Protection of Alternator

Allotted Hrs.: 13, Marks: 14

Unit Units outcomes Topics and subtopic
Protection 4a. Describe the causes and Alternator protection
of remedies of the given faults in the 4.1 Faults.
Alternator specified machine. 4.2 Differential protection, over current, earth
& 4b. Explain with sketches the given fault, overheating and field failure protection.
Protection protection schemes for the specified 4.3 Reverse power protection.
of machine. Transformer protection
transformer 4c. Calculate C.T. ratio of the 4.4 Faults.
specified transformer protection 4.5 Differential protection, over current, earth
scheme. fault, overheating.
4d. Calculate percentage of winding 4.6 Limitations of Differential protection
protected for specified alternator. 4.7 Buchholz relay: construction, operation,
merits and demerits.
4.8 introduction to Microprocessor based
transformer protection

Possible faults occurring on an Alternator:

1) Stator winding faults.
2) Thermal overheating.
3) Rotor winding faults.
4) Loss of field.
5) Under/Over frequency.
6) Vibration &Bearing overheating.
7) Motoring of generator.
8) Faults because of external causes.
9) Over voltages.
10) Over speed.
11) Over current.

Sr. Fault Description in short Protection

No.
1 Stator winding SC Phase to phase short circuit; Biased differential,
fault phase winding to earth sensitive earth fault, inter-
turn fault protection.
2 Under frequency Due to sudden overload, fall in Frequency relay
prime mover input
power/speed.
3 Rotor earth fault Field winding insulation Earth fault relay protection.
damaged leads to short to pole
body.
4 Over-voltages Sudden loss of loads, over Lightning arrestor
excitation.
5 External faults Terminal short circuit E/F, Negative phase sequence
insulator failure relay
6 Overheating Overloading, cooling defective Thermal relays
Differential Protection of Alternators
The most common system used for the protection of stator winding faults employs circulating-
current principle). In this scheme of protection, currents at the two ends of the protected section are
compared. Under normal operating conditions, these currents are equal but may become unequal on
the occurrence of a fault in the protected section. The difference of the currents under fault
conditions is arranged to pass through the operating coil of the relay. The relay then closes its
contacts to isolate protected section from the system. This form of protection is also known
As Merz-Price circulating current scheme.
Schematic arrangement.

Fig. shows the schematic arrangement of current differential protection for a 3-phase alternator.
Identical current transformer pairs CT1 and CT2 are placed on either side of each phase of the stator
windings. The secondaries of each set of current transformers are connected in star ; the two neutral
points and the corresponding terminals of the two star groups being connected together by means of
a four-core pilot cable. Thus there is an independent path for the currents circulating in each pair of
current transformers and the corresponding pilot P. The relay coils are connected in star, the neutral
point being connected to the current-transformer common neutral and the outer ends one to each of
the other three pilots. In order that burden on each current transformer is the same, the relays are
connected across equipotential points of the three pilot wires and these equipotential points would
naturally be located at the middle of the pilot wires. The relays are generally of electromagnetic
type and are arranged for instantaneous action since fault should be cleared as quickly as possible.

