Transformer Protection Principles

1. Introduction Conditions Protection Philosophy

Internal
Transformers are a critical and expensive component of the Winding Phase-Phase, Differential (87T), overcurrent (51, 51N)
power system. Due to the long lead time for repair of and Phase-Ground faults Restricted ground fault protection
replacement of transformers, a major goal of transformer (87RGF)
protection is limiting the damage to a faulted transformer. Winding inter-turn Differential (87T), Buchholz relay,
faults
Some protection functions, such as overexcitation protection
and temperature-based protection may aid this goal by Core insulation failure, Differential (87T), Buchholz relay,
shorted laminations sudden pressure relay
identifying operating conditions that may cause transformer
failure. The comprehensive transformer protection provided Tank faults Differential (87T), Buchholz relay and
tank-ground protection
by multiple function protective relays is appropriate for critical
transformers of all applications. Overfluxing Volts/Hz (24)
External
Overloads Thermal (49)
Overvoltage Overvoltage (59)
Overfluxing Volts/Hz (24)
External system short Time overcurrent (51, 51G),
circuits Instantaneous overcurrent (50, 50G)

• abnormal operating conditions (overfluxing,

overloading, overvoltage)
• external faults

4. Innovative GE Multilin Solutions to

2. Transformer Protection Overview Transformer Protection Applications
The type of protection for the transformers varies depending 4.1 Differential Characteristic
on the application and the importance of the transformer.
Transformers are protected primarily against faults and
The major operating challenge to transformer differential
overloads. The type of protection used should minimize the
protection is maintaining security during CT saturation
time of disconnection for faults within the transformer and to
for external faults while maintaining sensitivity to detect
reduce the risk of catastrophic failure to simplify eventual repair.
low magnitude internal faults. CT saturation reduces the
Any extended operation of the transformer under abnormal
secondary output current from the CT, and causes a false
condition such as faults or overloads compromises the life of
differential current to appear to the relay. GE Multilin
the transformer, which means adequate protection should be
differential relays meet this challenge in the following
provided for quicker isolation of the transformer under such
ways:
conditions.

• the restraint current is based on the maximum

3. Transformer Failures measured winding current, as opposed to the
traditional magnitude sum of the currents. This
Failures in transformers can be classified into ensures ideal restraint for the actual fault condition,
• winding failures due to short circuits (turn-turn faults, balancing sensitivity and security.
phase-phase faults, phase-ground, open winding) • the differential element uses a dual slope-dual
• core faults (core insulation failure, shorted laminations) breakpoint characteristic. The differential element
can be set to account for both DC and AC saturation
• terminal failures (open leads, loose connections, short of the CTs, ensuring security, while maintaining
circuits) sensitivity.
• on-load tap changer failures (mechanical, electrical, short Available in the T60, T35.
circuit, overheating)

Transformer Protection Principles 45

 4.2 Inrush Inhibit during Transformer An alternative method for inrush inhibit is also available, where
Energization: either current, voltage, or breaker status is used to indicate a
de-energized transformer. The threshold can be lowered during
energization of the transformer as indicated either by breaker
The transformer energization resembles the condition of
contact, current or voltage sensing, and will last for a settable
an internal fault. If no inhibiting mechanism is provided, the
time delay. This allows settings of less than 20% for inrush
differential element will trip. The magnetizing inrush current has
inhibit during transformer energization.
significant 2nd harmonic content. The level of 2nd harmonic
current can be used to differentiate between inrush and a fault Available in the 745.
condition. The UR T60 and T35 GE Multilin transformer relays
use two different 2nd harmonic modes to inhibit the differential
4.3 Sensitive Ground Fault Protection to limit
element for inrush.
Transformer Damage
Traditional 2nd harmonic blocking – The traditional 2nd
harmonic restraint responds to the ratio of the magnitudes of
Differential and overcurrent protection do not provide adequate
the 2nd harmonic and the fundamental frequency currents.
protection for wye-connected windings with grounded neutrals.
Adaptive 2nd harmonic blocking– The adaptive 2nd harmonic Faults close to the neutral produces lesser fault current as shown
blocking responds to both magnitudes and phase angles of by the current distribution curve. The restricted ground fault
the 2nd harmonic and the fundamental frequency currents. function can be used to provide differential protection for such
The differential element correctly distinguishes between faults ground faults, down to faults at 5% of the transformer winding.
and transformer energization, when the 2nd harmonic current Restricted ground fault protection can be a low impedance
is less than the entered 2nd harmonic setting. While levels of differential function or a high impedance differential function.
2nd harmonic during inrush often do not go below 20%, many The low impedance function has the advantage to being able to
transformers are susceptible of generating lower 2nd harmonic precisely set the sensitivity to meet the application requirement.
current during energization. Setting the 2nd harmonic restraint This sensitive protection limits the damage to the transformer
below 20% may result in incorrect inhibit of the differential to allow quicker repair. The restricted ground fault element
element during some internal fault events. The adaptive 2nd uses adaptive restraint based on symmetrical components to
harmonic blocking allows settings in the traditional 20% range, provide security during external phase faults with significant CT
while maintaining the security of the differential element error. This permits the function to maximize sensitivity without
against inrush. any time delay.
Available in the T60, T35. Available in the 745, T60.

