Middleton Group Industry Project – Protection Design for N

Network Customer

Group A10

48583 - Power Studio B

University of Technology Sydney

Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

(2021)
 Table of Contents
1 Table of Figures.............................................................................................................. 2
List of Abbreviations ............................................................................................................. 2
2 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Background and Problem Definition ................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Project Objectives and Scope .............................................................................................................. 3
3 Concepts .......................................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Load Flow Analysis............................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Short Circuit Analysis ........................................................................................................................... 5
4 Theory and Mathematical Formulations ..................................................................... 7
4.1 Overcurrent Protection ................................................................................................................. 7
4.1.1 Overcurrent Protection Theory ..................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Transformer Differential Protection Theory ..................................................................................... 10
4.3 Earth Fault Protection Theory ........................................................................................................... 13
5 Numerical Results ........................................................................................................ 14
5.1 Overcurrent Protection ...................................................................................................................... 14
5.2 Differential Protection ....................................................................................................................... 20
5.3 Earth Fault Protection ........................................................................................................................ 26
6 Technical Challenges ................................................................................................... 29
7 Conclusions ................................................................................................................... 30
Appendix .............................................................................................................................. 30
References ............................................................................................................................ 31

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 1 Table of Figures
Table 1: Load Flow Analysis Values ............................................................................................................... 5
Table 2: Short Circuit Analysis Values ........................................................................................................... 5
Table 3: Constants for each curve ................................................................................................................. 9
Table 4: Differential CT ratios ...................................................................................................................... 12
Table 5: Locations and ratios of CT for differential scheme........................................................................ 13
Table 6: Overcurrent setting values ............................................................................................................ 14
Table 7: Transformer Settings ..................................................................................................................... 20
Table 8: Earth Fault protection setting values ............................................................................................ 26

List of Abbreviations

CT – Current Transformer

DNSP – Distribution Network Service Provider

TDS – Time Dial Setting

PSM – Plug Setting Multiplier

PS – Plug Setting

HV – High Voltage

LV – Low Voltage

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2 Introduction
2.1 Background and Problem Definition
Modern electrical grids utilise a collection of protection systems which serve the purpose of
detecting and isolating faulted or failed equipment as rapidly as possible to minimise disruption to
the rest of network.
Disruptive outcomes which the protection system is designed to prevent include:
• Voltage/Current deviations from the setpoint at any location of the network,
• Instability of the power system network which can cause excessive damage,
• Damaging of sensitive or expensive equipment such as generators and transformers,
• Compromising the safety of the public, consumers, and power system workers,
• Interruption of the supply of electricity to consumers which subsequently is very expensive.
System faults may occur in a variety of scenarios taking the form of a short circuit, overload, or
earth fault amongst other potential faults. In response, protection systems are designed to be
fundamentally:
• Reliable, meaning it must trip when depended on,
• Selective in isolating only the necessary faulted components,
• Sensitive so the pickup value detects even the smallest faults and activate only when
intended
• Stable to allow the remaining system to operate safely and efficiently,
• Quick enough to counteract complications before greater consequences result.

2.2 Project Objectives and Scope

This project will cover the specifying and design of a protection system for a customer seeking to
connect to a 22 kV distribution network. The project has been based on a real industry example set
by the Middleton Group and is typical of the types of projects that engineers working in the power
industry will likely complete. The project has been outlined to cover three required protection
relays including specifying protection equipment right through to the calculation of protection set
points which are relevant to the selected protection relays. The project has been implemented and
simulated through DIgSilent PowerFactory where grading curves and results were obtained to
display system performance.
The scope of the industry project proposed by Middleton group involves the specifying and design
of a protection system for a 22 kV distribution network. The project requirements include
identifying the necessary protection equipment, specifying their values and limitations, and
performing the calculations of protection setpoints and simulating its performance. The technical
requirements of the project which have been provided comprise the following:

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 • An overcurrent, earth fault, and transformer current differential protection system for a
customer 22kV network connection to a Distribution Network Service Provider (DNSP).
• Customer equipment featuring a 22kV circuit breaker, 22kV/0.4kV 2MVA transformer,
400V switchboard, 1.6MVA load.
Simultaneously, the design and analysis demanded incorporates:
• Load flow analysis, short circuit analysis,
• Selection of current transformer ratios,
• Determining the position of current transformers on the customer side of the network,
• Identifying the specific protection relays and other relevant components for the project,
• Determining protection setpoints for the relays,
• Producing overcurrent and earth fault grading curves,
The provided line model was then implemented into PowerFactory as shown below:

Figure 1: Line Diagram of the Proposed Product

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3 Concepts
This section provides a brief introduction about the concepts of load flow and short circuit analysis
which is necessary for understanding the presented materials in the following sections. The
transformer configuration is a delta to wye-n type which will later affect the protection settings
explained further.

