P63x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e

MiCOM Px3x Series
Transformer Differential Protection
Application Guide
Issue: e
Release: 11 / 2011
[Restricted Earth Fault Protection] MiCOM Px3x Series 2
Contents
1 Introduction
Introduction 4
2 Basic Mode of Operation 5
3 Biased Restricted Earth Fault Protection 10

3.1 Amplitude Matching 10
3.2 Biasing by Residual Current 11
3.3 Biasing by Maximum Phase Current 12
4 High Impedance Restricted Earth Fault Protection 13

4.1 High Impedance Principle 13
4.2 Stability Requirement 14
4.3 Operating Time 14
4.4 CT Requirements 15
4.5 Sensitivty 16
4.6 Stabilizing Resistor 16
4.7 Use of Metrosil Non-linear Resistors 17
5 Autotransformer Application 22
5.1 Logical Combination of 2 REF functions 22
5.1.1 Symmetrical load operation 23
5.1.2 Internal ground fault 24
5.1.3 External ground fault 25
5.2 REF_1 autotransformer wrap-around low-impedance differential protection 28
Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

Symbols and Subscripts

Symbols
I Current phasor
V Voltage
S Power
k Matching factor
N Number of turns
f Fault location factor
K Dimensioning factor
n Number
C Constant
Subscripts
prim Primary
sec Secondary
nom Nominal
ref Reference
P Phase
G Ground (EN: earth)
Y Star point
L Lead
sc Short circuit
ext External
int Internal
max Maximum value
CT Main current transformer (set)
A, B, C Phase A, B, or C
x Dummy variable for phase A, B, or C
amp Amplitude-matched
1, 2, 3 Measuring system 1, 2, or 3
a, b End or winding a or b of the protected object
d Differential
R Restraining
stab Stability, stabilizing
knee Knee point
operating Operating
m Magnetizing

1 Introduction
Protection devices in the MiCOM 30 series are described in detail in the respective
operating manuals as regards technical properties, functional characteristics, and proper
handling during installation, connection, commissioning, and operation. However, the
operating manuals do not provide any information regarding the philosophy behind each
specific product or the way in which the functional possibilities of a particular protection
device can be used to handle special applications.
The present application guide is intended to close this gap. For the restricted earth fault
protection function group of MiCOM P63x devices, the purpose is to give the reader a
better understanding of the design of the individual function blocks and then to provide
related instructions for settings, commissioning, and testing.
Note:
Although MiCOM P63x devices provide this function group under the name „Ground
Differential Protection“ the present application guide uses the more common name
„Restricted Earth Fault Protection“.

2 Basic Mode of Operation
Restricted earth fault protection is applied on transformers in order to detect ground-faults on a given
winding more sensitively than overall transformer differential protection is able to do. Restricted earth
fault protection – as well as transformer differential protection – is based on the principle of comparison
of measured variables by comparing the residual current of the phase current transformers of the given
winding with the current of the associated grounded star point. Since residual current may occur due to
transient saturation during high through-fault currents restraining is required for restricted earth fault
protection. For this purpose two different measuring principles are available:
• Biased restricted earth fault protection
• High impedance restricted earth fault protection

As mentioned above restricted earth fault protection provides higher sensitivity for the
detection of ground-faults than overall transformer differential protection.
In the following a ground-fault is considered within low-voltage winding (winding b) of a

transformer Yyn(d). Fault location is given by the fault location factor f. In case of open
circuit breaker at low-voltage side the ground-fault is fed from high-voltage side (winding a)
only and the phase currents at low-voltage side are zero. The grounding resistance mainly
limits the ground-fault current which is given for a fault location at connection side (f = 1) as
IG,max.
Na Nb
C C
B B
A A
0 ... f ... 1
Ix,a Ix,b
Id>
Σ{IA, IB, IC}

IY
Id,G>
Assuming equal induced voltage per turn of the faulty winding b the ground-fault current will
be of linear dependency on the fault location f:
IY = f ⋅ IG,max
Due to ampere turns balance the fault current is induced by two thirds only from the high-
voltage winding being on the same leg. The missing third comes from the compensating
delta winding. The induction is given in accordance with the ratio of the number of turns f·Nb
of the partial winding to Na. Since the phase current transformers at low-voltage side are at
zero current the differential currents of the measuring systems of the transformer differential
protection are given by the respective phase currents at high-voltage side and the
differential current of the restricted earth fault protection is given by the star point current:

