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GE Power Management
Technical Notes

Stator Differential Protection

during Transformer Inrush
Conditions in the 489
GE Publication No. GET-8403

Copyright © 2002 GE Power Management

DESCRIPTION OF A common configuration for small generation is as follows:

PROBLEM

G 1

489

2 Load

FIGURE 1. Typical small generation connection

In this configuration the generator can be subjected to a significant inrush current when
the transformer is energized on closing of Breaker 2. Each of the generator CTs will see
the same current. However, the current can be as large as 10 pu If the CTs have different
characteristics; or, if there is a significant difference in the CT burdens, the CTs may sat-
urate unequally.

The following example shows a typical waveform as seen by the 489 during transformer
inrush conditions.

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 GET-8403: Stator Differential Protection during Transformer Inrush Conditions in the 489

Phase C (Output) Phase C (Neutral)

FIGURE 2. Example generator CT currents in presence of transformer inrush

Ideally, the currents in the output and neutral CTs would be mirror images of one another.
Unequal saturation creates a false differential current. Increasing the slope in these
cases may not solve the problem since there are intervals when the currents are sum-
mating. This would require a slope setting greater than 100%.

SOLUTION 1 The 489 differential element has an associated time delay setting. This can be used to
delay the operation of the differential element long enough to ride through the inrush
event. The drawback of this solution is an increased clearing time for in-zone faults. This
can be avoided by taking advantage of the dual settings feature available in the 489. A
digital input (ideally, the transformer breaker close command) is required to predict the
onset of the saturation event. This input forces the 489 to change to an alternate setting
group with an extended delay time (20 cycles is usually sufficient). A dropout timer is
necessary to maintain the signal for the duration of the inrush. The associated relay set-
tings and wiring are shown below.

FIGURE 3. Settings for Solution 1

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 GET-8403: Stator Differential Protection during Transformer Inrush Conditions in the 489

CB CLOSE COMMAND

D16 ASSIGNABLE INPUT 1

D17 ASSIGNABLE INPUT 2
POTTER & BRUMFIELD D18 ASSIGNABLE INPUT 3
D19 ASSIGNABLE INPUT 4
CNS-35-96 TDDO D20 ASSIGNABLE INPUT 5
OR EQUIVALENT D21 ASSIGNABLE INPUT 6
D22 ASSIGNABLE INPUT 7

DIGITAL INPUTS
D23 COMMON
D24 SWITCH +24Vdc
C1 +
ACCESS
C2 -
C3 +
BREAKER STATUS
C4 -

FIGURE 4. Connections for Solution 1

SOLUTION 2 If an additional digital input and contact output are available, then the dropout time delay
can be incorporated into the 489. A general purpose input can be programmed as a con-
trol element. The desired dropout time would be entered as the dwell time setting.

FIGURE 5. Settings for Solution 2

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 GET-8403: Stator Differential Protection during Transformer Inrush Conditions in the 489

E2
R1 TRIP F1
E1
F2
R2 AUXILIARY E3
F3
E5
R3 AUXILIARY F4
E4
F5
R4 AUXILIARY E6
F6
E8
R5 ALARM F7
D16 ASSIGNABLE INPUT 1
E7
D17 ASSIGNABLE INPUT 2
F8
CB CLOSE D18 ASSIGNABLE INPUT 3
R6 SERVICE E9
COMMAND D19 ASSIGNABLE INPUT 4
F9

DIGITAL INPUTS
D20 ASSIGNABLE INPUT 5
D21 ASSIGNABLE INPUT 6
D22 ASSIGNABLE INPUT 7
D23 COMMON
D24 SWITCH +24Vdc
C1 +
ACCESS
C2 –
C3 +
BREAKER STATUS
C4 –

FIGURE 6. Connections for Solution 2

Either solution requires that the settings for all elements be entered in both setting
groups. The Group 2 Phase Differential element would be programmed with an extended
time delay.

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