3.1 Load Flow Analysis

Load flow analysis comprises of implementing the model into DIgSilent Powerfactory and
measuring the nominal values under normal operation. Using these values, current transformer
rations can then be generated for the protection relays to operate successfully under various faults.

Table 1: Load Flow Analysis Values

DNSP Transformer Transformer 400V Load 1 Load 2 Load 3

HV node LV node Switchboard junction junction Junction
Active 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 0.5 0.3 0.7
Power
(MW)
Reactive 0.6 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.2 0 0.4
Power
(MVar)
Load 0.042 0.042 2.329 2.329 0.737 0.443 1.182
Current
(kA)
Apparent 1.6 1.6 1.6 1.6 0.5 0.3 0.8
Power
(MVA)

3.2 Short Circuit Analysis

Short Circuit Analysis encompasses applying 3 phases, 2 phase and single phase to ground short
circuits as faults with IEC 60909 method at various locations. The maximum and minimum fault
currents were captured to be used for protection settings in the relays.

Table 2: Short Circuit Analysis Values

Max fault kA

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Fault Location Fault Transformer HV Transformer LV Load Load Load
Type line line Line 1 line 2 line 3
Transformer HV 3P 6.5 0 0 0 0
node LL 5.63 0 0 0 0
SLG 4.22 0 0 0 0
Transformer LV 3P 0.649 35.714 0 0 0
node LL 0.649 30.929 0 0 0
SLG 0.388 36.983 0 0 0
400V Swithboard 3P 0.649 35.714 0 0 0
LL 0.649 30.929 0 0 0
SLG 0.388 36.983 0 0 0
Load 1 Junction 3P 0.649 35.714 35.714 0 0
LL 0.649 30.929 30.929 0 0
SLG 0.388 36.983 36.983 0 0
Load 2 Junction 3P 0.649 35.714 0 35.714 0
LL 0.649 30.929 0 30.929 0
SLG 0.388 36.983 0 36.983 0
Load 3 Junction 3P 0.649 35.714 0 0 35.714
LL 0.649 30.929 0 0 30.929
SLG 0.388 36.983 0 0 36.983
Fault Location Fault Min fault kA
Type Transformer HV Transformer LV Load Load Load
line line Line 1 line 2 line 3
Transformer HV 3P 4 0 0 0 0
node LL 3.464 0 0 0 0
SLG 4 0 0 0 0
Transformer LV 3P 0.536 29.463 0 0 0
node LL 0.268 25.52 0 0 0
SLG 0.325 30.915 0 0 0
400V Switchboard 3P 0.536 29.463 0 0 0
LL 0.268 25.52 0 0 0
SLG 0.325 30.915 0 0 0
Load 1 Junction 3P 0.536 29.463 29.463 0 0
LL 0.268 25.52 25.52 0 0
SLG 0.325 30.915 30.915 0 0
Load 2 Junction 3P 0.536 29.463 0 29.463 0
LL 0.268 25.52 0 25.52 0
SLG 0.325 30.915 0 30.915 0
Load 3 Junction 3P 0.536 29.463 0 0 29.463

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 LL 0.268 25.52 0 0 25.52
SLG 0.325 30.915 0 0 30.915
3P – 3 phase, LL – Line to Line (2 Phase), SLG – Single line to ground

4 Theory and Mathematical Formulations

4.1 Overcurrent Protection
Overcurrent occurs when maximum continuous load current rated for an equipment is exceeded.
A phase overcurrent protection relay measures the phase current conducting in the system and
trips the circuit breaker when it exceeds a predefined setting. These relays can coordinate with
others to discriminate with different tripping times as a back up system if one relay where to fail.

4.1.1 Overcurrent Protection Theory

Overcurrent relays have two settings:

1. Plug Setting (PS) or Pick Up Current

2. Time Setting – pick up time
The current required for the relay to pick up is determined by the plug setting, while the time setting
sets the relay's running time. Relay discrimination is the coordination of the relays to trip in the
working periods of the relays such that the relay nearest to the overcurrent fault trips first, and the
relays farther upstream in the system trip after a certain amount of time for backup protection.

The magnitude of a fault is measured through a plug setting multiplier (PSM) using the following
equation.
𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑦
𝑃𝑆𝑀 =
𝑃𝑆

Where 𝐼𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑦 is the current through the primary relay coil and PS is the plug setting.

