Best Relay Protection Practices Applied To Shunt Reactors, Capacitors, SVCs and PDF

Best relay protection practices applied to shunt reactors, capacitors, SVCs and STATCOMs | EEP
Protection / Transformers / Transmission and Distribution
Best relay protection practices applied to shunt reactors,

capacitors, SVCs and STATCOMs
By Edvard

March, 11th 2020
Connections & required protections

This technical article explains the protection practices applied to shunt reactors and capacitors
as well as to static var compensators (SVCs) and static compensators (STATCOMs). Dry-type
and oil-immersed reactors usually use overcurrent, negative sequence, percentage differential,
or impedance relays depending on some specific application.
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Best relay protection practices applied to shunt reactors, capacitors, SVCs and STATCOMs (on photo: Testing
ABB RET670 transformer protection relay; credit: Mahmoud Ahmed via Linkedin)
On the other hand, the main protection for capacitors is a function of their installation within a
station.
Capacitor overvoltage protection is provided by fuses supplied by manufacturers. SVCs and

STATCOMs are gaining increasing popularity as a means of controlling both inductive and
capacitive reactive deficiencies at the point of their connection to the power system.
The protection is a combination of protection required for both reactors and capacitors and
the special requirements associated with the SVC and STATCOM design.
This technical article also describes the possible protection schemes that are
required. It is important to note that SVC and STATCOM protection is a complex
combination involving station design, conventional equipment protection and the

specifics of the equipment design.
However, coordination with manufacturers is essential.
Table of contents:
1. Shunt reactor protection

1. Dry-type reactors
2. Oil-immersed reactors
2. Shunt capacitor bank protection
3. Static var compensator protection
1. Transformer protection
2. Bus protection
3. Typical protection schemes
4. Static compensator (STATCOM)
1. Shunt reactor protection

Reactors are connected into a power system in either a series connection or a shunt
connection. The series reactor is used to modify the system reactance, primarily to reduce the
amount of short-circuit current available. The shunt reactor is used to modify the system voltage
by compensating for the transmission line capacitance.
In general, the protection of reactors is very similar to that of transformers.
In considering the protection of shunt reactors, two configurations are involved: The

first one is dry-type, connected ungrounded-wye and connected to the tertiary of a

power transformer. The second configuration is oil-immersed, wye-connected, with a
solidly grounded or impedance-grounded neutral, connected to the transmission
system.
For both types of reactor construction, there are two more considerations that have an effect on
the protection.
1. Single-phase reactors, i.e. each phase is in its own tank. These are usually applied on
EHV transmission lines. There is no possibility of having a phase-to-phase fault within the
reactor enclosure although such a fault can occur in the bus and bushings.
2. Three-phase reactors where all three windings are in the same tank. These are primarily
applied at lower voltages.
Figure 1 – Dry-type shunt reactor connected to the power system between the
phase and ground phase and neutral point, phase and phase, and provides
reactive power. (photo credit: jwzn-teee.com)
Go back to contents ↑

1.1 Dry-type reactors
The faults encountered in dry-type reactors are the following.
1. Phase-to-phase faults on the tertiary bus, resulting in high-magnitude phase current.

These faults are rare since the phases of the reactors are located physically at a considerable
distance from each other.
2. Phase-to-ground faults on the tertiary bus resulting in low-magnitude fault current

depending on the size of the grounding transformer and resistor. These faults are also rare
since the reactors are mounted on insulators or supports with standard clearances.
3. Turn-to-turn faults within the reactor bank, resulting in a very small change in phase
current. Winding insulation failures may begin as tracking due to insulation deterioration which
eventually will involve the entire winding.
The result is a phase-to-neutral fault which increases the current in the unfaulted phases to a
maximum of √3 times normal phase current.
Figure 2 – Overcurrent relaying
Fault protection for the dry-type reactor is achieved through overcurrent relays connected as
shown in Figure 2 and differential relays as shown in Figure 3. This protection is the same as
the overcurrent and differential relaying for generators and transformers.

