INSTRUMENT TRANSFORMERS

WLSA -INDIA

WLSA-INDIA/GKT/2006
 Instrument Transformers

Instrument Transformers include……

► Current ( CT) & Voltage (VT) Transformers
► Voltage (VT) Transformers are also known as
Potential transformers (PT)
► Both work only on A.C
► CTs are used for reducing/stepping down a.c
current from higher value to lower value for
• measurement /protection/control
• typical secondary current – 1 or 5 Amps
► PTs are used for reducing/stepping down a.c
voltage from higher value to lower value for
• measurement /protection/control
• typical secondary voltage – 110 Volts
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 Instrument Transformers

► Instrument Transformers have low VA rating & hence

not used for power transfers

► Two classes of Instrument Transformers are in use

• measurement class- used for metering purposes
• protectionTchnical Support
class- used O&m
with protective relays

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 Instrument Transformers

CURRENT TRANSFORMERS

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 Current Transformers

Different types of CT-Construction wise……

Bar primary high current C.T
Secondary winding housed
in moulded case Bar Primary

Secondary terminal box

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 Current Transformers

Different types of CT-Construction wise……

Bus bar type

Split core type

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 Current Transformers

Different types of CT-Construction wise……

Solid core window or cable type

Clamp on type CT type

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 Current Transformers

Different types of CT-Construction wise……

Split core type 100 Amps.CT

Donut type cable CT

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 Current Transformers

Important terms
► Current transformer (CT) is an instrument transformer
in which the secondary current , in normal condition of
use , is substantially proportional to the primary current
and differs in phase from it by an angle app. Zero for an
appropriate direction of the connection.

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 Current Transformers
Important terms
►Transformation ratio Kn is ideally….

Iin = Current input to primary IS = Secondary current output

Im = Magnetising component of
primary current
Ip = Primary current for power transfer
N1 = No. trurns in Primary winding
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RS = Internal resistance of sec. winding
RO = External load connected
N2 = No. turns in Secondary winding
 Current Transformers
Important terms

► Current error is the error which a transformer introduces

into measurement of a current , caused by the fact that
the actual transformation ratio (Kn) is not equal to the
rated transformation ratio .

► Current error, expressed as percentage is given by

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 Current Transformers

Important terms
► Phase angle error: The difference in phase between the
primary and secondary current vectors, the direction of
the vectors chosen such that the angle is zero for a
perfect transformer

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 Current Transformers

Important terms

► Composite error: The composite error εC is generally

expressed as a percentage of the r.m.s. values of the
primary current and is given by the formula.

Kn = rated transformation ratio

Ip = r.m.s.value of the primary current
ip = instantaneous value of primary current
Is = instantaneous value of secondary current
T = Duration of one cycle

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 Current Transformers

Important terms
► Burden= The impedance of the secondary circuit in Ohms
& power factor
► Burden is usually expressed as the apparent power (S) in
Volt-amperes absorbed at a specified power factor at the
rated secondary current Secondary winding impedance
(Internal burden)- ZS

Secondary load impedance

= ZO

Burden : = ZS+ ZO

The Secondary load S= V0 IS (@ COS Φ= 0.8 ind. For example)

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 Current Transformers
Important terms

► Accuracy limit voltage (ALV) or Knee point voltage(KPV)

• Secondary voltage developed is directly proportional to secondary
current till the limit is reached for a given total secondary burden
of ( ZS + ZO)
• If secondary current increases N times, the secondary induced
voltage increases N times till the limiting voltage is reached
• The limiting value of current at which the linearity between the primary
and secondary current ceases is called the accuracy limit current-IAL

• The induced voltage at this accuracy limit current is called the accuracy-
limit voltage, more popularly known as knee-point voltage.-ALV or KPV

• This accuracy limit is lowered when secondary burden is increased

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 Current Transformers
Important terms

► Saturation of CT: The magnetization curve showing the magnetizing

current Im and the secondary output voltage Vo will have three
prominent regions…..
1. Non saturated zone :Im is low and voltage Vo (hence Is)
increases virtually in proportion to the primary current

