Document Number: EI 05-1050

Version: 01
Date: 02/06/2004

THIS IS AN UNCONTROLLED DOCUMENT, THE READER MUST CONFIRM ITS VALIDITY BEFORE USE
ENGINEERING INSTRUCTION

EI 05-1050

AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE CONTROL (LPN)

Network(s): LPN

Summary: This engineering instruction describes the policy, procedure and practice for AVC
on the Central Area network

Originator: James Watson Date: 02/06/2004

Approved By: Bob Higgins Approved Date: TBA

Review Date: 02/06/2009

This document forms part of the Company’s Integrated Business System and its requirements are mandatory throughout EDF
Energy Networks Branch. Departure from these requirements may only be taken with the written approval of the Director of
Asset Management. If you have any queries about this document please contact the originator of the current issue.

Document History
(The document history notes below are intended as a guide only and may not cover all of the changes. If you wish to make use
of this document it should be read in full.)

Version Date Details Originator

01 02-06-2004 Original, based on P.8/0 and P.8/1 James Watson

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Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................3
2 Philosophy..................................................................................................................3
3 History.........................................................................................................................3
4 Voltage Limits.............................................................................................................4
5 Fundamental Requirements ......................................................................................4
6 Target Volts and Load Drop Compensation ............................................................5
7 Nominal Target Voltage Setting ................................................................................5
8 Load Drop Compensation .........................................................................................6
9 Time Settings..............................................................................................................6
10 Band Width Setting ....................................................................................................7
11 Parallel Operation ......................................................................................................8
12 Grid Transformers and Specialist Cases ...............................................................10
13 London Underground and Network Rail Supplies ................................................10
Appendix A - Typical (or Emergency) AVC Relay Settings for London..........................11
Appendix B – Time Grading for AVC in England and Wales ...........................................12
Appendix C - Letter..............................................................................................................13
Appendix D – Drawings.......................................................................................................14
Appendix E – Procedure for Voltage Complaints .............................................................15
Appendix F – Corrective Action Procedure / Callout Guide ............................................16
Appendix G – Simple Vector Diagrams for Common AVC relays ...................................21

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1 Introduction
On-Load tap changers on transformers are used to produce the required output voltage from
specified variations in supply voltage and transformer loading and to control the flow of
circulating current when elements of the system run in parallel.
Automatic voltage control runs throughout the system from the National Grid 400kV and
275kV networks, down through the distribution voltage levels to transformers feeding the
11kV or 6.6kV system. Co-ordination between SGT tap control and lower voltage schemes is
required in order to optimise tap operation at each level and to prevent hunting under normal
conditions, and to provide maximum assistance to the National Grid system and EDF
Energy’s system under fault outages and emergency conditions in maintaining voltage
stability.
From 1996 onwards, the Supertapp voltage control relay by Fundamentals / VA Tech was
adopted in London as the standard AVC relay. The system features a number of AVE relays
which will gradually be phased out and a handful of alternative electronic relays such as the
Alstom MVGC01, Dynamic Ratings DRMCC and Fundamentals Microtapp.
It is Company policy on the London system to use a modified reverse reactance principle
based around the Supertapp relay for all transformers that run in parallel. Legacy
installations on 60MVA transformers based around other relays are also acceptable. Load
drop compensation should generally not be used in the densely-loaded areas. Application of
LDC in the outlying areas must be considered on a site-by-site basis. The use of alternative
AVC relays should be avoided except where specialist applications prevent this, such as
Microtapp.
In order to satisfy the legal obligations imposed by the ESQC Regulations and to allow
increasing quantities of embedded generation to penetrate the system, the design
philosophy, installation practice and operation of the London voltage control schemes are
developed in the associated Protection Procedure and Practice document E7/6 P.8/1.

2 Philosophy
Voltage control requirements are driven by several factors, these are as listed:
1. Statutory voltage limits. These limits are laid down in the Electricity Safety, Quality and
Continuity Regulations (2002), and defined in the British Standard on Voltage
characteristics of electricity supply by public distribution systems, BS EN 50160: 2000.
Based on these requirements, EDF Energy has developed a declared limit of supply
voltage at customer terminals of between 216.2 volts and 253.0 volts.
2. System constraints, for example: Transformer flux densities, insulation stresses, losses
and reactive power generation.
3. Co-ordination between National Grid SGT tap changers and EDF Energy tap changers in
order to optimise the tap operation at each level and to prevent hunting under normal
conditions and maintain voltage stability.