Overcurrent relays must be set above the normal reactor load current. They can
detect phase-to-phase faults, and phase-to-ground faults if the grounding impedance
is low enough, and turn-to-turn faults if enough turns are involved to produce high
enough fault currents.
Since phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground faults also produce negative sequence currents, a
negative sequence relay, connected the same as the overcurrent relay, can be used.
Load is not a consideration with negative sequence, but there must be enough current to
operate the relay.
Figure 3 – Percentage differential relay
Differential relays can provide sensitive protection but they do not see turn-to-turn faults
since the current entering a reactor with shorted turns is equal to the current leaving the
reactor. Instantaneous relays are not usually applied since the only fault location that will
produce enough current to operate an instantaneous relay is at the phase end of the reactor or
in the bus or bushings.
These fault locations are usually protected by the bus differential relay.

1.2 Oil-immersed reactors
The failures encountered with oil-immersed reactors are the following:
Failure № 1 – Faults resulting in large changes in the magnitude of phase current such as
bushing failures, insulation failures, etc. Because of the proximity of the winding to the core and
tank, phase-to-ground faults can occur, the magnitude being dependent upon the location of the
fault with respect to the reactor bushing.
Failure № 2 – Turn-to-turn faults within the reactor winding, resulting in small changes in the
magnitude of phase current.
Failure № 3 – Miscellaneous failures such as loss of oil or cooling.
Relay protection for faults producing large magnitudes of phase current is generally a
combination of overcurrent, differential and distance relaying. There are
limitations to each of these protective schemes. Overcurrent relays must be set above
the normal load current and a differential relay cannot detect a turn-to-turn fault.
An impedance relay can detect shorted turns since there is a significant reduction in the 60 Hz
impedance of a shunt reactor under such a condition.
Figure 4 shows the connection for an impedance relay (device 21). Protection against low-level
faults or mechanical failure involving the oil system is by pressure, temperature or flow devices.

Figure 4 – Connection for impedance relay
One of the principal difficulties with shunt reactor protection is false relay operation during
energizing or de-energizing the iron core. During these periods, DC offset with long time
constants and low-frequency components of the reactor energization current cause most of the
problems.
High-impedance differential relays rather than low-impedance relays are recommended if this
problem occurs.

2. Shunt capacitor bank protection

Capacitors are also installed as either a series or a shunt element in power systems. The series
capacitor is used primarily to modify the transmission line reactance for stability or load flow
considerations. The protection of fixed or switched shunt capacitor banks requires an
understanding of the capabilities and limitations of both the capacitors and the associated
switching devices.
Capacitor bank protective equipment must guard against a variety of conditions:
Condition № 1 – Overcurrents due to faults between the bus and the capacitor bank. The
protection afforded is the conventional overcurrent relay applied at the breaker feeding the
capacitor bank.
Condition № 2 – System surge voltages. The protection afforded is the conventional surge
arresters and spark gaps.
Condition № 3 – Overcurrents due to individual capacitor unit failure. The manufacturer

provides the necessary fuses to blow for an internal unit failure. The fuse link should be
capable of continuously carrying 125–135 % of the rated capacitor current.
Condition № 4 – Continuous capacitor unit overvoltages.
Figure 5 shows the general arrangement for a high-voltage capacitor bank consisting of parallel
units to provide the required current capability and series units to provide the desired capacitive
rating.

Figure 5 – General arrangement for a high-voltage capacitor bank
An overvoltage can be imposed across individual capacitor units as a result of the loss of one or
more units, usually by the operation of a unit fuse.
The overvoltage is the result of the increased impedance of the series section from which the
faulty unit has been removed. As units are removed, the impedance of that section increases.
However, since there are many sections in series the effect of the increased impedance in one
section does not decrease the phase current in the same relative proportion.
The result of the slightly reduced current flowing through the more markedly increased
impedance causes a higher voltage to appear across the remaining units in that section.
3. Static var compensator protection

Static var compensators (SVCs) are devices which control the voltage at their point of
connection to the power system by adjusting their susceptance to compensate for reactive
power deficiencies. The basic reactive components of SVCs are shunt reactors and shunt
capacitors (Figure 6).

