BHARATI VIDYAPEETH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

BELPADA, NAVI MUMBAI

DIPLOMA IN
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

2024-25

SWITCHGEAR AND PROTECTION (22524)

PROJECT REPORT
ON
PROTECTION OF TRANSFORMER

SUBMITTED BY

Ritu Kailas Damade (3405)

Sanika Bajirao Patil (3406)
Payal Adhikrao Sawant (3407)
Aditya Babasaheb Kamble (3408)

SUBMITTED TO
Mr.Mohan Sawarkar
  INTRODUCTION:-

The protection of transformers is crucial for ensuring their reliability, longevity, and
safe operation in electrical systems. Transformers, being vital components in power
distribution and transmission networks, are susceptible to various faults and
disturbances, such as short circuits, overloads, and insulation failures. transformers
play a critical role in electrical systems, stepping voltage levels up or down for
efficient transmission and distribution. Protection systems are essential to prevent
equipment damage, minimize service interruptions, and ensure safety for personnel.

Key Aspects of Transformer Protection:

1. Types of Faults:
- Internal Faults: Short circuits or insulation breakdowns within the transformer.
- External Faults: Faults in the connected systems, such as line-to-ground or line-
to-line faults.

2. Protection Methods:
- Relays: Protective relays detect abnormal conditions and trigger alarms or circuit
breakers.
- Fuses: Provide overcurrent protection by melting under excessive current,
disconnecting the transformer from the circuit.
- Circuit Breakers: Automatically interrupt the circuit to prevent damage during
faults.

3. Monitoring Techniques:
- Temperature Sensors: Monitor overheating, which can indicate overload or
failure.
- Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA):Detects gas buildup in the oil that signifies
insulation failure.

4. Protection Schemes:
- Differential Protection: Compares current entering and exiting the transformer to
detect internal faults.
- Overcurrent Protection: Monitors current levels and trips the circuit in case of
overloads.
5. Maintenance Practices:
- Regular testing and maintenance of protective devices are essential to ensure their
functionality and reliability.

 FAULTS OF TRANSFORMER:-

Transformers are essential components in electrical systems, but they are susceptible
to various faults that can affect their operation and safety. Understanding these faults
is crucial for effective protection and maintenance.

Common Types of Faults:-

1. Internal Faults:
- Short Circuits: Occur when there is a direct connection between windings or
between a winding and the core, often due to insulation failure.
- Ground Faults: Arise when there is an unintended connection between a winding
and ground, leading to potential safety hazards.

2. Overloads:
- Result from excessive current flowing through the transformer, often due to
prolonged operation above its rated capacity. This can cause overheating and
insulation damage.

3. External Faults:
- Line-to-Line Faults: Occur in the connected transmission lines and can lead to
excessive current flow through the transformer.
- Line-to-Ground Faults: Similar to line-to-line faults, these can also impact
transformer performance.

4. Insulation Failures:
- Caused by aging, moisture ingress, or manufacturing defects. These failures can
lead to arcing and short circuits.

5. Partial Discharge:
- Small electrical discharges within insulation that can indicate insulation
degradation and can lead to more significant failures over time.
  DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION FOR
TRANSFORMER:-

Differential protection for transformers is a protective scheme designed to detect

faults within the transformer by comparing the currents entering and leaving the
transformer windings.

Principles of Operation

1. Current Measurement: Current transformers (CTs) are installed on both the

primary and secondary sides of the transformer. These measure the input and output
currents.

2. Differential Current: The differential relay calculates the difference between the
primary and secondary currents. Under normal operating conditions, the difference
should be zero or within a predetermined range.

3. Fault Detection: If there is an internal fault (e.g., short circuit, winding failure), the
currents will differ, triggering the relay. The differential relay will then send a trip
signal to the circuit breaker to isolate the faulty section.

Components

- Current Transformers (CTs): Convert high currents to lower values suitable for
measurement.
- Differential Relay: Compares the currents from the CTs and activates protection if
a fault is detected.
- Circuit Breaker: Disconnects the transformer from the system upon receiving a trip
signal.

