9/12/2014 1

PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
The definitions that follow are generally used in relation to power
system protection:
1. Protection System: a complete arrangement of protection
equipment and other devices required to achieve a specified
function based on a protection principal (IEC 60255-20)
2. Protection Equipment: a collection of protection devices (relays,
fuses, etc.). Excluded are devices such as CTs, CBs, Contactors, etc.
3. Protection Scheme: a collection of protection equipment providing a
defined function and including all equipment required to make the
scheme work (i.e. relays, CTs, CBs, batteries, etc.)
Relays may be classified according to the technology used:
a. electromechanical
b. static
c. digital
d. numerical
Faults on the Transformer
Transformer faults are generally classified into five
categories:
winding and terminal faults
core faults
Tank and transformer accessory faults
Onload tap changer faults
Abnormal operating conditions
Sustained or uncleared external faults

3
TRANSFORMER PROTECTION
OVERVIEW

Fault Type Protection Used
Primary winding Phase-phase fault Differential; Overcurrent
Primary winding Phase-earth fault Differential; Overcurrent
Secondary winding Phase-phase fault Differential Secondary winding
Phase-earth fault Differential; Restricted Earth Fault
Interturn Fault Differential, Buchholz
Core Fault Differential, Buchholz
MainTank EarthFault Differential, Buchholz;
Overfluxing Overfluxing
Overheating Thermal

4
NORMS OF PROTECTION FOR EHV CLASS POWER
TRANSFORMERS
Voltage ratio &
capacity
HV Side LV SIDE COMMON RELAYS
132/33/11 KV
66/11 KV T/F BELOW 8
MVA CAPACITY
3 O/C AND
1 E/F RELAY
2O/C AND
1E/F RELAY
DIFFERENTIAL, REF, OT,WT, BUCHHOLZ FOR
MAIN
132/33/11 KV
66/11 KV T/F UP TO
25/31.5/50 MVA
CAPACITY
3 O/C AND
1 E/F RELAY
2O/C AND
1E/F RELAY
DIFFERENTIAL WITH HIGH SET, REF, OT,WT
FOR HV AND LV WINDING, BUCHHOLZ FOR
MAIN AND OLTC,PRV FOR MAIN AND OLTC,
MOLG
220/132 KV 50/100
MVA
220/66 KV 50/100
MVA CAPACITY T/F
3 O/C AND
1 E/F
RELAY(DIR)
2O/C AND
1E/F RELAY
DIFFERENTIAL WITH HIGH SET, REF, OT,WT
FOR HV AND LV WINDING, BUCHHOLZ FOR
MAIN AND OLTC,PRV FOR MAIN AND OLTC,
OVERFLUX AND OVERLOAD ALARM, MOLG
400/220 KV T/F 315
MVA AND ABOVE
3 O/C
DIR.AND
1E/F DIR.
3 O/C
DIR.AND 1E/F
DIR.

DIFFERENTIAL WITH HIGH SET, REF, OT,WT
FOR HV AND LV WINDING, BUCHHOLZ FOR
MAIN AND OLTC,PRV FOR MAIN AND OLTC,
OVERFLUX AND OVERLOAD ALARM, MOLG

ANSI NUMBERS OF RELAYS AND THEIR FUNCTION
NAME OF RELAY ANSI
NUMBER
PURPOSE OF THE RELAY
O/C AND E/F
RELAY
IDMTL( NON
DIRECTIONAL)
IDMTL(
DIRECTIONAL)
DEFINITE TIME
RELAY OR
INSTANTANEOUS
RELAY

