frequency operation at rated voltage. Over
fluxing may also be caused when the transformer is subjected to over voltage at the rated frequency.

1|P age
Percentage differential Protection:
This scheme is employed for the protection of transformers against internal short circuits. It provides
the best overall protection for internal faults. However in case of ungrounded or high impedance
grounding it cannot provide ground fault protection.
The following factors affect the differential current in transformers and should be considered while
applying differential protection. These factors can result in a differential current even under balanced
power in & out conditions:
1. Magnetizing inrush current– The normal magnetizing current drawn is 2–5% of the rated current.
However during Magnetizing inrush the current can be as high as 8–30times the rated current for
typically 10 cycles, depending upon the transformer and system resistance. The percentage differential
scheme tends to mal operate due to magnetizing inrush. The inrush current waveform is rich in
harmonics whereas the internal fault current consists of only the fundamental component. So to solve
the problem of inrush current, we must block it from differential stage ΔI> menu by using VAMP setting
software.
2. Over excitation–This is normally of concern in generator–transformer units. Transformers are
typically designed to operate just below the flux saturation level. Any further increase from the max
permissible voltage level (or Voltage/Frequency ratio), could lead to saturation of the core, in turn
leading to substantial increase in the excitation current drawn by the transformer. The magnetic flux
increases when voltage increases. This results in increased iron loss and magnetizing current. The core
and core bolts gets heated and the lamination insulation is affected. Protection against over fluxing is
required where over fluxing due to sustained overvoltage can occur. The reduction in frequency also
increases the flux density and thus has the same effect of over fluxing.

The expression for flux in a transformer is given by

Φ = K E/f

Where Φ = flux, f = frequency, E = applied voltage and K is a constant.

To control flux, the ratio E/ f is controlled. When the ratio exceeds a threshold value, it has to be
detected. Electronic circuits with suitable relays are available to measure this ratio. Over fluxing does
not require high speed tripping and hence instantaneous operation is undesirable when momentary
disturbances occur. But the transformer should be isolated in one or two minutes at the most if over
fluxing persists.

3. CT Saturation – External fault currents can lead to CT saturation. This can cause relay operating
current to flow due to distortion of the saturated CT current.
4. Different primary and secondary voltage levels that are the primary & secondary CT’s are of different
types and ratios. So CT ratio’s is also given at scaling menu in vamp setting software.
5. Phase displacement in Delta-Wye transformers. That’s why vector group must me mentioned at
scaling menu in vamp setting software.

2|P age
Transformer Differential Relay
To account for the above variables less sensitive Percentage Differential Relays with percentage
characteristics in the range of 15 to 60% are applied to transformers. Additionally, in modern
microprocessor relays harmonic restraints can be applied
Apparatus:

132 V/ 33V Δ-Y Transformer -1Pc

125/1 CT -3Pcs

500/1 CT -4Pcs

Transformer breaker – 2Pcs

Relay Vamp 265 -1PC

Power supply for relay and breaker

Necessary load 100A/200A/300A

Circuit Diagram:

3|P age
Procedure:

• Connect the transformer with the CT’s like above figure.[Already given]
• CT’s output should be connected with the relay like above figure. [Already given]
• Output relay’s T1, A1 and T2, A2 should be connected with the breaker like the diagram which is
given on the back side of the panel. [Already given]
• T1 and T2 are used for trip operation and A1 and A2 are used for interlocking closing operation.
• Now configure the relay by using VAMP setting software.
• Connect the relay with the VAMP setting software by the supplied USB cable.
• After open the software set the required port. [Settings → communica on se ng→ Port]
• And then click connect.
• Default password is 2.
• Now configure CT setting, transformer rating at the scaling menu.

• Configure differential protection stage.

4|P age
 • Configure differential E/F protection stage.

• Configure unbalance protection stage.

• Configure output relay and output LED on the output matrix menu.

• You can see the disturbance recording on event buffer menu.

• You can see the actual current, harmonics and phasor diagram from the respective menu.

Communication:

• Communicate with the relay to the given software and USB cable.
• Port selection must be OK to communicate with the relay.