Advantages

- Sensitivity: Can detect low-level faults effectively.

- Speed: Quick response time minimizes damage to the transformer.
- Selectivity: Only trips for internal faults, allowing external faults to remain in
service.
  DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION
SCHEME/MERZ PRICE PROTECTION
SCHEME:-

The differential protection scheme is a widely used method for protecting

transformers and other electrical equipment from internal faults. It operates on the
principle of measuring the difference between the input and output currents.

Key Features

1. Current Measurement:
- Current transformers (CTs) are installed on both the primary and secondary sides
of the transformer.
- The currents are transformed to a lower level for measurement.

2. Differential Relay:
- A differential relay continuously compares the primary and secondary currents.
- The relay calculates the differential current, defined as:
\[
I_{diff} = I_{primary} - I_{secondary}
\]

3. Fault Detection:
- If \(I_{diff}\) exceeds a preset threshold, the relay detects a fault and trips the
circuit breaker.
- Typically, a percentage bias is used to account for normal variations in current.

4. Inrush Current and Stability:

- Special algorithms are incorporated to ignore magnetizing inrush currents, which
can occur when energizing the transformer.

5. Harmonic Filtering:
- Advanced relays filter out harmonics to prevent false tripping due to non-linear
loads.
  DELTA-DELTA CONNECT POWER
TRANSFORMER:-

A delta-delta (Δ-Δ) connected power transformer configuration is commonly used in

electrical systems, particularly for medium and large power transformers.

Configuration

1. Connection:
- In a delta connection, each winding of the transformer is connected end-to-end,
forming a closed loop (triangle shape).
- Each phase of the primary side is connected to a corresponding phase on the
secondary side in a similar manner.

2. Phase Relationship:
- The phase voltages in a delta connection are equal to the line voltages.
- The line currents are √3 times the phase currents.

Characteristics

1. Voltage and Current:

- Line Voltage (V_L) = Phase Voltage (V_Ph)
- Line Current (I_L) = √3 × Phase Current (I_Ph)

2. Power Handling:
- Delta connections allow for high power handling capabilities due to the increased
current capacity in each phase.

3. Phase Shift:
- In a delta-delta transformer configuration, there is no phase shift introduced
between the primary and secondary sides.

Advantages

1. High Reliability:
- The delta connection provides a robust and reliable configuration, minimizing the
risk of phase failure.
  DELTA-STAR CONNECT POWER
TRASFORMER:-

A delta-star (Δ-Y) connected power transformer features a primary winding

connected in a delta configuration and a secondary winding connected in a star (or
wye) configuration. This setup has distinct advantages and applications in power
systems.

1. Operational Characteristics
- Voltage Transformation: The delta primary allows for higher voltage handling,
while the star secondary can step down voltage for safe distribution.
- Neutral Point: The star connection provides a neutral point, which is useful for
grounding and protecting the system.

2. Advantages
- Grounding: The neutral point allows for grounding, improving safety and
protection against faults.
- Phase Shift: There is a 30-degree phase shift between the primary and secondary
voltages, which can be advantageous in certain applications.
- Harmonic Mitigation: Star connections can help reduce harmonics in the system,
improving power quality.

3. Applications
- Distribution Systems: Commonly used in medium-voltage distribution networks
to step down voltages for residential and commercial use.
- Industrial Loads: Suitable for powering three-phase loads that require a neutral
connection for single-phase equipment.

4. Protection and Control

- Overcurrent Protection: Requires specific protection relays for both primary and
secondary sides to handle fault conditions.
- Earth Fault Protection: The star connection allows for effective earth fault
protection through the neutral.
 5. Disadvantages
- Higher Short-Circuit Currents: Delta-star transformers can lead to higher short-
circuit currents on the secondary side, requiring robust protection mechanisms.
- Complexity: More complex to design and implement compared to delta-delta
transformers due to the need for neutral considerations.

 STAR-STAR CONNECT POWER

TRABSFORMER:-

A star-star (Y-Y) connected power transformer features both its primary and
secondary windings configured in a star (or wye) arrangement. This configuration is
less common than delta and delta-star transformers but has specific applications and
characteristics.

