Professional Documents
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DUBAI, UAE
CURRENT TRANSFORMER
MADE EASY
Organished by
Co-ordinated by
Mr. R. SARAVANABHAVAN
Mrs. M. S. RAJESWARI
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TRANSFORMER:
A transformer is a device that transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another
through inductively coupled conductors called the transformer's coils. A varying
current in the first or primary winding creates a varying magnetic flux in the
transformer's core, and thus a varying magnetic field through the secondary winding.
This varying magnetic field induces a varying electromotive force (EMF) or "voltage"
in the secondary winding. This effect is called mutual induction.
IDEAL TRANSFORMER:
If a load is connected to the secondary, an electric current will flow in the secondary
winding and electrical energy will be transferred from the primary circuit through the
transformer to the load. In an ideal transformer, the induced voltage in the secondary
winding (VS) is in proportion to the primary voltage (VP), and is given by the ratio of
the number of turns in the secondary (NS) to the number of turns in the primary (NP)
as follows:
HISTORY
where:
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Faraday's experiments included winding a pair of coils around an iron ring, thus
creating the first toroidal closed-core transformer.
Basic principles
The transformer is based on two principles: firstly, that an electric current can produce
a magnetic field (electromagnetism) and secondly that a changing magnetic field
within a coil of wire induces a voltage across the ends of the coil (electromagnetic
induction). Changing the current in the primary coil changes the magnetic flux that is
developed. The changing magnetic flux induces a voltage in the secondary coil.
INDUCTION LAW
The voltage induced across the secondary coil may be calculated from Faraday's law
of induction, which states that:
where VS is the instantaneous voltage, NS is the number of turns in the secondary coil
and Φ equals the magnetic flux through one turn of the coil. If the turns of the coil are
oriented perpendicular to the magnetic field lines, the flux is the product of the
magnetic flux density B and the area A through which it cuts. The area is constant,
being equal to the cross-sectional area of the transformer core, whereas the magnetic
field varies with time according to the excitation of the primary. Since the same
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magnetic flux passes through both the primary and secondary coils in an ideal
transformer,[24] the instantaneous voltage across the primary winding equals
Taking the ratio of the two equations for VS and VP gives the basic equation[25] for
stepping up or stepping down the voltage
INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS
Instrument transformers are used for measuring voltage and current in electrical
power systems, and for power system protection and control. Where a voltage or
current is too large to be conveniently used by an instrument, it can be scaled down to
a standardized, low value. Instrument transformers isolate measurement, protection
and control circuitry from the high currents or voltages present on the circuits being
measured or controlled.
CURRENT TRANSFORMER:
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VOLTAGE TRASNFORMER:
Both current and voltage instrument transformers are designed to have predictable
characteristics on overloads. Proper operation of over-current protection relays
requires that current transformers provide a predictable transformation ratio even
during a short-circuit.
CURRENT TRANSFORMER:
The current transformer works on the principle of variable flux. In the "ideal" current
transformer, secondary current would be exactly equal (when multiplied by the turns
ratio) and opposite to the primary current. But, as in the voltage transformer, some of
the primary current or the primary ampere-turns is utilized for magnetizing the core,
thus leaving less than the actual primary ampere turns to be "transformed" into the
secondary ampere-turns. This naturally introduces an error in the transformation. The
error is classified into two-the current or ratio error and the phase error.
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Ferromagnetic material
2.1 SUMMATION CT: When the currents in a number of feeders need not be
individually metered but summated to a single meter or instrument, a summation
current transformer can be used. The summation CT consists of two or more primary
windings which are connected to the feeders to be summated, and a single secondary
winding, which feeds a current proportional to the summated primary current. A
typical ratio would be 5+5+5/ 5A, which means that three primary feeders of 5 are to
be summated to a single 5A meter.
2.2 CORE BALANCE CT (CBCT): The CBCT, also known as a zero sequence CT,
is used for earth leakage and earth fault protection. The concept is similar to the RVT.
In the CBCT, the three core cable or three single cores of a three phase system pass
through the inner diameter of the CT. When the system is fault free, no current flows
in the secondary of the CBCT. When there is an earth fault, the residual current (zero
phase sequence current) of the system flows through the secondary of the CBCT and
this operates the relay. In order to design the CBCT, the inner diameter of the CT, the
relay type, the relay setting and the primary operating current need to be furnished.
2.3 INTERPOSING CT's (ICT's): Interposing CT's are used when the ratio of
transformation is very high. It is also used to correct for phase displacement for
differential protection of transformers.
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Features:
Application:
Used in distribution & power transformers, for metering & protective applications
A current transformer which can be used under outdoor service conditions (ambient
air temperature, humidity, pollution,...)
Features
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Auxiliary current transformers are designed for connection in the secondary circuit of
a main current transformer to change the effective ratio on meters or relays. Wound
primary CT's which are rated for the system voltage are available for primary currents
up to 50 amperes. We also offer summation CT's for summing up to six secondary’s.