2 f ⋅ Nb
Id,1 = IA,a = ⋅ ⋅ f ⋅ IG,max
3 Na
1 f ⋅ Nb
Id,2 = IB,a = ⋅ ⋅ f ⋅ IG,max ⇔ Id,G = IY = f ⋅ IG,max
3 Na
1 f ⋅ Nb
Id,3 = IC,a = ⋅ ⋅ f ⋅ IG,max
3 Na
The measuring system of transformer differential protection carrying the highest differential
current is used for the comparison of the sensitivity of restricted earth fault protection and
transformer differential protection. For simplification the rated transformation ratio of the
power transformer is considered first to be 1:
Vnom,a
Vnom,a 3 Na Na
=1 and = ⇒ =1
Vnom,b Vnom,b Nb Nb
3
The differential currents of transformer differential protection and restricted earth fault
protection are then as follows:
2 2
Id = ⋅ f ⋅ IG,max ⇔ Id,G = f ⋅ IG,max
3
The fundamental advantage of restricted earth fault protection resides in the linear
dependency of the differential current on fault location factor f whereas this dependency is
given in proportion of the square for transformer differential protection. The graph below
presents the much larger protected zone of restricted earth fault protection in comparison
with transformer differential protection:
Id,G/IG,max
Id/IG,max
1 Id,G = f·IG,max
0.66 Id = 2/3·f 2·IG,max
0.2
0
0 0.2 0.55 1 f

A further example deals with a transformer Dyn where ground-fault is considered likewise in
the zone of the low-voltage winding (winding b). The single-phase-to-ground fault is
transformed to the high-voltage side (winding a) as double-phase fault clear of ground.
Na Nb
C C
B B
A A
0 ... f ... 1
Ix,a Ix,b
Id>
Σ{IA, IB, IC}

IY
Id,G>
The differential currents of transformer differential protection and restricted earth fault
protection are calculated as follows:
f ⋅ Nb
Id,1 = IA,a = ⋅ f ⋅ IG,max
Na
Id,2 = IB,a = 0 ⇔ Id,G = IY = f ⋅ IG,max
f ⋅ Nb
Id,3 = IC,a = ⋅ f ⋅ IG,max
Na
The measuring system of transformer differential protection carrying the highest differential
current is used again for the comparison of the sensitivity of restricted earth fault protection
and transformer differential protection. For simplification the rated transformation ratio of
the power transformer is considered first to be 1. In this case factor √3 has to be taken into
consideration due to delta connection of the windings at high-voltage side:
Vnom,a Vnom,a Na Na Nb 1
=1 and = ⇒ = 3 or =
Vnom,b Vnom,b Nb Nb Na 3
3

The differential currents of the transformer differential protection and of the restricted earth
fault protection are then as follows:
1
Id = ⋅ f 2 ⋅ IG,max ⇔ Id,G = f ⋅ IG,max
3
The graph below illustrates that the protected zone of transformer differential protection is
even less than in the first example:
Id,G/IG,max
Id/IG,max
1 Id,E = f·IG,max
0.58 Id = 1/√3·f 2·IG,max
0.2
0
0 0.2 0.59 1 f
For the quantitative comparison of the protected zone of transformer differential protection
and restricted earth fault protection the rated transformation ratio of the power transformer
was considered first to be 1. While the sensitivity of restricted earth fault protection is
independent of the power transformer ratio the sensitivity of transformer differential
protection gets worse with Na > Nb.

3 Biased Restricted Earth Fault Protection

Biased restricted earth fault protection is based on differential protection principle by
defining a suitable restraining quantity in combination with a suitable tripping characteristic
to it. Two different operating modes with different properties are available by choice.
Restricted earth fault protection provides amplitude matching. Hence the primary nominal
currents of phase current transformers and star point current transformer may be different.
The secondary nominal currents are settable to 1 A oder 5 A via software parameter each.
3.1 Amplitude Matching
Amplitude matching is implemented on the same method as used with transformer

differential protection (please refer to Application Guide „Transformer Differential
Protection“). Amplitude matching factors are assigned to the phase currents and to the star
point current. The definition of the two amplitude-matching factors is given based on the set
nominal data as follows:
(prim )
Inom ,CT,P I(nom
prim )
,CT,P I(nom
prim )
,CT,Y I(nom
prim )
,CT,Y
k amp,P = = and k amp,Y = =
I(ref
prim )
,P S (ref
prim )
I(ref
prim )
,Y S(ref
prim )
(prim ) (prim )
3 ⋅ Vnom 3 ⋅ Vnom
The common reference power shall be set equal to the nominal power of the given winding.
Doing so the amplitude-matched currents are scaled to the nominal current of this winding.
The amplitude-matched currents are formed by scalar multiplication, whereby the individual
currents are multiplied by the corresponding amplitude-matching factor.
The amplitude-matching factors are calculated automatically by the protection device. The
device also checks automatically whether the resulting amplitude-matching factors are
within the limits specified by requirements of numerical processing:
• None of the amplitude-matching factors kamp,P and kamp,Y