1. Operational Characteristics
- Voltage Transformation: Star-star transformers can step up or step down voltage
levels effectively, similar to other configurations.
- Neutral Point: Both sides provide a neutral point, which can be beneficial for
grounding and protecting the system.
 2. Advantages
- Grounding Options: The presence of neutral points on both sides facilitates
grounding, enhancing safety and fault protection.
- Phase Balance: Helps maintain balanced loads across all three phases, reducing the
risk of overheating and equipment damage.
- Reduced Harmonics: Star configurations can help in reducing certain harmonic
distortions.

3. Applications
- Distribution Networks: Often used in low to medium-voltage distribution systems,
particularly where neutral grounding is required.
- Transformers for Lighting Circuits: Useful in lighting applications that demand a
neutral for single-phase loads.

4. Protection and Control

- Earth Fault Protection: The neutral allows for effective earth fault protection
schemes.
- Overcurrent Protection: Requires specific relay setups for both primary and
secondary circuits to manage fault conditions.

 STAR-DELTA CONNECT POWER

 TRANSFORMER:-

The star-delta (Y-Δ) connection in transformers involves connecting the primary

winding in a star configuration and the secondary winding in a delta configuration.
This setup is common in three-phase systems and has distinct advantages and
considerations.

1. Configuration Details
- Star Connection (Primary): The primary side of the transformer is connected in a
star configuration, providing a neutral point.
- Delta Connection (Secondary): The secondary side is connected in a delta
configuration, which does not have a neutral point.

2. Advantages
- Starting Current Reduction: Delta connections help reduce the starting current of
motors, making them suitable for applications with high inrush currents.
- Load Balancing: This configuration allows for better handling of unbalanced
loads, as the delta connection can tolerate phase imbalances.
- Higher Power Transfer: The delta connection can handle higher power loads due
to its ability to carry more current.
- Reduced Transformer Size: Star-delta transformers can be smaller than those with
a star-star connection, as they handle voltages more efficiently.

3. Disadvantages
- Harmonics: The delta connection may allow for the circulation of triplen
harmonics (multiples of three), which can affect power quality.
- Complex Protection: Implementing protective relays can be more complex due to
the interaction between the star and delta sides.
- No Neutral on Secondary: The absence of a neutral point in the delta connection
may complicate grounding and protective measures.
  EARTH FAULT PROTECTION:-

Earth fault protection is a critical safety mechanism used in electrical systems to

detect and respond to ground faults—unintentional connections between live
conductors and the ground.

1. Detection: Identifying when a fault occurs, usually through protective relays that
monitor current imbalances.

2. Isolation: Disconnecting the affected section of the circuit to prevent damage and
ensure safety.

3. Prevention of Fire Hazards: Reducing the risk of electrical fires caused by arcing
or overheating due to faults.

Key Components:

- Earth Fault Relay: Monitors current and voltage levels, triggering alarms or
disconnections upon detecting abnormalities.
- Current Transformers (CTs): Measure the current in conductors to identify
imbalances indicative of faults.
- Fuses/Circuit Breakers: Provide physical disconnection in case of a fault.

Types of Earth Fault Protection:

1. Overcurrent Protection: Activates when current exceeds a predetermined

threshold.
2. Residual Current Devices (RCDs): Detects leakage currents and disconnects the
circuit to prevent electric shocks.
3. Earth Fault Monitoring Systems: Continuously assess system conditions to
provide real-time fault detection.

Applications:

- Industrial Plants: To protect machinery and personnel.

- Commercial Buildings: Ensuring electrical safety for occupants.
- Residential Systems: Protecting home appliances and preventing electric shocks.
.
  RESTRICTED EARTH FAULT RELAY:-

A Restricted Earth Fault (REF) relay is a specialized protection device used

primarily in electrical power systems to detect earth faults within a specific zone,
usually around a transformer or generator.

1. Zone-Specific Protection:
- REF relays monitor only the fault currents within a designated area, providing
precise protection for equipment like transformers, preventing damage from earth
faults.