2. Intermediate zone: There is no real break in the curve and

it is difficult to situate a precise point corresponding to
the saturation voltage

3. Saturation zone: The curve becomes virtually horizontal-

The error in transformation ratio is high –
The secondary current is distorted by saturation

CT for Metering: Good accuracy ( linearity zone) close to

Normal operating current: Low saturation limit to protect the
Instruments from high currents during faults

CT for Protection: Good accuracy at high currents and

should have higher saturation level to give true output
during fault conditions

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 Current Transformers
Effect of saturation

► If the CT core is saturated with flux during every half cycle then there
is a “Table-top” in every half cycle, and the dΦ/dt during the table top
is zero and hence the CT secondary output collapses & the CT
produces an output of pulses instead of reproducing faithfully the
wave shape of the primary current on the secondary side.
CT e.m.f output

Saturation region
Flat part
(dØ/dt=0)
Flux wave

Ø curve

e.m.f output collapses during "flat part" when dØ/dt=0

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 Current Transformers
Important terms
► Accuracy class: A designation assigned to a current transformer the
error of which ( Current error, Phase displacement & Composite error)
remain with specified limits under prescribed conditions of use.
• For measuring current transformers the accuracy class is designated
by the highest permissible percentage Current error at the rated
current prescribed for the accuracy class .
• Standard accuracy classes for measuring current transformers are
0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 3 , 5
• The name plate details shall be marked as,
15 VA Class 0.5 FS 10
15 VA –Burden, Class 0.5 accuracy class , FS 10 Instrument safety
factor, which is defined as the ratio of rated instrument limit
primary current to the rated primary current
• Current transformers with extended current rating, shall have this
rating indicated immediately following the class designation-
e.g. 15 VA Class 0.5 ext.150%
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 Current Transformers
Important terms- Accuracy class…
• For protective current transformers the accuracy class is designated
by the highest permissible percentage Composite error at the rated
accuracy limit primary current prescribed for the accuracy class
concerned, followed by the letter “P”( meaning protection).

• Standard accuracy classes for protection current transformers are

5P & 10P

• The name plate details shall be marked as,

e.g 30 VA Class 5P10
30 VA –Burden, Class 5P10, 10= Accuracy limit factor , which is
defined as the ratio of the secondary current at accuracy limit (limit
of linear proportionality) to the rated secondary current, the external
ohmic burden held constant at rated value.
If the secondary is rated 5 Amps, then the rated accuracy limits
will be guaranteed up to 5X 10 =50 Amps. secondary current
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 Current Transformers
Limits of Error & Accuracy class for Protection current transformers

ACCURACY CURRENT ERROR AT PHASE COMPOSITE ERROR

CLASS RATED PRIMARY DISPLACEMENT AT RATED ACCURACY
CURRENT RATED CURRENT LIMIT PRIMARY
CURRENT

PERCENT MINUTES PERCENT

5P ±1 ± 60 5
10P ±3 --- 10
15P ±5 --- 15

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 Current Transformers
CT-Standard Symbols
► One output at the secondary—two alterntate symbols

► Two secondary outputs with common core

► Two secondary outputs with independent core

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 Current Transformers
CT-Terminal Marking

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 Current Transformers
Summation CTs

Magnetic Summation using a summation core is used for tariff

metering when more than one feeder is connected to a bus
Residual Summation is adapted for EF relaying & Bus-zone
Differential relaying
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 Current Transformers
CT-Testing
 Need for conducting two important tests in the field arises at many
occasions such as commissioning, trouble shooting, etc…

• Ratio test: -To find out the correct ratio when the same is not clearly
visible in NPD
- To distinguish between multiple secondary outputs
such as 1Amp terminals & 5 Amps terminals

• Polarity test:- To identify the correct polarity of the secondary

output for a given direction of primary current flow
e.g, Differential relay connection, REF connection

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 Current Transformers
Ratio Test- Procedure
 The primary of the CT under test is connected to an a.c. current
source such as a Relay test kit or the output of the welding
transformer with suitable arrangement to measure the primary
current supplied.
 An a.c ammeter about 0-10 Amps. range is connected directly across
the secondary – If there are multiple secondaries, then all the unused
secondary SHOULD be kept open

 A definite value of current is circulated through the primary and the

corresponding secondary current as measured by the ammeter is
noted.

