Subject

Transformer Differential Protection (87T) Testing by CMC256

Part#1 Concept of Transformer Differential Relay

 In Figure1, we calculate the current on high voltage (HV)

1. Introduction side of power transformer according to the load current on
the low voltage side (LV):
Transformer differential protection is main function that we
use to protect power transformer from faults. For correct Assume load current 400 amps on low voltage (LV) side;
testing of transformer differential relay and to confirm that therefore,
relay can operate correctly with the protected power
transformer, we need to first understand basic concept of - On HV side of power transformer
transformer differential relay. I HV = I LV  TR Ratio  3
I HV = 100.085 Amps
Basic concept of transformer differential relay

It is easy to understand that transformer differential relay  We then calculate the current on both sides of relay's
just compares current on both sides of transformer (balance inputs:
current on both side in healthy condition or external fault)
but actually there are more conditions we have to consider. - On HV side
I Relay HV = I HV / CTRatio
Below are some important points we need to consider: I Relay HV = 0.500 Amp

1. Difference in current magnitude at both sides of - On LV side

relay's current inputs. I Relay LV= I LV / CTRatio
2. Difference in current phase angle at both sides of I Relay LV = 2.500 Amp
relay's current inputs.
3. Zero sequence current that cannot be transferred Example#2
from one side of power transformer to the other.
4. Inrush Current
5. Over-excitation
6. CT Saturation

2. Difference in current magnitude

What is the condition that makes the magnitude of the

current on both sides of the relay's input different?

To understand this topic we have to consider current flow

 In Figure 2, a delta connected CT is used on the LV side.
through the power transformer in case of healthy system
In this case, we calculate the current on both side of relay's
condition or external fault (three phase fault type). In this
input as follows:
case, the transformer differential relay does not trip.

Example#1 - On high side

I Relay HV = I HVSide / CTRatio
I Relay HV = 0.500 Amp

- On low side
I Relay LV = (I LV Side / CTRatio) 3
I Relay LV = 4.325 Amp

As seen from the above examples, we cannot directly

compare current on both sides of relay (calculate the
differential current) due to the following factors:
- Turn ratio of power transformer.
- Turn ratio of current transformer.
- Connection of CT on secondary side.

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How do transformer differential relays correct for Example#2: Using One Side as Reference
the difference in current magnitude?

To give you an idea, we will look at three examples below

which shows the methods that are used by different
transformer differential relays.

Example#1: Conversion to Per Unit

For this method, the relay fixes one side as reference and
calculate current on other side based the turns ratio of
current transformer and the turns ratio of power
transformer.

Example#2.1: In this example, we select the reference

side to be the HV side of the power transformer, and make
The per unit conversion method is a common method for the calculation as follows:
correcting the magnitude difference before calculating the
differential current. In this method, the current going into Depending on the connection method of the CT, the
each side of the relay input are first calculated on as a per following formula are used to calculate the current for the
unit value based on the MVA and voltage rating of the reference side:
transformer, and as well the CT ratio used on the HV and
LV side. Here is how the calculation is normally done: - Connection of CT as Wye
I Cal Ref= IMeasCTRatio

 Calculate the base current on each side of power - Connection of CT as Delta

transformer I Cal Ref= IMeasCTRatio / 
- On high side The following formula is used to calculate the current for
In TR HS = MVA1000 / (3KVHS) the other side (this is dependent on the vector grouping of
In TR HS = 200.185 Amps the transformer):
- On low side
In TR LS = MVA1000 / (3KVLS) - Connection of CT as Wye
In TR HS = 800.048 Amps I Cal Other= IMeasCTRatio TRRatio

 Calculate each side by using per unit method - Connection of CT as Delta

I Cal Other= IMeasCTRatio TRRatio 
Depending on the connection method of the CT (delta
or wye), the following formula is used: First, we calculate the transformer ratio:
TRRatio = 115.5 kV / (28.9 kV / 3)
- Connection of CT as Wye TRRatio = 6.914
I Cal = IMeasCTRatio / In TR
Then we calculate the primary current on reference side
(HV side):
- Connection of CT as Delta
I cal HV = IMeasCTRatio
I Cal = IMeasCTRatio / In TR 
I cal HV = 100 Amps

