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Analysis of Cross Blocking Method Implementation for Overcoming

Sympathetic Inrush Current Phenomena

Conference Paper · September 2012

DOI: 10.1109/CIMSim.2012.64

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 2012 Fourth International Conference on Computational Intelligence, Modelling and Simulation
Analysis of Cross Blocking Method Implementation for Overcoming Sympathetic
Inrush Current Phenomena
Hana A. Halim, Nur S. Noorpi, Melaty Amirruddin, Nurhakimah M. Mukhtar
School of Electrical Systems Engineering
Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP)
Perlis, Malaysia
hanahalim@unimap.edu.my, nursabrina@unimap.edu.my, melaty@unimap.edu.my, nurhakimah@unimap.edu.my
Abstract—This project present analysis and implementation of
cross blocking feature as the solution for overcoming the mal-
operation of the transformer differential relay in sympathetic
inrush phenomena. The sympathetic inrush phenomena will
occur to the transformers that connected in parallel. The
inrush current will flow to the transformer that is already
energized when energizing the second transformer on the
power system. It will effect a voltage drop and this voltage
drop caused the saturation to the already transformer in the
negative direction. These phenomena caused the mal-operation
of the relay that the main point of this project is to overcome it.
The results obtained after designing 100MVA, 33/ 11kV three
phase transformer by using PSCAD/ EMTDC simulation. As
results, cross blocking method will operate as a block tripping
and this method is useful to eliminate mal-operations that
occur during the energization of the transformer due of the
failure of harmonic restraint function in transformer
differential relays. These analyses solve the problem of
sympathetic inrush current phenomena.
Keywords-sympathetic; inrush; cross blocking; transformer
differential relay
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Background of Project
The energization of a transformer connected to a
network in the presence of other transformers which are
already in operation leads to the phenomena of sympathetic
inrush current [1]. This phenomenon has been pointed out as
one of the reasons for false operation of transformer
differential relays and prolonged temporary harmonic
overvoltages on power systems [2].
In a system, the protection and security become the main
points especially during energization of the system. Any
mal- operation or damages should be avoided in the system.
Several of power system elements need the specific
protection system such as the power transformer in order to
protect the system and equipment from any hazard. Power
transformers are also one of the important components in
power system for which various protective schemes have
been developed [3]. Besides that, it is also the expensive
component in a power system. In fact, the fault presence in
2166-8531/12 $26.00 © 2012 IEEE 288
DOI 10.1109/CIMSim.2012.64
the system can cause the unnecessary tripping. In fact, the
relaying task is not easy too [4].
In this project, the objectives to be achieved are to
investigate the sympathetic inrush current that occur on the
power system and to design the cross blocking feature in the
system in order to overcome this sympathetic inrush current
phenomena.
In the differential scheme, the power transformer in
parallel will be protected. The differential relay protection
should be designed in a way that it does not cause the mal-
operate during sympathetic inrush current condition [4]. In
this project, the cross blocking method will be implement in
the system by using transformer differential relay. The
transformer differential relay will be operated to measure
and check all the phases of current that thorough the
protected area. The blocking method will be implementing
by tripping of the relay. In fact, the transformer differential
relay only starts operate to tripping when any one of phase
detected experience higher than 2nd harmonics [1].
When the transformer is closed without load, it will
cause to the mal-operation of protection relay. This is
happened when the transformer is being closed, that produce
an excitation current that will pass to the system resistance
that resulting in saturations that will generate a sympathetic
inrush current phenomenon [4]. The differential current in
sympathetic inrush of the operating transformer increases to
maximum first and then decays gradually could cause the
mal-operation of the transformer differential protection [5].
However, the most severe case of inrush is caused by the
initial magnetizing due to switching-in a transformer.
During a transformer is de-energized, the magnetizing
current will goes to zero while the flux will follows the
hysteresis loop of the core. This results in certain remanent
flux left in the core [1].
Furthermore, when the transformer is re-energized by an
alternating voltage, the flux becomes also sinusoidal but
biased by the remanance. It also may be high as around
80%-90% of rated flux. This condition will cause in both
large peak values and heavy distortions of magnetizing
current [4]. Furthermore, a lot of simulation and research
have been carried out to solving this problem in power
system.
B. Problem Statement
This research is focused to investigate of the
sympathetic inrush phenomena and analyze the cross
blocking feature implementation to overcome this problem.
The cross blocking method is one of the solutions for
overcoming the mal-operation of the transformer differential
relay in sympathetic inrush phenomenon [1]. Thus, in this
project, the cross blocking feature will be design in the
simulation in order to solve the problem.
The characteristic of inrush current on the transformer
occur on the transformer that already in operation in power
system. Magnetizing inrush current occur in transformer
that caused by surge of transient current that rushes in the
transformer when the transformer is energized [1]. Inrush
current force will be produced when the primary side of
transformer supplied by voltage [4]. This current have the
harmonic rich current generated during transformer core are
driven into saturation and it is also has the high magnitude
[4]. This voltage will act to force the flux build up to
maximum theoretical value of double the steady state flux
plus remanance.
During the transformer are being closed, the excitation
current will induced and then it will pass through the system
resistance that will produce the saturation in the system. The
saturation establish by asymmetrical voltage drop across the
system resistance caused by the inrush transient current in
the incoming transformer [4]. This sharing of transient
inrush current of transformers in network will directly
produce sympathetic inrush current [6]. This type of current
will caused to mal operation of relay [6]. In addition, aspect
of protection and security become the main thing during
energized system because it leads to false operation of
transformer differential relay as protection relay. Any forms
of fault occur should be avoided. Effect from this fault is
due to unnecessary tripping. From here, the system
protection and security becomes the main thing when to
energize the system. This undesirable current caused many
aspects such as the extra loss, reduction of useful life of
transformer, shortage of electricity quality, the over current
harmonic in the system and prolong temporary harmonic
overvoltage [1].
Cross Blocking become a method to solving sympathetic
inrush current that occur in transformer. These methods will
consideration of the 2nd harmonics component in the
individual phases. The relay will function by measuring all
phases current and it will start blocking when any one of the
phases detected higher than 2nd harmonic which is more
than 20%. Looking at the problem mentioned above, the
project will be done and a lot of simulation will be done in
order to find its solution.
II. CROSS- BLOCKING METHOD
Cross blocking method is one of the methods that can
overcome this problem. This method actually already
implement in conventional relays that available in all
numerical relay. It may be activated if desired [7].
289
This method features be operation as to block tripping
when the one of the phases experiences higher than 2nd
harmonic [3]. The relay will be function by measured all the
phases and blocking if any one of phases is detected that
higher than 2nd harmonic which is more than 20% [3].
However, it may not sufficient for the phase with the
smallest component to activate the blocking. This method is
useful to eliminate mal-operations that occur during the
energization of the transformer due of the failure of
harmonic restraint function in transformer differential relays
[8].
Advantages used this method are cheaper and easier for
utility for implement. To set the each relay also does not
need hassle work [4]. The principle of differential protection
operation during normal condition is CT saturation condition
and inrush condition. The function of CT is more to reduced
high current to the suitable current that can flow through the
relay.
III. APPROACH AND METHOD
A. Introduction
Fig. 1: Project Activities Flow Chart
In this project, a systematic approach, tools, and
techniques were applied in order to achieve the project
objectives. Fig. 1 shows the step by step flow chart in
executing this project. This project based on design and
analysis of sympathetic inrush current by applied the cross
blocking method. This project focuses in designing and
implement the cross blocking method into the differential
relay protection. The sympathetic inrush current circuit
consists of the voltage source, transmission lines and two
parallel transformers. These components have their own
individual functions to suit the variable applications in
power system to protect the power transformer. So, the
design is focus to design the differential relay that
implement the cross blocking method. This method will
operate to block the sympathetic inrush current that occur in
the system. Design process and simulations are done by Fig. 3.1 shows the simulated power system schematic
using PSCAD software. which is the transformer connected in parallel to produce the
sympathetic inrush current. Also, a typical sympathetic and
inrush current that shows in Fig. 3.2 and 3.3. In normal
B. Relay Design condition, the differential current is almost near to zero.
Besides that, the positive, negative and zero sequence value
do not strongly affected.