 The CT ratio is calculated by dividing the value of the primary current

circulated by the corresponding secondary current

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 Current Transformers
Polarity Test- Procedure
Please refer the fig below

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 Current Transformers
Polarity Test- Procedure
 A DC battery of 12V, a DC analogue Voltmeter or Ammeter
& connecting leads are needed
 Connect the positive of the voltmeter or ammeter to the H1 (P1 )-
(marked) terminal of the HV side of the CT and the negative lead to
theH2 (P2 ) terminal
If a window type CT is under test, run a wire through the CT &
connect the meter across the wire. Make note of the wire and meter
polarity
 Connect the negative terminal of the battery to the X2 (S2) terminal of
the secondary of the CT.
 Momentarily touch or connect the positive terminal of the battery to
the X1 (S1) terminal of the secondary of the CT, keeping a close watch
on the direction of the meter deflection
 If the meter kicks in the +ve direction, the polarity marks are correct
 If it kicks in the negative direction the polarity marks are incorrect.

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 Current Transformers
Most important precautions…..

 The secondary of the CT should never be opened under load ( when

there is a current in the primary) , because, under such condition
there will be no secondary mmf to oppose the primary mmf, and all
the primary current would become exciting current and thus might
induce a very high voltage in the secondary.

 In multiple secondary CTs the unused secondary turns shall not be

shorted

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 Instrument Transformers

VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS
OR
POTENTIAL TRANSFORMERS

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 Voltage Transformers

 Voltage transformers(VT) are also known as Potential

transformers (PT)
 There are two types of VTs that are in common use

1. Electromagnetic type: Primary & Secondary wound on a magnetic

core same as in conventional transformer

2. Capacitive type ( CVT):

- Primary voltage is applied across a series of capacitors
- Voltage across one capacitor is taken to the primary of an
auxiliary transformer
- Secondary output of the auxiliary transformer is taken for
measurement or protection

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 Voltage Transformers
Comparison…..
Electromagnetic type….
> Economical & reliable up to 66Kv
> Performance is better than CVTS
> Preferred for high speed distance protection
Capcitive type….
> Economical for voltages above 66Kv
> Carrier current equipments can be directly
connected without the need for coupling
capacitor
> Performance is affected by supply frequency ,
switching transients, magnitude of connected
burden etc.
> Generally a reactor is connected in series with
with burden requires “Tuning”
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 Voltage Transformers
Capacitive type VT

C1
Reactor
Vp

C2 Burden

Intermediate
Potential
Transformer

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 Voltage Transformers
Important terms

► Rated voltage: The voltage marked on the rating plateof the VT

► Rated transformation ratio: The ratio of the rated primary voltage

to rated secondary voltage

► Rated secondary voltage: The value of secondary voltage marked on

the rating plate e.g. 110/√3 =63.5 volt

► Residual voltage: Vector sum of three line to earth voltages

i.e VRES = VRN+VYN+VZN

► Residual VT: A three phase VT or a group of three single phase

residually connected VTs, in which residual voltage appears across
secondary terminals when three phase voltage are applied to primary
winding

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 Voltage Transformers
Important terms
► Ratio error: Percentage ratio error also known as percentage voltage
error is given by
%RE = 100( KnVs- Vs)/ Vp
Where Kn = Normal ratio
Vs = Secondary voltage
Vp = Primary voltage
► Alternate method to describe the ratio error is to specify the voltage
ratio factor (V.R.F)
VRF=Kv/Kn
Where Kn = Normal ratio= Vp/Vs, Kv= Voltage ratio Vp/Vs( actual)
VRF= 1- (%RE/100)
► Burden=The load specified in Voltamperes at a rated
secondary voltage at a particular power factor, the secondary voltage
Vs, burden P, and impedence of the burden Zb, are connected by
Zb = V²s/ P Ohms
If Cos θ is the burden pf, then Rb= Zb Cos θ & Xb= Zb Sin θ
Total burden on VT should always be less than rated burden
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 Voltage Transformers
Accuracy class & limits, & Phase angle errors for voltage transformers