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DEFINITIONS
3.2 Rated secondary current: The current in the secondary circuit and on which the
performance of the CT is based. Typical values of secondary current are 1 A or 5 A.
In the case of transformer differential protection, secondary currents of 1/ root 3 A
and 5/ root 3 A are also specified.
3.3 Burden:
The external load (e.g., meters, transducers, etc.) applied to the secondary of a CT is
called the burden. The burden can be expressed in volt-amperes:
VA = I2 x Z
Z = Total CT secondary impedance
I = Secondary current
(Generally 1 or 5 amps)
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In the case of Measuring Current transformer, the burden depends on the connected
meters and quantity of meters on the secondary ie no of Ammeters, KWh meters,
Kvar metres, transducers and also the connecting cable burden
In the case of Protection CTs the burden is calculated in the same way as above
except the burden of individual protective relays burden shall be considered instead of
meters. The connecting cable burden is calculated in the same way as metering CT
3.4 Rated burden: The apparent power of the secondary circuit in Volt-amperes
expressed at the rated secondary current and at a specific power factor (0.8 for almost
all standards)
3.5 Thermal Rating Factor: The thermal rating factor denotes the amount by which
the primary current can be increased on a continuous basis over its rated value without
exceeding the CT’s maximum temperature rise. The formula below can be used to
calculate thermal rating factors at temperatures above 30°C.
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3.6.1 Metering Accuracy CTs are rated for specified standard burdens and
designed to be highly accurate from very low current to the maximum current
rating of the CT. Because of their high degree of accuracy, these CTs are
typically used by utility companies for measuring usage for billing purposes. In
the case of metering CT s, accuracy class is typically, 0.2, 0.5, 1 or 3
3.6.2 Relaying Accuracy CTs are not as accurate as Metering Accuracy CTs. They
are designed to perform with a reasonable degree of accuracy over a wider range of
current. These CTs are typically used for supplying current to protective relays. The
wider range of current allows the protective relay to operate at different fault levels.
In the case of protection CT s, the CT s should pass both the ratio and phase errors at
the specified accuracy class, usually 5P or 10P, as well as composite error at the
accuracy limit factor of the CT.
3.6.3 Class P
Class P current transformers are typically used for general applications, such as over
current protection, where a secondary accuracy limit greatly in excess of the value to
cause relay operation serves no useful purpose. Therefore a rated accuracy limit of 5
will usually be adequate.
3.6.4 Class PR
A current transformer with less than 10% remanence factor due to small air gaps for
which, in some cases, a value of the secondary loop time constant and/or a limiting
value of the winding resistance may also be specified.
3.6.5 Class PX
A current transformer of low leakage reactance for which knowledge of the
transformer secondary excitation characteristic, secondary winding resistance,
secondary burden resistance and turns ratio is sufficient to assess its performance in
relation to the protective relay system with which it is to be used.
Class PX is the definition in IEC 60044-1 for the quasi-transient current transformers
formerly covered by class X of BS 3938, commonly used with unit protection
schemes.
Class PX type CTs are used for high impedance circulating current protection and are
also suitable for most other protection schemes.
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IEC 60044-6
3.6.6 Class TPS
Protection current transformers specified in terms of complying with class TPS are
generally applied to unit systems where balancing of outputs from each end of the
protected plant is vital. This balance, or stability during through fault conditions, is
essentially of a transient nature and thus the extent of the unsaturated (or linear) zones
is of paramount importance. It is normal to derive, from heavy current test results, a
formula stating the lowest permissible value of Vk if stable operation is to be
guaranteed.
The performance of class TPS current transformers of the low (secondary) reactance
type is defined by IEC 60044-6 for transient performance. In short, they shall be
specified in terms of each of the following characteristics:
• Rated primary current
• Turns ratio (the error in turns ratio shall not exceed ±0.25%)
• Secondary limiting voltage
• Resistance of secondary winding
Class TPS CTs are typically applied for high impedance circulating current
protection.
3.6.7 Class TPX
The basic characteristics for class TPX current transformers are generally similar to
those of class TPS current transformers except for the different error limits prescribed
and possible influencing effects which may necessitate a physically larger
construction. Class TPX CTs have no air gaps in the core and therefore a high
remanence factor (70-80% remanent flux). The accuracy limit is defined by the peak
instantaneous error during the specified transient duty cycle. Class TPX CTs are
typically used for line protection.
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instantaneous error during the specified transient duty cycle. Class TPY CTs are
typically used for line protection with auto-reclose.
3.6.9.1 Class PS/ X CT: In balance systems of protection, CT s with a high degree of
similarity in their characteristics are required. These requirements are met by Class PS
(X) CT s. Their performance is defined in terms of a knee-point voltage (KPV), the
magnetizing current (Imag) at the knee point voltage or 1/2 or 1/4 the knee-point
voltage, and the resistance of the CT secondary winding corrected to 75C. Accuracy
is defined in terms of the turns ratio.
3.7 Composite error: The rms value of the difference between the instantaneous
primary current and the instantaneous secondary current multiplied by the turns ratio,
under steady state conditions.
