DIFFERENTIAL RELAY

&
TRANSFORMER PROTECTION
CONTENTS
POWER SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION TO DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION
TRANSFORMERS PROTECTION
BUS BAR PROTECTION
GENERATOR PROTECTION
FEEDER PROTECTION
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
 Power system

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Introduction
Differential protection is a very reliable method of protecting generators, transformers, buses, and
transmission lines from the effects of internal faults.

In a differential protection scheme in the above figure, currents on both sides of the equipment are
compared. The figure shows the connection only for one phase, but a similar connection is usually
used in each phase of the protected equipment. Under normal conditions, or for a fault outside of
the protected zone, current I1 is equal to current I2 . Therefore the currents in the current
transformers secondaries are also equal, i.e. i 1 = i2 and no current flows through the current relay. 
If a fault develops inside of the protected zone, currents I 1 and I2 are no longer equal, therefore
i1 and i2 are not equal and there is  a current flowing through the current relay.
THREE PHSE TRANSFORMER
Differential Relay Set-up for Delta-Star
Transformer

Star
CTs in Delta
star
CTs in
delta
 Differential Relay – Transformer Application

• Transformation ratio has to be taken into account.

• Three-phase delta-star or star-delta. The phase

shift and 3 have to be taken into account

• Similar types of CTs has to be used.

• Allow for ratio changes due to tap-changing (may

be 10-15%)
 Transformer Differential Protection
Example
• 33/11 kV, star-star transformer. Rating = 25
MVA
• Standard CT ratios available are 200:5, 400:5,
600:5, 800:5, 1000:5, 1600:5, 1800:5
• Allow for 15-20% unbalance
 Transformer Differential Protection
Example .. 2
• Full–load current = 437 A/ph (33kV side),
=1312 A/ph (11kV side)
• Allow 150% overload. Choose 600:5 CT for 33kV.
• Transformation ratio = 3. Choose 1800:5 CT for 11kV side
• Set HV normal current In = 450 A say
• Set bias to 20%.
• If delta-star transformer, allow for 3 (in LV CT ratio for
old relays – Idelta = Iline/ 3; taken care of in setting for
modern relays)
Buchholz Relays
A Buchholz relay is a gas and oil operated device installed in the pipe work between the top of the transformer
main tank and the conservator.  A second relay is sometimes used for the tap changer selector chamber.  The
function of the relay is to detect an abnormal condition within the tank and send an alarm or trip signal.  Under
normal conditions the relay is completely full of oil.  Operation occurs when floats are displaced by an
accumulation of gas, or a flap is moved by a surge of oil.  Almost all large oil-filled transformers are equipped
with a Buchholz relay, first developed by Max Buchholz in 1921.
Conditions Detected
A Buchholz relay will detect:
       
Fault conditions within a transformer produce gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen and a range of hydrocarbons
 
A small fault produces a small volume of gas that is deliberately trapped in the gas collection chamber
(A) built into the relay. 

Typically, as the oil is displaced a float (B) falls and a switch operates - normally to send an alarm. 
A large fault produces a large volume of gas which drives a surge of oil towards the conservator. 

This surge moves a flap (D) in the relay to operate a switch and send a trip signal.  A severe reduction in the oil level
will also result in a float falling.

  Where two floats are available these are normally arranged in two stages, alarm (B) followed by trip (C).

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)
Busbar Differential Protection
Scheme
Generator Differential Protection
 Feeder Differential Protection
(Balanced Voltage)
“Translay” protection

Top - external fault,

CT current balance, no
net voltage across
relays

Bottom - internal fault,

CT currents add, net
voltage across both
relays.
CONCLUSION.

BY UNDERSTANDING THE WORKING

PRINCIPLE OF DIFFERENTIAL RELAY , IT
CAN BE USED IN POWER SYSTEM TO
PROTECT MANY DEVICES FROM THEIR
INTERNALS FAULTS.
REFERENCES.
THANK YOU