4.4 Overflux Protection

Transformer overfluxing can be a result of

• Overvoltage
• Low system frequency

A transformer is designed to operate at or below a maximum

magnetic flux density in the transformer core. Above this design
limit the eddy currents in the core and nearby conductive
components cause overheating which within a very short time
may cause severe damage. The magnetic flux in the core is
proportional to the voltage applied to the winding divided by
the impedance of the winding. The flux in the core increases
with either increasing voltage or decreasing frequency. During
startup or shutdown of generator-connected transformers, or
following a load rejection, the transformer may experience an
excessive ratio of volts to hertz, that is, become overexcited.
When a transformer core is overexcited, the core is operating
in a non-linear magnetic region, and creates harmonic
components in the exciting current. A significant amount of
current at the 5th harmonic is characteristic of overexcitation.
Available in the 745, T60, and T35.

Ground fault current for impedance grounded neutral transformer for faults at different
% of the winding.

46 Transformer Protection Principles

4.5 Winding hot-spot temperature protection phase shift of the protected transformer. Traditional installations
may use delta-connected or wye-connected CTs that externally
The transformer winding hot-spot temperature is another compensate the measured currents for the phase shift of
quantity that should be used for protection of transformers. the protected transformer. GE Multilin accommodates both
Protection based on winding hot-spot temperature can methods as simple configuration settings.
potentially prevent short circuits and catastrophic transformer Beyond these typical applications, GE Multilin transformer
failure, as excessive winding hot-spot temperatures cause protection relays can be applied on more advanced
degradation and eventual failure of the winding insulation. The applications.
ambient temperature, transformer loading, and transformer
design determine the winding temperature. Temperature based 4.7 Phase shift transformers
protection functions alarm or trip when certain temperature
conditions are met. Phase shift transformers – phase shift transformers purposely
GE Multilin relays use IEEE C57.91 compliant thermal models introduce a variable phase shift between the primary and
to calculate the winding hot-spot temperature and the loss of secondary voltage. This phase shift is not a multiple of 30
life of the winding insulation. The top-oil temperature may be degree, but is adjustable in small increments, to allow operators
directly measured, or calculated from the ambient temperature, to change the phase angle between parts of the power system
load current, and transformer characteristics. In addition, the to control power flow in the system. GE Multilin relays are
calculations may use a monthly model of ambient temperature, successfully applied for protecting phase shifting transformers.
eliminating the need for external connections to the transformer
and relay. This winding hot-spot temperature and transformer 4.8 Split-phase autotransformers
loss of life information is used in thermal overload protection to
provide alarming or tripping when unacceptable degradation Split-phase autotransformers – are single-phase auto-
of the transformer winding insulation is occurring. transformers connected in parallel to make a large three-phase
Available in 745, T60. bank. The differential protection from GE Multilin can be used to
identify turn-turn faults in one of the auto-transformers without
operating the entire bank.
4.6 Application Capabilities

GE Multilin transformer protection relays are suitable for different 5. Typical applications
transformer protection applications, including medium voltage
and high voltage transformers of any size, dual secondary This section highlights some typical application of GE Multilin
transformers, auto-transformers, three-winding transformers, transformer protection relays. This section is not intended as
transformers with dual-breaker terminals. a comprehensive list of possible applications. For questions
In addition, these relays are designed for both new and retrofit about the correct relay for a specific application, please contact
installations. New installations typically use wye-connected GE Multilin.
CTs, and internally compensate the measured currents for the