3 History
The previous revision of P.8/1 dates from 1997, when most of the AVC relays on the London
system were of the AVE type with reverse reactance compounding. Reverse reactance was
adopted by the LEB in the late 1960s due to the deficiencies of the popular Master-Follower
scheme when used on the London network. In recent years, a retrofit programme has seen
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most AVE relays replaced by Supertapp RVM/4 and many new installations have used the
Supertapp RVM/5 and RTMU/1m combination. Supertapp works on a principle known as
modified reverse reactance. This is a more accurate improvement of the original concept.
Replacement of AVEs continues to progress whilst some examples of other electronic relays
can now be seen. Several sites were equipped with Alstom MVGC01 units during the 1990s
(a pre-Supertapp electronic relay) and there are three substations in London which use the
DRMCC controller. Finally, two Microtapp relays are in use at City Road B extension.
During the late 1990s, remote control of tap changers was installed in many new installations
and a few sites were retrofitted. Remote control is now a standard requirement for new
substations.
When Supertapp was first applied in London, the settings were selected on the basis of
emulating the performance of the existing AVE reverse reactance schemes. The MVGC01
settings were interpreted in a similar way when it was anticipated that some 60MVA
transformers might run interleaved. As the 80s and 90s 180MVA stations have been
gradually loaded to capacity, including the connection of embedded generation in some
cases, the AVC settings have not generally been re-assessed. The same is true for some
retrofit sites.
Whilst the voltage limits for HV customers have remained unchanged for some time, the
upper limit for LV customers is 253V which has decreased slightly since the 1960s. When
the UK subscribed to European Voltage Harmonisation in the early 1990s, no RECs took
any action to deliberately lower the voltage on the LV system. Consequently, the LV network
now normally runs at the upper extreme of that tolerance band.
Recent voltage complaints in London regarding high volts have re-enforced the view outlined
in the 2003 discussion paper “AVC on the London System” that a number of stations in
London require attention with possible rebalancing of the relays and/or reduction of LDC
where it is present.

4 Voltage Limits
Voltage characteristics of electricity supplied by public distribution are laid down in the
Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations (2002), and are defined in British
Standard BS EN 50160: 2000. The mains voltage in the UK will be 230V +10/-6% until 2008;
whereupon this tolerance will be slackened to 2003 +/-10%1 The Company is legally bound
to deliver mains voltage between 216.2V and 253V.
HV customers must receive a voltage tolerance of +/-6% (10.34kV-11.66kV or 6.2kV-7.0kV).
This tolerance level is valid up to and including 132kV systems.
Wide fluctuations in voltage are generally undesirable since high volts can over-stress
system components and cause damage to consumers’ equipment whilst low volts can lead
to system instabilities and will reduce the supply of compensating reactive power from
associated cable networks.

5 Fundamental Requirements
Any new or retrofitted AVC scheme should comply with the following:
• Should be based around the patented Supertapp/Microtapp principle.

1
See the Major Projects London discussion paper “AVC on the London System” by James Watson,
August 2003 for a more thorough treatment of statutory requirements, British Standards and
European Harmonisation.
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• New schemes should provide for remote tapping, remote tap counting via the
TEC/CORGI, remote and local application of 3% and 6% voltage reduction and must be
wired to the generic standard schematic drawing (under revision).
• All ferruling must satisfy EATS 50-19 (2003), matching the above standard drawings and
any other specific requirements outlined by EDF Energy design.
• All retrofitted sites should confirm to JT3376W. The only exceptions relate to ferrules
which could match existing site ferruling if so desired.
• Redundant time delay relays, auxiliary relays, arrest relays, interpose CTs, LDC boxes
and any other component not required in the scheme should be removed from the panel.
This must include old wiring.
• The installation of obsolete AVE electromechanical relays is not acceptable. All existing
AVE relays are to be removed from the system under the retrofit programme.
• The installation of obsolete MVGC01 relays will not continue but any removed should be
returned to strategic spares since several will remain in service for the remainder of their
useful life.
• Further purchases of DRMCC controllers should be avoided due to training and
operational issues. AVC standardisation where possible is now sought.
• Voltage complaints should be dealt with via the procedures outlined in Appendices E and
F. Tap change and scheme defects are to be dealt with by EHV Maintenance. Relay
setting issues and relay faults are to be addressed by EHV Protection. Relay settings
can only be changed with the consent of LPCC and preferably by members of EHV
Protection.

6 Target Volts and Load Drop Compensation

Target voltage adjustment will always be set to achieve nominal bus bar voltage, unless
system design constraints decree small variations. The TAPP principle has decoupled the
LDC and coupling controls, making them independent of each other. Where
Supertapp/Microtapp relays are available, this flexibility is to be exploited. For other relays,
some degree of reverse reactance compounding will normally be required (see later). Care
must be taken to ensure this does not manifest itself as LDC at specific power factors.

7 Nominal Target Voltage Setting

The nominal target voltage, as defined at the appropriate voltage level, shall be that value of
voltage, which allowing for voltage variations over the deadband Bdead, maintains the system
voltage within the limits, in accordance with statute and the Company’s declaration of
voltage values as stated in the Voltage Limits section above.
The nominal target voltage for the 11kV or 6.6kV networks shall be 11kV or 6.6kV except
where variations are needed to accommodate idiosyncrasies of the local network.
The adjustment of the target voltage should be carried out either with the lower voltage
circuit breaker(s) open or with the LDC and coupling controls set to zero.
Note that the Supertapp Basic % knob has 100% aligned to 110V at no load. This is factory
set to follow this alignment at full load and 0.96 power factor whilst LDC remains set at zero.
For AVE relays, the zero knob may well need to be readjusted when the correct degrees of
X and R have been applied in order to achieve balance between parallel transformers due to
the age and condition of the components within the LDC boxes.
The DRMCC controller has been developed for use with Wilson Transformers and has been
designed so that 1.0pu target volts corresponds to nominal tap position and NOT 11.0kV like
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most other relays. Since the Wilson 36MVA transformers output 11.275kV at no load and on
tap 6, the reference voltage on the DRMCC needs to be set to 0.976pu to give 11kV at no
load. For 33kV, the corresponding figure is 0.962pu.