A. Analysis of Sympathetic Inrush Current without

Differential Relay

Fig. 2: Design and Analysis of Differential Relay

The simulation will be start after design the circuit with
differential relay. The data from the simulation of the circuit
will be analyzing until get the expected result.
C. PSCAD Simulation
The simulation for this project to achieved the four
results which are:
i. Simulation Waveform of Inrush Current
ii. Simulation Waveform of Sympathetic Inrush Current
iii. Simulation Waveform of Inrush Current without
Differential Relay
iv. Simulation Waveform of Sympathetic Inrush Current
With Differential Relay
Fig. 3.1: Sympathetic Inrush Current Interaction between Two
Transformers
Fig. 3.1 shows the circuit that being used to investigate
the sympathetic inrush current problem. For analyze this
problem is being done by using the PSCAD in the
simulation. According of the simulation circuit in the Fig.
3.1 shows the result of the sympathetic and inrush current
that appeared in power system. The simulation results for
the sympathetic magnetizing current (i1) and inrush current
(i2) are as shown in Fig. 3.2 and Fig. 3.3.

For this work, Power System Computer Aided Design

(PSCAD) tool was used. This software is both dominant and
undemanding to the user. Using PSCAD, it can make use of
intelligent techniques to computerize the power quality
evaluations for improved accuracy and efficiency which the
manual analysis takes considerable time and would require
special knowledge [9].
Fig. 3.2: Sympathetic Inrush Current
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Using PSCAD/EMTDC, the sympathetic inrush current

can be simulated. The power system consisting of 230 kV at
source in single line diagrams. Transformer capacity is
100MVA in rate 33/11kV at frequency 50 Hz in wye-delta
connection.