must exceed a value of 16:
k amp,P ≤ 16 and k amp, Y ≤ 16
• None of the amplitude-matching factors kamp,P and kamp,Y

must fall below a value of 0.5 :
k amp,P ≥ 0.5 and k amp,Y ≥ 0.5
Note:
Software versions -601 and -602 of P631/632/633/634 series require more severe
restrictions (please refer to the corresponding Technical Manual).

3.2 Biasing by Residual Current

Current
In case of operating mode for biasing by residual current differential current and restraining
current are defined as follows:
Id,G = k amp,P ⋅ Σ{IA ,IB ,IC } + k amp,Y ⋅ IY

IR,G = k amp,P ⋅ Σ{IA ,IB ,IC }
According to Kirchhoff’s first law the differential current is always defined as the phasor
sum of the currents being involved in the given current node. As restraining quantity the
residual current is taken.
The tripping characteristic forms a straight line fixed by a slope being a little bit larger than 1:
Id,G (IR,G ) = Id,G > + m ⋅ IR,G where m = 1.005
Following the graphical representation it‘s clear that tripping requires star point current.
Residual currents e.g. due to transient saturation of the phase current transformers arise in
the differential current and in the restraining current equally and hence are given by the
bisetrix below the tripping characteristic:
Id,G / Iref
m = 1.005
1
Characteristic for
line side feed only
( IY=0 )
Id,G>
0 0.5 1 1.5 IR,G / Iref
This property gives this biasing method an exceptional behaviour in terms of restraining
quality. As a detrimental effect an on-load test is not possible, i.e. the secondary short-
circuiting of one of the phase currents under sufficient load current does not result in
tripping.

3.3 Biasing by Maximum Phase Current
In case of operating mode for biasing by maximum phase current differential current and
restraining current are defined as follows:
Id,G = k amp,P ⋅ Σ{IA ,IB ,IC } + k amp,Y ⋅ IY
IR,G =
1
2
( { }
⋅ k amp,P ⋅ max IA , IB , IC + k amp,Y ⋅ IY )
According to Kirchhoff’s first law the differential current is always defined as the phasor
sum of the currents being involved in the given current node. As restraining quantity the
sum of the absolute values of maximum phase current and star point current is taken.
The tripping characteristic is of dual slope design. The two sections of the tripping curve are
defined by the following characteristic equations:
Id,G (IR,G ) = Id,G > + m1 ⋅ IR,G for 0 … IR,G … IR,G,m2
Id,G (IR,G ) = Id,G > + IR,G,m2 ⋅ (m1 − m 2 ) + m 2 ⋅ IR,G for IR,G,m2 … IR,G …
Following the graphical representation it‘s clear that the above described on-load test can
be carried out:
Id,G / Iref
Characteristic for
line side feed only
( IY=0 )
1
m2
m1
Id,G>
0 0.5 IR,G,m2 1.5 IR,G / Iref

4 High Impedance Restricted Earth Fault Protection

Protection
For high impedance restricted earth fault protection the differential quantity is formed
externally of the protection device by connecting the secondary current transformer circuits
in parallel. A likely rated resistance (so-called high impedance) is inserted in the differential
path in order to achieve the required restraining level. Instead of star point current the
differential current is fed to the restricted earth fault protection that operates as an
overcurrent element. The rated transformation ratios of all current transformers being
involved must be identical.
4.1 High Impedance Principle
If any current transformer experiences saturation its normally high magnetizing inductance
breaks down to a low value determined by the permeability of air. The relatively high ohmic
resistance in the differential path results in the effect that differential current caused by
current transformer saturation does not flow completely through the differential path but
flows through the low magnetizing inductance of the saturated current transformer. Thus
the insertion of the so-called high impedance has a restraining effect:
RCT,P
RL,P saturated CT RL,P
RL,Y
Rstab
RCT,Y
Id,G>
RL,Y