Operation. Under normal operating conditions, the current at both ends of each winding will be
equal and hence the currents in the secondaries of two CTs connected in any phase will also be
equal. Therefore, there is balanced circulating current in the pilot wires and no current flows
through the operating coils (R1, R2 and R3) of the relays. When an earth-fault or phase-to-phase
fault occurs, this condition no longer holds good and the differential current flowing through the
relay circuit operates the relay to trip the circuit breaker.
(i) Suppose an earth fault occurs on phase R due to breakdown of its insulation to earth as shown in
Fig. The current in the affected phase winding will flow through the core and frame of the machine
to earth, the circuit being completed through the neutral earthing resistance. The currents in the
secondaries of the two CTs in phase R will become unequal and the difference of the two currents
will flow through the corresponding relay coil (i.e. R1), returning via the neutral pilot.
Consequently, the relay operates to trip the circuit breaker.
(ii) Imagine that now a short-circuit fault occurs between the phases Y and B as shown in Fig. The
short-circuit current circulates via the neutral end connection through the two windings and through
the fault as shown by the dotted arrows. The currents in the secondaries of two CTs in each affected
phase will become unequal and the differential current will flow through the operating coils of the
relays (i.e. R2 and R3) connected in these phases. The relay then closes its contacts to trip the circuit
breaker.
Limitations. The two circuits for alternator protection shown above have their own limitations.
It is a general practice to use neutral earthing resistance in order to limit the destructive effects of
earth-fault currents. In such a situation, it is impossible to protect whole of the stator windings of a
star-connected alternator during earth-faults. When an earth-fault occurs near the neutral point,
there may be insufficient voltage across the short-circuited portion to drive the necessary current
round the fault circuit to operate the relay. The magnitude of unprotected zone depends upon the
value of earthing resistance and relay setting.
Makers of protective gear speak of “protecting 80% of the winding” which means that faults in
the 20% of the winding near the neutral point cannot cause tripping i.e. this portion is unprotected.
It is a usual practice to protect only 85% of the winding because the chances of an earth fault
occurring near the neutral point are very rare due to the uniform insulation of the winding
throughout.
Modified Differential Protection for Alternators
The modified arrangement is shown in Fig. The modifications affect only the relay connections and
consist in connecting two relays for phase-fault protection and the third for earth-fault protection
only. The two phase elements (PC and PA) and balancing resistance (BR) are connected in star and
the earth relay (ER) is connected between this star point and the fourth wire of circulating current
pilot-circuit.

Operation. Under normal operating conditions, currents at the two ends of each stator winding
will be equal. Therefore, there is a balanced circulating current in the phase pilot wires and no
current flows through the operating coils of the relays. Consequently, the relays remain inoperative.
If an earth-fault occurs on any one phase, the out-of-balance secondary current in CTs in that
phase will flow through the earth relay ER and via pilot S1 or S2 to the neutral of the current
transformers.
This will cause the operation of earth relay only. If a fault occurs between two phases, the out of-
balance current will circulate round the two transformer secondaries via any two of the coils PA,
BR, PC (the pair being decided by the two phases that are faulty) without passing through the earth
relay ER. Therefore, only the phase-fault relays will operate.

Balanced Earth-fault Protection

In small-size alternators, the neutral ends of the three-phase windings are often connected internally
to a single terminal. Therefore, it is not possible to use Merz-Price circulating current principle
described above because there are no facilities for accommodating the necessary current
transformers in the neutral connection of each phase winding. Under these circumstances, it is
considered sufficient to provide protection against earth-faults only by the use of balanced earth-
fault protection scheme.
This scheme provides no protection against phase-to-phase faults, unless and until they develop into
earth-faults, as most of them will.
Schematic arrangement.

Fig. shows the schematic arrangement of a balanced earth-fault protection for a 3-phase alternator.
It consists of three line current transformers, one mounted in each phase, having their secondaries
connected in parallel with that of a single current transformer in the conductor joining the star point
of the alternator to earth. A relay is connected across the transformers secondaries. The protection
against earth faults is limited to the region between the neutral and the line current transformers.
Operation. Under normal operating conditions, the currents flowing in the alternator leads and
hence the currents flowing in secondaries of the line current transformers add to zero and no current
flows through the relay. Also under these conditions, the current in the neutral wire is zero and the
secondary of neutral current transformer supplies no current to the relay.
If an earth-fault develops at F2 external to the protected zone, the sum of the currents at the
terminals of the alternator is exactly equal to the current in the neutral connection and hence no
current flows through the relay. When an earth-fault occurs at F1 or within the protected zone, these
currents are no longer equal and the differential current flows through the operating coil of the
relay. The relay then closes its contacts to disconnect the alternator from the system.
Earth Fault Protection
The earth fault protection is provided by following types
1. Sensitive earth fault protection
2. Residual earth fault relay
3. Earth fault protection by CBCT (Core balance current transformer)

Sensitive Earth Fault Protection

The drawback of differential protection is that entire stator winding cannot be protected but only
85% of stator winding can be protected. The arrangement is shown in Fig.

