Apptovsllssue

Course 23S Module 7 - Generator Protection

NOTES & REFERENCES

Module 7

GENERATOR PROTECTION
OBJECTIVES:
After completing this module you will be able to:

Pag.2

7.1

Describe Class A, B, C, and D turbine generator protection trips.

7.2

Explain how each of the following protection schemes could be used

to provide protection of a generatOr:

Pag.s2-4~

a)

Generator differential protection,

Pag.sU ~

b)

Generator ground fault protection,

Pag.7~

c)

Generator phase unbalance,

Pag.7~

d)

Generatorlossoffiel~

Pag.9~

e)

Overexcitation.

Pag.9~

f)

Generator underfrequency,

Pag.10~

Pag.s 10-11

g) Generator out of step,

h) Excitation rectifier overcurrent.

Pag.. I1-12~
Pag.. 4-11~

i)

7.3

Motoring.

For each of the schemes listed in 7.2, give an example of a fault

requiring the protection scheme to operate and the consequence to
the generator if the protection scheme failed to operate.

INSTRUCTIONAL TEXT
INTRODUCTION
This module concentrates on the protection schemes used for the protection
of generators and the consequences of their failure to operate. A brief
discussion will also be given on the operation of the various types of
protective relays, but you will not be required to memorize this

information.

-1-

Approvellssue

Course 23S Module 7 - Generator Protection

NOTES & REFERENCES

As with electrical motor protection, the protection schemes that will be

discussed have some similarities and overlap. This is advantageous. since not
all generators have all of the protection schemes listed in this module. In fact,
there are many protection schemes available. only the more common ones are
discussed. here.

CLASSES OF TURBINE GENERATOR TRIPS

Obi. 7.1

There are different classes of protecove nips for generators. -each with
different actions, depending on the cause and potential for damage. Each of
the four Classes of nip (A, B, C, &D) are discussed below.
Class A trips will completely separate the generator from tbe grid, and
sbut down tbe turbine generator (ie. it will nip the turbine and the field
breaker). Typical causes could be generator electrical protection, main
transformer electrical protection, ground faults or,any other cause which may
directly affect the unit's safe electrical output.

Class B trips will disconnect the generator from the grid, but will leave
tbe turbine generator supplying the unit load. Typical initiation of this
event is a grid problem, thus resulting in this loss of load.
Class C trips are generator overexcitation trips, and are activated only if
the generat9I' is not connected to the grid (it may still be supplying the unit
loads). Typical causes of this overexcitation are manually applying too much
excitation, or applying excitation current below synchronous speed (this will
be discussed later in this module).

Class D trips the turbine and then trips the generator after motoring
(motoring is discussedin the 234Turbine and-Auxiliaries course). The causes
of this type of nip are associated with mechanical problems with the turbine
generator set
Each of these trips, along with their causes and exact effects, will be
discussed further in your station specific training.

GENERATOR DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION

Obi. 7.2 a)~

Differential protection, as described in Module 3, can be used to detect

internal faults in the windings of generators, including ground faults,
sbort circuits and open circuits. Possible causes of faults are damaged

insulat;9n due to aging, overheating, over-voltage, wet insulation and

mecbanical damage.
Examples of the application ofdifferential protection are shown in Figure 7.1
which considers a generator winding arrangement with multiple windings,
two per phase (this type of differential protection is also called split phase
protection for this reason).

-2-

... ,

Approval Issue

Course 23S Module 7 - Generator Protection

NOTES & REFERENCES

Generator Tel111lnals

.o
o
o

------

-.

o
o

Protection :
Zones ,

o
o
o
o

o
o
o
o

,o
,,"
,,
,,
,

Neutral
Connection
To Ground
aj Heahhy
Phase

bl

Fau~ed

c) Open Circuit in

Phase

the Phase

Figure 7.1: Differential Protection for Generator

Windings (Split Phase Protection)
In Figure 7.1 aJ, the currents in the two windings will be balanced, causing
the ClllTents in the protection circuit to be balanced. Hence in this case, the
differential relay will not operate.