By neglecting the residual magnetizing inductance and the burden of the protection device
within the differential path as well the voltage across the stabilizing resistor at maximum
through-fault current is given by:
Vsc,ext,max = Isc,ext,max ⋅ (R CT,P + 2 ⋅ RL,P )
The restraining limitation of restricted earth fault protection is given by the set current
pickup value in conjunction with the rated value of the stabilizing resistor. Furthermore the
set secondary nominal current and the amplitude matching factor which is automatically
calculated by the protection device on the basis of the set nominal data have to be taken
into consideration:
Vstab = Istab ⋅ R stab
where
Id,G > ⋅ Inom
Istab =
k amp,Y
Stability of restricted earth fault protection can be achieved by choosing a sufficient high
value of the stabilizing resistor so that the current flowing through the protection device
caused by Vsc,max does not exceed the set pickup value.
4.2 Stability Requirement
Whereas the quantity Vstab is based on pure sinusoidal current the voltage Vsc,max being
caused by spill current will be highly non-sinusoidal. The wave form of this voltage is
governed particularly by the fact that transient saturation of the main current transformers
occurs only during parts of each current wave form cycle. The behaviour of the restricted
earth fault protection element under those non-sinusoidal quantities is inherent to the relay
design and therefore has to be determined by investigations as part of type testing. The
result of these investigations is expressed in terms of a required dimensioning factor K.
Stability requirement is described by the following equation:
Vstab > K ⋅ Vsc,ext,max

> K ⋅ Isc,ext,max ⋅ (R CT,P + 2 ⋅ RL,P )
For P631/632/633/634 series the dimensioning factor has been determined as
K = 1.1
4.3 Operating Time
In case of an internal fault the differential current is going up to the knee point of the main
current transformers being involved in restricted earth fault protection. The ratio of knee
point voltage Vknee to stability voltage Vstab determines the tripping time of the restricted
earth fault protection. This ratio shall be chosen higher than 2 in order to ensure tripping
times of less than 2 cycles at nominal frequency of 50 Hz:
Vknee > 2 ⋅ Vstab

Typical tripping times as a function of the ratio of knee point voltage Vknee to stability
voltage Vstab for the P631/632/633/634 series can be taken from the following diagram:
0,045
0,04
0,035
0,03
0,025
t/[s]
0,02
0,015
0,01
0,005
0
0 5 10 15 20
Vknee/Vstab
The diagram is the result of investigations which were carried out for impedance ratios in
the range of 5 to 120 and for fault currents in the range of 0.5 to 40·Inom
4.4 CT Requirements
From the required minimum stability voltage Vstab according to chapter 4.2 and the required
ratio Vknee/Vstab according to chapter 4.3 we obtain the required minimum knee point
voltage Vknee as follows:
Vknee > 2 ⋅ K ⋅ Isc,ext,max ⋅ (R CT,P + 2 ⋅ RL,P )
Of course as mentioned above the transformation ratios of all main current transformers
being involved in restricted earth fault protection must be identical.

4.5 Sensitivty
The sensitivity in terms of primary fault current is obtained from the set pickup value Id,G>. If
a high number of main current transformers is connected in parallel, e.g. when using as
busbar protection, their magnetizing currents cannot be neglected anymore. In this case the
sum of the magnetizing currents n·Im at stability voltage Vstab has to be taken into
consideration:
I(nom
prim )
⋅ (Istab + n ⋅ Im )
,CT
I(operation
prim )
=
Inom
where
Id,G > ⋅ Inom
Istab =
k amp,Y
The magnetizing currents of all main current transformers being involved in restricted earth
fault protection reduce the current through the stabilizing resistor. Therefore the actual
pickup value will be adequately higher. For the required setting value Id,G> we obtain:
 I(operation
prim )
n ⋅ Im 
Id,G > ≤ k amp,Y ⋅  (prim ) −
I Inom 
 nom,CT 
4.6 Stabilizing Resistor
Once the pickup value for restricted earth fault protection has been determined according
to chapter 4.5 the required value for the stabilizing resistor is obtained from the stability
requirement according to chapter 4.2 and from the definitions according to chapter 4.1 as
follows:
Isc,ext,max ⋅ (R CT,P + 2 ⋅ RL,P )

