Transformer Protection
Types of Transformers
 Generator TR
 Power TR
 Distribution TR
 Grounding TR
 Regulating TR
 Welding TR
 Converter TR
 Pole Mounted Lighting TR
 Instrument TR (CT & PT)
 The type of protection
depends upon voltage,
power rating and
importance of application
of TR.
 The TR is an ideal
candidate for application
of the principle of
differential protection
because the terminals of
TR are physically close
together.
Equivalent Circuit of Transformer
 Inter-turn Faults in Transformers

 Inter-turn faults cause heavy

current to flow within the shorted
turns, however, the reflected
current can be quite small if seen
from the transformer terminals.
 Inter-turn faults are difficult to
detect using over-current or
differential principles of relaying.
 Inter-turn faults can cause severe
hot spots resulting in deterioration
of insulation.
 Buchholz relay makes use of heat
generated and the consequent
decomposition of oil to sense the
fault by purely non-electrical
means.
 Incipient Faults

Incipient faults are defined as those faults

which are not significant in the beginning
but which slowly develop into serious faults.
 Buchholz Relay

When an incipient fault occur on

the transformer winding, there is
severe heating of oil which causes
gases to be liberated from the oil
around 350°C and there is a built
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 conservator.
A set of contacts operated by this
vane is used as a trip contacts of
Buchholz relay. This output of
Buchholz relay may be used to
trip the transformer.
 Buchholz Relay

The Buchholz relay has another

contacts operated by a float.
These contacts stay open when
the transformer tank is filled with
oil. However, in case of leakage 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.
 Analysis of Trapped Gases

The trapped gases in the conservator can give

valuable clue to the type of damage that takes
place inside the transformer. This is because the
insulation between the winding turns, the
insulation between the stampings of the core and
the oil, all liberate specific gases when they get
heated up due to a fault. The presence of these
gases can be used as a signature of a particular
type of damage that may have taken place inside
the transformer.
 Analysis of Trapped Gases

Type of Gas Diagnosis

H2 & C2H2 Arcing in oil between constructional

parts
H2, C2H2 & CH4 Arcing with some deterioration of
phenolic insulation, e.g. fault in tap
changer
H2, CH4 & C2H4 Hot spot in core joints

H2, CH4,CO2 & C3H6 Hot spot in core joints

 Phenomenon of Over Fluxing

 V = 4.44*m*f*N
 m = V/(4.44*f*N)
 During over excitation the transformer draws excessive
magnetizing current which considerably increases core
losses giving rise to over heating of the transformer..
 Further saturation of the core causes the flux to flow into
adjacent structures, causing high eddy current losses in
the core and adjacent conducting materials. Such an
operating condition cannot be allowed to continue for
long and the transformer should be tripped if there is a
prolonged over-excitation.
 Over – excitation can also occur in case of low frequency
operation of the transformer at rated voltage.
 Protection Against Over Fluxing

 To keep the working flux within

permissible design limits, the V/f ratio
must not exceed the permissible limit.
 Over excitation can be detected by
measuring the V/f ratio by a Volt-Hertz
Relay.
 Internal & External Faults

Internal Faults External Faults

Phase Faults System Phase Faults

Ground Faults System Ground Faults

Inter – Turn Faults Overloads

Tap Changer Failure Over-Fluxing

Leakage of Oil from Tank

 Application of Protective Schemes

Protection Scheme
Fault
Primary Back-up
Phase Faults % Differential Relay Over-current / Distance

Ground Faults % Differential Relay Over-current / Distance

Inter – Turn Faults Buchholz Relay

Oil Leaks Buchholz Relay

Overloads OC Relay with thermal Image of Protection Unit

Over-Fluxing Over Fluxing Relay which Measures (V/f) Ratio