In Figure 7.1 bJ, a ground fault is shown on one of the windings. In this case
the faultcutTent direction is shown, and it will be unbalanced. This will result
in unbalanced secondary currents in the protection circuit, causing the
differential relay to operate. Similarly, a"short circuit" within a winding will
cause the two winding currents to be unmatched, causing the differential
relay to operate.
In Figure 7.1 c), an optn circuit is shown, resulting in no current in the one
winding. Again, the unbalanced currents will cause the differential relay to
operate.
'd~

In generators with single windings per phase, differential protection could be

used across each end of the windings.

-3-

""I

Approvsllssue

Course 23S Module 7 - Generator Protection

NOTES & REFERENCES

This latter type of differential protection scheme could be used to protect the
windings of the generator and the main transfonner, by optimum placement
of the current transformers. Figure 7.2 shows the differential scheme with the

current transformers located at the output side of the main transformer, the
connection for the unit service transfonner and on the generator winding at
the center of the star connection. This puts the generator winding and main
transformer windings within the zone of protection for this differential
scheme. Note that the current transformers will require a different ratio, since

theane current nansformeris on the output side of the main tl'ansfonnef"l'.

Main

Transformer

,..........,.\A-(G}--""'---<:

>--.+Ir..-{
Differential

Relay

~>---

Unit Service
Transformer

Connection

Unit Service
Transformer

Figure 7.2:

obj. 7.3 =:>

Differential Protection Scheme For The

Generator (and Main Transformer)

If the faults listed earlier are not cleared, then the risk ofinsulation damage
will occur due to overheating. as well as damage from arcing if the
insulation has already been damaged.

GENERATOR GROUND FAULT PROTECTION

Obj. 7.2 bi =:>

In the pre0.olls section, we have seen how differential protection can be used
to protect against a ground fault in the windings of the generator itself.

Another method of detecting faults is to monitor the neutral connection for

corront flows. In Figure 7.3, the grounding of the generator neutral
connection is dune through a neutral grounding transfonner. A ground fault
in the generator windings (similar to the case shown in Figure 7.1), tenninals
orequipment on-line will cause unbalanced current flows in the phases. This
unbalanced corrent Dow will cause a corrent Dow to the neutral

This clU7'wwill alsorequiTephase co"ectioll. since the transformaJiotIwill have calUdphase

shifts. How this p1uJse shift is corrected is beyond the scope ofthis course.

-4-

"'1

ApprovalisSUB

Counc 235 Module 7 - Generator Protcetial1

NOTES & REFERENCES

(ground) connection. The current flowing in the neutral to ground will

cause a current to be induced on the secondary side of the transfonner as
well. Once the voltage in the secondary side of this transfonner reaches a
preset level, the voltage relay will operate. The resistor seen in the diagram is
sized to limit the ground fault current and thus minimize the damage to the
generator stator core and winding insulation when a ground fault develops.

Generator Terminals

Neutral

Connection

Transformer

GrInding
Resistor

Figure 7.3:Ground Protection for Generator

Windings
Obj. 7.3

=!>

Possible causes of ground faults are insulation damage due to aging,

overheating, over-voltage. wet insulation and mechanical damage. If the
. faults are not cleared, then the risk of insulation damage will occur due to
overheating (as a result of high currents), or damage from arcing if the
insulation has already been damaged.

ROTOR GROUND FAULT PROTECTION

Obj. 7.3

=!>

The windings on the rotor of an ac generator produce the magnetic field at the
poles. In four pole generators (typical of 60 Hz, 1800 rpm units). the

occurrence of a single ground fault within the rotor generally has no

detrimental effects. A second ground fault, however, can have disastrous
results. It can cause pan of the rotor winding to be bypassed which alters the
shape of the otherwise balanced flux pattern. Excessive vibration and even
rotor/stator contact may result.

-5-

.."

Approvellssue

Course 23S Module 7 - GeneralOr Protection

NOTES & REFERENCES

Obj. 7.2 bi """

A means of detecting the first ground fault provides protection against the

effects of a second fault to ground on the rotor. Figure 7.4 shows a simplified
excitation system with a ground fault detection (GFD) circuit'. The GFD is
connected to the positive side of the exciter source.

r---------;:::l.,Reid
Winding

L----r----=:r+
Current Umitlng Resistor

Sensitive GFD Relay

Auxmary

IIC

A.C. Supply

Figure 7.4: Ground Fault Detection

on Excitation System
A ground fault occurring anywhere within the excitation system and rotor
winding will cause current to flow' through the limiting resistor (the voltage
at the fault point will add to the bias voltage and cause a current flow through
the GFD circuit), the GFD relay, the bias supply to ground and then back to
the fault location. Current flow through the GFD relay brings in an alarm.