R stab > K ⋅
Id,G > ⋅ Inom
k amp,Y

4.7 Use of Metrosil Non-

Non-linear Resistors
Metrosil non-linear resistors are used to limit the peak voltage developed by the current
transformers under internal fault conditions, to a value below the insulation level of the
current transformers, relay and interconnecting leads, which are normally able to withstand
3000 V peak.
The following formulae should be used to estimate the peak transient voltage that could be
produced for an internal fault. The peak voltage produced during an internal fault will be a
function of the current transformer kneepoint voltage and the prospective voltage that
would be produced for an internal fault if current transformer saturation did not occur:
V̂ = 2 ⋅ 2 ⋅ Vknee ⋅ (Vsc,int,max − Vknee )
where
Vsc,int,max = Isc,int,max ⋅ (R CT + 2 ⋅ RL + R stab )
When the value given by the formulae is greater than 3000 V peak, Metrosil non-linear
resistors should be applied. They are connected across the relay circuit (relay and stabilizing
resistor) and serve the purpose of shunting the secondary current output of the current
transformer from the relay in order to prevent very high secondary voltages.
Metrosil non-linear resistors are externally mounted and take the form of annular discs. Their
operating characteristic for d.c. or instantaneous values follow the expression:
V = C ⋅ I0.25
With a sinusoidal voltage applied across the Metrosil non-linear resistor, the r.m.s. current
would be approximately 0.52 times the peak current. This is due to the fact that the current
waveform through the Metrosil non-linear resistor is not sinusoidal but appreciably
distorted. This r.m.s. current value can be calculated as follows:
4
 2⋅V
I = 0.52 ⋅  
 C 
 

Metrosil Units with 1 A CTs

For satisfactory application the Metrosil units with 1 A CTs have been designed to comply
with the following restrictions:
1. At stability voltage, the Metrosil current should be less than 30 mA rms.
2. At the maximum secondary internal fault current the Metrosil unit should limit the
voltage to 1500 V rms if possible.
The Metrosil units normally recommended for use with 1 A CTs are as shown in the
following table:
Nominal Recommended Metrosil Type

Stability Voltage
Characteristic Single Pole Relay Triple Pole Relay
Up to 125 V rms C = 450 600A/S1/S256 600A/S3/1/S802
125 to 300 V rms C = 900 600A/S1/S1088 600A/S3/1/S1195
Note: Single pole Metrosil units are normally supplied without mounting brackets unless
otherwise specified by the customer
Metrosil Units with 5 A CTs

For satisfactory application the Metrosil units with 5 A CTs have been designed to comply
with the following requirements:
1. At stability voltage, the Metrosil unit current should be less than 100 mA rms (the actual
maximum currents passed by the units shown below their type description).
2. At the maximum secondary internal fault current the Metrosil unit should limit the
voltage to 1500 V rms for 0.25 s. At the higher relay settings, it is not possible to limit
the fault voltage to 1500 V rms hence higher fault voltages have to be tolerated
(indicated by *, **, ***).
The Metrosil units normally recommended for use with 5 A CTs and single pole relays are as
shown in the following table:
Recommended Metrosil Type
Secondary
Internal Fault Stability Voltage
Current
Up to 200 V rms 250 V rms 275 V rms 300 V rms
600A/S1/S1213 600A/S1/S1214 600A/S1/S1214 600A/S1/S1223
50 A rms C = 540/640 C = 670/800 C = 670/800 C = 740/870*
35 mA rms 40 mA rms 50 mA rms 50 mA rms
600A/S2/P/S1217 600A/S2/P/S1215 600A/S2/P/S1215 600A/S2/P/S1196
100 A rms C = 470/540 C = 570/670 C = 570/670 C = 620/740*
600A/S3/P/S1219 600A/S3/P/S1220 600A/S3/P/S1221 600A/S3/P/S1222
150 A rms C = 430/500 C = 520/620 C = 570/670** C = 620/740***
*2400 V peak
**2200 V peak
***2600 V peak

In some situations single disc assemblies may be acceptable, contact us for detailed
applications.
Note:
1. The Metrosil units recommended for use with 5 A CTs can also be applied for use with
triple pole relays and consist of three single pole units mounted on the same central
stud but electrically insulated for each other. To order these units please specify "Triple
pole Metrosil type", followed by the single pole type reference.
2. Metrosil units for higher stability voltage and fault currents can be supplied if required.
Single pole Metrosil unit without brackets: Triple pole Metrosil unit with brackets:

Dimensions and weights of Metrosil units:
Metrosil Unit Type Stud Length Fixing Centers Unit Weight