8 Load Drop Compensation

Line drop compensation is widely used in rural networks but has rarely been applied in
London. The early Master-Follower AVE relays were equipped with line drop boxes but the X
element was reversed in 1964 when the LEB adopted reverse reactance. Many of these
boxes unavoidably introduce line drop boosting due to the large X value traditionally applied
in order to overcome the reverse reactance drooping characteristic.
The equivalent setting on the TAPP family is known as load drop compensation since the
relays are able to measure the total connected group demand via interconnecting bus-wires.
It is Company policy not to use this bus-wiring. However, where LDC has been applied in the
past, this has led to errors when transformers are switched out and when bus-bar loads are
not balanced. Recent experience with Supertapp and discussions with the manufacturer
have convinced us that LDC% should generally be set to zero in London. The TAPP family
treat LDC% as Load drop compensation as opposed to Line drop compensation. The effect,
due to the 30° connection is therefore different to any other relay on the market. Essentially,
for a setting of 1%, with basic volts equal to 100%, and at 0.96 power factor, the voltage
output will be boosted by 1% at full load. This is inappropriate in inner London.
There are circumstances in which this policy will allow for LDC%.
a) In outlying areas, where some customers suffer from larger voltage drops from the main
substation to their installation (combination of HV and LV), it may be necessary to strike
a compromise so that those close to the main station receive higher than target volts
whilst those farthest away receive lower than target volts. Ideally, customers in the
middle of the network receive at or about target volts and everyone is within statutory
tolerances.
b) Where the power factor deviates markedly from 0.96, it has been necessary in rare
cases to reduce the target volts slightly and compensate with LDC%. This has the effect
of shifting the load line at which Supertapp is accurate.
Both of these conditions are difficult to predict and the optimum settings are often obtained
using a “cut and try” approach. Adjustment of AVC settings under such circumstances
should only be attempted by expert commissioning engineers.

9 Time Settings
Definite time settings are required to grade with Supergrid AVC. Where available the fast tap
down feature will be switched on to provide operation at 2% or more above the upper limit.
Where Microtapp is applied, an additional ‘fast tap up’ feature may be used in order to avoid
voltage dips following the pick up of load on large grid transformers.
In order to meet constraints from NGT, the minimum time delay setting that can be adopted
is 90 seconds. (This is to grade with Delayed Auto Reclose time settings of 60 seconds.)
The time grading settings at various voltages are as follows;
11kV 120 seconds or 90 seconds for 132/11kV transformers
22kV 100 seconds
33kV 90 seconds

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66kV 90 seconds
Inter tap delays should be tailored to suit the operating time of the tapchanger mechanism.
Five seconds is acceptable for most high speed mechanisms, slower mechanisms will need
to be timed before setting the inter tap time delay.2
In the case of older electromechanical relays inter tap delay is inherent in the step by step
circuitry. In the case of some electronic relays the control pulse time width is selectable as
either 1.5 or 4.5 seconds. This policy requires that the 1.5 second pulse be selected except
where the design of tap changer precludes this, in which case 4.5 should be selected.3
Further details on time settings can be found in Appendix B.

10 Band Width Setting

The relay deadband defines the zone either side of the target voltage within which the relay
will be stable. In order to avoid hunting the deadband is typically arranged to be between
100% and 160% of the incremental tap voltage, T.

T < Bdead < 1.6T

∆V% Bdead
T%
∆V% = Bdead / 2

To accommodate errors in electromechanical relays ∆V% needs to be 80% for transformers

up to 1.5% increment. However, with modern electronic relays and also for transformers
where the incremental tap voltage is larger than 1.5% ∆V% can be reduced to 70% volts.
As an example, a 60 MVA transformer with T = 1.85% and using an electronic AVC relay:
± ∆V% = 0.7 x 1.85 = ± 1.3%
In order to maintain fine voltage control within recommended limits, whilst minimising the
duty placed on tap changers, this figure has been increased in the past to 1.5%. This policy
advocates a compromise of 1.4% for 60MVA transformers.
For 15MVA and 22.5MVA transformers, the required ∆V% figure is 1.1 and 1.25
respectively. The 70% preferred ratio should be used for all relays other than AVEs.
Where electronic relays are used for AVC adjusting the voltage of 66kV, 33kV or 22kV bus-
bars, the ∆V% figure is found to be typically 1.8% for 66kV and otherwise 1.5%.
Where embedded generation is connected in parallel with one or more of the Company’s
transformers, steps may be necessary to ensure that any AVC system associated with the
generator does not fight that at the main station. Liaison with the generator operator will
establish an optimum ∆V% setting for each end. Where possible, the generator AVC system
should operate to correct voltage discrepancies at the connection before the Company’s tap
changer(s) is/are called to operate.