We then calculate the per unit current based on these  Then we calculate the primary current on the LV Side (in
reference to the HV Side):
formula:
I Cal LV= IMeasCTRatio TRRatio
I Cal LV= 100 Amps
- On high side
I Cal HV = IMeasCTRatio / In TR
 Finally, we can use these corrected values to calculate the
IMeas = 0.500 Amp Differential Current:
I Cal HV = 0.500 per unit I Diff = I Cal HV - I Cal LV

- On low side I Diff = 0

I Cal LV = IMeasCTRatio / In TR 
IMeas = 4.325 Amp
I Cal LV = 0.500 per unit Example#2.2: In this example, we select the reference
side to be the LV side of the power transformer, and make
the calculation as follows:
 Finally, we can use the per unit current to calculate the
Differential Current
Depending on the connection method of the CT, the
I Diff = I Cal HV - I Cal LV
following formula are used to calculate the current for the
I Diff = 0
reference side:

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I Cal LV = 0.500 Amps

- Connection of CT as Wye
I Cal Ref= IMeasCTRatio Then we can use the corrected values to calculate the
Differential Current:
- Connection of CT as Delta I Diff = I Cal HV - I Cal LV
I Cal Ref= IMeasCTRatio /  I Diff = 0
The following formula is used to calculate the current for
the other side (this is dependent on the vector grouping of Conclusion for magnitude correction:
the transformer):
As seen from the different examples above, the transformer
- Connection of CT as Wye differential relay need to know all the parameters which
I Cal Other= IMeasCTRatio TRRatio cause this difference in magnitude. For example CT ratio,
connection of CT and turn ratio of power transformer. In
- Connection of CT as Delta case of Tap setting method, the user has to calculate the
I Cal Other= IMeasCTRatio TRRatio   value of Tap setting according information of CT and power
transformer. Therefore, when we test transformer
 First we calculate the transformer ratio: differential relay by any test set the main consideration is to
TRRatio = 115.5 kV / (28.9 kV / 3) ensure that we simulated magnitude of current with the
TRRatio = 6.914 same information as those in the settings of the relay.
 Then we calculate the primary current on reference side 3. Difference in current phase angle
(LV Side):
I = IMeasCTRatio / 
cal LS
What is the condition that can make phase angle on each
I = 400 Amps
cal LS
side of relay is different?
 Then we calculate the primary current on HV Side (in
reference to the LV Side): To understand this topic we have to use same concept
I Cal HS= IMeasCTRatio TRRatio before that is we will considering power transformer is
I Cal HS= 400 Amps operated in healthy system and especially transformer
 Finally, we can use these corrected values to calculate the differential relay don't take any action.
Differential Current:
I Diff = I Cal HS - I Cal LS
I Diff = 0

Example#3: Using a Tap Setting

According, Figure6 above current magnitude is same on

each side of relay but the vector is different refer to vector
group of power transformer. Therefore, we can draw
picture on each phase of current in vector method as
below.

This method uses tap settings inside the relay to correct for
the magnitude differences at both inputs. Parameter that
will be used for magnitude correction (setting in relay) in
this case are:

- Tap setting on Winding 1 (HV Side for example)

Tap HV = 1.000

- Tap setting on Winding 2 (LV Side for example)

Tap LV = 0.1154

For this example, the calculation inside relay will use the
Tap Settings multiply by current on each side.

- On HV Side:
I Cal HV = IMeasTap HV
I Cal HV = 0.500 Amps
- On LV Side:
I Cal LV = IMeasTap LV

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In case above, the matrix will be calculated shown formula

as below

IaCal = -1 0 1 Ia
IbCal = (1/3)* 1 -1 0 * Ib
IcCal = 0 1 -1 Ic
According Figure7 and Figure8 above have shown the
condition that cause to make different of angle. Some case of vector group we don't need to divide as 3,
1. Vector group of power transformer. for example
2. Connection of CT on secondary side.

How to correction different of phase angle by

transformer differential relay?

Example below will give you an idea and shown you how to
correction different of phase angle by transformer
differential relay.