600A/S1 without mounting brackets 178 mm – 1.2 kg
600A/S1 with mounting brackets 178 mm 100 ± 25 mm 1.2 kg
600A/S2/P 240 mm 170 ± 25 mm 2.3 kg
600A/S3/P
240 mm 190 ± 7 mm 3.1 kg
600A/S3/I
Triple Pole 600A/S2/P 406 mm 340 ± 20 mm 5.8 kg
Triple Pole 600A/S3/P 508 mm 457 ± 7 mm 8.5 kg
Outline sketch of single pole Metrosil unit without mounting brackets:

Outline sketch of single pole Metrosil unit comprising three disks in parallel:
Outline sketch of triple pole Metrosil unit comprising one single disk each:

5 Autotransformer Application
Most commonly high impedance restricted earth fault protection is applied for
autotransformer protection. Nevertheless, biased or low impedance restricted earth fault
protectioncould be used as well with one of the following 2 options.
• Using the AND combination of 2 restricted earth fault functions trip signals.
This option is available as fixed logic with P63x-603 or later.
• Use of extended REF_1 function as wrap around restricted earth fault protection.
This option is available as fixed logic with P63x-603 or later.
5.1 Logical Combination of 2 REF functions
For this application the restricted earth fault protection functions of the 2 ends are needed
and have to be set up in operating mode „biasing by residual current”. The logic AND of
both trip signals then forms the trip condition.
C C
B B
A A
Id,G> Id,G>
&
Trip REF_1 Trip REF_2
Trip
Important Note!
This Application must only be used in operating mode „biasing by residual
current“. The opoperating mode “biasing by maximum phase current” provides
provides no
sufficient stabilisation in case of external single-
single-pole ground short-
short-circuits.

MiCOM P63x devices provide since version -603 this AND combination of the REF trip
signals as fixed logic within the MAIN function group. Hence the use of user-programmable
LOGIC is not required.
This application is only feasible due to the specific feature of the operating mode „biasing
by residual current”. The trip criterion can be deduced as follows:
Id ,G > Id ,G > + m ⋅ IR,G

kamp,P ⋅ Σ{I A , I B , I C } + kamp ,Y ⋅ I Y > Id ,G > + m ⋅ k amp,P ⋅ Σ{I A , I B , I C }
That way, trip condition could only be achieved, if residual current and starpoint current
have the same polarity. In case both currents flow in opposite direction, no tripping is
possible.
5.1.1 Symmetrical
Symmetrical load operation
When applying restricted earth fault protection to autotransformers, one has to consider,
that operation conditions differ from application to ordinary power transformers with
galvanic isolated windings. The difference of galvanic connected primary and secondary
side voltages forces a current flowing through the common serial winding, which causes an
inductively induced current in the parallel winding. Magnitude and polarity of this parallel
winding current are determined by the rules of equal ampere turns. In case of symmetrical
load always induced currents are flowing in the parallel windings to the transformer
starpoint, but the total of these 3 phase currents is always zero. Thus no current is flowing
from starpoint to ground.
galvanic current
serial winding
parallel winding
induced current
primary side secondary side

5.1.2 Internal
Internal ground fault
In case of a ground fault within the common windings of the autotransformer and current
feeding from secondary side, a paradox polarity of the starpoint current could be observed.
Due to the fact, that the parallel winding current has to balance the Ampere turn ration with
the common winding, a current is induced which shows a polarity as expected in case of
external faults.
1
...
f
Current ratio acc. to balanced
... Ampere turn ratio
0
Current polarity
as for external faults
The polarity of the starpoint current will revert, if the fault location is moved towards the
parallel winding. The actual fault location, where this inversion happens, depends on the
feeding conditions, but will always be within the common windings.
1
...
f
Current ratio acc. to balanced
... Ampere turn ratio
0
Current polarity
as for internal faults
This insensitivity of the proposed restricted earth fault protection scheme towards faults
within the common windings is not critical in practice, as these faults cause high fault
currents and thus could be easily detected from overall differential protection.

5.1.3 External
External ground fault
In case of external ground faults differential protection must remain stable. This
fundamental requirement could only be obtained in the proposed scheme by use of
operating mode „biasing by residual current”.
There are three basic current distributions possible for an external ground fault on the
secondary side of the autotransformer. Superposition of them yields to the resulting
measuring condition.
The first sketch shows the condition of fault feeding from secondary side only, no current is
flowing through the protected autotransformer. The fault current loop is closed externally
via starpoint(s) in the secondary side power system.
C C
B B
A A
This condition has no impact on the restricted earth fault protection, as no current is flowing
through its measuring CTs.