2. Current Transformer (CT) Configuration:

- Typically, REF protection uses a set of CTs installed on the phase conductors
and a separate CT on the neutral. This allows the relay to detect imbalances
specifically within the restricted zone.

3. Sensitivity:
- REF relays are designed to be sensitive to small earth fault currents, enabling
fast detection and disconnection.

Operating Principle

- Imbalance Detection:
- The REF relay operates by comparing the currents entering and leaving the
designated zone. If an earth fault occurs, the current flowing to ground will cause an
imbalance, triggering the relay.

Applications

- Transformers:
- Commonly used for protection around transformer windings, especially in
systems with low impedance grounding.

- Generators:
- Provides protection for generator windings, safeguarding against earth faults that
could lead to severe damage.
  RESIDUAL EARTH FAULT RELAY:-

A Residual Earth Fault (REF) relay, often referred to as a Residual Current Device
(RCD) or Earth Leakage Relay, is designed to protect electrical systems from earth
faults.

- 1. Detection of Earth Faults:

REF relays monitor the balance of current flowing through the live and neutral
conductors. If there is an imbalance, indicating current leakage to ground, the relay
activates.

2. Sensitivity:
- These relays are designed to detect very small leakage currents (often in the
milliampere range), providing protection against electric shocks and fire hazards.

3. Fast Operation:
- REF relays typically operate quickly, disconnecting the circuit within
milliseconds of detecting a fault, minimizing the risk of injury or equipment damage.

Operating Principle

- Current Imbalance:
- The relay uses a current transformer (CT) that senses the combined current
flowing through the phase conductors. Under normal conditions, the current in the
live conductor equals the current in the neutral. A difference indicates leakage to
ground, triggering the relay.

Types of Residual Earth Fault Relays

1. Type AC:
- Detects only alternating current (AC) earth faults. Commonly used in residential
and general applications.

2. Type A:
- Capable of detecting both AC and pulsating direct current (DC) faults. Used in
applications like solar inverters.

3. Type B:
- Designed for applications with smooth DC currents, such as electric vehicle
charging stations and battery systems.
  OVERHEATING PROTECTION OF
TRANSFORMER:-

Overheating protection for transformers is essential to ensure their safe and efficient
operation.

1. Temperature Sensors: Thermocouples or RTDs (Resistance Temperature

Detectors) are often installed to monitor the temperature of the transformer
windings and oil. If temperatures exceed safe limits, alarms can trigger or the
transformer can be shut down.

2. Bimetallic Relays: These relays detect temperature increases and can trip the
transformer circuit if a certain threshold is exceeded.

3. Oil Temperature Indicators: For oil-filled transformers, temperature gauges

monitor the oil temperature, providing an early warning of overheating.

4. Cooling Systems: Transformers are equipped with cooling systems, such as

radiators, fans, or oil circulation systems, to dissipate heat. Ensuring these systems
are functioning properly is crucial for temperature control.

5. Load Management: Overloading can lead to overheating. Proper load monitoring

and management can prevent excessive current flow, thereby reducing heat
generation.

6. Maintenance Practices: Regular inspections and maintenance help identify

potential issues, such as poor connections or inadequate cooling, that could lead to
overheating.

7. Protection Relays: Modern protection relays can provide a comprehensive

monitoring system, integrating various parameters like current, temperature, and
pressure to provide effective protection.

1. Differential Protection
- Current Differential Relays: These detect differences in current between the input
and output sides of the transformer. A significant difference could indicate a fault,
triggering a shutdown before overheating occurs.
  REFERENCES:-

https://circuitdigest.com/article/all-about-transformer-protection-and-transformer-
protection-circuits

https://electengmaterials.com/types-of-transformer-protection/

https://www.axcontrol.com/blog/2023/7-common-types-of-transformer-protection-
systems/10/02/

https://www.eng.uwo.ca/people/tsidhu/Documents/10%20Pgs_Transformer
%20Protection_Project%20Report_Harkishan%20Jashnani.pdf

https://www.electrical-installation.org/enwiki/
Protection_of_transformer_and_circuits