In case above, the formula in matrix form shown as below

IaCal = 1 0 1 Ia
IbCal = 1 1 0 * Ib
IcCal = 0 1 -1 Ic

Conclusion for phase angle correction:

For correction different of phase angle, summation of

According above picture, current on each side will be
current (vector) is usually used to correction different of
changed by use one side as reference and another side will
phase angle in any relay its depend manufacturer, The
be calculated by sum current on each phase according
different for any manufacturer as how to select reference
vector on reference side. And another thing, when relay
side and connection of current transformer, some relay
used this method the magnitude after summation have to
have to be fixed connection of current transformer as wye,
consideration, for this case relay have to divide by 3 for
some relay fixed measuring input as reference but some
change the magnitude to the value before sum of current.
relay is flexible to select measuring input for reference side
Formulas below shown in matrix form and use for
and also connection of current transformer can connection
correction this case.
to be both delta and wye. So, we have to consider from
instruction manual. What is the definition to selected
IaCal = 1 -1 0 Ia
reference side?
IbCal = (1/3)* 0 1 -1 * Ib
IcCal = -1 0 1 Ic
Effect of zero sequence components
To illustrate my point, example below is shown different
case of vector group What happen with transformer differential relay when
external fault is occurred?

The picture below will show you current flow on

transformer that affects to balance current on both sides.

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Example#2 (What happen if use only magnitude and phase

correction according figure12)

Condition same example#1 but we select low side (LS) as

reference side

Calculate magnitude and phase correction on LS

- Magnitude correction:
Ia = 0 amp ------> = 0 PU
Ib = 0 amp ------> = 0 PU
Ic = 1000180 amps ------> = 1000/800
= 1.25180 PU

- Phase correction (use this side for reference)

IaCal LS ------> = 0 PU
IbCal LS ------> = 0 PU
According picture above, when single phase to ground or IcCal LS ------> = 1.25180 PU
phase to phase fault occurs on anyone side of power
transformer the magnitude of each current flow on both Calculate magnitude and phase correction on HS
side is different its depend connection (vector group) of - Magnitude correction:
power transformer and fault type. The current that occurred IA = 0 amp ------> = 0 PU
cannot compare directly by used only magnitude and phase
IB = 144.83180 amps ------> = 144.83/200
correction method because relay will get unbalance of
= 0.725180 PU
current on both side.
IC = 144.830 amps ------> = 144.83/200
= 0.7250 PU
Example#1 (What happen if use only magnitude and phase
correction according figure12)
- Phase correction (correction phase shift on this side):
IACal HS ------> (1/3)(IA – IC) = 0.419180 PU
For this case we used CT ratio on HS as 200/1 and LS as
IBCal HS ------> (1/3)(IB – IA) = 0.419180 PU
800/1:
ICCal HS ------> (1/3)(IC – IB) = 0.8380 PU
We select high side (HS) as reference side

 Calculate magnitude and phase correction on HS Calculate differential current

IdiffPhaseA = IACal HS + IaCal LS = 0.419180 PU
- Magnitude correction:
IdiffPhaseB = IBCal HS + IbCal LS = 0.419180 PU
IA = 0 amp ------> = 0 PU
IdiffPhaseC = ICCal HS + IcCal LS = 0.411180 PU
IB = 144.83180 amps ------> = 144.83/200
= 0.725180 PU
IC = 144.830 amps ------> = 144.83/200  Conclusion for this case, relay is disoperation because
= 0.7250 PU differential current quantity is not zero. This effect is come
from we change reference side.
- Phase correction (use this side for reference):
IACal HS ------> IA = 0 PU According, both examples above we have seen that
IBCal HS ------> IB = 0.725180 PU transformer differential relay will be operated correctly if we
ICCal HS ------> IC = 0.7250 PU select reference side are correct. Some relay is used this
method to operating by fix reference have to connect with
delta winding of power transformer. Therefore, user has to
 Calculate magnitude and phase correction on LS carefully consideration to select reference side for this relay.
- Magnitude correction:
Ia = 0 amp ------> = 0 PU
Why both examples above are different?
Ib = 0 amp ------> = 0 PU
Ic = 1000180 amps ------> = 1000/800
To understand this phenomenon we use sequence
= 1.25180 PU
component to explain
- Phase correction (correction phase shift on this side)
Formula to calculate sequence component:
IaCal LS ------> (1/3)(Ia – Ib) = 0 PU
I0 = (1/3)*(IA+IB+IC)
IbCal LS ------> (1/3)(Ib – Ic) = 0.7250 PU
I1 = (1/3)*(IA+aIB+a2IC)
IcCal LS ------> (1/3)(Ic – Ia) = 0.725180 PU I2 = (1/3)*(IA+ a2IB+aIC)
where "a" is alpha operator as 1120
Calculate differential current
IdiffPhaseA = IACal HS + IaCal LS = 0 PU Formula to calculate normal current from sequence
IdiffPhaseB = IBCal HS + IbCal LS = 0 PU component:
IdiffPhaseC = ICCal HS + IcCal LS = 0 PU IA = I0+I1+I2
IB = I0+ a2I1+aI2
Conclusion for this case relay is work properly (differential IC = I0+ aI1+ a2I2
current is zero) because we select reference side is correct.
Mathematical for delta winding

