PRAP-001A

09/30/99

Protective Relays
7SJ63 Multi-Function Relay

Transformer Monitoring…
1 Abstract

There is an increasing need for utilities to control capital

expenditures and employ assets to their fullest potential while
maintaining system reliability.

In addition to establishing specific limits for individual units, data

gathered from a population of on-line monitors allows the
evolution of loading criteria for families of transformers beyond
nameplate rating.

Equipped with accurate loading scenarios, customers are able to

optimize maintenance schedules and possibly defer capital
expenditure.

This application note discusses transformer monitoring using the

7SJ63 Multi-Function Relay. The 7SJ63 makes it possible to
optimize the use of existing transformers in a cost effective and
simple manner.

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2 Issues

Substantial benefits can be obtained by loading power transformers beyond

these thresholds. Current practice loads power transformers based on nameplate
ratings and thermal algorithms that are generic in nature and usually
conservative.

Performing transformer health diagnosis is dependent on the ability to perform

accurate on-line monitoring, as well as, reliable modeling of gas dynamics.

3 Application

Bus

7SJ63
3

67 67T 67N 67NT 27-1 27-2 59

7

50 50N
50 51 50N 50BF 46
HS HS

Control Binary Transducer

Outputs Inputs Inputs

Customer Transformer

Figure 1

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The 7SJ63 monitors load currents, bus voltages, transformer temperature, gas
conditions and any dry contacts the transformer provides. Using advanced PLC
logic, the 7SJ63 dynamically controls fans and pumps to keep the transformer
operating at optimal temperatures.

The 7SJ63 can operate as a backup tap-changer controller preventing equipment

damage by blocking tap-changer operations and controlling the taps if the
primary controller fails.

The 7SJ63 Relay has a full compliment of relay functions (50, 51, 46, 47, 49, 27,
59, 67, 81) thus allowing it be employed as a backup protection unit .

The 7SJ63 Relay has the ability to provide both local and remote control and
monitoring of nearly all transformer conditions. The Integrated Human Machine
Interface (HMI) provides the local operator with visual indications and alarms, as
well as fingertip control when human intervention is required. The 7SJ63
supports various industry standard protocols which allows SCADA systems to
remotely monitor and respond to changing transformer conditions.

3.1 Annunciation

7SJ63
Transformer
Miscellaneous Alarms (Binary Inputs) LEDs
71-Q BE1
26-Q BE2
49T BE3

27AC BE4

63-X BE5

BE6

BE7

Figure 2
Legend
71-Q Nitrogen Pressure Alarm
26-Q Top Oil Level Alarm
63-X Sudden Pressure Alarm
49T Hot Spot Winding Alarm
27AC Loss of AC Power
BE1…7 7SJ63 Binary Inputs

Standalone annunciators are required to report and identify alarm conditions that
occur in power transformers. The 7SJ63 comes equipped with up to 37 binary
inputs and 14 programmable LED’s (latched or unlatched) that allow for visible
identification of nuisance transformer alarms. Alarms can be assigned to

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 individual LED’s or grouped together as critical, non-critical, or any user defined
alarm. All alarm occurrences are time stamped and stored in a Sequential
Events buffer. This information can either be viewed via the integrated HMI, via
the local configuration port, or sent directly to SCADA.

3.2 Transformer Auxiliary Control and Monitoring

Statistics continue to show that excessive overheating of transformer windings
reduce their expected life cycle by breaking down the insulating medium. By
properly monitoring the temperature, using modern RTDs connected to intelligent
microprocessor based IEDs, it is possible to extend the life of many transformers
and possibly predict failures in others.

Figure 3 illustrates how the 7SJ63 is employed to monitor and control the
transformer temperature, manually and automatically. The 7SJ63 contain 4
programmable function keys on its integrated HMI. In this example, they are
programmed as momentary ON/OFF buttons that manually control transformer
auxiliary fans and pumps.