The second sketch shows also the condition of fault feeding from secondary side, this time
with current flowing through the protected autotransformer. This fault current loop is closed
via the autotransformer starpoint.
C C
B B
A A
Under this current distribution, the restricted earth fault protection on the primary side will
measure a pure differential current (= starpoint current) with no restraining current, and
therefore will trip. The restricted earth fault protection on the secondary side will identify a
balanced condition, it measures equal residual phase currents and starpoint current, and
will not trip. The logic AND of both trip signals thus remains inactive.

The third sketch shows the condition of fault feeding from primary side only. The fault
current loop is closed externally via starpoint(s) in the primary side power system. Balancing
the Ampere turn ratio forces also a current flow through the parallel winding of the the
autotransformer.
C C
B B
A A
The situation is similar to the previous case. The restricted earth fault protection on the
primary side now will measure a restraining current. Yet, the differential current is greater
than the restraining current and hence still its trip signal is set. The restricted earth fault
protection on the secondary side identifies no balanced condition, but will not trip, because
its restraining current is bigger than its differential current. The logic AND of both trip signals
thus remains inactive.
As a general rule, the restricted earth fault protection in operating mode „biasing by residual
current” could only trip, if residual current and starpoint current have the same polarity. In
case of the sketched autotransformer protection application this never happens at the same
time for both REF elements used for any external ground fault either on primary or
secondary side. The scheme thus provides the indispensable through-fault stability.

5.2 REF_1 autotransformer wrap-

wrap-around low-
low-impedance differential protection
The fundamental principle of differential protection (the sum of all currents flowing into a
node is zero under normal operating conditions) could also be directly applied to
autotransformers, if all currents flowing into the galvanic connected node are considered. In
case the autotransformer is provided with 3 phase CTs in its starpoint, normal 3-ended
differential protection could be applied (see “Transformer Differential Protection” application
guide). If only one common starpoint CT is available, this kind of protection is now offered
with the enhanced REF_1 function, available from versions P63x -621 or later.
For such applications with REF_1, all the other ends (b, c, d – dependent on the type of
device) may now be selected, and end a is still permanently included in the protection
function. For the sketched example end b needs to be added into REF_1 scope:
019 120 REF_1: Add.meas.inp. end b = Yes
019 121 REF_1: Add.meas.inp. end c = No
019 122 REF_1: Add.meas.inp. end d = No
The neutral-point current is still permanently assigned to the measuring input for end a
(T14).

A further amplitude matching factor is calculated and displayed by the device for each end
added.
All currents involved must be referred to a common reference value as this application
entails protection of an electric node in a zero-sequence system. This common reference
current value is calculated based on the settable reference power and the nominal voltage
for end a. This calculation has not been changed from previous versions. The amplitude
matching factors then result from the ratio of the primary transformer current values for the
relevant end and the common reference current value.
Sref , prim
Re ference current I ref =
3 ⋅Vnom , prim ,a
I nom ,CT , prim , x
Amplitude matching factor k amp , x =
I ref
for x = End a, b, c or d
With Sref,prim = 019 031 R E F _ 1 : R e f e r e n c e p o w e r S r e f

Vnom,prim,A = 019 017 M A I N : V n o m p r i m . e n d a P S 1
Inom,CT,prim,A = 019 020 M A I N : I n o m C . T . p r i m . , e n d a
Inom,CT,prim,B = 019 021 M A I N : I n o m C . T . p r i m . , e n d b
Inom,CT,prim,C = 019 022 M A I N : I n o m C . T . p r i m . , e n d c
Inom,CT,prim,D = 019 026 M A I N : I n o m C . T . p r i m . , e n d d
The reference current and matching factors are calculated and displayed at the P63x.
The devices also check that the reference current and matching factors remain within the
permitted ranges. The permitted range for the reference current can be looked up in the
S&R-103 setting and recording software. The following rule applies to the resisual current
matching factors:
• The largest matching factor must be ≤ 16.

• The value for the second largest matching factor must be ≥ 0.5.
• There are no restrictions concerning further possible matching factors.
The starpoint current matching factor value has to be within the range 0.5 to 16.
The measured values are multiplied by the matching factors and they are then available for
further processing. Consequently, all threshold values and measured values always refer
back to the relevant reference current rather than to the transformer nominal current or the
nominal current of the device.