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When connect winding as delta winding for example

connection IA-IB, IB-IC and IC-IA Ia eliminate I0 = 2 -1 -1 Ia
Ib eliminate I0 = (1/3) * -1 2 -1 * Ib
Therefore, Ic eliminate I0 = -1 -1 2 Ic
IA-IB = (I0+I1+I2)-(I0+ a2I1+aI2)
= (1- a2)*I1 + (1- a)*I2 Calculate current after eliminate zero sequence current:
Ia eliminate I0 = (1/3)*(-1)*1000180 = 333.330
IB-IC = (I0+ a2I1+aI2)-(I0+ aI1+ a2I2) Ib eliminate I0 = (1/3)*(-1)*1000180 = 333.330
= (a- 1)*a*I1 + (1- a)*a*I2 Ic eliminate I0 = (1/3)*(2)*1000180 = 666.66180
IC-IA = (I0+ aI1+ a2I2)-(I0+I1+I2)
= (a- 1)*I1 + (a2- 1)*I2 Used per unit method to correction different of
magnitude:
So, we have seen that when connect winding as delta zero Ia = 333.33/800 = 0.4190 PU
sequence current will be eliminated by formula above. Then Ib = 333.33/800 = 0.4190 PU
only positive and negative sequence component can flow Ic = 333.33/800 = 0.838180 PU
through delta winding.
Calculate for phase correction (use this side for
Normally, when connection of power transformer as reference)
Delta/Wye or Wye/Delta the zero sequence current that can IaCal LS ------> = 0.4190 PU
be occurred on Wye winding cannot flow through delta IbCal LS ------> = 0.4190 PU
winding (from above reason). From the affect of zero IcCal LS ------> = 0.838180 PU
sequence current it's always cause to unbalance current
occur on both sides of relay can make transformer
differential relay disoperation
 Calculate magnitude and phase correction on HS from
example#2 above
For more detail to explain, consider example#1 above, we IACal HS ------> (1/3)(IA – IC) = 0.419180 PU
used high side that connect as delta is reference side so IBCal HS ------> (1/3)(IB – IA) = 0.419180 PU
that zero sequence is filtered by delta connection of power ICCal HS ------> (1/3)(IC – IB) = 0.8380 PU
transformer and also on low side to correct different of
phase angle we use the formula (1/3)*(Ia – Ib), Calculate differential current
(1/3)*(Ib – Ic) and (1/3)*(Ic – Ia) therefore, on this side IdiffPhaseA = IACal HS + IaCal LS = 0 PU
zero sequence will be filter by formula of phase correction. IdiffPhaseB = IBCal HS + IbCal LS = 0 PU
That mean on both site zero sequence current will be IdiffPhaseC = ICCal HS + IcCal LS = 0 PU
filtered, then relay will get balance current on both side and
work properly on this case. We have seen that after filter zero sequence components
on low side in example#3 differential current quantity is
For example#2 above, we used low side as reference side change to zero therefore, relay will operate correctly for this
that means zero sequence components still flow on this side case.
(we don't have formula to eliminate zero sequence
components) but on high side zero sequence components is For setting transformer differential relay in case of
filter already by delta winding of power transformer. unbalance of zero sequence mostly of relay will always
Therefore, for this case relay still get unbalance of current filters zero sequence on both side of relay but some relay
on both side that made relay disoperation. For this case if user have to consider that we will eliminate I0 or not. In
we still confirm to use low side as reference then case of example#1 we don't need to eliminate I0 because
transformer differential relay have to filter zero sequence we selected reference side is correctly.
current by calculation method inside.
What is different between condition if we use always filter
Example#3 (show the method that use to filter zero on both side and select right connection for reference?
sequence current by calculation method)
1. If select right connection:
According information on example#2 above, we know that Consider on reference side: Ia Cal = Ia
zero sequence still flow on LS that cause relay disoperation Assume setting relay as 1 PU.
then for correct this problem we filter zero sequence That means relay will take current 1 PU for single phase
current on this side by use formula below. current to operate.