2
Note that the 76MVA unit (T4) at City Road B requires an intertap delay of 12s due to the slow tap
changer.
3
Durnsford Road MSS and Newington House MSS are cases in point with elderly tap changers.
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11 Parallel Operation
The Company’s 15MVA, 22.5MVA and 25MVA units are ran with a minimum of two in
parallel under normal running arrangements. The 60MVA units are occasionally ran
interleaved during circuit outages or for network security enhancement. Normal running for
60MVA units is independent, i.e. two 11kV limbs from one 132kV winding (with its
associated tap changer) running singly put.
Some degree of control is required to ensure that these transformers are on the correct tap
position. The correct tap position is that which minimises circulating current between parallel
transformers whilst maintaining the target voltage.
Whilst it is satisfying to see two parallel transformers come together on the same tap
position, such a high degree of negative reactance will be sensitive to changes in power
factor. When transformers are just one or two taps apart, the losses are fairly insignificant
and far more accurate voltage control can result. It is sufficient to ensure that tap changers
tend to move in the correct direction, i.e. the next tap change will be in a direction such to
bring them closer together. These principles apply universally.
Pre-1990 Schemes
Traditionally, parallel operation was achieved using classical reverse reactance. Here, an
LDC box is used to apply X and R to the relay, modifying the measured voltage by a factor
IZRRC = I(R – jX) where I is the current through the LDC CT. This has the effect of extending
or reducing the vector of the measured voltage, depending on the degree of circulating
current flowing between the transformers. These schemes have generally performed well
over 30 or so years with a few notable disadvantages:
• With the LEB 90° connection, the relays were most accurate at unity power factor;
• There is a trade-off between the degree of reverse reactance (i.e. how closely the
transformers are kept in step) and the susceptibility of the scheme to produce voltage
errors for varying power factors;
• The values of R and X were selected during commissioning with the aim of keeping the
transformers closely in step for the given network conditions at that time (mid 1960s!);
• The health of the AVE relay population is deteriorating as internal components wear out.
The general accuracy of the measuring elements is now poor and the bandwidths have
drifted out of calibration in some cases.
All of the above points affect the accuracy of the voltage control. The number of AVE
schemes left in service continues to fall year on year.
The zero (or V) rheostat is used to bias the AVE relay to balance at no load with 110V
corresponding to the dolly mid-point. The essence of reverse reactance is then to select
values of R and X that achieve the correct tap position (see above). The real challenge is
selecting a value of R that will compensate for the drooping characteristic introduced by the
X control whilst avoiding excessive boost when the load is resistive (normally at night).
Classic formulae are used to aid this process but the benefits of on-site tuning should not be
underestimated.
Some typical settings for LDC boxes associated with AVEs are given in Appendix A. The
corrective action procedure in Appendix F will also assist in the complex task of re-balancing
AVE-based schemes.
Post-1990 Schemes
MVGC01

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A number of 60MVA transformers are equipped with the Alstom MVGC01 relay4. This relay
provides reverse reactance control via settings VR and jVXL. Alstom provide formulae to
determine the optimum values for these with the warning that the power factor must not vary
too widely! The jVXL control is used in reverse mode so no LDC is introduced. To allow for
load sharing when running interleaved, a small degree of negative reactance or circulating
current compounding may be applied. The Alstom formulae have given aggressive reverse
reactance in the past and the jVXL control has been lowered at many sites. Care must be
taken to ensure the accuracy is not lost when embedded generation is connected.
Some MVGC01s are in use elsewhere. Stephenson Street LUL, Beech Street A and
Wimbledon D are cases in point. Here the transformers are run in parallel and the settings
must be calculated based on plant parameters and the Alstom provided formulae.
DRMCC
The DRMCC controller can be found at Chadwick Road, Tooley Street and Holloway,
controlling AVC and cooling on the Wilson transformers. The basic AVC options are
independent, Master-Follower or reverse reactance. This policy requires that reverse
reactance is used, since transformers normally run in parallel. Values of R and X are chosen
based on the classical formulae. Since only three of these installations exist, the settings
have been calculated individually and the voltage accuracy has thus far been acceptable.
Supertapp
The principle advantage of Supertapp is that the compounding and LDC controls are now
completely independent. The feedback quantities are known as LDC% and Coupling%.
Supertapp is most accurate at 0.96 system power factor. The errors are very small over a
much wider range of power factor and problems have only been experienced for significant
deviations from this figure (Paternoster and Kingsway capacitors) or for reverses in power
flow (Osborn Street RBS generator).
This policy follows the manufacturers’ guidelines for setting the Coupling% control on the
Supertapp relay, based on half transformer name-plate impedance. Where the transformer
impedance is higher than 30%, the coupling should be set to maximum on transformers that
run in parallel. If in any doubt, the coupling can be set to mid-range to provide fine control
for circulating current unless accuracy errors result from power factor problems.
Microtapp
At the time of this revision, there is no operational experience of Microtapp in London. The
first two relays will be commissioned at City Road B during 2004. The essential behaviour is
identical to Supertapp, the difference being the flexibility of a user-defined power factor and
a number of setting groups.
Based on the manufacturer’s guidelines and the relay literature. The proposed settings are
for TAPP mode running on a target voltage of 1.0pu, no LDC and based on a system power
factor that is averaged over the daily cycle, biased slightly towards high load.5 This will lead
to small voltage errors (if any) at times of light loading. Bandwidth and timing settings will be
as per the standard requirements for 132kV/11kV transformers.