51 RNB
67 CX/NX
50 RNB
These relays are used for protection of transmission lines/transformers. 3 O/C relays are
used on HV side of the T/F and 2O/C and 1 E/F relays are used on LV side of the T/F and
feeder panels.
IDMTL: A relay in which the time delay varies inversely with the characteristic quantity up
to a certain value, after which the time delay becomes substantially independent.
INSTANTANEOUS: A relay which operates and resets with no intentional time delay. They
are used for faults close to the source when the fault current is very high.
DIFFERENTIAL
RELAY
87L(
LINE)
87T( T/F)
87G(
GEN.)
Differential protection is a very reliable method of protecting generators, transformers,
buses, and transmission lines from the effects of internal faults. These relays compares the
two quantities generally current.
RESTRICTED
EARTH FAULT
64 REF is provided on the transformer where the winding is Y connected. It takes care of earth
fault in a restricted zone which includes T/F winding, LA CT/NCT and their auxiliary wiring.
The relay is fed through 3 no. T/F CT(REF core) and concerned NCT.
NON DIRECTIONAL
E/F
64N During balanced conditions, current through the neutral is 0. If there is an unbalanced fault
(one phase or two phase to ground fault) the current through neutral is no longer zero.
Presence of current in the neutral indicates that there is a fault present. Ground current
relays can be set to quite low values to detect this current and operate.
NEUTRAL
DISPLACEMENT
RELAY
64N Failure of capacitor unit in a bank will cause the voltage to rise on the
remaining units in the series group which contains the failed unit. Any
additional fail of the unit will cause the voltage to rise still higher which can
damage the healthy unit. To avoid such damage NDR is used which is fed
through open delta connection of the RVT.
DC SUPERVISION
RELAY
80
ABCD
It makes a continuous supervision of DC supply in the C&R panel, and in case of
its operation initiates alarm contacts to the AC buzzer.
VOLTAGE
SELECTION RELAY
75AB
C
Provided on 66/132/220 KV panels where double bus arrangement exist. It
selects the bus PT supply to which the feeder is connected through auxiliary
contacts of isolator and feeds to various protection schemes, metering etc.
MASTER
RELAY/TRIPPING
RELAY
86 It is used to extend tripping command to the circuit breaker and operates
whenever receive command from other protection relays, also acts as blocking
relay for breaker operation. Used for extending inter tripping commands.
BUS BAR
DIFFERENTIAL
RELAY
87M
87B
87C
Used to isolate the faulty bus by tripping all the circuits connected to the faulty
bus in case of any fault on that bus through high speed tripping relay:96
TRIP CIRCUIT
SUPERVISION RELAY
95AB
C
The trip circuit extends beyond the relay enclosure and passes through more
components, such as fuses, links, relay contacts, auxiliary switch contacts
and so on, and in some cases through a considerable amount of circuit wiring
with intermediate terminal boards. The no. of TCSR depends upon the no. of
tripping coils used in the breaker.
UNDER VOLTAGE
RELAY
27 Under voltage and over voltage relays initiate switching of capacitor banks or
stepping of up or down of a tap changer, in case voltage exceeds or falls below
the preset values. Generally these relays are used on capacitor bank panels.
Over voltage relays are used to trip the circuit breaker in case the voltage
exceeds the preset limit value generally 110% of the normal value. Over
voltage may occur due to less load or sudden load rejection. The limit for under
voltage relay is 80% of the normal value.
OVER VOLTAGE
RELAY
59
OVER CURRENT
ALARM
51L It is a relay that initiates in case the current exceeds the preset values.
Generally used on 220 KV line and T/F C&R panels.
FUSE FAILURE RELAY 97 Operates on failure of PT/VT fuse/fuses. Monitor the fuses on the
secondary side of 11 kV metering PT. The failure of any of secondary fuse
on the 11 kV PT is accompanied by visual & audio indication.
ALARM
CANCELLATION
74 Accepts the alarm initiated by another relays.
AC/DC CHANGE OVER 30X Without flag relay used for change over of AC and DC supply. It is provided
on all the panels. The indications are normally connected to AC supply and
in case of its failure the relay operates and the indications automatically
get connected to DC supply.
UNDER FREQUENCY 81 Operates when the frequency falls/exceeds below/above preset values.

DISTANCE
PROTECTION
MAIN-1
MAIN-II

21
21P
21Q
Impedance relays are used whenever over current relays does not provide
adequate protection. They function even if the short circuit current is
relatively low. The speed of operation is independent of current
magnitude. Measures the apparent impedance between the relay and the
short-circuit. The apparent impedance is measured by computing the ratio
between voltage and current at the relay. These relays, which are almost
always directional, are typically employed on transmission lines where
impedance is both predictable and constant.
BUS BAR PROTN. TRIP
RELAY
96.1,
96.2
Used to isolate the faulty bus by tripping all the circuit breakers connected
to the faulty bus.
OVER FLUX RELAY 99 Generally installed on 220 KV C&R Panels of 220/132/66 KV T/F and
operates if the V/f exceeds a preset value, to avoid saturation of magnetic
circuits, and to avoid excessive core/iron losses in the T/F. generally its
setting is 115% of normal value.
POLE DISCREPANCY
RELAY
62 It is provided on 220 KV and above circuit breakers to ensure that
all the poles of the CB close/open simultaneously. In case one or
two fail to open/close then this relay operates and trips the pole
which remain closed.
LBB RELAY 50 LBB It operates in case any breaker fail to trip on fault then all the
other breakers connected to this bus will get the trip command
through this relay.
AUXILLIARY RELAY 30 AX These relays are used to extend tripping commands such as
BT/OTT/WTT/PRVT etc to the master/tripping relay.
AUTO RECLOSER 152X A scheme of delay auto reclose will be provided to return circuits
to service after transient line faults.
VOLTAGE
UNBALANCE RELAY
60 Operates whenever unbalance in the voltage of all the three
phases exceeds a preset value.
BUCHHOLZ RELAY 63A
63T
These relays are sensitive to the generation of gases inside the
main tank OLTC tank due to incipient faults.
PRV RELAY This relay is installed on the transformer main tank and OLTC tank
to safe guard the power transformer due to sudden high pressure
of gases developed.
CTD This is relay installed in the breaker and causes tripping of the
breaker in case of DC fails or voltage level goes below preset value.
ANTI PUMPING
RELAY
94 Used to avoid successive closing tripping closing and so on like
pumping action of the breaker during fault condition for avoiding
damage to the coil, breaker and other equipment.
AIR GAS PRESSURE
LOW ALARM AND
LOCK OUT RELAY
63 AGX Initiates the low air/Gas low alarm and lockout contacts and is
used to lock out the breaker in case SF6 gas pressure fall below
permissible limit.
Fault in Power Transformer
External factors
Fault in down stream
Lightning/ Switching
Magnetic inrush