Condition specified: 0.9 to 1.1 times rated primary voltage,0.5 to 1.0

times rated output at 0.8 lag power factor
ACC VOLTAGE PHASE ERROR
U.CL ERROR(± %age) (± min)
ASS APPLICATION

0.1 0.1 5 Measurement

0.2 0.2 10

0.5 0.5 20

1.0 1.0 40
3.0 3.0 120 Protection

5.0 5.0 300

10 10 ---------- Residual VT only

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 Voltage Transformers
Application of VTs depending upon Accuracy class

ACCU.CLASS APPLICATION

0.1 Precision testing in stand.labs

0.2 Substandard inst. In labs
0.5-1.0 Industrial metering
3.0 Voltmeters
5.0 U/V & O/V relays where phase angle is not important

10 Directional relay where phase angle is important

► Note: 1. Class 3.0 & 5.0 VTs are recommended for protection
2. Class 5.0 & 10.0 are recommended only in residual VTs

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 Voltage Transformers

Methods of connection of VTs

 V-V connection

Θ Two single phase VTs or one two limbed three phase VTs
are used
Θ Both primary and secondary are connected in V

Θ There is no path for zero sequence voltages arising from

earth faults

Θ Not suitable for protection or for synchronising applications

Θ Used ONLY for measurement applications

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 Voltage Transformers

Methods of connection of VTs

 Star- Star connection

Θ Either three single phase or one three limbed transformer is used

Θ Both primary and secondary are connected in star

Θ Each primary phase is connected to P-E voltage of supply &

the neutral point is solidly grounded
Θ Neutral point of load is connected to neutral point of secondary

Θ If primary neutral is not earthed, the zero sequence componenent

of voltage( due ot earth fault) can not flow through primary, hence
will not get reflected in the secondary, and hence the earth fault
on the system can not be sensed on the secondary side of the VT
- especially in voltage restrained over currrent protection &
Impedence based E/F protections
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 Voltage Transformers

Methods of connection of VTs

 Star- Star connection

S1 S1 S1

P1 P1 P1

S2 S2 S2
P2 P2 P2
Voltage Coil
of Relays

Primary Secondaries connected to

Relay coils

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 Voltage Transformers

Methods of connection of VTs

 Open ∆ or Residually connected VT, also known as
Zero Sequence voltage filter

S1 S1 S1

P1 P1 P1
S2 S2 S2

P2 P2 P2

Primary
Secondaries connected to
Relay coil

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 Voltage Transformers

Methods of connection of VTs

 Open ∆ or Residually connected VT
Θ The Residually connected VT may have three single phase units or
one three phase five limbed unit.
Θ Primary windings are connected in star and the star point is earthed.
Secondaries are connected in series with the load
Θ The star point of the primary MUST necessarily be earthed, and one
point in the secondary is necessarily be earthed for safety( in case
if the primary comes in contact with secondary)

Θ The voltage appearing across the open ∆ of secondary is

proportional to zero sequence component of voltage on primary
Θ Under no E/F condition of the primary circuit the zero sequence
component of the primary voltage is zero and hence output of
residually connected VT secondaries is zero

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 Voltage Transformers

 Open ∆ or Residually connected VT,

Θ When there is an E/F in the primary circuit, an output is available

the secondaries of the residually connected VTs

Θ Open ∆ VTs are used in

 Voltage coil of voltage restraint O/C, E/F protection
 REF & Directional E/F protection
 Distance E/F protection

Θ A stabilising resistor of suitable power and ohmic rating is

connected across the output terminals of the open ∆ VT secondary
to prevent damages to the VT due to Ferroresonance

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