5|P age
Observation:

• Device info
• Measurement
• Phasor diagram
• Event buffer
• Scaling
• Output matrix
• Differential stage
• Harmonics
• Scaling, Clock sync
• You can create fault line to line and line to ground by pushing of push button on the top of the
transformer diagram.
• You can create unbalance condition by removing one of the CT connections under load
condition.
• You can see the 2nd harmonic components of the magnetizing in rush current on relay setting
software.
• Vary the knob located on the bottom of the table to vary the differential current and observe
the different characteristics point on the differential characteristics curve under different load
conditions.

6|P age
7|P age
8|P age
9|P age
Note: See the detail information of VAMP 265 relay on its catalog.

10 | P a g e
Experiment 2: Transformer Over current Protection by using microprocessor based VAMP relay.

Theory: Over current protection is used for the purpose of providing back up protection for large
transformers (above 5MVA). It is also used for short circuits and heavy overloads. The over current
function of the VAMP relay measures the fundamental frequency components of the phase currents.
The protection is sensitive for the highest of the three phase currents. Whenever this value exceeds the
user pickup setting of a particular stage then the relay picks up and a trip signal is issued. Two phase
fault and one ground fault relay is sufficient to provide OC protection to star delta transformer. In this
case we use VAMP 265 relay for over current protection.
Causes:
In case of sustained overload conditions, the transformer should not be allowed to operate for long
duration. That’s why over current protection is necessary. Otherwise the winding temperature may
increase and eventually it turns into short circuit.

Apparatus:

132 V/ 33V Δ-Y Transformer -1Pc

125/1 CT -3Pcs

500/1 CT -4Pcs

Transformer breaker – 2Pcs

Relay Vamp 265 -1PC

Power supply for relay and breaker

Desired Load 100A/200A/300A

Circuit diagram:

11 | P a g e
Procedure:

• Connect the transformer with the CT’s like above figure.[Already given]
• CT’s output should be connected with the relay like above figure. [Already given]
• Output relay should be connected with the breaker like the diagram which is given on the back
side of the panel. [Already given]
• Now configure the relay by using VAMP setting software.
• Connect the relay with the VAMP setting software by the given USB cable.
• After open the software set the required port.
• And then click connect.
• Default password is 2.
• Now you should configure CT setting, transformer rating on the scaling menu.
• Configure Over current protection stage.

• Configure output relay and output LED on the output matrix menu.

• You can see the disturbance recording on event buffer menu.

• You can see the actual current, harmonics and phasor diagram from the respective menu.
• You can select different delay curve like very inverse, normal inverse and extremely inverse, long
time inverse etc.
• Now vary the load and record the tripping time under different delay curve.
Communication:
• Communicate with the relay to the given software and USB cable.
• Port selection must be OK to communicate with the relay.

Observation:

• Device info
• Measurement
• Phasor diagram
• Event buffer

12 | P a g e
• Scaling
• Output matrix
• Scaling
• Clock sync
• Create the over load condition by varying the load and observe how the trip signal is issued
during over load condition.
• You can also select the IDMT curve and observe tripping time by varying the load.

13 | P a g e
14 | P a g e
Note: See the detail information of VAMP 265 relay on its catalog.

15 | P a g e
Experiment 3: Transformer Incipient fault protection by using microprocessor based VAMP relay.

Theory:

INCIPIENT FAULTS: Faults which are not serious at the beginning but which slowly develops into serious
faults are known as incipient faults. There are many kinds of incipient fault may occurs in transformer
like overheating, below oil level, oil pressure increases etc. In this experiment we show how incipient
faults are detected by using digital input of VAMP relay through a transducers and how it is operated.

PROTECTION AGAINST OVERHEATING:

The rating of a transformer depends on the temperature rise above an assumed maximum ambient
temperature. Sustained overload is not allowed if the ambient temperature is equal to the assumed
ambient temperature. The maximum safe overloading is that which does not overheat the winding. The
maximum allowed temperature is about 95°C. Thus the protection against overload depends on the
winding temperature which is usually measured by thermal image technique.