Internal factors
Insulation failure
Atmospheric conditions
Partial discharges
Carona
Fault in Tap changer

10

Transformer protections are provided:
a. Against effects of faults in the system to which the transformer is
connected.
b. Against effects of faults arising in the transformer.

Protections against faults in the system:
a. Short Circuits
b. High Voltage, high frequency disturbance
c. Pure Earth Faults

11
Internal faults:

Incipient Faults
Poor joints/connection
Core faults
Coolant failure(logged oil
flow) results in gas liberation.
Bad load sharing between
T/Fs.

Initially, such faults are of
minor nature but slowly
might develop into major
faults. Such faults are not
traceable at the winding
terminals by unbalance in
voltage or current.
Heavy faults
Multi phase & Phase to
earth faults.
Short circuiting between
turns in HV & LV windings
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Name plate details
Make
Sr No
Frequency
Capacity
Voltage
Current
Phase
% Impedence
Insulation Levels
Drawing No.
P O No.
Vector group
Types of Cooling
Quantity of Oil
Weight of Copper
Weight of Core
YOM

13

Principles of Protection System

Principles used are:
1. Overheating/Temperature and pressure
2. Over Current
3. Un-restricted earth faults
4. Restricted earth-faults
5. Percentage bias differential protection
6. Gas detection due to incipient faults
7. Low oil level
8 Pressure relief (high overload/arcing)
9. Over fluxing, Under frequency
10. Tank earth current detection
11. Lightning/Over Voltage Surges
12. Tap changer problems


14


Transformer Protection
Percentage bias differential protection
High impedance circulating current protection
(Restricted earth fault protection)
Over fluxing protection
Back up O/C & E/F
Over load alarm
Protection & monitors built into transformer
(Buchholz relay , OSR relay , Winding & Oil
temperature indicators ,Pressure relief device
and Oil level indicator)

Percentage Differential Protection
This Scheme is used for Protection of T/F against internal short circuits.
It is not capable of detecting incipient faults.
The relay settings for T/F protection are kept higher than that for
alternators.
The typical values for T/F may be 40 % for operating coil & 10 % for
restraining coil respectively.
Because a T/F is provided with OLTC. The CT ratio cannot be changed
with varying T/F ratio of T/F. so, for taps other than nominal, an out of
balance current flows through the operating coil of the relay during
load and external fault condition.
When a T/f is on no-load, there is no-load current in the relay. So, its
setting should be greater than no-load current.
To supply the matching current in the operating winding of the relay,
the CTs which are on the star side of the T/F are connected in delta &
vice versa.
16
Percentage Differential Protection for Star-delta
connected Transformer
17
Restricted Earth fault Protection

REF protection is used to supplement the differential protection,
particularly where star neutral of the T/F is grounded through a
neutral grounding resistor to limit the earth fault current. REF
protection provides increased coverage to star winding against earth
faults.
It is provided between the main CT and corresponding NCT.
It is an instantaneous relay.
The relay used in REF protection is of high impedance type to make
scheme stable for external faults.
18
Restricted Earth fault Protection
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Over fluxing protection

This condition arises during abnormal operating conditions:
Heavy voltage fluctuations at lower frequency conditions.
This condition is experienced by the T/F during heavy power
swings, cascade tripping of generator sets & HT line in the
Grid, interstate system separation conditions & due to AVR
malfunctioning during start-up or shutting down in case of
Generator Transformer.