S
43 A
7SJ63 4-20 mA Logic Set Points 7SJ63 Contact Output
Transducer Input for
Automatic Fan & Pump 85 Stage No.1 Fans
Control

7SJ63 Function 95
Stage No.2 Fans
Keys for Manual
Fan & Pump
Control 105o
Cooling Pumps

43 M Programmable Logic

Internal Overcurrent Logic

51 PhA PickUp
51 Phase A
51 PickUp

Time-Current
S Q
R 51 TRIP
Phase A 51 TimeOut

Phase B
Phase C

>51 BLOCK

Contact Internal S Setting Message

Figure 3

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To automatically operate the auxiliary controls the top oil temperature value is
connected to the 7SJ63 through a 4-20ma transducer. The PLC functionality
allows the user to create set points in the relay to operate the auxiliary controls in
steps as the temperature increases.

As the figure 4 shows, Stage 1 fan bank is set to come on when the top oil
temperature exceeds 85 oC. If the load continues to increase and reaches 95 oC,
Stage 2 fan banks will be turned on. The transformer pumps will be turned on if
the top oil temperature exceeds 105 oC. Please refer to the transformer
manufacturer recommendations for auxiliary control set points.

To further insure that excessive heating does not occur, a time-overcurrent

element has also been configured to operate the auxiliary controls based on
loading conditions. If the 51 element is not blocked via an input contact or
setting, the pickup value can be used to turn on auxiliary controls if required.
Internal Logic timers could also be added to the pickup value to allow the fans to
come on in incremental steps.

3.3 Primary or Backup Tap Changer Controller

Substation equipment can be overstressed and may frequently fail due to
excessively high voltages caused by mis-operating or failed tap changer controls.
Installing a low cost backup voltage-regulating device to existing or new
transformer tap changer controls can eliminate this problem.

Figure 3 shows how to employ the 7SJ63 relay in this application. A normal tap
changer controller will have the following settings:

Nominal Voltage: 115v Bandwidth: +/- 2% Time Delay: 30 Sec

When the system secondary voltage falls below 114.7 volts or climbs above
117.3 volts for more than 30 seconds, a tap changer operation occurs.

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 Bus

Sensing Voltage 59
Block 84 84
Raise L R

LOWER

59 90
Control
Voltage RAISE
84R 84L
M
7SJ63 Primary
Backup Voltage
Relay Relay

84 84
R L

59 Force
Customer Regulating Lower
Transformer

Figure 4
Legend
84R – Raise Relay 84L – Lower Relay M – Tap Changer Motor
59 – Overvoltage Relay 90 – Regulating Voltage Relay

Typical settings for the 7SJ63 (59) Element would be:

59V: 120 volts or +5% Time Delay: 5 seconds

This element should only operate in case of a failed primary relay or an

excessive voltage rise due to a large system voltage swing.

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 7SJ63 (59) Overvoltage Logic

>59 BLOCK 59 BLOCK

>59 OFF S Q
>59 ON R 59 OFF

OVER VOLTS On 59 ACTIVE

Off
Function Initiate
Breaker Closed (I>)
59 PickUp
Max. Line Voltage over 59 Pickup
59 DELAY
T
59 TRIP
Ø

Contact Input Internal State S Setting Message

Figure 5

4 Conclusion

4.1 Advantages of using the 7SJ63 for Transformer Monitoring

• Comprehensive monitoring
• Advanced PLC logic
• Backup tap-changer controller
• Backup overload protection unit
• Local and remote control and monitoring of nearly all transformer conditions
• Predictive maintenance - alarm for operational hours
• SCADA Ready

4.2 Benefits to the User

• Protect the sizable investments you have in your transformers
• Be informed when the LTC needs maintenance before it’s too late and repair costs
escalate
• Extend the useful life and reliability of your transformers
• Monitor and control your transformers cost effectively instead of just a select few
problems or critical units
• Control maintenance schedules; minimize maintenance expenditures
• Minimize chance for outages and interrupted service to your customers

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