3.8 Accuracy limit factor: The value of primary current upto which the CT complies
with composite error requirements. This is typically 5, 10 or 15, which means that the
composite error of the CT has to be within specified limits at 5, 10 or 15 times the
rated primary current.
3.9 Short time rating: The value of primary current (in kA) that the CT should be
able to withstand both thermally and dynamically without damage to the windings,
with the secondary circuit being short-circuited. The time specified is usually 1 or 3
seconds.
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3. 9.1 Instrument security factor (factor of security): This typically takes a value of
less than 5 or less than 10 though it could be much higher if the ratio is very low. If
the factor of security of the CT is 5, it means that the composite error of the metering
CT at 5 times the rated primary current is equal to or greater than 10%. This means
that heavy currents on the primary are not passed on to the secondary circuit and
instruments are therefore protected. In the case of double ratio CT's, FS is applicable
for the lowest ratio only.
3.9.2 Knee point voltage: That point on the magnetizing curve where an increase of
10% in the flux density (voltage) causes an increase of 50% in the magnetizing force
(current). To calculate knee point voltage of current transformer by formal
Vk(eq) = {[(Pnct/1.25)+Rct]*KnALF}/1.3
Where,
Pnct is the rated VA burden of CT.
Rct is CT secondary winding resistance.
KnALF is Rated accuracy factor.
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4. CT SATURATION:
CT saturation causes severe waveform distortion of the secondary current supplied to
the protective relays. The CT can saturate so severely that the secondary current is
effectively zero.
The basic reason for CT saturation is due to the property of the core which goes to
magnetic saturation due to number of reasons like large primary current or high
burden at the secondary or an open circuit in the secondary.
If the CT gets saturated, the ratio of primary current to the secondary current will not
be to the designed value.
5. EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT:
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The vector diagram, with the voltage drops exaggerated for clarity, is shown in
Figure 4.7. In general, ZL, is resistive and Ιe lags Vs by 90°, so that Ie is the
principal source of error. Note that the net effect of Ie is to make I lag and be much
smaller than ΙH /n, the primary current referred to the secondary side.
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Current in mA
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Tan Delta, also called Loss Angle or Dissipation Factor testing, is a diagnostic
method of testing cables to determine the quality of the cable insulation. This is done
to try to predict the remaining life expectancy and in order to prioritize cable
replacement and/or injection. It is also useful for determining what other tests may be
worthwhile.
In this tan-delta test measured quantities are dissipation factor, power factor,
capacitance and dielectric power loss. The very purpose of this test is to detect
moisture content in the insulation. This detects moisture and void in the insulation.
This indicates amount of ionization.
Tan Delta, also called Loss Angle or Dissipation Factor testing, is a diagnostic
method of testing electrical equipment to determine the integrity of the insulation.
This is done to try to predict the remaining life expectancy of the equipment.
If the insulation free from defects, it approaches the properties of a perfect capacitor.
It is very similar to a parallel plate capacitor with the conductor and the neutral being
the two plates separated by the insulation material.
In a perfect capacitor, the voltage and current are phase shifted 90 degrees and the
current through the insulation is capacitive. If there are impurities in the insulation,
for example, moisture, the resistance of the insulation decreases, resulting in an
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Insulation power factor is the angle 90-δ. If the insulation is excellent, the tan delta or
dissipation factor is equal to the power factor. Essentially, both tan delta and power
factor are just the same.
9. CONDITION MONITORING:
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10. TRANSIENT:
The exact meaning of the term “Transient” is short-lived or momentary or temporary.
Most of the components in our power system are inductive in nature. The property of
the inductance is it will oppose rate of rise of current. Faults on the power system are
accompanied by sudden change in current which give rise to transient conditions in
power system.
The equation for the short circuit current of a transmission line is given as below.
The magnitude of DC offset current under transient condition and the time constant of
the power system decides the behaviour of CT. The material used for the CT core &
size of the CT also plays a major role on the behaviour of the CT under transient
condition.
If the CT is properly designed based on the system time constant and max. Fault
current that will be produced during the fault on the power system then the CT will
not lose its original Characteristics. Under transient condition. Otherwise it CT will
get saturate.
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In addition to the current entering the primary because of the secondary load, here is
the core exciting current IN which flows in the primary whether the secondary load is
connected or not. This current is drawn by the primary core reactance XN and
equivalent core-loss resistance RE and is multiplied by N2/N1 when it is referred to the
secondary side. It has two components: IM, the magnetizing component which flows
90° lagging behind induced voltage Es; and Ie, the core-loss current which is in phase
with Es. Ordinarily this current is small and produces negligible voltage drop in the
winding.
Core-loss current is often divided into two components: eddy current and hysteresis.
Eddy-current loss is caused by current circulating in the core laminations. Hysteresis
loss is the power required to magnetize the core first in one direction and then in the
other on alternating half-cycles. Hysteresis loss and magnetization are intimately
connected, as can be seen from Fig. 5.
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