Transformers 750kVA and above, MV Windings Typical Functions Additional Functions

87T Differential 67 Directional overcurrent
86 Lockout auxiliary V, S Voltage and Power metering
50/51 Overcurrent and short circuit
50G Ground fault

Functions Typical Product Order Code

Typical Functions 745-W2-P5-G5-HI-T
T35-N00-HCH-F8N-H6P-MXX-PXX-UXX-WXX
T60-N00-HCH-F8N-H6P-MXX-PXX-UXX-WXX

+ Harsh Environment Option 745-W2-P5-G5-HI-T-H

T35-N00-ACH-F8N-H6P-MXX-PXX-UXX-WXX
T60-N00-ACH-F8N-H6P-MXX-PXX-UXX-WXX

+ Voltage and Power metering 745-W2-P5-G5-HI-T

T35-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX
T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

+ Directional overcurrent T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

Lockout
Standalone HEA61-A-RU-220-X2
Integrated T35-N00-HPH-F8N-H6P-MXX-P4L-UXX-WXX
T60-N00-HPH-F8N-H6P-MXX-P4L-UXX-WXX

Transformer Protection Principles 47

 Power Transformers, Dual MV Secondary Windings Typical Functions Additional Functions
87T Differential 67 Directional overcurrent
86 Lockout auxiliary V, S Voltage and Power metering
Overcurrent and short circuit
50/51 (three windings)
50N Neutral ground fault
(three windings)

Functions Typical Product Order Code

Typical Functions 745-W3-P5-G5-HI-T
T35-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX
T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

+ Harsh Environment Option 745-W3-P5-G5-HI-T-H

T35-N00-ACH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX
T60-N00-ACH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

+ Voltage and Power metering 745-W3-P5-G5-HI-T

T35-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX
T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

+ Directional overcurrent T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

Lockout
Standalone HEA61-A-RU-220-X2
Integrated T35-N00-HPH-F8L-H6P-M8N -P4L-UXX-WXX
T60-N00-HPH-F8L-H6P-M8N -P4L-UXX-WXX

Power Transformers, HV Windings Typical Functions Additional Functions

87T Differential 87RGF Restricted Ground Fault
86 Lockout auxiliary 67 Directional overcurrent
50/51 Overcurrent and short circuit 24 Volts per Hertz
(both windings)
59 Overvoltage
50G Ground fault
V, S Voltage and Power metering

Functions Typical Product Order Code

Typical Functions T60-N00-HCH-F8N-H6P-MXX-PXX-UXX-WXX
T35-N00-HCH-F8N-H6P-MXX-PXX-UXX-WXX
745-W2-P5-G5-HI-T

+ Voltage and Power metering T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

T35-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX
745-W2-P5-G5-HI-T

+ Additional Functions T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

(87G, 67, 24, 59)
745-W2-P5-G5-HI-R-T

Lockout
Standalone HEA61-A-RU-220-X2
Integrated T35-N00-HPH-F8N-H6P-MXX-P4L-UXX-WXX
T60-N00-HPH-F8N-H6P-MXX-P4L-UXX-WXX

Power Transformers, HV Windings, Dual-Breaker Typical Functions Additional Functions

Source 87T Differential 87RGF Restricted Ground Fault
86 Lockout auxiliary 67 Directional overcurrent
50/51 Overcurrent and short circuit 24 Volts per Hertz
(two windings)
59 Overvoltage
50G Ground fault
V, S Voltage and Power metering

Functions Typical Product Order Code

Typical Functions T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX
T35-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

+ Voltage and Power metering T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

T35-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

+ Additional Functions T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

Lockout
Standalone HEA61-A-RU-220-X2
Integrated T35-N00-HPH-F8L-H6P-M8N-P4L-UXX-WXX
T60-N00-HPH-F8L-H6P-M8N-P4L-UXX-WXX