Zero sequence components (I0) = (1/3)*(IA+IB+IC) 2. If select always filter:

Consider on reference side for filter: Ia Cal = (2/3)*Ia
1. Calculate on LS (Reference Side). This side zero Assume setting relay as 1 PU.
sequence components have to eliminate That means relay will take current 1.5 PU for single phase
current to operate.
Therefore:
Ia eliminate I0 = Ia – I0 = Ia – (1/3)*(Ia+Ib+Ic) That means relay will loss sensibility 1.5 as much when use
Ib eliminate I0 = Ib – I0 = Ia – (1/3)*(Ia+Ib+Ic) filter method (calculate zero sequence from line three phase
Ic eliminate I0 = Ic – I0 = Ia – (1/3)*(Ia+Ib+Ic) line current). Some of relay can improve this problem by
used other current transformer to measure zero sequence
Change formula above to matrix form: current at star point of power transformer.

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Matrix for eliminate zero sequence components (calculate Total flux = transient flux + steady state flux
from line current):
Steady state flux is relative with voltage that supply to
Ia eliminate I0 = 2 -1 -1 Ia transformer
Ib eliminate I0 = (1/3) * -1 2 -1 * Ib Therefore: e1(t)= N (d/dt)
Ic eliminate I0 = -1 -1 2 Ic
Em sin (t) = N (d/dt)
Matrix for eliminate zero sequence components (measure
from external CT):
steady state= (Em /N) sin (t)
Ia eliminate I0 = 1 0 0 Ix
When m= (Em /N)
Ib eliminate I0 = 0 1 0 - (1/3)* Ix
Ic eliminate I0 = 0 0 1 Ix
Steady state flux: steady state= -mcos (t)
According two matrix above we have seen that both case
When angle on supply voltage during switching at
can eliminate zero sequence components but we loss
time = t
sensibility 1.5 as much for the first case but for second case
total= steady state+ transient
we can improvement so that star point current transformer
total= -mcos (t)+ transient
have to be provided.
Assume switching at time = 0, and switching at angle ()
Conclusion for zero sequence eliminate
= 0 degree
total (t=0)= -m+ transient (t=0)
When power transformer connect as delta/wye or wye/delta
the effect of zero sequence component that cannot transfer
If residual flux at t=0 is zero total (t=0)= 0
between both side (unbalance current on both side) can
made transformer differential relay disoperation in case of
Then transient flux at t=0 transient (t=0) = m
single phase or phase to phase fault is occurred outside
zone protection therefore, filtering zero sequence
Figure16 is shown total flux that occur at t=0. Here we can
components necessary to be considered. Some relay don't
see total flux that occur during switching in this condition
have choice for user to select it's always filter zero
(residual flux is zero and switching at angle 0 degree) will
sequence current but some relay user can decision
get peak as 2*m
therefore for latter case user have to carefully consider.

Inrush current on power transformer

Inrush current is normal condition (not fault) that is always

occurred when we switching voltage supply to power
transformer. The quantity of current that occurs on one side
of transformer (unbalance current for relay) is transient
effect, if magnitude of inrush current high enough then
transformer differential relay will operates. Therefore, for
protect this situation relay have to do something for protect
this case.
In case of we switching at angle 0 degree and still have
How to understand phenomenon of inrush current? residual flux as 0.6m then transient flux will be 1.6m
Figure17 is shown in case of transformer still have residual
Inrush current is relative with magnetic flux phenomenon flux.
and occur for transient period so that we can assume
formula as below according figure15 in the part of main
flux:

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2. Second Harmonic detection:

In this case relay will detect magnitude of 2nd
According condition above we talk about phenomenon of harmonic on each side of winding if ratio of 2 nd harmonic
flux during switching now we can change flux phenomenon and fundamental is more than some setting then relay
to current by use B-H curve then we will get characteristic determine this current is inrush current
of current shown as figture18

Conclusion for Inrush Current

For condition above if we consider about loss in circuit
transient flux will be decreases by parameter R/L in circuit When transformer is energized always inrush current occur
but this parameter is not constant because may be quantity depending on the point on wave switching and residual flux
of flux is operate in saturation area then inductance will be on transformer so that we cannot expect the magnitude of
decrease. Therefore, transient flux is not decrease by inrush but this is not fault transformer differential relay
exponential formula. Characteristic of inrush current is have to protect relay disoperation for this case that it’s the
shown in figture19. method that have been use in any relay but be careful in
case of relay is used 2nd harmonic method that always relay
have setting for this case that we have to ensure that the
value of 2nd detection setting enough to detect inrush
current.