4
See the Major Projects London discussion paper “AVC on the London System” by James Watson,
August 2003 for a description of this relay with its features and advantages.
5
At City Road B, the selected value is 0.94 based on historical trends extracted from CORGI.
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12 Grid Transformers and Specialist Cases

Traditionally, AVC was not widely applied to transformers supplying 22kV networks and
above since many substations were manned or hand-tapped as required. An increasing
number of transformers now have automatic or remote control (or both). The deadband at
22kV and above is necessarily higher than down at 11kV and 6.6kV so that the tap changers
at the higher voltage levels do not act to correct load-related voltage changes but only for
primary system faults or network switching. The time grading is arranged so that grid and
BSP tap changers will respond quicker, to prevent widespread tapping at the lower voltage
levels under such fault conditions. This timing and grading strategy was agreed by all RECs
and NGT in ENG 2470, 1988.
Other than the timing and deadband settings, which must remain set as agreed in ENG 2470
to achieve nationwide grading, the parallel running controls are determined in much the
same way as described previously. At 22kV and above, a mixture of AVE and Supertapp
relays exist on the Company system. Some AVC schemes have been abandoned due to
breakdown and this has not resulted in voltage problems. Finsbury C 33kV is a case in point.
Supertapp should be set to achieve target volts with zero LDC. The coupling control is set to
half the transformer impedance where possible or in the mid-to-high range otherwise. AVE
relays should be balanced using the procedure described in Appendix F.
In 180MVA stations, the transformers rarely run in parallel on automatic control. There are
occasions when the station may run interleaved for a period of time and the coupling effect
will need to be considered. Modest reverse reactance is appropriate where available. Most
180MVA stations are equipped with the MVGC01 relay but the degree of compounding to be
applied depends on the loading of the site. There are no agreed standards for these settings.
Indeed, some 180MVA stations run with pure target volts and no compounding (Duke Street,
West Ham) whereas others work better with modest reverse reactance (Devonshire Square,
West Ferry Circus, Leicester Square).

13 London Underground and Network Rail Supplies

The 85MVA transformers at Lots Road, Mansell Street and Stephenson Street are all
equipped with MVGC01 relays. Due to the power factor of LUL’s load, AVC on these
transformers is closely monitored. Specialist settings have been prescribed based on the two
high impedance units running in parallel. These follow the formulae given by Alstom in the
MVGC01 literature. These settings may need to be reviewed again as the nature of the load
changes due to replacement locomotives.
The LUL supply from Neasden operates on a master-follower basis to keep the transformers
in step as part of an active circuit between Willesden and Mill Hill. An overload protection
scheme causes the follower to trip for excessive power flows via the 22kV bars. It is possible
that this control may be replaced in the future with a TAPP based system.
On Network Rail’s 25kV system, pure voltage accuracy is of lesser importance due to the
higher tolerances allowed and the large load swings experienced. The traction load results in
a generally lower power factor than is found on the rest of the system. A degree of LDC
could be applied where Supertapp is used to compensate for this. When transformers run in
parallel, it is still necessary to minimise circulating current and share reactive power demand.
Conventional or modified reversed reactance is used for such.

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Appendix A - Typical (or Emergency) AVC Relay Settings for London

These settings are to be used only as a GUIDE
The following table gives typical examples of settings for various set-ups. Although these
may be generally suitable for the installation, the actual settings should be calculated from
site parameters and the monitored effect of power factor as described in the settings section
of this document. Observation of the scheme performance will be necessary to confirm the
correct choice. Settings should only be changed with consent from LPCC and changes
should be recorded in the log book and reported to EHV Protection as soon as possible.
RELAY Transformer Z% ∆V% R X
MVA (Typical)
AVE 15 18 ±1.1 6 1-26
22.5 25 ±1.25 117 2

jVXL VR
MVGC01 15 18 ±1.1 9 4-108
60 34 ±1.4 8 2

DRMCC-T1 36 / 45.8 37 ±1.25 0.05 pu 0.15 pu

22.5 / 45 17 ±1.25 0.045 pu 0.136 pu

L.D.C. COUPLING
% %
SuperTAPP 15 18 ±1.1 0-19 9-12
25 25 ±1.1 0-1 12-15
60 34 ±1.4 0-1 6-910

L.D.C. Cos Φ
MicroTAPP 60 34 ±1.4 0 0.94
76 40 ±1.5 0 0.94

6
Experience has shown that 1 works well in the centre but 2 is more appropriate in the suburbs. Try it out.
7
May not be possible to achieve on some LDC boxes.
8
Increase setting as power factor decreases, i.e. set at 4V for 0.95 power factor and 10 for 0.8 or below.
9
Higher values are required in specialist cases.
10
High Coupling setting will lead to drooping when running singly put. When running in parallel this setting could
be increased to 12-15 if considered necessary. For most cases, leaving set at 6-9 will be satisfactory.
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Appendix B – Time Grading for AVC in England and Wales

This was published in a document no. ENG 2470 by the CEGB and accepted at the
Electricity Council (Association) Engineering Management Conference October 1988
as part of the AVC Co-ordination strategy.