Over fluxing protection

It works on the principal of Voltage/Frequency
Acc to EMF eqn, V1=4.4 f
m
N
1
OR

m = k V1/f
Usually 10 % of over fluxing can be allowed without damage.
If V1/f exceeds 1.1, overfluxing protection operates.
Over fluxing does not require high speed tripping & hence
instantaneous operation is undesirable when momentary
disturbances occur, but the T/F should be isolated in one or two
minutes if the over fluxing persists.
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V/f
Vn/fn
1.1 1.2 1.25 1.3 1.4
Duration of
withstand
limit (minutes)
Cont. 2 1 0.5 0
MAGNETIC INRUSH
The phenomenon of magnetizing inrush is a transient
condition, which occurs primarily when a transformer is
energized.

It is not a fault condition and therefore does not necessitate
the operation of protection, which on the contrary must
remain stable during the inrush transient, which is a major
factor that is to be taken care of in the design of transformer
protection.

Magnetising inrush wave has the following harmonics
1. 2nd harmonic 63 %
2. 3rd harmonic 27 %
3. 4th harmonic 5%
4. 5th harmonic 4%
O/C & E/F Protection
IDMT O/C elements on delta and star side, primarily serve as
back up protection against downstream short circuits and are
time co-ordinated with downstream O/C protections.
The high set instantaneous O/C elements are provided to detect
severe terminal short circuits and quickly isolate the transformer.
The relay is connected in high impedence mode with a series
stabilizing resistor.
O/C & E/F Protection
26
Overheating Protection
Protection is based on measurement of winding temperature which is
measured by thermal image technique.
Thermal sensing element is placed in small pockets located near the
top T/F tank in the hot oil.
A CT is employed on LV side to supply current to local heater.
Winding temperature high alarm/trip is provided through mercury
switches in the winding temperature indicators.
By thermo-meters, mercury switches heat sensing silicon resistance
are also used for sensing the temperature rise.

The max safe overloading is that which does not overheat the winding.

Temperature of 55 deg C above ambient of 50 deg C is generally
provided for tripping.
27
Thermal Over heating
Winding Temperature
Sensors in 2 places
Over loads/other abnormal
conditions cause higher temp.
Used to switch on fans
Alarms and trips above set
values.
Oil Temperature sensors
Switch on fans
Alarm/Trip are the three
functions associated with.
28
29
Winding Temperature alarm & Trippings
The Transformer is provided with a W.T.I which contains a Liquid
which expands itself when heated along with Tr.Oil, kept in a
Pocket & heated by WTI C.T Currents. Change of Volume activates
a Temperature Indicator suitably calibrated. These Indicators are
compensated for atmospheric Temperature Changes.
Normally it has 04 Contacts
Contact-1 : Fan Start ( ex. 60 C)
Contact-2 : Pump Start ( ex. 70 C)
Contact-3 : WTI Alarm ( ex. 85 C)
Contact-4 : WTI Trip ( ex. 90 C)

Oil Temperature alarm & Trippings
The Transformer is provided with a O.T.I which contains
a Liquid which expands itself when heated along with
Transformer Oil & Change of Volume activates a
Temperature Indicator suitably calibrated. These
Indicators are compensated for atmospheric
Temperature Changes.
Normally it has 02 Contacts
Contact-1 : OTI Alarm : 85 deg
Contact-2 : OTI Trip : 90 deg
INFRARED TEMPERATURE
MEASUREMENTS
A thermo vision apparatus with resolution better than 0.1 degree
C is used for checking of the temperature distribution on a
transformer enclosure (tank and cover) and external auxiliaries

Temperature rise above ambient Recommendation

0-10 deg C Little probability of any damage
11-39 deg C Inspect for damage in next Mtc. S/D 40-
75 deg . Check for probable damage at an
earliest possible opportunity
Above 76 deg C Critical problem, take S/D for
immediate repairs
LATEST DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES
Frequency Response Analysis (FRA)
PD measurement and acoustic localisation of
faults
Furan analysis in oil (HPLC chromatography)
On-line dissipation factor monitoring of
H.V. bushings
Polarisation spectrum or Recovery Voltage
(RVM) measurement


FREQUENCY RESPONSE ANALYSIS
Mechanical movement of winding may
occur during transportation shocks or SC
forces or shrinkage due to ageing and may
result in dielectric failure of transformer
Such winding displacement may not be
detected by DGA, winding resistance or C
&Tan measurement
Techniques available to detect such
changes are FRA or Vibration Measurement


FRA primarily used for detection of
deformation/movements of winding
FRA is also carried out periodically for detection
of deformation of smaller magnitude, when
transformer experiences several short circuit
forces
Helps in monitoring health and condition
assessment of transformers
FRA SIGNIFICANCE
PRINCIPLE OF FRA
Both the applied impulse signal and the corresponding
winding responses are recorded using a high performance
digitizer and the results transformed into frequency
domain by Fast Fourier Transform calculation, a response
function is obtained which is dependent almost entirely on
the test object and is independent of applied signal and
test circuit. The changes in the test object can be more
clearly and consistently identified. The technique used for
FRA analysis is a sweep frequency technique which is
suitable for site use and has a superior signal to noise
performance at high frequencies.

