Application Guide Volume IV AG2013-12

Sudden Pressure Relay Blocking Scheme

Using the SEL-751A Relay
Larry Wright and Arun Shrestha

INTRODUCTION
The accumulation of gas or changes in pressure inside a transformer tank can be good indicators
of internal faults. Some low-current-magnitude transformer faults or other unusual events cannot
be detected by differential or overcurrent relays. These disturbances can include turn-to-turn
faults, core bolt insulation failure, high-resistance joints, defective joints, and high eddy currents
between laminations [1]. Given enough time, such faults will eventually grow into a major fault
and can lead to considerable damage. A sudden pressure relay (SPR) is employed to detect
internal faults that are not normally seen by conventional relays. A sudden increase in gas
pressure can be detected by an SPR located either in the gas space or under the oil. An SPR
usually operates before other relays that sense electrical quantities, thus limiting damage to the
transformer.
One drawback of using an SPR is its tendency to operate on high-current through faults. Such
faults can cause movement of transformer windings, which results in an operation of the SPR.
This can particularly happen in older transformers where the structural stability of the bracings
within the transformer has degraded over time [2]. A common method to prevent undesired
operations is to use a very fast instantaneous overcurrent relay to supervise the SPR. Any high-
current condition detected by the instantaneous overcurrent relay blocks tripping by the SPR. SPR
blocking schemes also require an auxiliary seal-in relay for tripping.
The SEL-751A Feeder Protection Relay arc-flash overcurrent element can be used in an
exceptionally fast SPR blocking scheme. Typical relay operating time for this element is as low
as 2 to 5 milliseconds. This application guide provides detailed information on how to implement
this SPR blocking scheme using the SEL-751A. This SPR blocking scheme also eliminates the
need for an auxiliary seal-in relay.

SEL SUDDEN PRESSURE RELAY BLOCKING SCHEME

The SEL-751A SPR blocking scheme is implemented using a conventional SPR (63) supervised
by a fast arc-flash instantaneous overcurrent element (50PAF). The arc-flash overcurrent element
uses raw analog-to-digital converter samples with a sampling rate of 16 samples per cycle.
Individual samples are compared with the setting threshold, as shown in Figure 1. This is
followed by a security counter requiring that two samples in a row be above the setting threshold.

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Figure 1 Arc-Flash Instantaneous Overcurrent Element Logic

The default processing interval in the SEL-751A is one-fourth of a power system cycle; however,
for tripping, we select two outputs that are processed every one-sixteenth of a power system
cycle. The setting AOUTSLOT selects these outputs. For instance, if Slot 3 is selected
(AOUTSLOT := 301_2), the SELOGIC® control equations OUT301 and OUT302 are processed at
the rate of one-sixteenth of a cycle. For the fastest possible operating time, OUT301 is used to
initiate tripping.
Figure 2 shows the physical connection between the SEL-751A and the transformer SPR. The
digital inputs IN301 and IN302 are used to read the status of normally open (NO) and normally
closed (NC) pressure switches, respectively. Both inputs are used for making the SPR blocking
decision, which makes the circuit secure against false operation of the 63 NO contact due to noise
or moisture.

Figure 2 Transformer SPR Connected to the SEL-751A

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SPR BLOCKING LOGIC

The SPR blocking logic using the SEL-751A is shown in Figure 3. Two digital inputs (IN301 and
IN302) monitor the internal pressure status of the transformer using NO and NC microswitches.
The arc-flash three-phase overcurrent element output (50PAF) supervises the SPR during through
faults. However, immediately after a through fault, the SPR must be blocked from sealing in and
tripping until the bellows resets and opens the microswitch. The SV01 variable with a time delay
of 15 seconds blocks SPR tripping immediately after a through fault and allows the SPR
microswitch and bellows to reset. The latch bit LT01 latches the OUT301 output and eliminates
the need for a separate auxiliary seal-in relay. The front-panel pushbutton {PB01} on the
SEL-751A is used to reset the SPR blocking scheme.
If the 63 picks up for faults external to the transformer, IN301 and 50PAF are high, IN302 is low,
and the trip output (OUT301) does not operate. Immediately after an external fault, IN301 is high,
IN302 and 50PAF are low, and SV01T picks up. SV01T blocks the trip output (OUT301) during
damped oscillation of transformer gas pressure. If the 63 picks up for low-current internal faults,
IN301 is high, IN302 and 50PAF are low, and OUT301 trips the transformer breaker or lockout
relay. LT01 seals in the trip output.

Figure 3 SPR Blocking Logic

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SEL-751A REQUIREMENTS AND PROGRAMMING

In order to prevent extensive damage to the transformer during internal faults, the breaker should
trip in the minimum possible time. The SEL-751A arc-flash overcurrent element, together with
the fast hybrid (high-speed) output card, can reduce relay operating time to as low as 2 to
5 milliseconds. An SEL-751A with the card for 4 fast high-current interrupting digital outputs
and 4 digital inputs in Position C, as shown in Figure 4, is used to apply the SPR blocking
scheme.

Figure 4 Device Part Number for SPR Blocking Scheme

The following settings can be used to implement the SEL-751A SPR blocking scheme.

TID := SPR BLOCKING

50PAFP := XX.XX (Set by user)
AOUTSLOT := 301_2

IN301D := 0
IN302D := 0

SET01 := OUT301 # SPR TRIP LATCH

RST01 := R_TRIG PB01 # RESET SPR LATCH USING PB01
OUT301 := IN301 AND NOT IN302 AND NOT (50PAF OR SV01T) OR LT01 # SPR TRIP

SV01PU := 0.0
SV01DO := 15.0
SV01 := 50PAF

PB1A_LED := LT01 # SPR TRIP INDICATOR

PB1B_LED := 0

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CONCLUSION
The SEL-751A SPR blocking scheme described in this application guide has been tested in the
laboratory and successfully applied in the field. It blocks misoperation of sudden pressure (63)
relays on high-current through faults.

REFERENCES
[1] Power System Relaying Committee of the IEEE Power and Energy Society, PSRC K6
Working Group Sudden Pressure Protection for Transformers Notebook Index.
Available: http://www.pes-psrc.org/k/k6/K6NotebookRev092606.pdf.
[2] J. L. Blackburn and T. J. Domin, Protective Relaying: Principles and Applications, 3rd ed.
CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 2007.

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Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
2350 NE Hopkins Court
Pullman, WA 99163-5603 USA
Telephone: +1.509.332.1890
Fax: +1.509.332.7990
www.selinc.com • info@selinc.com

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U.S. and Foreign patents. *AG2013-12*
SEL Application Guide 2013-12 Date Code 20130716