The neutral has a CT and CT secondary contains two earth fault relays 1 and 2. The CT introduced
in neutral increase the sensitivity. The earth fault protections relay 1 and 2 have different
sensitivities. The earth fault relay 1 can protect about 90% winding. This relay is instantaneous type
the earth fault relay 2 can protect about 95 % winding. This relay is IDMT relay (Inverse definite
minimum time relay). This is necessary because the earth fault protection should not be too
sensitive. Some faults are transient in nature and these faults are temporary. Also external faults are
present. This relay should not operate in such conditions. Hence IDMT Earth resistance relay is
used which incorporates time delay factor.

Residual Earth Fault Protection

It uses 3 CTs. The 3 CTs are connected in alternator line as shown in Fig. Earth fault relay is
connected across CT secondary circuit as shown.
Normal working condition - The alternator delivers current to load. CT secondaries carry equal
current. The connections of CT secondary are made such that, for normal working condition, IR
+IY+IB= 0 There is no residual current from earth fault relay and relay will not operate.

Earth fault condition - When earth fault takes place, IR +IY+IB≠ 0 hence a residual current is
produced and earth fault relay coil is energized due to this residual current. The relay coil operates
the trip circuit of circuit breaker. The circuit breaker disconnects alternator from system.

Earth fault protection by CBCT (Core balance current transformer)

A single CT core is used in this type of protection scheme. The core is specially designed and its
cross sectional area is more so that flux density is less for high values of fault currents and hence
core does not saturate. The arrangement is illustrated in Fig.

The alternator line connections (RYB) are embraced by core of CT.

Normal condition-During normal operating condition, the vector sum of three line current is zero IR
+IY+IB= 0 .Hence there is no residual current or zero sequence current is present in primary. Hence
there is no current in CT secondary and earth fault relay coil does not operate.

Earth fault condition - When earth fault takes place IR +IY+IB≠ 0, hence residual current or zero
sequence current is produced. This will setup resultant flux in the core. This causes flow of current
in CT secondary. The earth fault relay coil is energized and operates the trip circuit of circuit
breaker. The circuit breaker disconnects alternator from the system.

Advantages of CBCT for earth fault protection

1) Needs only one core as compared to 3 and 6 CTS for other protection schemes
2) The magnetising current required is less due to single core hence sensitivity of protection is
more.
3) Number of secondary turns can be chooses as per the requirement, this increases flexibility
in design of protection scheme
4) Cost is comparatively less
5) Connections are easy and convenient.

Overheating Protection
The overheating takes place due to following reasons 1) shorted laminations due to insulation
damage 2) Failure of cooling system of alternator 3) Sustained over loading.
The overheating protection can be obtained by following methods. (1) By monitoring inlet and
outlet temperature of cooling medium (2) By using RTD (resistance temperature detector)

By monitoring inlet and outlet temperature of cooling medium:

The alternator has cooling system. A coolant is continuously circulated to take away the heat
developed in alternator stator part. The coolant is in the form of gas (hydrogen) or liquid (water).
The coolant inlet temperature is less compare coolant outlet temperature. Under normal conditions,
this difference is within specified limits. The inlet outlet temperature is continuously monitored by
temperature monitoring system.

When fault develops, there is more temperature rise and there is drastic difference between inlet and
outlet temperature. This is measured by temperature monitoring systems. It gives signal to alarm
system and the alarm sound. Thus indication of overheating condition is obtained.
The system can also generate trip signal and operate the circuit breaker.

By using RTD (Resistance temperature detector)

In this method temperature sensors are embedded in stator slots. The temperature sensors may be a
RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector), thermistor, thermocouple.

Wheatstone's bridge principle is used to detect overheating. P, Q and 5 are the fixed value
resistances. The RTD is connected in one arm as shown. This RTD is kept in stator slot of
alternator.