The differential current is formed from the sum of all phase currents involved and the
neutral-point current:
I diff ,N = k amp ,a ⋅ I N ,a + k amp,b ⋅ I N ,b ( +...) + k amp,y ⋅ I a,y

= k amp ,a ⋅ Σ {I A,a , I B,a , I C,a } + k amp,b ⋅ Σ { I A,b , I B,b , I C,b } ( +...) + k amp,y ⋅ I a,y
The calculation of the restraining current depends on the set operating mode.
• If the operating mode is set to 'Low imped. / sum(IP)', the restraining current is
calculated from the sum of all involved ends:
I R,N = k amp,a ⋅ I N ,a + k amp,b ⋅ I N ,b ( +...)

= k amp ,a ⋅ Σ{ I A,a ,I B,a ,I C,a } + k amp,b ⋅ Σ{ I A,b ,I B,b ,I C,b } ( +...)
• If the operating mode is set to 'Low imped. / IP,max', the formula to calculate the
restraining current remains unchanged from the application for a single end. But
now the highest phase current is calculated from the amplitude-matched sum of the
currents on the relevant phase of all ends involved.
I R ,N =
1
2
(
max { I A , I B , I C } + k amp ,N ⋅ I a,N ) (unchanged )
with I x = k amp,a ⋅ I x,a + k amp,b ⋅ I x,b ( +....) , for x = A, B or C
The value pairs (Id,N/IR,N) calculated with the above formula are then compared with the
already identified pick-up characteristics of the ground differential protection function (as
per section 3).


 2011 Schneider Electric. All rights resereved
Schneider Electric As standards, specifications and designs change from time to time, please ask for contribution
35, rue Joseph Monier – CS30323 of the information given in this publication.
F - 92500 Rueil-Malmaison cedex (France)
Tel: +33 (0)1 41 29 85 00
Fax: +33 (0)1 41 29 71 00
RCS Nanterre 954 503w

Capital social 896 313 776 € Design: Schneider Electric
ww.schneider-electric.com Photos: Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric Energy - MiCOM Px3x Series- Application Guide - EN 11 / 2011

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MiCOM Px3x Series

Transformer Differential Protection

2 Basic Mode of Operation 5

3 Biased Restricted Earth Fault Protection 10

4 High Impedance Restricted Earth Fault Protection 13

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

Symbols and Subscripts

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

2 Basic Mode of Operation

• Biased restricted earth fault protection

• High impedance restricted earth fault protection

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

In the following a ground-fault is considered within low-voltage winding (winding b) of a

Σ{IA, IB, IC}

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

0.66 Id = 2/3·f 2·IG,max

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

Σ{IA, IB, IC}

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

0.58 Id = 1/√3·f 2·IG,max

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

3 Biased Restricted Earth Fault Protection

3.1 Amplitude Matching

Amplitude matching is implemented on the same method as used with transformer

• None of the amplitude-matching factors kamp,P and kamp,Y

k amp,P ≤ 16 and k amp, Y ≤ 16

• None of the amplitude-matching factors kamp,P and kamp,Y

k amp,P ≥ 0.5 and k amp,Y ≥ 0.5

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

3.2 Biasing by Residual Current

Id,G = k amp,P ⋅ Σ{IA ,IB ,IC } + k amp,Y ⋅ IY

Id,G (IR,G ) = Id,G > + m ⋅ IR,G where m = 1.005

0 0.5 1 1.5 IR,G / Iref

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

3.3 Biasing by Maximum Phase Current

Id,G = k amp,P ⋅ Σ{IA ,IB ,IC } + k amp,Y ⋅ IY

Id,G (IR,G ) = Id,G > + m1 ⋅ IR,G for 0 … IR,G … IR,G,m2

0 0.5 IR,G,m2 1.5 IR,G / Iref

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

4 High Impedance Restricted Earth Fault Protection

4.1 High Impedance Principle

RL,P saturated CT RL,P

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

4.2 Stability Requirement

Vstab > K ⋅ Vsc,ext,max

For P631/632/633/634 series the dimensioning factor has been determined as

4.3 Operating Time

Vknee > 2 ⋅ Vstab

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

Vknee > 2 ⋅ K ⋅ Isc,ext,max ⋅ (R CT,P + 2 ⋅ RL,P )

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

4.6 Stabilizing Resistor

Isc,ext,max ⋅ (R CT,P + 2 ⋅ RL,P )

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

4.7 Use of Metrosil Non-

V̂ = 2 ⋅ 2 ⋅ Vknee ⋅ (Vsc,int,max − Vknee )

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

Metrosil Units with 1 A CTs

Nominal Recommended Metrosil Type

Metrosil Units with 5 A CTs

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy

Px3x RestrictedEarthFault ApplicationGuide EN e.doc Schneider Electric Energy