Transformer Over excitation

In case of suddenly disconnect large section of load from

power transformer the voltage at terminal of power
We can see that inrush current that is occurred on only one transformer is increase by 10-15% if this voltage is exceed
side can make differential current if magnitudes of inrush knee point voltage (over flux) that means excitation current
higher than setting. Therefore, relay has to prevent is increase also and if this current is high enough
unwanted trip from this case. transformer differential relay may operated. The current
wave shape during over flux is shown in figure21A
Usually concept for protect relay disoperation the
transformer differential relay have to detect inrush current
and then blocks all trip command from differential function
but the question is how to detect inrush current. For now
we have two methods for detect inrush current.

1. Gap detection:
For this method relay will detect gap in each cycle
that current as zero if this gap is larger than some level
then relay determine this current is inrush current and block
trip command from relay.

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For protect transformer differential disoperation that cause

by overflux we use two method to detect and block any trip
from transformer differential protection.

1. Gap detection
2. Fifth Harmonic detection

Operating Characteristic of Transformer Differential

Relay

According topic above, we talk about the condition that

cause unbalance current on both side of relay (differential  Calculate base current on each side of power transformer
current can occur in case of healthy condition and external
fault occur outside zone protection) and how to balance - On high side
these current in relay. For this topic we will talk about In TR HS = MVA1000 / (3KVHS)
actually operating characteristic that use in relay and give In TR HS = 200.185 Amps
you an idea basic theory of all part of characteristic for step - On low side
by step. In TR LS = MVA1000 / (3KVLS)
In TR HS = 800.048 Amps
1. In case of normal condition and everything is completely
operation (I differential is zero) so, we don't need setting for
detect fault or normal condition that means to determine
 Calculate each side by use per unit method
fault condition the setting can be zero so figure22 can
shown you operating for this case. - On high side
I Cal HS = IMeasCTRatio / In TR
IMeas = 0.500 Amp
I Cal HS = 0.500 per unit
- On low side
I Cal LS = IMeasCTRatio / In TR 
IMeas = 4.325 Amp
I Cal LS = 0.500 per unit

 Calculate Differential Current

I Diff = I Cal HS - I Cal LS
I Diff = 0

When we change tap position (5% of normal rated of

2. The reason nothing can completely operation (error from power transformer) and load current still same value
part of measurement), therefore we have to set some
criteria to protect transformer differential relay disoperation
therefore, operating characteristic will change to figure23

 Calculate base current on each side of power transformer

normally relay will use normal rated of power transformer
3. Sometime power transformer is operated with tap to calculate base current
change, so when we change tap setting of transformer then
cause differential current is increase. - On high side
In TR HS = MVA1000 / (3KVHS)
Example: In TR HS = 200.185 Amps
- On low side
In TR LS = MVA1000 / (3KVLS)
In TR HS = 800.048 Amps
 Calculate each side by use per unit method
- On high side
I Cal HS = IMeasCTRatio / In TR
IMeas = 0.526 Amp
I Cal HS = 0.526 per unit

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- On low side
I Cal LS = IMeasCTRatio / In TR 
IMeas = 4.325 Amp
I Cal LS = 0.500 per unit

 Calculate Differential Current

I Diff = I Cal HS - I Cal LS
I Diff = 0.026 per unit

From example above we can see that when we change tap

setting 5% of voltage on high side that cause differential
current increase to 0.026 per unit therefore, for protect yhis
case relay have to change setting to compensate also (for
 Calculate each side by use per unit method
calculation this setting we have to calculate in case of we
change tap position from normal tap to maximum tap or
- On high side
normal tap to minimum tap)
I Cal HS = IMeasCTRatio / In TR
IMeas = 0.500 Amp
I Cal HS = 0.500 per unit
- On low side **** (CT error 5% on this side)
I Cal LS = IMeasCTRatio / In TR 
IMeas = 4.109 Amp (error 5%)
I Cal LS = 0.474 per unit

 Calculate Differential Current

I Diff = I Cal HS - I Cal LS
I Diff = 0.025 ***

4. For setting to compensate error from measurement When load current is increase or external fault is occurred
process or changing of transformer tap position usually any (assume current is changed from 400 amps to 800 amps)
manufacturer call this setting as minimum pick up. This
setting usually must higher than differential current that
occur when change transformer tap position or error from
measurement process. In addition, some relay support
method to get information of tap position then we can
increase sensibility of relay by use only error of
measurement process to consider.