Rotor grolllfdfau1l protection was tkaltwith in your 335.05-1 Electrit:D1 Systems COUTS#!.

-6-

Approve/issue

Course 235 Module 7 - Generator Protection

NOTES & REFERENCES

GENERATOR PHASE UNBALANCE PROTECTION

Obi. 7.3 :>

Obi. 7.2 c)

:>

If the generator continues to operate with a phase imbalance, CUIrents in the

windings will increase due to additional Induced circulating currents"
(these cum:nis will also cause heating of other internal components of the
generator). This will result in rapid and uneven heating within the
generator. Possible damage to Insulation and windings (hence, reduced
machine life), and tbermal distortion could occur.
A specialized relay to detect these circulating cum:nts, called a Negative
Sequence Current Relay (since the "induced" cum:nts are called negative
sequence currents"), is used to detect the phase imbalance within the
generator during unbalanced fault conditions. A differential scheme could be
used between the three phases to detect excessive variations in current
caused by uneven loading.
The unbalanced magnetic forces within the generator due to these cum:nts
will also cause excessive vibration. This may result in bearing wear/damage and reduced macbine life, and may result in a bigb vibration trip"".
Causes of phase imbalance include unequal load distribution, grid faults
and windings faults.

GENERATOR LOSS OF FIELD PROTECTION

Obi. 7.3

:>

When a generator develops insufficient excitation for a given load, the

terminal voltage will decrease. and the generator will operate at a more
lesding power factor with a larger load angle. If the load angle becomes too
large, loss ofstability and pole slipping will occur. More infurmation about
pole slipping will be presented later in this module, and more about stability
will be presented in Module 8.

A loss offield could be caused by an exciter or rectifier failure, automatic

voltage regulator failure, accidental tripping of tbe field breaker, short
circuits in the field currents, poor brush contact on the sliprings, or ac
power loss to tbe exciters (either from the station power supply or from the
shaft generated excitation current).
Obi. 7.2 d):>

Relays that sense conditions resulting from a loss of field, such as reactive
power flow to the machine, internal impedance changes as a result of field
changes or voltage decreases, may be used fur the detection of the loss of
field. A field breaker limit switch indicating that the breaker is open also
gives an indication that there is no field to the generator.

HowtM#cwrenuanfortMd isbeyoNithescopcoftlUscOIIFH. y~ nadonJy.blow that thue

CIln'DW circld4ting in 1M genuQ/Of' will causft tJddilioMl hbUing due to PR losses.

.. Trips of the whine-generator initiated by high vibration signals an discussed in the 234

Twbinu" AwcilUviu COfll'$ft.

-7-

... ,

Approvallssua

Course 235 Module 7 - Generator Protection.

NOTES & REFERENCES

SUMMARY OF THE KEY CONCEPTS

Cl&Ss A trips will completely separate the Unit from the grid, and shut

down the turbine generator.

Class B trips will disconnect the generator from the grid, but will leave
the turbine generator supplying the unit loads.

Class C trips are generator overexcitation trips.

Cl&Ss D trips will trip the turbine and then trip the generator after
motoring.

Generator differential protection can be used for protection against

winding ground faults, shorts and open circuits.

The flow of fault currents can arise from insulation damaged due to
aging, overheating, moisture or mechanical damage.

Ground faults can also be detected by current through the neutral

grounding transformer.

Ground faults on the rotor are detected by a ground fault detection

system connected. to the positive bus of the exciter circuit. The first
ground fault is alarmed, allowing action to be taken to prevent the
consequences of a second ground fault

Ph&Se imbalance can be caused by unequal load distribution, grid faults

and windings faults. Phase imbalance will induce circulating currents.
which will result in rapid. uneven heating within the generator. This will

result in damage to insulation and windings (hence. reduced machine

lifel, and thermal distortion. Unbalanced magnetic forces within the
generator will also cause excessive vibration, resulting in a possible
high vibration trip.