Reactor controls are either thyristor-controlled or thyristor-switched. Capacitors are either

fixed or thyristor-switched.
Figure 6 – Typical SVC installation
As the load varies, a variable voltage drop will occur in the system impedance. This impedance
is mainly reactive. Assuming the generator voltage remains constant, the voltage at the load
bus will vary. The voltage is a function of the reactive component of the load current, and
system and transformer reactance.
A SVC can compensate for the voltage drop for load variations and maintain constant voltage by
controlling the gating of thyristors in each cycle. With fixed capacitors and variable reactors,
leading or lagging current can be provided to the bus and will correct the voltage drop or rise.
The protection scheme for SVCs is made up of a number of zones. In some cases,
faults in a zone should shut down the entire SVC system. In other cases, the relaying
can be coordinated so that only the faulted zone is cleared and the SVC kept in
operation with limited capabilities.
Sometimes, these protective functions can be provided as part of the integrated protective
system supplied by the manufacturer or they can be provided by the user. In either case the
settings must be coordinated between the manufacturer and the user.

3.1 Transformer protection
Differential relays, phase and ground overcurrent relays, gas pressure, low oil level and
temperature relays have all been effectively applied in accordance with standard transformer
protection practice.
The transformer guide should be applied to transformers that are part of the SVC. The
connection of the transformer windings determines the types of relay and their connection.
Recommended reading:
Power transformer protection relaying (overcurrent, restricted

earth fault & differential)
3.2 Bus protection
Phase fault protection
Conventional differential or time overcurrent relays are applicable. Time-overcurrent relays are
usually used for backup protection. For some installations, the SVC bus is included in the
protection zone of the transformer differential relays.
Ground fault protection
The voltage supplied to SVC buses may be grounded through a resistance or impedance in the
main transformer or through a grounding transformer, or ungrounded. Grounding transformers
are sized such that ground fault currents are limited to reduce damage, yet large enough to
selectively operate ground relays.
In addition, ground fault currents on the SVC low-voltage bus should be limited to 500–1500 A
to prevent thyristor valve damage.

3.3 Typical protection schemes
Typical protection schemes are as follows:
1. Time-overcurrent relays connected to CTs to measure the zero sequence current in the
main transformer or grounding transformer.
2. Time-overvoltage relays connected across the broken-delta secondary winding of a voltage
transformer as shown in Figure 7. This scheme does not provide fast location of a fault
since the ground fault could be anywhere in the low-voltage bus or any of its branches.
Figure 7 – Broken delta-ground detector
Overvoltage protection
In most installations, relays connected to the bus voltage transformers are provided to protect
the entire SVC system from excessive overvoltages. The capacitors in the SVC are vulnerable
to overvoltage and therefore determine the relay settings.
Reactor branch protection
A thyristor-controlled or thyristor-switched reactor is usually considered a separate zone of

differential and coordinates with it. Conventional reactor differential and overcurrent relays
are used. In many designs, the reactor branch is connected to the SVC bus by a relatively slow
motor-operated disconnect switch.
The relaying would then trip the SVC main breaker, the faulted element would then be removed
and the remainder of the SVC installation returned to service.

Capacitor branch protection
Conventional overvoltage and unbalance protection is applicable.
Filter protection
Switching of SVC elements will introduce harmonics into the power system. Depending upon the
particular design, the manufacturer must provide the necessary filters and should provide, or
recommend, the protection required.
The magnitude of the harmonic voltage generated depends on the type of SVC, the SVC
configuration, the system impedance and the amount of reactance switched.
In TSC branches, air-core reactors connected in series with the capacitors limit the
rate of change of inrush current generated from switching. This series combination
also provides tuned frequency filtering to a specific harmonic order. In TSR branches,
the triple harmonic currents (3, 9, 15, etc.) are removed by a delta or wye
ungrounded connection.
The even harmonics are removed by symmetrical gating of the TCR thyristors.
Thyristor protection
This protection is normally provided as a part of the thyristor control system. Typical protection
is provided for overvoltage, overcurrent, temperature and, where applicable, coolant flow and
conductivity.
4. Static compensator (STATCOM)

A static compensator (STATCOM) provides variable reactive power from lagging to leading,
but with no inductors or capacitors for var generation. This is achieved by regulating the
terminal voltage of the converter.