290
 Fig. 3.3: Inrush Current
Fig. 3.4: Sympathetic Inrush Current Interaction between Two
Transformers
From the results above shows the sympathetic inrush
current and inrush current that occurred during the parallel Fig. 3.4 shows sympathetic inrush current interaction
connection. From here, the characteristic both type of inrush between two transformers with transformer differential relay
will be analyzed. Time of decay become the main point of (TDR) for analyzes this problem is being done by using the
different between of the inrush current and sympathetic PSCAD in the simulation. Before adding the differential
inrush current. The sympathetic current of the energized relay protection with cross blocking method in it, it shows
transformer will decay slower than the inrush current of a the result of the sympathetic and inrush current that
single transformer. appeared in power system. The simulation result for the
Comparing Fig. 3.2 and 3.3, the sympathetic current and sympathetic magnetizing current (i1) after cross blocking
the inrush magnetizing current reach the peak value method is used is shown in Fig. 3.5 below.
alternately that is on alternate half cycle which sum current
of two transformers is almost symmetrical. The DC
component will be close to zero. The longer duration of
sympathetic inrush current in the power system becomes
one of the reasons that caused the mal-operation of the
transformer differential relay.

B. Analysis of Sympathetic Inrush Current with

Differential Relay Protection

Fig. 3.5: Sympathetic Inrush Current with Differential Relay Protection

From the results above shows the sympathetic and

inrush current that occurred during the parallel connection.
From here, the characteristic for both types of inrush will be
analyzed. Refer to Fig. 3.5, the sympathetic current will
reduced significantly in the system.

291
C. Effect of the Load
Fig. 3.6: Sympathetic Inrush Current Circuit Added with Load
Fig. 3.6 shows the circuit that being used to investigate
the sympathetic inrush current problem. The simulation is
done by adding the load in the system. According to the
earlier simulation circuit in the Fig. 3.1, there is sympathetic
and inrush current appeared in power system. The effect of
this load adding for the sympathetic magnetizing current
(i1) and inrush current (i2) are as shown in Fig. 3.7 and 3.8.
Fig. 3.9 shows the combination both currents.
Fig. 3.7: Sympathetic Inrush Current
Fig. 3.8: Inrush Current
292
Fig. 3.9: Combination of Both Currents
From the result above, it show that the inrush current is
disappear. The heavy load that being used will caused the
inrush current cannot be seen during the presence of heavy
load. It means the result is true where the relevant waveform
characteristics of inrush current disappearing under heavy
load [3]. The sympathetic inrush current cannot be seen
because it is only appear during the no load condition.
D. Discussion
The problem of unnecessary tripping of differential relay
should not be ignored. Sympathetic inrush current
phenomena are the one of the problem which is hard to
detect because only it is appear during no load condition.
Furthermore, the power transformer is one of the important
component in power system and also expensive. Besides
that high maintain cost should be considered.
The differential relay is being used to protect the power
transformer. When the sympathetic inrush current appears,
the relay will detect as the fault then caused the unnecessary
tripping. The cross blocking method is one of the method
that being used to solving the sympathetic inrush current.
By approaching the cross blocking solve the sympathetic
inrush current in Fig. 3.2 is being eliminated (refer Figure
3.5). Thus, the problem is solved. In fact, by implement the
cross blocking feature inside the relay, it will function to
block a tripping.
The results show that the mal-operation of the relay can
be being solved. Looking at the implication, this option will
block the transformer differential relay protection during the
sympathetic inrush whenever it detects an inrush condition
and during actual fault. This method is also being used in
the industrial practices. This option is more suitable and it
has more advantages such as the low cost and easy to utility
to implement. No hassle works to set the each relay and it
safe [4].
 V. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Effect of these phenomena is hard to be detected by the
differential relay. The relay will detect this current as the
fault due of the unnecessary tripping. Since the problem of
unnecessary tripping that occur to relay, the cross blocking
features that implement in the differential relay will act to
blocking the sympathetic inrush current.
In this project, the simulation and modeling for the
analysis of sympathetic inrush current phenomena and the
design of the cross blocking feature are being presented.
Using PSCAD/EMTDC, 100MVA in rate 33/11kV at
frequency 50 Hz in wye-delta connection is simulated. The
results show a typical sympathetic and inrush current. Time
of decay become the main point of different between of the
inrush current and sympathetic inrush current. The
sympathetic current of the energized transformer will decay
slower than the inrush current of a single transformer.
Then, the simulation is continued with designing the
network together with the differential relay. Based on the
results, it shows the sympathetic inrush current can be
solved by using this cross blocking method. The circuit
before implement the differential relay shows the
sympathetic inrush current that appear in the system is
reduced significantly after using cross blocking method.
Based on the result shows the implementation of
differential relay is suitable for solving this problem. As
proposed, the implementation of cross blocking is good
practice to solve the sympathetic inrush current phenomena.
It is solved the problem and has more advantages such as it
is more suitable because not expensive and also easy way to
utility to implement.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors would like to thank Universiti Malaysia
Perlis for providing the technical and financial support for
293
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this research. We also wish to express my appreciation to all
School of Electrical Systems Engineering staffs for helping
us throughout the research project. Special thanks to the
families for the constant encouragement. To all of them, the
success of this project is partly due to your support and
blessings. Thank you.
REFERENCES
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