When temperature is within limits, point a and b are at same potential and relay coil does not carry
any current i.e. bridge is balanced. When overheating occurs, RTD resistance changes causing
imbalance and some potential difference is created across a and b. The relay coil is thus energised
and relay operates the alarm circuit.

Field failure protection:

The field failure protection are of 2 types
(1) Field failure protection by using under current relay
(2) Field failure protection by using off set mho relay

Field failure protection by using under current relay:

The loss of field or field failure can be caused by opening of field switch. The generator may be
connected to the system as a single unit to supply the load. In this case the loss of field causes loss
of generator terminal voltage. This causes loss of synchronism.

The generator might have been connected to a common system of supply to which other generators
are working in parallel. In this case loss of field causes this generator to take the magnetising
current from the common bus-bars. In such condition it runs as the "Induction Generator". The
magnetising current is very large and it is supplied by other generator units. This affects the system
and other units.
When running as an Induction generator its power output reduces. In its rotor slip frequency e.m.f.
is induced. In case of wound rotor generator it gives rise to circulating currents in the rotor body
and slots and temperature increases. Stator windings became hot and also bus-bars are overheated.

The protective system in case of field failure case by using "under-current relay".Stator winding of
generator is connected to the common bus bar. Rotor field winding receives excitation from the
exciter.

In the field circuit an undercurrent relay coil is connected across a low resistance shunt. In normal
condition the voltage drop across a shunt is very very minor and relay does not operate. But under
field failure the excitation current becomes much more and a considerable voltage drop appears
across the shunt which sends the current in relay trip coil which operates the relay and C.B. contacts
are opened.

Field Failure Protection by using Offset MHO Relay

Due to loss of excitation, the alternator runs as induction generator and draws large magnetising
current which lowers the power factor of the system. The reactive power in the circuit thus
increases. The loss of excitation can be detected if we can measure reactive power or reactive
component of alternator stator current. One may think of having a simple relay in rotor winding that
can detect current interruption (loss of field).
But following difficulties are present in such protection scheme:

(1) Large capacity alternators operate over wide band of field current so relay may operate at low
value of field current i.e. malfunctioning may take place.
(1) If field currents is totally interrupted i.e. dc current value is zero, then ac current will still flow
in the field winding operate because the rotor winding is still rotating and stator is connected to line
i.e. 3 phase supply. And the relay will not operate. The solution for this problem is to use offset
Mho relay.
 The tripping zone or range of Mho relay is shown by Mho relay characteristics on R-X diagram.
The alternator impedance characteristic during loss of excitation is also shown.

If it enters the Mho relay characteristics, the Mho relay operates and it operates the trip circuit
which causes opening of circuit breaker (CB).

Stator Inter-turn Protection

Figure shows scheme for one phase only. It is identical for other phases.
Under normal working conditions the two currents in the stator wind S1 and S2 are identical and by
virtue of the cross connected CT secondaries the relay current is zero, hence no relay operation. But
when one of the windings is faulty (inter turn fault) its current differs and hence the two CT
secondary currents are different, due which the difference current is diverted through the relay coil
to operate it leading to isolation of the alternator from the power system.

Negative phase sequence currents

Unbalanced loading on alternator mainly causes the
negative sequence currents fields rotate in opposite
direction of the main field and induce emfs of
double frequency in rotor winding causing overheating.
Figure shows a scheme for protection against negative
phase sequence currents. Three CT’s are connected
in star and the secondaries are connected to negative
sequence filter. The relay is connected to sequence filter.
The negative sequence filters consists of number of inductors
 and resistors. This negative sequence filter detects the
presence of negative sequence components due to unbalance and
operates the relay which further operates CB.

Reverse power protection:

In the reverse power protection scheme which is used for alternators the directional relays
are used to sense the reverse power (current) flow and trip the relevant CBs. for
generators they operate when the machine enters the motoring mode that is the machine gets supply
form the power system instead of supplying power.