FRA TEST SET-UP
ADVANTAGES OF FRA
FRA detects winding movement, which cannot be
ascertained by any other commonly known test
FRA test is sensitive and very repeatable
FRA is very powerful and effective tool and capable
of detecting a range of transformer faults, it is
nevertheless primarily a mechanical condition
assessment test and must be used in conjunction
with other diagnostic tests if a complete picture of
the condition of the transformer is to be obtained.

REASONS FOR TRANSFORMER OIL
DETERIORATION
PHYSICAL CONTAMINATION DUE TO MOISTURE ENTRY, FIBERS IN
INSULATION TAPE AND VARNISH IN THE PARMA WOOD, PRESSBOARD
ASSEMBLY.

CHEMICAL REACTION DUE TO OXIDATION OF HYDROCARBON ALONG WITH
VARIATION IN LOAD CONDITION AND TEMPERATURE OF THE OIL FORMS
ACIDS AND SLUDGE .

ELECTRICAL STRESS DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAULTS LIKE PARTIAL DISCHARGE,
ARCING, SPARKING INSIDE THE TRANSFORMER.

THERMAL STRESS DUE TO LOOSE CONTACTS IN WINDING LEADS, CORE
CLAMPING ETC.

AGEING OF TRANSFORMER OIL.

POOR QUALITY OF TRANSFORMER OIL
OIL QUALITY INDEX SYSTEM
GOOD OILS NN
IFT
-0.00 To -0.10
-30.0 To -45.0
Pale Yellow
MIN: 300-1500
Excellent
PROPOSITION
OILS
NN
IFT

-0.05 To -.10
-27.1 To -29.9
Yellow
MIN : 271-600
GOOD
MARGINAL OILS NN
IFT

-0.11 To -0.10
-24.0 To 27.0
Bright Yellow
MIN : 160-318
A drop in IFT signal
the beginning of
sludge in solution.
BAD OILS NN
IFT

-0.16 To -0.40
-18.0 To -23.0
AMBER
MIN : 45-159
Oil is not providing
proper cooling &
winding protection
V. BAD OILS NN
IFT

-0.41 To -0.65
-14.0 To -17.9
BROWN
MIN : 22-24
Sludge has already
been deposited in &
on T/F parts in
almost 100 % of
these units.
Insulation damaged
& reduced cooling
efficiency with high
operating temp
characteristics.
EXTREMELY
BAD OIL
NN
IFT

-0.66 To -1.50
-9.0 To -13.9
BARK BROWN
MIN 6-21
NN
(Neutralization
No.)

IFT (Inter
Facial
tension)

MIN : Myers Index No. = IFT/NN
FACTORS THAT DETERIORATES THE
MATERIALS


Moisture
Oxygen
Temperature
40
EFFECT OF THE ABOVE FACTORS

Moisture:
Absorbed from Atmospheric air during breathing.
Reduces the BDV
Oxygen

41

Oxygen :
O
2
from atmospheric air while breathing and which
is

present in oil react with cellulose in presence of
copper as catalyst form organic acid which
dissolves in oil to form sludge.
Restrict oil circulation
Reduces heat transfer leading to increases the
temperature

EFFECT OF THE ABOVE FACTORS cont.
- Temperature :
Cellulose free sugar glucose, H
2
O, CO, CO
2
+ Cellulose
of reduced chain length.
Reduces the BDV
Deteriorate the cellulous insulation.
Reduces Tensile strength
The various types of cooling methods used for power transformer
are given below (IS 2026: 1962)


Cooling Cooling method Oil circulation Winding temperature rise limit
ON Natural Air-natural 55
0
C
ONAF Natural Air-blast/Forced 55
0
C
OFAN Forced Air-natural 60
0
C
OFAF Forced Air-natural 60
0
C
OFW Forced Water(Forced) 65
0
C

Top oil temperature measured by thermometer for all types of cooling is 40
0
c
(Ambient temperature)


RECOMMENDED LIMITS OF T/F OILS


NAME OF
CHARATERISTICS
UNUSED MINERAL OIL IN-SERVICE T/F OIL
CATEGORY
OF POWER
T/F
RECOMMEND
ED LIMITS (AS
per IS: 1866-
2000)
CATEGORY OF
POWER T/F

RECOMMENDED
LIMITS (AS per IS:
1866-2000)