In thermal image technique, a temperature sensing device like silicon resistor (thermostat) is placed in
the transformer oil near the top of the transformer tank. A CT is employed on the L.V. side to supply
current to a small heater. Both the temperature sensing device and the heater are placed in a small
pocket. The silistor is used as an arm of a resistance bridge supplied from the stabilized dc source. An
indicating instrument is energized from the out of balance voltage of the bridge. Also the voltage across
the silistor is applied to a static control circuit which controls cooling pumps and fans, gives warning of
overheating and ultimately trips the transformer circuit breakers. Another contact is coming from
thermostat relay to the digital input of the main differential relay and it senses the abnormal condition
and then an alarm signal is generated from the relay and if the temperature is further increases then trip
signal is issued.

BUCHHOLZ RELAY:

It is a gas actuated relay. When a fault develops in the winding slowly, it produces heat, thereby
decomposing solid or liquid insulating material in the transformer. The decomposition of the insulating
material produces inflammable gases. The Buchholz relay gives an alarm when a specified amount of gas
is formed. The analysis of the gas collected in the relay chamber indicates the type of the incipient fault.

There is a chamber to accommodate Buchholz relay, in between the transformer tank and the
conservator. The Buchholz relay is a slow acting device, the minimum operating time is 0.1 s and the
average time is 0.2 s. Too sensitive settings of the mercury contacts is undesirable because they are
subjected to false operation on shock and vibration caused by conditions like mechanical shock to the
pipe, tap changer operation and heavy external faults. There are two signal are taken from Buchhoz
relay. One is for alarm signal for small fault and another signal is taken for trip signal for heavy faults.
Both signals are going to digital input of the differential relay for protection.

16 | P a g e
Working: When an incipient fault such as a winding-to-core fault or an inter-turn fault occurs on the
transformer winding, there is severe heating of the oil. This causes gases to be liberated from the oil
around 350°C. There is a build-up of oil pressure causing oil to rush into the conservator. A vane is
placed in the path of surge of oil between the transformer and the conservator. A set of contacts,
operated by this vane, is used as trip contacts of the Buchholz relay. This output of Buchholz relay may
be used to trip the transformer.

The Buchholz relay also has another set of contacts operated by a float. These contacts stay open when
the transformer tank is filled with oil. However, in case of leakage of oil or decomposition of oil, the float
sinks causing the contacts to close. Loss of oil will no doubt cause the transformer temperature to rise
but does not warrant immediate tripping. Hence, normally these contacts are wired to an alarm which
alerts the operator.

PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE

An oil pressure relief valve is fitted at the top of the transformer tank. It is a spring controlled valve
located at the end of an oil relief pipe protruding from the top of the tank. Whenever a surge in the oil is
developed, it bursts, thereby allowing the oil to discharge rapidly. It operates when the pressure
exceeds 10 psi but closes automatically when the pressure falls below the critical level. This avoids the
explosive rupture of the tank and the risk of fire. We can also take a contact from the valve to the digital
input for alarm or trip signal.

Apparatus:

132 V/ 33V Δ-Y Transforemer -1Pc

125/1 CT -3Pcs

500/1 CT -4Pcs

Transformer breaker – 2Pcs

Relay Vamp 265 -1PC

Power supply for relay and breaker

Desired Load 100A/200A/300A

17 | P a g e
Push switches for generating various incipient faults -4 Pcs

Circuit diagram:

18 | P a g e
Procedure:

• Connect the digital inputs through the push switch with the relay like above figure.[Already
given]
• Here internal voltage from X3:1 is used only for all digital inputs.
• Output relay should be connected with the breaker like the diagram which is given on the back
side of the panel. [Already given]
• Now configure the relay by using VAMP setting software.

19 | P a g e
 • Connect the relay with the VAMP setting software by the given USB cable.
• After open the software set the required port.
• And then click connect.
• Default password is 2.
• Now configure CT setting, transformer rating on the scaling menu.
• Give name for the Digital inputs.

• Configure digital inputs settings from output matrix menu.

• Configure output relay and output LED on the output matrix menu.
• Now assign the breaker which should be trip during these fault conditions.

Communication:

• Communicate with the relay to the given software and USB cable.
• Port selection must be OK to communicate with the relay.

Observation:

• Measurement
• Phasor diagram
• Event buffer
• Scaling
• Output matrix
• Scaling
• Clock sync
• Now push the fault switches for generating fault signal which is actually comes from Buchholz
relay, Pressure release device and thermostat contacts.
• Now observe how this protection system works.

20 | P a g e