A negative sequence current relay can be used to detect phase imbalance

conditions and initiate protective action. A differential scheme could
also be used.

Loss of field protection will prevent the generator from pole slipping.
which can result in mechanical shocks to the turbine generator. This can
be caused by an exciter failure, automatic voltage regulator failure,
accidental tripping of the field breaker, shorl circuits in the field
currents, poor brush contact on the sliprings, or ac power loss to the
exciters.

Loss of field can be detected by special relays that sense reactive power
flow to the machine or internal impedance changes.

-8-

,,",I

Approvellssue

C01D'Be 235 Module 7 - Generator Protection

NOTES & REFERENCES

GENERATOR OVEREXCITATION PROTECTION

Obi. 7.3 ~

If the generator is required to produce greater than rated voltage at rated

speed (or rated voltage below rated speed), the field current must be
increased above normal (generated voltage is proportional to frequency and
flux*). The excess current in the rotor and generated voltage will result in
overfluxlng of the generator stator iron, and the iron cores of the main and
unit service transformers. Damage due to overheating may result in these
components. Ovcrvoltage may also cause breakdown ofinsulation, resulting
in faults/arcing.

This problem may occur on generators that are connected to the grid if they
experience generator voltage regulation problems. It may also occur for
units during start-up or ,.....ynchroniZing following a trip (the field breaker
should open when the turbine is tripped. At low frequencies, the field
discharge resistor should prevent tenninal voltage from reaching dangerous
levels**). Overexcitation in these instances may be a result of equipment
problems or operator error in applying excessive excitation prematurely
(excitation should not be applied to the generator until it reaches ncar
synchronous speed).

Obi. 7.2 .)~

A specializcd voltslhcrtz relay is used to detecrthis condition, and will trip

the generator if excessive volts/hertz conditions are detected.

GENERATOR UNDERFREQUENCY PROTECTION

While connected to a stable grid, the grid frequency and voltage are usually
constant If the system frequency drops excessively. it indicates that there
has been a significant increase in load*. This could lead to a serious
problem in tbe grid, and it is of little use to supply a grid tbat may be
about to collapse. In this case, the generator would be separated from tbe
grid. The grid (or at least portions ofit) may well collapse. The system can
slowly rebuild (with system generators ready to restore power) to proper,
pre-<:ollapse operating conditions;
~

As mentioned above, if a generator connected to the grid has sufficient

excitation applied below syncbronous speed (since grid frequency has
dropped) for it to produce rated voltage, the excitation level is acrually higher
than that required at synchronous speed. Overexcitation, and the problems
described above, may result.

7.2f)~

A specialized volts/hcrtx1'lOlay compares voltage level and frequency and

will trip the generator if preset voltslhcrtz levels are exceeded

Obi. 7.3

Obi.

ThU is diJcusU in tM 230.25-7 Electrical EqIliJHftDll cOUl'~.

oil.

COIITse 230.25-3 Electrical EqllJpmDll di.scwsa tM e:a:ilaJion system.

oil. .

ThU isdiscJwed in tM 335.01-1 tJnd P/35.02 Elecrric02ISystem.f COW'~$.

-9-

"'1

Approvellssue

Course 235 Module 7 - Gena:ator Protection-<

NOTES & REFERENCES

GENERATOR OUT OF STEP PROTECTION

Obj.

7.3~

This protects the generator from continuing operation when the generator is
pole slipping. Pole slipping will result in mechanical rotational impacts to
the turbine, as the generator slips in and out of synchronism. This can be
the result of running in an under excited condition (see the section on loss
of field), or a grid fault that has not cleared.

Relays thatdeteetchanges in impedance ofthe generatorcan be used to detect

the impedance changes that will occur when the unit slips poles. Another
method to provide this protection is to detect the loss of excitation, using the
loss of field protection, and trip the unit if excitation is too low (ie. trip the
generator when pole slipping is imminent). This has been discussed in the
loss of field section of t1iis module.