48 Transformer Protection Principles

Auto-Transformer Typical Functions Additional Functions
87T Differential 87RGF Restricted Ground Fault
86 Lockout auxiliary 67 Directional overcurrent
50/51 Overcurrent and short circuit 24 Volts per Hertz
(both sources)
59 Overvoltage
50G Ground fault
V, S Voltage and Power metering

Functions Typical Product Order Code

Typical Functions T60-N00-HCH-F8N-H6P-MXX-PXX-UXX-WXX
T35-N00-HCH-F8N-H6P-MXX-PXX-UXX-WXX

+ Voltage and Power metering T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

T35-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

+ Additional Functions T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

Lockout
Standalone HEA61-A-RU-220-X2
Integrated T35-N00-HPH-F8N-H6P-MXX-P4L-UXX-WXX
T60-N00-HPH-F8N-H6P-MXX-P4L-UXX-WXX

Auto-Transformer, Dual-Breaker Terminals Typical Functions Additional Functions

87T Differential 87RGF Restricted Ground Fault
86 Lockout auxiliary 67 Directional overcurrent
50/51 Overcurrent and short circuit 24 Volts per Hertz
(two windings)
59 Overvoltage
50G Ground fault
V, S Voltage and Power metering

Functions Typical Product Order Code

Typical Functions T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX
T35-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

+ Voltage and Power metering T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

T35-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

+ Additional Functions T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

Lockout
Standalone HEA61-A-RU-220-X2
Integrated T35-N00-HPH-F8L-H6P-M8N-P4L-UXX-WXX
T60-N00-HPH-F8L-H6P-M8N-P4L-UXX-WXX

Auto with Dual-Breaker on both sides and loaded Typical Functions Additional Functions
tertiary 87T Differential V, S Voltage and Power metering
86 Lockout auxiliary
50/51 Overcurrent and short circuit
(three windings)
50G Ground fault

Functions Typical Product Order Code

Typical Functions T35-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-U8N-W6P

+ Voltage and Power metering T35-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-W6P

Lockout
Standalone HEA61-A-RU-220-X2
Integrated T35-N00-HPH-F8L-H6P-M8N-P4L-U8N-W6P

Transformer Protection Principles 49

 Generator Step Up Transformer Typical Functions Additional Functions
87T Differential 51G Ground Fault
86 Lockout auxiliary 24 Volts per Hertz
51 Overcurrent and short circuit 59 Overvoltage
(three windings)
V, S Voltage and Power metering

Functions Typical Product Order Code

Typical Functions T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-WXX

Lockout
Standalone HEA61-A-RU-220-X2
Integrated T60-N00-HPH-F8L-H6P-M8N-P4L-UXX-WXX

Thermal Overload Protection Typical Functions Additional Functions

87T Differential 87RGF Restricted Ground Fault
86 Lockout auxiliary V, S Voltage and Power metering
50/51 Overcurrent and short circuit
(two windings)
50G Ground fault
TT/TO Top Oil Temperature, RTD or
Transducer
Winding hot-spot
temperature, loss-of-life
49 Thermal overload protection

Functions Typical Product Order Code

Typical Functions T60-N00-HCH-F8N-H6P-MXX-PXX-UXX-W5E
745-W2-P5-G5-HI-L-T

+ Voltage and Power metering T60-N00-HCH-F8L-H6P-M8N-PXX-UXX-W5E

745-W2-P5-G5-HI-L-T

+ Additional Functions T60-N00-HCH-F8N-H6P-MXX-PXX-UXX-W5E

745-W2-P5-G5-HI-L-R-T

Lockout
Standalone HEA61-A-RU-220-X2
Integrated T60-N00-HPH-F8N-H6P-MXX-P4L-UXX-W5E

Distribution Transformer with no load-side Circuit Typical Functions

Breaker 87T Differential
86 Lockout auxiliary
51 Overcurrent and short circuit
(two windings)
50G Ground fault

Functions Typical Product Order Code

Typical Functions T35-N00-HCH-F8N-H6P-M8N-PXX-U8N-WXX

Lockout
Standalone HEA61-A-RU-220-X2
Integrated T35-N00-HPH-F8N-H6P-M8N-P4L-U8N-WXX

6. References
IEEE Std C37.91-2000 IEEE Guide for Protective Relay Applications to Power Transformers
0129 -v3
50 Transformer Protection Principles