~
Manual

WIDE DEADBAND
Future (e.g.2.5 TO 4%)
Automatic +
SHORT TIME DELAY
Automatic

NARROW DEADBAND
Automatic (e.g.1.5 to 2%)
+
LONGER TIME DELAY
Fixed or
Off Load
Taps

Generalised Time Grading:

AVR = Machine Automatic Voltage Regulator
AVR DAR MSC supergrid AVC DAR = Delayed Auto Reclose
MSC = Machanically Switched Capacitors

BSP AVC

Primary AVC

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 Time after outage seconds

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Appendix C - Letter

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Appendix D – Drawings

JT3376W covers retrofitted AVE installations or application of Supertapp RVM/4m.

New installations or application of Supertapp RVM/5m and RTMU/1m will be outlined on a

similar schematic diagram – currently being revised.

Mcirotapp installations will be outlined on a similar schematic diagram – currently being

revised.

For application of any other relay, a bespoke design must be specified and/or approved by
an EDF Energy design engineer on accordance with design review procedures.

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Appendix E – Procedure for Voltage Complaints

The Networks Branch procedure NSC-04-012 outlines the approach to be followed for
voltage, EMF enquiry and noise complaints.

The latest revision of this procedure is available from Network Services Central, Business
Support.

As outlined in the procedure, voltage complaints are first investigated by a voltage

technician. If the problem is not due to a fault, or other known condition, arrangements are
made for analysis to take place over a period of 1-2 weeks.
If then, the complaint is verified, the matter is referred to EHV Protection for adjustment of
AVC relays or rectification of AVC defect. If the problem cannot be resolved this way, and in
extreme cases, network redesign may be necessary.

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Appendix F – Corrective Action Procedure / Callout Guide