The STATCOM consist of a voltage source inverter using gate turnoff thyristors
which produces an alternating voltage source in phase with the transmission voltage,
and is connected to the line through a series inductance. If the terminal voltage of the
voltage source is higher than the bus voltage, STATCOM generates leading reactive
power. If the voltage is lower than the bus voltage, STATCOM generates lagging
reactive power.
SVCs have generally proven to have lower equipment costs and lower losses. STATCOMs have
been used in transmission where land constraints, audible noise or visual impact are of
concern.
STATCOM can provide both reactive power absorption and production capability whereas an
SVC requires individual branches for capacitors for var generation and reactors for var
absorption.
Recommended reading:
Controlling power system parameters through reactive power

(VAr) compensation
Source: Power system relaying by Stanley H. Horowitz and Arun G. Phadke
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Edvard Csanyi
Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized

for design of LV/MV switchgears and LV high power busbar trunking
(<6300A) in power substations, commercial buildings and industry
facilities. Professional in AutoCAD programming.

One Comment
Shepherd
MAR 11, 2020
Hi keep up the good work in educating electricians and electrical engineers. I

find your articles helpful.
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Best relay protection practices applied to shunt reactors, capacitors, SVCs and STATCOMs | EEP

Protection / Transformers / Transmission and Distribution

Best relay protection practices applied to shunt reactors,

Connections & required protections

https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/...s?fbclid=IwAR0IYUUvmpIsDaAVSVMlWqQ5_J_0IpjPVCTDW-MvGnTe3tn5N9_X-7xUP8A[3/12/2020 11:13:59 AM]

Capacitor overvoltage protection is provided by fuses supplied by manufacturers. SVCs and

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specifics of the equipment design.

However, coordination with manufacturers is essential.

1. Shunt reactor protection

1. Shunt reactor protection

In general, the protection of reactors is very similar to that of transformers.

https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/...s?fbclid=IwAR0IYUUvmpIsDaAVSVMlWqQ5_J_0IpjPVCTDW-MvGnTe3tn5N9_X-7xUP8A[3/12/2020 11:13:59 AM]

first one is dry-type, connected ungrounded-wye and connected to the tertiary of a

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1.1 Dry-type reactors

The faults encountered in dry-type reactors are the following.

1. Phase-to-phase faults on the tertiary bus, resulting in high-magnitude phase current.

2. Phase-to-ground faults on the tertiary bus resulting in low-magnitude fault current

Figure 2 – Overcurrent relaying

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Figure 3 – Percentage differential relay

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1.2 Oil-immersed reactors

The failures encountered with oil-immersed reactors are the following:

Failure № 3 – Miscellaneous failures such as loss of oil or cooling.

https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/...s?fbclid=IwAR0IYUUvmpIsDaAVSVMlWqQ5_J_0IpjPVCTDW-MvGnTe3tn5N9_X-7xUP8A[3/12/2020 11:13:59 AM]

Figure 4 – Connection for impedance relay

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2. Shunt capacitor bank protection

Capacitor bank protective equipment must guard against a variety of conditions:

Condition № 3 – Overcurrents due to individual capacitor unit failure. The manufacturer

Condition № 4 – Continuous capacitor unit overvoltages.

https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/...s?fbclid=IwAR0IYUUvmpIsDaAVSVMlWqQ5_J_0IpjPVCTDW-MvGnTe3tn5N9_X-7xUP8A[3/12/2020 11:13:59 AM]

Figure 5 – General arrangement for a high-voltage capacitor bank

3. Static var compensator protection

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Reactor controls are either thyristor-controlled or thyristor-switched. Capacitors are either

Figure 6 – Typical SVC installation

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3.1 Transformer protection

Power transformer protection relaying (overcurrent, restricted

3.2 Bus protection

Phase fault protection

Ground fault protection

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3.3 Typical protection schemes

Typical protection schemes are as follows:

Figure 7 – Broken delta-ground detector

Reactor branch protection

A thyristor-controlled or thyristor-switched reactor is usually considered a separate zone of

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Capacitor branch protection

Conventional overvoltage and unbalance protection is applicable.

4. Static compensator (STATCOM)

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Controlling power system parameters through reactive power

Source: Power system relaying by Stanley H. Horowitz and Arun G. Phadke

Related EEP's content with sponsored links

https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/...s?fbclid=IwAR0IYUUvmpIsDaAVSVMlWqQ5_J_0IpjPVCTDW-MvGnTe3tn5N9_X-7xUP8A[3/12/2020 11:13:59 AM]

Electrical engineer, programmer and founder of EEP. Highly specialized

Hi keep up the good work in educating electricians and electrical engineers. I

Tell us what you're thinking... we care about your opinion!