Protection System - Detailed Questions and
Answers
Q1 (a) State the Advantages of Static Relay
Static relays use electronic circuits such as transistors, diodes, operational amplifiers, and logic
gates instead of mechanical moving parts used in electromagnetic relays.
Advantages:
1. High speed of operation due to absence of moving parts.
2. High sensitivity and ability to detect small variations.
3. Low power consumption and better efficiency.
4. Greater reliability and stability over time.
5. Compact, lightweight, and easy to maintain.
6. Immune to mechanical wear and vibration.
Q1 (b) State the Principle of Distance Relay
A distance relay operates when the impedance (Z = V/I) measured between the relay location and
the point of fault falls below a predetermined value. The impedance of a line is proportional to its
length. Therefore, when a fault occurs nearer to the relay, the impedance decreases, causing relay
operation.
Q1 (c) Define:
1) Time Setting Multiplier (TSM): Determines the operating time of a relay. Actual Operating Time
= TSM × (Time from relay curve).
2) Current Setting Multiplier (CSM): Ratio of fault current to pickup current. CSM = Fault current /
Pickup current.
Q1 (d) State any four abnormalities in induction motor
1. Overload
2. Single phasing
3. Phase unbalance
4. Locked rotor condition
5. Earth fault or short circuit in winding
Q1 (e) List protection schemes used for the bus-bar
1. Differential protection
2. Frame leakage protection
3. Overcurrent protection
4. Earth fault protection
5. Zone intertripping scheme
Q2 (a) Explain Overcurrent Protection for Alternator
Overcurrent protection safeguards the alternator against damage from excessive current due to
faults or overloads.
CTs are connected in each phase, and the relay monitors current. If current exceeds a set value,
the relay energizes the trip coil of the circuit breaker to isolate the alternator.
Types:
1. Instantaneous overcurrent relay
2. Inverse time overcurrent relay
Advantages:
Simple, reliable, and cost-effective protection for alternators.
Q2 (b) Define the Following Terms
Protective Relay: Detects abnormal conditions and operates circuit breakers.
Relay Time: Time interval between fault occurrence and relay contact operation.
Pick-up Current: Minimum current required to operate the relay.
Reset Current: Current below which the relay resets to normal position.
Current Setting: The current value (as % of CT secondary current) at which relay operates.
Q2 (c) Explain with Neat Sketch Working of Thermal Relay
Principle: Operates on the heating effect of electric current.
Construction: Consists of a bimetallic strip heated by a coil. When the strip bends due to
overheating, it trips the circuit.
Working: Under normal current, no action. Under overload, heat causes bending of strip and
operation of trip contacts.
Application: Used for overload protection of motors and transformers.
Q2 (d) Limitations of Differential Protection
1. High cost due to multiple CTs.
2. Not suitable for systems with tappings.
3. CT saturation can cause maloperation.
4. Restricted protection zone.
5. Complex wiring and calibration.
Q3 (a) With Block Diagram Explain Static Relay
Block Diagram Components:
1. Input Transformer / Transducer
2. Measuring Unit / Comparator
3. Detector / Logic Circuit
4. Amplifier
5. Output Stage (Trip Circuit)
Working: Relay compares input with reference signal; if abnormal, the logic circuit sends trip signal
to circuit breaker.
Q3 (b) Describe Construction and Operation of Induction Type Overcurrent Relay
Construction:
1. Aluminium disc mounted on spindle.
2. Shunt and series electromagnets.
3. Spiral spring for restraining torque.
4. Moving contacts for trip circuit.
Working:
Overcurrent produces magnetic flux, inducing eddy currents in disc, causing it to rotate. When
torque exceeds restraint, contacts close to trip the circuit.
Q3 (c) Describe Construction and Operation of Buchholz Relay
Construction:
Gas-actuated relay placed in pipe between main tank and conservator of oil-filled transformer. It
has two floats connected to mercury switches.
Operation:
1. Minor fault → gas accumulation → upper float tilts → alarm circuit.
2. Major fault → oil surge → lower float tilts → trip circuit.
Advantages:
- Sensitive to both minor and major internal faults.
- Provides early warning before severe damage.
- Simple, reliable, and automatic.