If the voltage on a particular bus-bar is found to be persistently outside an allowable
tolerance, the AVC scheme is NOT performing satisfactorily. The diagnosis and repair of the
scheme should only be attempted by those competent and familiar with AVC in London.
There are three main causes of a persistent voltage accuracy complaint:
Fault within tap changer or AVC scheme fault
Inappropriate relay settings or (unlikely) faulty AVC relay
Abnormal load power factor, varying power factor or power flow direction swings, possibly
due to embedded generation
Faults on a tap changer mechanism or within the AVC scheme will normally generate a
“Voltage Control Faulty” alarm, although not exclusively. Voltage accuracy errors which do
not generate an alarm will still normally reveal themselves to LPCC through analogue
indications or via customer complaints.
Depending on the location of the problem within the network, and at the discretion of the
control engineer, all such complaints should be reported to Network Services Central and/or
EHV Protection staff as appropriate at the earliest possible opportunity.
Approach
EHV Maintenance are to investigate and rule out problems with the tap changer itself or with
the AVC scheme (VT supplies, power supply etc.) Defects with AVC schemes or suspected
relay setting problems are to be referred to EHV Protection.
Out of Hours
For a complaint out of normal working hours, LPCC should remote tap where available.
Where remote tapping is not available or not working, and at the discretion of the control
engineer, the brief application and removal of a 3% reduction has been known to free elderly
step-by-step relays. The designated standby person is available to investigate and manually
tap as required. Preferably, relay settings should not be interfered with unless the individual
is familiar with the relay and aware of any consequences of his actions. Placing the
transformer on fixed tap and raising a TLR for immediate attention the next morning is
normally adequate in most cases. Where this action is considered inadequate by the control
engineer, the following procedure, specific for each relay type, can be used.
General
The following should be checked:
a) Is the tap changer live, i.e. does manual raise and lower work?
b) Remove the relay cover (as necessary) and adjust the basic set point to force the relay
to initiate a tap. If the tap changer works in both directions, the relay settings are
suspect. If the tap changer does not work, or works only in one direction, the problem is
in the motor box.
c) Are two/three phase VT supplies live to the AVC relay?
Having carried out these basic checks, motor box problems should be investigated by
checking the overload relay, maintaining contact, fuses and links, and inspecting the step-
by-step contactor in the rear of the panel – is it moving at all? In older schemes any delay
timers can be manually operated. If the tap changer cannot be brought to life electrically, a
suitable tap should be agreed with LPCC and the handle turned as required. The results of
any findings should be recorded on the TLR and in the log book.
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If the tap changer raises and lowers electrically by ‘fooling’ the relay (see above) but the
transformers are not sharing or the station volts are poor, the problem is likely to be incorrect
relay settings. The following sections give guidance on addressing settings issues and
rebalancing the different types of relays.
Bear in mind that there are no ‘Standard Settings’ for AVC relays. Each site is effectively
unique. The settings outlined in Appendix A are for emergency use and should be applied to
a relay on a temporary basis and the situation reported to EHV Protection as soon as
possible.
AVE3 or AVE5
These relays are the oldest type found. There are only a few sites remaining with this kind of
relay. These relays are being replaced with Supertapp RVM/4 relays and will disappear.
Given the typical nature of problems developed with these relays (usually timer contacts
internally or sticking dollies) the transformer should be placed on fixed tap and the matter
referred to EHV Protection URGENTLY. The offending relay can be serviced in the
workshop but it is often better and easier to replace it with a Supertapp.
The complexity of the adjustment process is such that it should only be attempted by those
familiar with CA type LDC boxes and the AVE type of relay. For those prepared to spend the
time, the following procedure may be used.
1. Record the existing settings of ZERO, R and X in the log book.
2. Having set the R and X knobs to zero, and balanced parallel transformers on the same
tap position, turn the ZERO knob so that the dolly is perfectly balanced between the high
volts and low volts limits (between the contacts). Do this for each transformer in the pair.
3. Adjust the ZERO knob again so that the dolly drops to hit the lower limit and observe the
timer disc begins to turn. In the AVE5 there is no disc and you will have to wait for the
electronic timer to time out and initiate a tap.
4. When satisfied that the relay initiates a tap, turn the ZERO knob in the opposite direction
so that the dolly rises to hit the upper contact. Again, see that the transformer taps up.
Return to the balance state, i.e. both transformers on the same tap.
5. Using an accurate (TRUE RMS or moving-iron) voltmeter, adjust the bus-bar voltage to
11kV exactly (110.0V) across your meter with parallel transformers on the same tap.
6. Apply the R setting specified in Appendix A to each LDC box. All dollies should rise to hit
the upper contact. Now apply X to an initial value of 1. The dollies should now be
balanced (or almost). In highly loaded areas, X may need to be increased to 1.5 or 2 but
never normally above 2. The volts will need to be monitored over a daily load cycle to
ascertain the correct setting. Compensate for any errors in a particular LDC box by
trimming the zero knob to achieve balance between the upper and lower contacts.
Constantly check to see you still have 110V exactly.
7. Tap the transformers apart by four taps (i.e. down two on one and up two on its
neighbour). Watch them pull together. They do not need to come to exactly the same tap
position but should be no more than one or two taps apart. Reverse the direction and
repeat the test.
8. Finally, manually tap your transformer up and then down, and see that, when restored to
automatic, your AVE relay tries to tap it back in the correct direction. You will see the
dolly hit the contact and the timer start to move (where applicable).

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Supertapp RVM/4(m) or RVM/5(m)

As far as adjustment is concerned, both these relays behave in an identical way. You may
find peculiar settings on Supertapp relays which differ from site to site, or even between
relays on the same panel. This might be deliberate, or may be the cause of your problem.
There is no easy way to find out although the log book may give guidance.
If you suspect the Supertapp relay as the cause of the problem, first check and adjust the
following:

Setting 11kV Bars 22kV Bars 33kV Bars 6.6kV Bars

Bandwidth 1.1 for 12 / 15MVA 1.5 1.5 1.1
1.25 for 22.5MVA
1.4 for 60MVA
Initial Time 120 (90 on 60MVA) 90 90 120

Inter-tap Time 10 (can be lower but not 10-15 10-15 10-15

normally less than 7)

Basic % 100 100 100 100

Now:
1. Make a note of the existing values of LDC and Coupling.
2. Set LDC to zero and Coupling to mid-range position value (10.5%).
3. Turn basic setting up, relay calls for a tap up?
4. Turn basic setting down, relay calls for a tap down?
5. In the above, check that the Supertapp relay actually initiates a tap, not just begins to
time. (Turning the time delay to minimum will aid this but remember to put it back as
above)
6. Turn the LDC setting up and see that the Supertapp calls for an INCREASE in volts. If
the above is not satisfied, the relay may be connected incorrectly. If so, leave on a fixed
tap and see that the TLR is passed to EHV Protection urgently.
7. Using an accurate (TRUE RMS or moving-iron) voltmeter, adjust the bus-bar voltage to
11kV exactly (110.0V) across your meter with parallel transformers on the same tap.
Rotate the Coupling control and see that this has no effect.
8. Now apply the same LDC and Coupling values as are present on any other relays that
your transformer is running in parallel with. It is normal in most cases for all transformers
at a site to have the same settings but not exclusively.
9. If the volts at the whole station are out of tolerance, apply the emergency values of LDC
and Coupling given in Appendix A and record this. Alternatively, follow the steps below.
10. If the problem is generally high volts at the whole site, ensure that all basic % knobs are
exactly on 100% and the time and bandwidth settings are as per the above table.
Reduce the LDC to a value half of its present setting. The transformers should tend to
tap down. Monitor the voltage.
11. If the voltage improves, but transformers are not on the same (or close) taps when
running in parallel, reduce the LDC yet further and increase the coupling.