TRANSFORMER PROTECTION
Faults likely to occur in a power transformer:
1. Earth fault
2. Overloads and overheating
3. Incipient faults below oil level resulting into decomposition of oil
4. Through faults
5. High voltage surges due to lightning or switching
6. Tap changer faults
7. Phase-to-phase, Phase-to-ground faults
8. Saturation of magnetic core
9. Inter-turn and winding faults

Incipient faults: - It means slow developing faults.

Through faults: - It means faults beyond protection zone but fed through
the protected zone.

Sr.No. Type of fault Protection scheme suggested

1 Through faults (beyond 1) Earth fault relay

protected 2) Differential protection.
zone)
2 Earth fault i) Earth fault relay
 ii) Differential protection
3 High voltage surges due to 1) Horn gaps.
lightning. 2) Surge arrestor.
3) RC surge suppressor.
4 Overloads 1) Temperature relays
2) Thermal overload relays
3) HRC fuses
4) Graded time lag overcurrent
relay.
5 Incipient faults: phase to phase, 1) Buchholz’s relay.
phase to ground, below oil level.
6 Saturation of magnetic core 1) Over fluxing protection
2) Overvoltage protection.
7 Over Heating i) Temperature relay (sound alarm)
ii) Thermal over load relay
8 Faults in tap changer i) Percentage differential protection
ii) Buchholz relay
iii) High speed high set over current relay
9 Inter- turn fault i) Buchholz relay
ii) Differential protection

Factors to be considered for while designing protection scheme for transformer:

Following factors should be considered

(1) Transformer kVA rating (i) Voltage and current ratio
(iii) Type of installation - Indoor/Outdoor
(iv) Fault level at transformer terminals
(v) Transformer connection type
(vi) Percentage reactance of transformer
(vii) Earth resistance value
(viii) Neutral point earth resistance value (ix) CTs, relay connection details
Differential Protection/ Merz Price Protection
Fig. shows Merz-Price circulating-current scheme for the protection of a 3- phase delta/delta

power transformer against phase-to ground

and phase-to-phase faults. Note that
CTson the two sides of the transformer
are connected in star. This
compensates for the phase difference
between the power transformer primary
and secondary. The CTs on the two
sides are connected by pilot wires and one
relay is used for each pair of CTs.
During normal operating conditions, the
secondaries of CTs carry identical
currents. Therefore, the currents entering
and leaving the pilot wires at both ends are the same and no current flows through the relays. If a
ground or phase-to-phase fault occurs, the currents in the secondaries of CTs will no longer be the
same and the differential current flowing through the relay circuit will clear the breaker on both
sides of the transformer. The-protected zone is limited to the region between CTs on the high-
voltage side and the CTs on the low-voltage side of the power transformer.
It is worthwhile to note that this scheme also provides protection for short-circuits between turns
on the same phase winding. When a short-circuit occurs between the turns, the turn-ratio of the
power transformer is altered and causes unbalance between current transformer pairs. If turn-ratio
of

Problems;-
1) Difference in length of pilot wires on either side of relay may lead to mal operation due to
unequal resistance on the two sides.
2) Minor Difference in CT ratios of identically rated CTs may lead to improper operation in some
cases.
3) Magnetizing current in rush may lead to unnecessary operation of relay.
4) Due tap changing unbalance conditions may be created. (I1 – I2 = 0). When fault occurs in the
protected zone balance is disturbed, the rated CTs may lead to improper.
These can be overcome by using %differential protection.

Limitations of differential protection of transformers:

1) Due to the magnetization characteristics of the CTs used the ratio errors change with respect to
the currents circulating.
2) The pilot wires used may vary in length due to which the unbalance in the secondary circuit
parameter (resistance) is created that results in improper scheme.
3) During heavy short circuit conditions the high currents create saturation of the flux
in core of CTs that lead to abnormal relaying or unexpected behaviour of the nrelaying circuit.
4) Tap changing may lead to change in settings & improper operation.
5) Inrush of magnetizing current may lead to inadvertent operation & hence the settings are done for
higher values of fault current (higher imbalance) due to which accuracy of sensing & operation is
decreased.
percentage differential protection / Biased Differential Protection of Δ/λ Transformer:
Three phase transformers:
Delta side of protected transformer CTs to be in star,
Star side protected transformer CTs to be in delta.
Only one CT on each side.