ELECTRIC
BREAKDOWN(KV)
BELOW 72.5
KV
72.5 KV To
170 KV
Above 170 KV
40 KV (Min)
50 KV (Min)
60 KV (Min)
Up to 72.5 KV
72.5 KV To 170
KV
Above 170 KV
30 KV (Min)
40 KV (Min)
50 KV (Min)

Specific Resistance at
90 C
All Voltages 6X10*12 Ohm-
Cm (Min)
All Voltages 0.1X10*12 Ohm-Cm
(Min)
WATER CONTENT BELOW 72.5
KV
72.5 KV To
170 KV
Above 170 KV

20 ppm (max)
15 ppm (max)
10 ppm (max)
BELOW 72.5 KV
72.5 KV To 170
KV
Above 170 KV
No free moist at room
temp
40 ppm
20 ppm
DIELECTRIC
DISSIPITATION
FACTOR at 90 C

UP to 170 KV
Above 170 KV
0.015 (Max)
0.010 (max)
UP to 170 KV
Above 170 KV
1.0 (Max)
0.2 (max)
NEUTRALIZATION
VALUE
All Voltages

0.03 mg KOH/g
(max)
All Voltages 0.3 mg KOH/g
(max)


9/12/2014 45
DISSOLVED GAS ANALYSIS
The inflammable gases dissolved in the transformer oil are
mainly hydrocarbon gases (methane CH
4
, Ethane C
2
H
6
, Ethylene
C
2
H
4
, Acetylene C
2
H
2
, Propane, Hydrogen, Carbon Monoxide and
carbon dioxide). With the help of dissolved gas analysis equipment
the concentration of these gases in PPM can be known and can be
cross checked with the IS standard. Also with the help of Rogers
ratio method, the type of probable incipient fault can be judged and
corrective action can be taken in advance to prevent failure of the
transformer.

Buchholz relay
Incipient fault Gas accumulation is slow-top float alarm.
Heavy fault inside Decomposition high- heavy surge-bottom float
trip.
Simulate condition 50-100 ms
Normal time 200 ms.
Fault below the oil levels only detected.
Gas Detection
a. Buchholz relay protection
b. Pressure relief valves / switches (for heavy internal faults)
Buchholz Protection
This is for two types of faults inside the transformer.
a. For incipient faults because of
1. Core bolt insulation failure
2. Short circuit in laminations
3. Local over heating because of clogging of oil
4. Excess ingress of air in oil system
5. Loss of oil due to heavy leakage
6. Uneven load sharing between two transformers in parallel
causing overheating due to circulating current.



47
These generate gases causing operation of upper float and
energises the alarm circuits.

Why DGA
9/12/2014 48
1. DIRECTLY DETECTS THE GASES EVOLVED DUE
TO DECOMPOSITION OF OIL, INSULATING
MATERIALS LIKE PAPER, PRESS BOARD ETC.

2. EFFECTIVE AND POWERFUL DIAGNOSTIC TOOL
FOR MONITORING THE DEVELOPING INCIPIENT
FAULT.

3. DETECTION OF FAULT FROM THE
INTERPRETATION OF THE TEST RESULTS GIVES
EARLY WARNING OF ANY DEVELOPING FAULT.

4. THE KEY GAS INDICATES THE TYPE OF FAULT
DEVELOPING INSIDE THE TRANSFORMER.
ADVANTAGES OF DGA MONITORING
49
DGA MONITORING MINIMISES OUTAGE OF EQUIPMENT.

DGA HELPS IN REDUCING THE REPAIR COST.

DGA HELPS TO IMPROVE LIFE SPAN OF THE EQUIPMENT.

DGA IMPROVES THE OPERATING CONDITION OF THE EQUIPMENT.

DGA IMPROVES THE PLANT EFFICIENCY.
GASES LIBERATED DURING OIL
DECOMPOSITION
1. METHANE CH
4

2. ETHANE C
2
H
6

3. ETHYLENE C
2
H
4

4. ACETYLENE C
2
H
2

5. CARBON MONOXIDE CO
6. CARBONDIOXIDE CO
2

7. HYDROGEN H
2
8. OXYGEN O
2

9. NITROGEN N
2

TEMPERATURES AT WHICH GASES EVOLVE
METHANE (CH
4
) > 120
0
C
HYDROGEN (H2)
>
150
0
C
ETHANE (C
2
H
6
) > 250
0
C

ETHYLENE (C
2
H
4
) > 350
0
C
ACETYLENE (C
2
H
2
) > 700
0
C
FAULTS ASSOCIATED WITH DIFFERENT GAS
OIL OVERHEATING : C
2
H
4
, C
2
H
6
, CH
4
TRACES OF ACETYLENE WITH SMALL QUANTITY OF
HYDROGEN
OVERHEATED CELLULOSE : C02 & CO
LARGE QUANTITY OF CO
2
AND CO EVOLVED FROM
OVERHEATED CELLULOSE.