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12. If the problem is generally low volts at the whole site, ensure that all basic % knobs are
exactly on 100% and the time and bandwidth settings are as per the above
table.Increase the LDC very slightly, by a maximum of 1%. The transformers should tend
to tap up. Monitor the voltage.
13. Be aware that increasing the LDC (boost) may then lead to high volts when the load
increases or if the power factor changes. It is rarely ever necessary to increase the LDC
setting in London.
14. If one Supertapp relay persistently sits on a tap which is markedly different from its
partners, that relay may need its basic % set point recalibrating. Turn the basic % knob
up or down as required to stabilise the relay on a tap matching its neighbour and refer
the problem to EHV Protection.
Alstom / GEC Measurements MVGC01
This relay features an array of knobs and switches which can look quite daunting to those
not familiar with it. We are interested mainly in the numbered wheels which make the Vs
setting, i.e. the basic set point in VT volts (110V in nearly all cases) and in the VR and jVXL
setting knobs to the right of this.
First confirm the following:

Setting 11kV Bars 22kV Bars 33kV Bars 6.6kV Bars

∆V% 1.1 for 12 / 15MVA 1.5 1.5 1.1

1.25 for 22.5MVA
1.4 for 60MVA
Initial Time 120 (90 on 60MVA) 90 90 120

Inter-tap Time 10 (can be lower but not 10-15 10-15 10-15

normally less than 7)

Vs (Volts) 110 110 110 110

jVXL Switch Reverse Reverse Reverse Reverse

Now:
1. Make a note of the existing values of VR and jVXL in the log book.
2. Set VR and jVXL to the full-stop/point setting – this takes them out of service.
3. Flick the test selector switch from normal to test.
4. Turn the “Test Volts Adjust” knob up, relay calls for a tap down?
5. Turn the “Test Volts Adjust” knob down, relay calls for a tap up?
6. In the above, check that the MVGC relay actually initiates a tap, not just begins to time.
(Turning the time delay to minimum will aid this but remember to put it back as above)
7. Using an accurate (TRUE RMS or moving-iron) voltmeter, adjust the bus-bar voltage to
11kV exactly (110.0V) across your meter with parallel transformers on the same tap.
You may plug the test leads into the green test jacks on the front of the relay after flicking
the test selector switch back to normal.
8. Now apply the same VR and jVXL values as are present on any other relays that your
transformer is running in parallel with. It is normal in most cases for all transformers at a
site to have the same settings but not exclusively.
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9. If the volts on the whole station are out of tolerance, apply the emergency values of VR
and jVXL given in Appendix A and record this. Alternatively, follow the steps below.
10. The steps below do NOT apply to 60MVA transformers or to Traction supplies – these
are specialist and the problem should be corrected by remote tapping until detailed
studies can take place.
11. If the problem is generally high volts at the whole site, reduce jVXL to a value half of its
present setting. The transformers should tend to tap down. Monitor the voltage.
12. If the voltage improves, but transformers are not on the same (or close) taps when
running in parallel, reduce the jVXL yet further. Leave the VR where it is or set it in line
with the highest existing setting found at the substation.
13. If the problem is generally low volts at the whole site, ensure that all Vs knobs are exactly
on 110V and the time and bandwidth settings are as per the above table. Increase the
jVXL very slightly, by a maximum of 2 volts. The transformers should tend to tap up.
Monitor the voltage.
14. Be aware that increasing the jVXL setting may then lead to high volts when the load
increases or if the power factor changes.
Microtapp and DRMCC
These relays are only found at Chadwick Road, Holloway 11kV, City Road B and Tooley
Street. The user interface is not straightforward. Only trained and experienced operators
should attempt to re-programme these relays.
Remote tapping is available at the above substations. If this option is not functioning, tap
change or power supply problems should be ruled out as described in the above sections. If
the transformers are not on the correct tap position and the relays are suspected, the matter
should be reported to EHV Protection for attention on the next available day or, at the
discretion of the control engineer, an appropriate engineer should be contacted as ‘general
availability’ permits.

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Appendix G – Simple Vector Diagrams for Common AVC relays

Reverse Reactance 900 Connection – AVE Series (Typical)

Load current IB RELAY

BANDWIDTH

VR
VRY
VX

VRelay
ø

- IB
IB

Circulation current parallel transformers IL

VR high tap
VX VR low tap
VRY
Vrelay high tap VX Vrelay
low tap

IL

-IL

low tap high tap

IL

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Modified Reverse Reactance 300 connection as used in TAPP family. Load current
is reversed internally in the relay for the coupling element.

Resultant
measured
voltage

Vchoke
Vldc

Load Current

LOAD drop
compensation

TAPP
load drop compensation

Circulating current parallel transformers IL

Unit 1 Unit 2
Resultant Resultant
Lower Higher
measured measured
Icirc 1 voltage voltage
LO tap

Icirc 2
HI tap

TAPP
circulating current

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