Module 1

Substation Equipment and Switching

Devices
Part-I

Substation Equipment and Switching

Devices
 References
 [1] Principles of power systems by V.K.Mehta
 [2] Switchgear and protection by S.S. Rao – (1975 edition)
 [3] Electrical Substation Engineering and Practice by S. Rao,
Khanna Publishers
 [4] Power system Protection & Switchgear by Badriram
Vishwakarma , TMH – (2011 edition)
 [5] Lecture PPT on Introduction to Instrument Transformers by
Dr. Ahmad Al- Subhi
 [6] A Textbook of Electrical Technology (Vol.1) by B.L.Theraja
 [7] Lecture PPTs on Current transformer by Dr. Ahmad Al-Subhi
 [8] Lecture PPT on Voltage transformer by Dr. Ahmad Al-Subhi

Instrument Transformers [4]

 Current and voltage transformers (CTs and VTs) are collectively

known as transducers or instrument transformers.

 They are used to transform the power system currents and

voltages to lower magnitudes and to provide isolation between
the high voltage power system and the relays and other
measuring instruments (meters) connected to the secondary
windings of the transducers

 The standard current ratings of the secondary windings of the

current transformers (CTs) are 5 or 1 ampere. The secondary
windings of the voltage transformers (VTs) are rated at 110 V
line to line.

 The current and voltage ratings of the protective relays and

meters are same as the current and voltage ratings of the
secondary windings of the CTs an VTs respectively.
Instrument Transformers – role in measuring
and protection [5]

Instrument Transformers – role in measuring

and protection [5]
Instrument Transformers – role in measuring
and protection [5]

Instrument Transformers – role in measuring

and protection [5]
CT- Working Principle [6]--------(5 Marks)

CT- Working Principle [6]-----------(5 Marks)

 Electromagnetic CT’s [4],[7]

Conventional CTs are of electromagnetic type. Electromagnetic CTs work

on the fundamental principle of electromagnetic induction.
Bar Primary CTs
Bar primary-type CTs do not contain a primary winding and instead a straight
conductor (wire) which is a part of the power system and carries the current
acts as the primary.

The primary conductor (wire) that carries the current is encircled by

a ring type iron core on which the secondary winding is wound
uniformly over the entire periphery to form a toroid.

CT’s for High Voltage Installations [2],[4]

 CT’s for High Voltage Installations [2],[4]

The cores and secondary windings are contained in an earthed

tank at the base of a porcelain insulator and the leads of the fully
insulated primary winding are taken up to the top helmet through
the porcelain insulator

Difference between Measuring CT’s and

Protecting CT’s [7]
 Difference between Measuring CT’s and
Protecting CT’s [7], Internet
CT Saturation
When the primary current is so high that the core cannot handle
any more flux, the CT is said to be in saturation. In saturation, there
is no flux change when the primary current changes (as the core is
already carrying maximum flux). Since there is no flux change there
is no secondary current flow.

Voltage Transformers (Potential Transformers)

[8],[2]
Voltage Transformers (Potential Transformers)
[8],[2]

Voltage Transformers (Potential Transformers)

[8],[2]
 Selection of Technically Suitable Instrument
Transformers [4]

CT Burden
The CT burden is defined as the load connected across its secondary, which is usually
expressed in volt amperes (VA). It can also be expressed in terms of impedance at the
rated secondary current at a given power factor, usually 0.7 lagging. From the given
impedance at rated secondary current, the burden in VA can be calculated.

Suppose the burden is 0.5 W at 5 A secondary current. Its volt amperes will be equal to
𝐼 2 R = 52 × 0.5 = 1.25 VA. The total burden on the CT is that of the relays, meters,
connecting leads and the burden due to the resistance of the secondary winding of the CT.

The relay burden is defined as the power required to operate the relay. The burden of
relays and meters is given by the manufactures or it can be calculated from the
manufacturer’s specifications as the burden depends on their type and design.
The burden of leads depends on their resistance and the secondary current. Lead
resistance is appreciable if long wires run from the switchyard to the relay panels placed in
the control room. Lead burden can also be reduced using low secondary currents.

Usually secondary current of 5 A are used, but current of 2 A or even 1 A can be used to
reduce the lead burden. Suppose, the lead resistance is 5 Ω. Then lead burden at 5 A will
be 52 × 5 = 125 VA. The burden at 1 A is only 12 × 5 = 5 VA.

Selection of Technically Suitable Instrument

Transformers [4]

The rated VA output of the CT selected should be the higher standard value nearest
to the calculated value. If the VA rating of the CT selected is very much in excess of
the burden, it makes the choice uneconomical and the CT becomes unduly large.
 Switchgear – Definition [1],[2]

The apparatus used for switching, controlling and protecting the

electrical circuits and equipment is known as switchgear.

The switchgear equipment is essentially concerned with switching and

interrupting currents either under normal or abnormal operating
conditions.

Switchgear – Definition [1],[2]

The switch with ordinary fuse is the simplest form of switchgear

and is used to control and protect lights and other equipment in
homes, offices etc.

For circuits of higher rating, a high-rupturing capacity (H.R.C.)

fuse in conjuction with a switch may serve the purpose of
controlling and protecting the circuit.

However, such a switchgear cannot be used profitably on high

voltage system (3·3 kV) for two reasons.

Firstly, when a fuse blows, it takes sometime to replace it and

consequently there is interruption of service to the customers.

Secondly, the fuse cannot successfully interrupt large fault

currents that result from the faults on high voltage system.
 Switchgear – Definition [1],[2]

In power system, all lines and other equipments operate at high voltages
and carry large currents. When a short circuit occurs on the system,
heavy current flowing through the equipment may cause considerable
damage. In order to interrupt such heavy fault currents, automatic
circuit breakers (or simply circuit breakers) are used along with
protective relay.

A circuit breaker is a switchgear which can open or close an electrical

circuit under both normal and abnormal conditions. A circuit breaker is
preferable as compared to fuse because a circuit breaker can close
circuits, as well as break them without replacement

Switchgear – Types [1],[2]

Depending upon the voltage to be handled, switchgear may be broadly

classified into (i) outdoor type (ii) indoor type.
(i) Outdoor type. For voltages beyond 66 kV, switchgear equipment is installed
outdoor.

(ii) Indoor type. For voltages below 66 kV, switchgear is generally installed
indoor because of economic considerations. The indoor switchgear is generally
of metal-clad type. In this type of construction, all live parts are completely
enclosed in an earthed metal casing
 Location of Switchgear in Typical Power System –
- Single Line Diagram [2],[3]

Location of Switchgear in Typical Power System –

- Single Line Diagram [2],[3]

Figure 1.1 gives the circuit diagram

Symbols used in Single Line Diagram [3]