CH
4
AND C
2
H
4
FORMS IF FAULT INVOLVES OIL
IMPREGNATED STRUCTURE

SAMPLING OF OIL - PROCEDURE
THE CONTAINER FOR SAMPLING SHALL BE STAINLESS STEEL OR GLASS
SAMPLING BOTTLE WITH STOP VALVES ON BOTH ENDS.

THE COLOUR OF THE BOTTLE SHALL BE BROWN PREFERABLY.

FREQUENCY OF SAMPLING FOR DGA

FOR NEW TRANSFORMER :

FIRST SAMPLE: : BEFORE ENERGIZING NEW T/F,
SECOND SAMPLE : AFTER ONE MONTH OF SERVICE
THIRD SAMPLE : ONCE IN A YEAR IF NO ABNORMALITY.

FOR REPAIRED TRANSFORMER :

FIRST SAMPLE : BEFORE ENERGIZING REPAIRED T/F
SECOND SAMPLE : AFTER THREE MONTHS AND
THIRD SAMPLE : ONWARDS ONCE IN A YEAR IF NO
ABNORMALITY.
CODES & STANDARDS FOR DGA
IS 943 1979
IS 10593 1983
IEC 599 1978
FOR OIL SAMPLING IS: 9497

DISSOLVED GAS ANALYSIS

Brief Overview of Various Interpretation Technique for DGA Data
Individual Fault Gases Acceptable Norms
Total Dissolved Combustible Gas (TDCG) limits
IEC 599 Method
IEEE Standard C: 57.104/1995
Key Gas Method
Ratio Methods
Trend Analysis
INTERPRETATION OF DGA RESULTS:
KEY GAS METHODS: The permissible concentration of Dissolved Gases As per
IEEE.
All gas concentration are in ppm




GAS LESS THAN 4 YRS
in Service
4-10 years in
Service
More than 10 years
in service
Hydrogen 100-150 200-300 200-300
Methane 50-70 100-150 200-300
Acetylene 20-30 30-50 100-150
Ethylene 100-150 150-200 200-400
Ethane 30-50 100-150 800-1000
Carbon Monoxide 200-300 400-500 600-700
Carbon Dioxide 3000-3500 4000-5000 9000-12000
Recommendations if Values of the Fault Gases Exceeds
Permissible Limits
GAS Permissible
Limits
Value Obtained
by DGA
Recommendations Remarks
A. TRANSFORMER under 4 Years of Service
ETHANE C2H6 30-50 50-150 Monitoring > 150- View Seriously
Ethylene C2H4 100-150 150-300 Monitoring > 300- View Seriously
Acetylene C2H2 20-30 30-70 Monitoring > 70- Immediate
inspection
B. TRANSFORMER Between 4-10 Years of Service
ETHANE C2H6 100-150 150-500 Monitoring > 500- View Seriously
Ethylene C2H4 150-200 200-400 Monitoring > 400- View Seriously
Acetylene
C2H2
30-50 50-70 Monitoring > 70- Immediate
inspection
C. TRANSFORMER Above 10 Years of Service
ETHANE C2H6 800-1500 Upto 800 Monitoring > 800- View Seriously
Ethylene C2H4 200-400 400-600 Monitoring > 600- View Seriously
Acetylene
C2H2
100-150 70-100 Monitoring > 100- Immediate
inspection
Transformer Diagnosis Using Total Dissolved Combustible Gas
Concentrations.
STATUS H2 CH4 C2H2 C2H4 C2H6 CO CO2 TDCG
Condition
1
100 120 35 50 65 350 2500 720
Condition
2
101-700 121-400 36-50 51-100 66-100 351-570 2500-
4000
721-
1920
Condition
3
701-1800 401-
1000
51-80 101-
200
101-
150
571-
1400
4001-
10000
1921-
4630
Condition
4
>1800 >1000 >80 >200 >150 >1400 >10000 > 4630
Condition 1: Total dissolved combustible gas (TDCG) below this level
indicates the transformer is operating satisfactorily.
Condition 2: TDCG within this range indicates greater than normal
combustible gas level. Any individual combustible gas
exceeding specified levels in table 4 should have
additional investigation. A fault may be present. Take
DGA samples as recommended by HVPNL authorities.
Condition 3: TDCG within this range indicates a high level of
decomposition cellulose insulation and/or oil. Any
individual combustible gas exceeding specified levels in
table 4 should have additional investigation. A fault or
faults are probably present.
Condition 4: TDCG within this range indicates excessive
decomposition of cellulose insulation and/or oil.
Continued operation could result in failure of the
transformer.
INTERPRETATION OF DGA RESULTS:
Rogers Ratio METHODS: The admissible gas concentration limits may can be
misleading. Sometimes faults can be detected with lesser concentrations.