Obj. 7.2 g)

GENERATOR RECTIFIER OVERCURRENT

PROTECTION
Individual rectifiers (part of the exciters) are used to provide the DC current,
whicb produce tbe field for the generator rotor. The power supply for the
rectifiers can be either from a sm:ul ac generator on the shaft of the main
generator, or from a station power supply *.
7.3~

As the amount of current through the rectifiers increases. the generator field
increases. This current must be limited to prevent damage due to
overheating. Complete loss ofthe rectifier can occur if the protective device
for the circuit operates, if the rectifier has a component fault, or if the unit has
tripped on overload or high temperature (these units require cooling to
dissipate heat produced). Causes ofrectifier overcurrent could be overexcitation due to some voltage regulation fault, or a grid fault requiring higher
than nonnal excitation.

Obj. 7.2 h)~

Protection against high rectifier current varies between stations. In some

stations, high rectifiers currents will initiate trips of exciters, and in others,
only alarms are generated (an indication that some action will be required).
Overcurrent protection can be provided by fuses **, and by current relays
(whose details were mentioned in a previous module).

Obj.

Excitation systems, as with many systems in our stations, have redundant

components. For example, an exciter may have 6 rectifier sections, with only
five of them required to operate the generator at full power. In this example.
the loss or ~.vre than one rectifier will result in the overall capacity of the
exciter being reduced. If the exciter was forced to produce the current
required to produce full load, the remaining rectifiers would be overloaded,

Course 230.25-3 Electrical Equipment discusses the excitation system.

*.

Fuses were discussed in your 426.0-16 Electricity Course.

-10-

Approvsllssue

Course 23S Module 7 - Genetaror Protection

NOTES & REFERENCES

and these rectifiers will also be lost Some stations will allow continued
operation with minced number of rectifiers in service, but generator
excitation (hence load) will be limited by remaining field current
capacity. By not having the field. CUITent available to "stiffen" the
generator's connection to the grid. the system stability is at risk.
The rectifiers have an overload capacity, but the duration that they can
sustain this overload is limited. This overload capacity is requiml when grid
faults result in mluced voltage, power or frequency changes. A power
stabilizing system, upon "seeing a grid problem", will call foran increase in
excitation to maintain grid stability. This is known as field forcing. If the
number of rectifiers is limited, and field forcing is required, it can/will
overload the remaining rectifiers. resulting in a total loss ofexcitation (hence
production). To prevent this, the ability to rreld force is reduced to a value
dependent upon the number ofrectifier sections in service. This will result in
a less secure electrical supply.

MOTORING
Obj. 7.3 =>

Motoring refers to the process of an ac generator becoming a synchronous

motor, that is, the device changing from'a producer of electrical power to a
consumer of it. Following a reactor trip or setbacklstepback to a very low
power level. it is beneficial to enter the motoring mode of turbine generator
operatinn. However, this is not a desirable mode of operation for standby
or emergency generators. They are not designed to operate in this manner.
and can be seriously damaged if power is allowed to flow in the wrong
direction.

Obj. 7.2 i)=>

A means ofindicaling when the ttansition from exporter to importer ofpower

occurs is pro\1id.e4 by a device known as a reverse power relay. As its name
suggests, it is triggered by power flowing in a direction opposite to that
which is normally desired. This can be used for generator protection, as is the
case with standby generators, or as a permissive alarm{mterlock for romine
generator motoring (see Class D trips on page 2). Figure 7.5 shows a typical

arrangement of a reverse power protection circuit employing both a cr and a

voltage transformer (VT) to power the relay, and hence, protect the
generator. The relay will operate when any negative power flow is detected.

TM stabilizing $JIfDn will detect vollage. spud tJNi powt!T c1IlJ1ages llwt CtDI btt indicalwe ofQ,
grid ftuJI. TIw. ~i:ilIg S'J#I!III willlM disc~ in JOfU station spifU: training.

.. FIITtIwr infonNJlion on turbiM genuator motoring can lMfound in 1M TlU'bine & Auxiliaries
cOline 234.0-13.

-11-

'""

ApprovsllSSUB

Course 23S Module 7 - Generator Protection

NOTES & REFERENCES

r--

AA

.,.

.J:.
AA

'--

/'

'-

"

./

-.b
-

V.T.
Reverse

Power
Relay

Figure 7.5:

Generator Reverse Power Protection

Generator Protection Scheme

CI.... ofTrip

Differential Protection

Ground Fault Protection

Phase Unbalance

Loss of Field

Overexcitation

A,B,C

Underfrequency

Out nfStep

Excitation Rectifier Overcurrent

A*

Motoring

This does not lead to a trip directly, though once excitation collapses, a loss
of excitation trip will result.

