4.
Current Transformers
4.1 For small currents at low voltage, trip coils and ammeters
can be connected directly into the circuit, i.e., in series
with the load.
However, series connection is not practical for HV systems
and for larger currents, i.e., 100 Amps and above.
Current transformers are used as a link between the main
circuit and the protection or measuring equipment.
4.2 The functions of a current transformer are:
(a) Isolate the high primary voltage of the system from
the protection and measuring equipment.
(b) Transform the high primary current in the circuit
to a small secondary current of 1 A or 5 A.
Current transformers are divided into two main types —
protection current transformers and measuring current
transformers.
4.3 The main parameters that define a current transformer (normally referred
to as a CT) are:
(a) Rated primary current — the maximum primary current that the
transformer has been designed for, i.e., the maximum current at which it
can still comply with the relevant Standards Specifications.
(b) Rated secondary current — the maximum secondary current that the
transformer has been designed for. The values are usually 1 A or 5 A.
(c) Burden (in VA) — the maximum load which can be connected to the
secondary of the transformer.
(d) Accuracy class — the designation given to a current transformer that
complies with the error limits specified in the Standards Specification.
In BS 3938:1973, measuring CTs are divided into accuracy classes 0.1, 0.2,
0.5 and 1.0 — a Class 0.2 measuring CT has a percentage current ratio
error of 0.2% for currents between 100% to 120% of the rated current.
Protection CTs are divided into Class 5P or 10P. A CT marked "5P20"
indicates that this is a protection CT with a composite error of 5% which
is applicable for currents up to 20 times the rated current.
Special purpose current transformers are designated as Class X.
4.4 A measuring current transformer with a specification of 800/5 A, 15 VA,
Class 0.5 means that the rated primary current is 800 A, the secondary
current is 5 A (when the primary current is 800 A), the burden is 15 VA and
it is a measuring CT with a current ratio error of 0.5% at the rated current.
4.5 Current transformers used in the distribution systems have single-turn primary windings
and multi-turn secondary windings.
The two most common types are:
(a) The primary winding is a straight copper bar (round or rectangular) and
the secondary winding is wound round this bar — see Figure 4-5(a).
(b) A round iron core around which the secondary winding is wound - see
Figure 4-5(b).
Fig. 4-5
Two common
types of CT
This type of CT is known as a ring CT. It is inserted onto an existing busbar in the
switchboard or a cable (or one core only in the case of a multi-core cable) — the busbar
or cable acts as the single turn primary winding.
This type of CT is used extensively in the Low Voltage systems.
4.6 Terminal Markings - The primary "terminals" of the current transformer are
marked P1 and P2 while the terminals on the secondary side have the
markings, S1 and S2.
This means that when the primary current flows into the CT at P1 and out at P2, the
secondary current will flow from S1 through the load and back to S2 — see Figure 4-5(c).
These markings are very important when connecting the outputs of two or more CTs in
parallel, delta or star.
4.7 A measuring CT has to be accurate from about 10% to 120% of their rated current.
On the other hand, a protection CT has to be accurate for currents well in excess of the
rated current, i.e., at least 10 times the rated current.
To provide the accuracy required, the CTs have to operate in the linear portion of the
magnetising curve as shown in Figure 4-6.
To protect the meters, the measuring CT must saturate
for currents exceeding 120%.
Saturation occurs at the knee point of the magnetising
curve - the knee point is defined as the voltage at
which a further increase in volts by 10% requires a
50% increase in the exciting current.
Fig. 4-6 CT magnetising curve and knee point
5. Voltage Transformers
5.1 It is not practical to manufacture meters and indicating lamps for direct operation on
3.3 kV, 6.6 kV, 22 kV or higher voltages.
Voltage transformers that step down the high voltages to working voltages, e.g., 110 V,
230 V, 400 V, are used.
5.2 There are two types of voltage transformers, i.e., protection transformers and
measuring transformers.
The variation of voltage in an electricity network is usually very small (± 5%), so the
operating range of a measuring voltage transformer is small compared with that of a
measuring CT.
However, if a fault occurs, the voltage drops to a very low value. So, protection voltage
transformers must be able to operate over a wide range — from as low as 5% to 190% of
the rated voltage.
[Alternatively, a separate battery power supply unit is used for supplying power to the
protection system/gears — the voltage is normally 30 V d.c.]
5.3 There are two types of construction for voltage transformers. These are:
(a) The electro-magnetic transformers with primary and secondary windings. It is
impregnated with synthetic resin. This type of transformer is used for voltages of
up to 66 kV.
(b) The capacitor voltage transformer which uses two capacitors in a voltage divider
arrangement. The voltage across one of the capacitor is connected to the
primary winding of an auxiliary wound-type
transformer. The required voltage for the
protection or measuring device is taken from
the secondary winding of this auxiliary transformer.
Figure 4-7 shows the capacitor voltage transformer.
The capacitor voltage transformer is used for
voltages higher than 66 kV.
Fig. 4-7 Capacitor Voltage Transformer
11. Primary Injection and Secondary Injection Tests on Relays
11.1 Primary Injection Test
The purpose of the Primary Injection (P. I.) test is to check the
correctness of the ratios, relative polarities and connection of
the protection relays current transformers.
Connection for Primary Injection (P. I.) test for overcurrent/earth
fault relays (OCR /EFR) and CTs are as shown in Figure 4-21.
The test procedures are as follows:
(a) Inject 50% and then 100% CT primary current rating through the CTs in pairs.
The secondary and spill currents are recorded for each of the injections. If the
relative polarities and connection of the CTs are correct, the secondary current
will circulate round the two CTs’ secondary windings and the spill current
should be negligible ( ≤ 50 mA for class 5P CTs).
(b) For the overcurrent/earth fault protection CTs, the EFR is residual connected, a
single phase primary injection through one of the phases is performed to
confirm that the earth fault residual connection is correct.
(c) Inject current of appropriate values, and by adjusting the current and time
settings of the relays, set the proposed tripping currents/times for the
overcurrent and earth fault relays accordingly.
Fig. 4.21 P.I. tests connection CT Ratio/Polarities and for OCR/EFR
11.2 Secondary Injection Test
Secondary Injection (S.I.) tests are applied to the overcurrent/earth fault
relays.
Although these relays have been work tested by the manufacturer, they are
liable to be damaged in transit, e.g., damage of relay mechanism or circuit
boards if the relay has been dropped.
The purposes of the S.I. tests are;
(a) To check whether the relays are still in good working conditions.
(b) To check whether the tolerance of relay operations at different settings
and various operating conditions does comply with the claimed limit of
tolerance.
11.3 S.I. test connection for overcurrent/earth fault relays are as shown in
Figure 4-22.
The test procedures for IDMTL type of relay are as follows:
(a) Select the current plug setting (PS) of IDMTL relay to the rated
current of 5 A and time multiplier setting (TM) of 0.1.
(b) Inject secondary current starting from 5A to R-phase and note
the pickup current.
(c) Inject 10 A, 15 A and 25 A to the relay and record the tripping
time respectively. The time should fall with ±10% of the
standard timing from the 3/10 curve.
(d) Select the proposed PS and TM settings accordingly.
Fig. 4.22
S.I. test connection for IDMTL type relay