 Calculate each side by use per unit method

- On high side
I Cal HS = IMeasCTRatio / In TR
IMeas = 1.00 Amp
I Cal HS = 1.00 per unit
- On low side
I Cal LS = IMeasCTRatio / In TR 
IMeas = 8.277 Amp
I Cal LS = 0.956 per unit

 Calculate Differential Current

I Diff = I Cal HS - I Cal LS
I Diff = 0.044 per unit ***

According example above, we can see that error from

5. According characteristic above the setting minimum pick current transformer is caused differential current is occur
up is fixed to discriminate between error and fault but and always increase when current on primary side of CT is
actually in case of error is not fixed but always increase increase. Therefore, transformer differential relay have to
when current is increase then relay cannot use only increase setting when current on primary side of CT is
constant minimum pick up setting to detect. increase. We call detector that use to detect increase of
current on primary side of CT that "Bias Current" or
Example: (Error always change according quantity of "Restrain Current". Many kind of formula that used to
current) detect bias current for example,

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 I Bias = (I High Side+ I Low Side)/2

I Bias = Max [I High Side, I Low Side] Use CT saturated detector operated with blocking time
I Bias = Abs [I High Side] + Abs [I Low Side]
etc

Figure35 is shown locus of operating point from healthy

system condition (differential current is zero) to the point
that CT saturated is occur. From this locus we can use area
that locus is pass through to detect CT saturated the
6. We can see in figure31 that in case of primary current figure36 is shown area that use to detect and logic that
increase the setting of differential current will be increase used with CT saturated detector is shown in figure37
for discriminate between fault and error. But in case of
primary current is too high (external fault) then CT saturate
can be occurred (current transformer can not properly
transform current from primary current to secondary
current). In this case the point of differential current and
bias current can be operated inside the operating area that
disoperation of relay can be occurred

For protect disoperation in case of CT saturated we have

three method to protect. For some relay use both method for protect case of CT
saturated (CT saturated detector and two slopes) operating
Change slope (shown in figure33) characteristic is shown in figure38

Use two slopes (shown in figure34)

7. In case of heavy internal fault, extremely fast clearance
will be required the setting for high set is used for this case.
Also, when differential current is above settings high set
then relay will release fast trip command regardless of bias
current and harmonic contain (Inrush current). Completely
operating characteristic shown in figure39.

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Differential current that occur from CT saturated

Conclusion for Operating Characteristic of

Transformer Differential Relay

According detail in item1 to item7 above that give idea to

understand condition and how to rectify the problem by
transformer differential relay therefore, when we test
transformer differential relay the concept above can
application with any manufacturer. For the main setting
that concern with operating characteristic we can conclude
below.
Minimum pick up for differential current for protect error
from measurement process or changing of tap position
High set for differential current for fast trip during heavy
internal fault
Slope1 for protect error that increase when current on
primary side of CT increase
Slope2 for protect CT saturate (too high current on
primary side of CT)
CT saturated detector area for protect CT saturated
Conclusion for concept of transformer differential
relay

The concept that use in transformer differential relay is

always same for any manufacturer that is transformer
differential relay have to balance current but some situation
or condition below can made unbalance of current
therefore, transformer differential relay have to rectify the
problem.

Conditions below have to consider by transformer

differential relay for balance current

Differential current that occur from power transformer

ratio and current transformer ratio during healthy condition
or external fault.
Differential current that occur from vector group (phase
angle) of power transformer during healthy condition or
external fault
Differential current that occur from construction of power
transformer that cause to transfer zero sequence
components on both sides during external fault
Differential current that occur from Inrush current
Differential current that occur from over excitation
Differential current that occur from measurement process
(error)
Differential current that occur when change tap position
Differential current that increase when primary current is
increase (external fault)

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