Earth fault protection for star-delta transformer (core balance current transfer):
The three leads of the primary winding of star–delta transformer are taken through the core of a
current transformer which carries a single secondary winding. The operating coil of a relay is
connected to this secondary. Under normal conditions(i.e.no fault to earth), the vector sum of the
three phase currents is zero and there is no resultant flux in the core of current transformer no matter
how much the load is out of balance. Consequently, no current flows through the relay and it
remains inoperative. However, on the occurrence of an earth fault, the vector sum of three phase
currents is no longer zero. The resultant current sets up flux in the core of CT, ultimately induces an
e.m.f. in the secondary winding which energizes the trip coil and protects the faulty transformer.

Restricted earth fault protection for transformers:

 In transformers, earth faults on secondary side are not reflected on primary side, when the primary
winding is delta connected or has unearthed star point. In such cases, an earth fault relay connected
in residual circuit of three CTs on primary side operates on internal earth faults in primary windings
only. Because earth faults on secondary side does not produce zero sequence currents on primary
side. Restricted earth fault protection may be then used for high speed tripping for faults on star
connected earthed secondary winding of power transformer.
The restricted earth fault relay does not operate for earth fault beyond the protected zone of the
transformer. For Earth fault beyond transformer at point ‘F1’ the current in the relay is negligible
and hence relay does not operate.
For Earth fault in transformer at point ‘F2 the current in the relay is the difference of I1 and I2
which is sufficient to operate the relay.
When fault occurs very near to the neutral point of transformer, the voltage available for driving
earth fault current is small. Hence fault current would be low. If the relay is set too sensitive to
sense such faults, then it may operate for external faults and switching surges also.
Therefore relay setting is adjusted in such a way that it operates for earth fault current of the order
of 15 % of rated winding current. Such setting protects restricted portion of the winding. Hence it is
called as restricted earth fault protection.

Residual Earth Fault Relay:

Fig. 4.5.22 shows the arrangement of earth fault protection scheme for transformer.
The three CTS are connected in lines and an earth fault relay is connected across
these CTS.

When earth fault does not take place, the sum of three secondary currents of CT is
zero. i.e. IR + IB + IY = 0
The sum of these currents is called residual current. When earth fault develops, the
sum of three currents is not zero, the residual current flows through earth fault relay.
This protection is also called unrestricted earth fault protection. In another scheme,
the relay is connected in neutral of the transformer. The neutral acts as CT primary.
When fault occurs, the fault current flows through this earth connection and
secondary current increases causing earth fault relay operation.
The amount of neutral current flowing does depend on type of earthing system
provided. This is also called unrestricted earth fault protection.
Over-Current & earth fault protection of transformer:
Simple over-current & earth fault protection of transformer against external short circuit
and excessive overloads is shown in the above figure. The over-current and earth fault relays may
be of inverse and definite minimum time type or definite time relays. The over-current relay has
three elements; one for each phase winding. The normal range of current setting available on IDMT
over-current relay is 50% to 200%. Due to excessive overload or any external fault, when over-
current flows through the transformer winding, the corresponding phase CT supply the current to
over-current relay. The relay depending upon its setting, sends trip command to the circuit breaker
and the transformer is disconnected from load or fault.

Over Heating Protection Scheme of 3 Phase Transformer:

 Figure shows overheating protection scheme for 3 phase transformer. Wheatstone’s bridge principle
is used to detect overheating. P, Q and S are the fixed value resistances. The RTD is connected in
one arm. This RTD is kept near each winding of transformer. When temperature is within limits,
points a and b are at same potential and relay coil does not carry any current i. e. bridge is balanced.
When overheating occurs, RTD resistance changes causing imbalance and some potential difference
is created across the points a and b. The relay coil is thus energized and relay operates the alarm
circuit.