Table 7.1: Summary of Generator Protection

Schemes and Trip Classes

-12-

""'I

Apptovallssue

COUDC 235 Module 7 - GeneralOr Prolection

NOTES & REFERENCES

SUMMARY OF THE KEY CONCEPTS

Overexcitation. caused by generator voltage regulation problems or

operator error, will result in overfluxing of the generator stator iron and
the transformers. This may result in overheating to these components.
Exceeding insulation voltage can lead to breakdown/arcing.

Underftequency protection prevents damage to the generator stator and

transformers from overfluxing due to the application of excessive
excitation when the grid frequency falls.

Generator out of step protection prevents continued operation while

pole slipping and prevents mechanical damage due to the impacts of
slipping Wout of synchronism.

Rectifier overcurrents could result from a voltage regulation problem or

a grid fault requiring higher than nonna! excitation (excessive field
forcing).

Pages 13-18

<=}

Rectifier overcurrent protection prevents damage to the rectifiers due to

overheating. Without protection or annunciation, the remaining rectifiers will be overloaded and trip. Loss of field will occur, causing total
loss of production. Power production andlor field forcing limitations
may be required (which may affect stabllity).

A-reverse power relay detects the flow of power into a generator. It can
provide an alann. as occurs before turbine generator motoring. or
initiate a protective trip. as is the case with standby generators.

You can now do assignment questions 1-19.

-13-

... ,

Approvsllssue

Comse 235 Module 7 - Generator ProteetiOh

NOTES & REFERENCES

ASSIGNMENT
1.

Discuss each of the four classes ofturbine generator protection trips.

Class A:

Class B:

Class C:

Class D:

2.

Explain how differential protection is used for the protection of a

generator (in your explanation include consequences to station equipment if this protection fails to operate):

3.

Faults that can be detected by generator differential protection are:

a)

b)
c)

-14-

... ,

Approval Issue

Course 235 Module 7 - GeneraIor Protection

NOTES & REFERENCES

4.

Explain how ground fault protection is used for the windings of a

generator (in your explanation include consequences to station equipment if this protection fails to operate):

5.

Possible causes of ground faults are:

a)
b)

c)

6.

Explain how ground fault protection is provided for a generator rotor (in
your explanation include consequences to station equipment if this
protection fails to operate):

7.

Explain how phase unbalance protection is used. for a generator (in your
explanation include conseque,nces to station equipment if this protection
fails to operate):

-15-

Rod

Approvellssue

Course 235 Module 7 - Genenuor ProleCtion

NOTES & REFERENCES

8.

Two po,sible cause' of phase unbalance are:

a)

b)

9.

Explain how loss of field protection is used for a generator (in your
explanation include consequences to station equipment if this protection
fail' to operate):

10. Four possible causes of generator loss of field are:

a)

b)
c)

d)

11. Explain how overexcitation protection is used for a genemtor (in your
explanation include consequences to station equipment if this protection
fail' to operate):

12. A possible cause of overexcitation is:

-16-

... ,

Approvsllssue

Coumc 235 Module 7 - Generaror Protection

NOTES' REFERENCES

13. Explain how underfrequency protection is used for a generator (in your
explanation include consequences to station equipment if this protection
fails to operate):

14. Two possible causes of excitation being applied during underfrequency

conditions are:
a)

b)

15. Explain how out of step protection is used for a generator (in your
explanation include consequences to station equipment if this protection
fails to operate):

16. Three possible reasons that of out of step operation could occur are:
a)

b)
c)

-17-

... ,

ApprovallssUB

Course 23~ Module 7 - Genc:rator Protection

NOTES & REFERENCES

17. Explain how rectifier overcurrent protection is used

(in your

explanation include consequences to station equipment if this protection

f&il' to operate):

18. Two possible causes of rectifier overcurrent are:

a)

b)

19. The flow of power into a generator can De detected by a

Before you move on to the next module. review the objectives and make
sure that you can meet their requirements.
Prepared by:
Revised by:
Revision date:

-18-

Nick Ritler, WNID

Paul Bird. WNID

July, 1992

MYl