Objective

 Transformer faults
 Differential Protection of three- winding
transformer
 Inrush current and differential protection
 Bucholz relays
 Over- fluxing in transformer
 Earth leakage protection
 Transformer Faults
 The most common being the winding to core faults because of weakening of
insulation.

 Phase faults inside the transformer are rare. However, such faults may
take place outside the transformer, on the transformer terminals, which fall
within the transformer protection zone.

 Power and distribution transformers are provided on-line tap changing

(OLTC) gear which is major source of faults.

 All large transformers are of the oil-immersed type. There is a possibility of

low level of oil due to leakage.

 Transformers can experience large inrush currents at the time of switching if

they happen to be unloaded.

 Transformers may suffer from over-fluxing (also called over-excitation).

Transformer Protection
 The protection method used for power transformers
depends on the transformer ratings.
 Transformers below 5000 KVA (Category I & II) are
protected using Fuses.
 Fuses and Medium Voltage (MV) circuit breakers are often
used to protect transformers up to 1000 kVA (distribution
transformers for 11kV and 33kV).
Category Transformer Rating KVA
1 phase 3 phase
1 5-500 15-500
2 501-1667 501-5000
3 1668-10k 5001-30k
4 >10k >30k
 For transformers 10 MVA and above (Category III & IV) ,differential
relay are commonly used to protect them.

 Current differential relays are applied for transformers as main

protection.

 In regard to backup protection, distance protection or overcurrent

(phase current, zero sequence current) protection or both are mainly
applied.

 In addition to the above, mechanical relays such as Buchholtz relays

and sudden pressure relays are widely applied to transformer
protection, and are particular to application to transformer
protection
 Incipient Faults in Transformer
Incipient Fault in Transformer

 Faults which are not significant in the beginning but which slowly
develop into serious faults are known as incipient faults.
 Buchholz relay provides protection against such incipient faults.
A Buchholz relay will detect:

 Gas produced within the transformer .

 An oil surge from the tank to the conservator

 A complete loss of oil from the conservator (very low oil level)