Buchholz relay: It is gas actuated relay installed in the pipe connecting conservator to main tank of
oil filled transformers for protection against all kinds of faults.
Function of Buchholz relay:
It is used for the protection of transformers from the faults occurring inside the transformer. Short
circuit faults such as inter-turn faults, incipient winding faults, core faults etc. may occur due to the
impulse breakdown of the insulation. To protect transformer against these faults, Buchholz relay is
used.
Location of buchholz relay: Buchholz relay is a gas
actuated relay used with oil immersed transformer
usually installed in the pipe connecting the
conservator to the main tank.

Construction of Buchholz Relay:

It takes the form of a domed vessel placed in the connecting pipe between the main
tank and the conservator. The device has two elements. The upper element consists
of a mercury switch attached to a float. The lower elements contain a mercury
switch mounted on a hinged type flap located in the direct path of the flow of oil
from the transformer to the conservator. The upper element closes an alarm circuit
during incipient faults whereas the lower element is arranged to trip the circuit
breaker in case of severe internal faults.

Working of Buchholz relay:

The relay is located in the path of the oil from transformer tank to conservator. As
seen from diagram, the upper mercury switch operates the alarm circuit due to
tilting of the float by accumulation of gas evolved slowly in the transformer tan due
to minor faults which may develop into major ones if the alarm is not investigated.
Further lower mercury switch operates the trip circuit to switch off the circuit
breaker related to the transformer when there is a sudden flow of oil from the
transformer tank to conservator. Such flow occurs when there is serious fault in the
transformer tank. Here the float (lower) is placed in such a manner that it senses the
sudden violent movement of oil from transformer tank to conservator.

Applications of buchholz relay: Normally for the transformers of capacities 500 kVA or more in
various substations, generating stations etc. It is universal practice to use Buchholz relay on all oil
immersed transformers having rating in excess of 500 kVA at generation power plant, receiving
sub-station, distribution sub-station, power transformers in industry etc.

Advantages of Buchholz relay:

1. It detects the incipient faults at a stage much earlier than is possible with other form of relay.
2. It is simple form of transformer protection.
Limitations of Buchholz relay:
1. Only the faults below the oil level are detected.
2. Mercury switch setting should be very accurate otherwise even for vibration there can be a false
operation.
3. The relay is slow operating type which is unsatisfactory.
4. They are not provided for transformers below 500 KVA because of economic reasons.

Guide lines for the installation of Buchholz relay on transformer:

i) The arrow on the cover at the top of the relay should always point towards the oil conservator.
ii) The recommended angle of inclination of the Buchholz relay pipe work should be 3 to 9 degree
iii) The Buchholz relay must initially be full off oil.
iv) The pipe has no elbows and bends.
v) The pipe length between Buchholz relay and the tank should be at least 10 times internal
diameter.
Introduction to Microprocessor based Transformer Protection

Fig. Shows block diagram of microprocessor based transformer protection scheme.

Following parameters are monitored.
Temperature of transformer
Input voltage
Oil level
Output current

Above parameters are sensed by appropriate sensors. The sensor output is fed to analog to digital
(A/D) converter. It converts the respective analog signals into digital form. The microprocessor has
set reference values stored in the memory.

The input voltage, oil level, temperature, output current are continuously monitored. These values
can be seen on LCD display which is interfaced with microprocessor

When any parameter exceeds the permissible limit or set reference, the microprocessor sends
command to relay driver circuit.

The relay driver circuits operate respective relays (R1 or R2) depending upon the command. e.g. If
overload takes place, the current sensor senses overload condition and microprocessor sends
command to relay driver circuit. The relay driver circuit operates relay R2. Thus load is
disconnected from transformer. In the similar way R. operates for over voltage condition or
excessive temperature rise condition.