Code Range of
Ratios
C2H2/C2
H4
CH4/H
2
C2H4/C2
H6
<0.1
0.1 -1.0
1 3
>3
0
1
1
2
1
0
2
2
0
0
1
2
Case Fault Type

Problem Found
0 No Fault

0 0 0 Normal Aging
1 Low Energy
Partial
Discharge
1 1 0 Electric discharge in bubbles, caused by
insulation voids or high moisture in oil.
2 High Energy
Partial
Discharge
1 1 0 Same as above
3 Low Energy
discharges,
arcing
1-2 0 1-2 Continuous sparking in oil between bad
connections of different potential or to
floating potential; B/D of oil dielectric bet
solid insulating material.
Case Fault Type C2H2
/C2H
4
CH4/
H2
C2H4
/C2H
6
Problem Found
4 High Energy
Discharges,
arcing
1 0 2 Discharges (arcing) with power; arcing B/D of
oil between winding or coils, or between coils
& ground, or OLTC arcing across the contacts
during switching with the oil leaking into the
main tank.
5 Thermal fault <
150 C
0 0 1 Insulated conductor overheating; this generally
produces CO & CO2 because this type of fault
generally involves Cellulose insulation.
6 Thermal fault
temp ranges:
150-300 C

0 2 0 Spot Overheating in the core due to flux
concentrations. Overheating of copper
conductor from eddy currents. Bad connections
on wdg to incoming lead, or bad contacts on
OLTC. Circulating current in the core.
7 Thermal fault
temp ranges:
300-700 C


0 2 1
8 Thermal fault
temp ranges over
700 C



0 2 2
Faults Types & Their Findings
Key Gases Possible Faults Possible Findings
H2 possible trace of CH4 and
C2H6. Possible Co.
Possible Discharges (Corona) Weakened insulation from
ageing and electrical stresses.
H2, CH4. Possible trace
amounts of C2H6.
Low energy discharges
(Sparking)
Pinhole puncture in paper
insulation with Carbon and
Carbon tracking. Possible
carbon particles in oil. Possible
loose shield, poor grounding of
metal objects.
H2, CH4, C2H6, C2H4, and the
key gas for arcing C2H2 is
being generated, arcing is still
going on . CO will be present if
paper is being heated.
High energy discharges
(Arcing)
Metal Fusion (Poor contacts in
Tap Changer or lead
connections), Weakened
Insulation from aging and
electrical stress. Carbonized
Oil. Paper destruction if it is in
the arc path or overheated.
H2 and CO Thermal fault < 300C in an
area close to paper insulation
(paper is being heated).
Overloading & cooling
problem. Bad connections in
leads or tap changers.
H2, CO, CH4, C2H6, C2H4

Thermal fault between 300 C
and
700 C .
Paper Insulation destroyed. Oil
heavily carbonized.
Vector Group & connections
Transformer HV/LV
Star Star 0 deg
Star Star 180 deg
Star Delta
(Delta leads by 30)
Delta Star
(delta lags by 30)


Protection CT
Delta Delta
Delta Delta rev.
Delta Star
(delta lags by 30)
Star Delta
(Delta leads by 30)
9/12/2014 68
TESTING OF TRANSFORMER

1. TYPE TESTS: Confirmity with specification, general qualities & design
of a given type. Certified for Five years.
WINDING RESISTANCE
VOLTAGE RATIO AND VECTOR
IMPEDENCE VOLTAGE
NO LOAD LOSS AND CURRENT
INSULATION RESISTANCE
DI ELECTRIC TESTS
TEMPERATURE RISE
TEST ON TAP CHANGER

ACCEPTANCE TEST
Testing of samples from a lot for accepting the lot.

From lot of 25-5o 03 Samples

From lot of 0-25 02 Samples
ROUTINE TEST
Testing on each and every equipment to check the requirements which may
vary during production.

Measurement of WINDING ESISTANCE

Measurement of VOLTAGE RATIO AND VECTOR

Measurement of IMPEDENCE VOLTAGE

NO LOAD LOSS AND CURRENT

Measurement of INSULATION RESISTANCE

DI ELECTRIC TESTS


SPECIAL TESTS
CARRIED OUT BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE BUYER AND SUPPLIER.

DI ELECTRIC TESTS
ZERO SEQUENCE IMPEDENCE
ACOUSTIC NOISE LEVEL
HARMONICS IN NO LOAD CURRENT
LIGHTNING IMPULSE TESTS
PRESSURE & VACUUM TESTS
POWER CONSUMPTION BY FANS & PUMPS