4.1.1.1 Instantaneous Overcurrent Relay

Instantaneous overcurrent relays are designed to trip as soon as the pick-up values is detected from
a fault. By design, this type has no time delay hence only the pickup current setting is only
considered. The operating time is very minute and within the millisecond range with a curve
depicted below.

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Figure 2: Instantaneous Characteristic Curve

4.1.1.2 Inverse Time Overcurrent Relay

Inverse time current relay is when tripping time speed is in proportional to the fault current
magnitude. The characteristic curve shown below displays as current is lower, time is higher and
vice versa.

Figure 3: Inverse-Time Characteristic Curve

The characteristic curve can be depicted using the equation below.

𝐴
𝑡 = 𝑇𝐷𝑆
(𝑃𝑆𝑀)𝐵 − 1

- TDS - time dial setting,

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 - PSM - plug setting multiplier,
- A & B are constants for the total curve.
- for the relay characteristic and inverse time type, respectively.
There are three types of inverse time characteristic curves which is graphed in the figure below:

• Standard Inverse
• Very Inverse
• Extremely Inverse

Figure 4: Three types of inverse characteristic curves

The table below provides the values of the constants A and B for each inverse characteristic curve.

Table 3: Constants for each curve

Relay Characteristic Type A B

Standard Inverse 0.14 0.02
Very Inverse 13.5 1
Extremely Inverse 80 2

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4.2 Transformer Differential Protection Theory
The purpose of transformer protection is to detect faults and conditions that the transformers
can be exposed to and to initiate appropriate tripping action. There are many types of faults a
transformer can experience and these fall under two categories.

Transformer internal faults:

• Winding failures
• Tap changer failures
• Inter/turn low fault current faults
Transformer external faults:

• Bushing failures
• Surge arrestor failures transformer CT failures
• transformer overheating failures, and
• uncleared system faults
For this project, current differential relay was employed utilises CT’s and both end of the
transformer to measure the incoming and outgoing current. For external faults, and assuming
CT’s are matching ratios, currents measured at terminals are 𝐼1 = 𝐼2 . Therefore, current in the
relay operating coil is zero and relay does not operate. For the internal fault, 𝐼1 ≠ 𝐼2 , and
differential current 𝐼1 − 𝐼2 flows in the relay operating coil which causes the relay to operate
and trip isolating the transformer from damaging other equipment. The graph below displays
the operating region where faults lying in the operating region trip the relay and faults laying
in the restraining region do not trip the relay.

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Figure 5: Differential Protection Plot

Current transformer ratios are generated using the nominal values achieved from the load flow
analysis. From table_, the nominal input load current to the transformer is 42𝐴 and the nominal
output load current is 2.329𝑘𝐴. To obtain the minimum operating currents, it is typically 1.25 of the
nominal current. For the high voltage side, the max rated voltage is then:

𝐼1,𝑚𝑎𝑥(𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑) = 42 × 1.25 = 52.5𝐴 (1)

For the low voltage side, the max rated voltage is:

𝐼2,max(𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑) = 2329 × 1.25 = 2911.25 𝐴 (2)

From this, we chose the CT ratio to be 50:1 as the CT tap ratio should be around the max rated currents
to prevent the current transformer from failing due over heating.

1
𝐼1′ = 𝐼1 × = 0.96𝐴 (3)
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For the low voltage side, the CT ratio was chosen to be 3000:1 to match the differential relay current.

1
𝐼2′ = 2911.25 × = 0.97𝐴 (4)
3000

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 Error margin:

0.97 − 0.96
𝐸𝑟𝑟 (%) = × 100% = 1.03% (5)
0.97
Table 4: Differential CT ratios

Location CT Ratio
22kV Bus (high voltage side) 55:1
400V switchboard (low voltage side) 3000:1

The transformer is figured in a delta – wye connection causing a phase shift of 30 degrees. To
overcome the phase difference for the differential equation to work, the CT’s on the delta connected
side of the transformer is connected in star and the star connected side CT’s in delta. This is shown in
the figure below.

Figure 6: Connection wiring diagram of CT to transformer

The CT settings are then finalised as shown in the table below.

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Table 5: Locations and ratios of CT for differential scheme

Location CT Ratio (Primary:Secondary) Connection

22kV Bus (high voltage side) 55:1 D (Delta)
400V switchboard (low voltage side) 3000:1 Y (Wye)

4.3 Earth Fault Protection Theory

Earth faults are similar to overcurrent protection with the exception of only considering single
line to ground and 2 phase to ground faults. When an earth fault occurs, the electrical system is
short-circuited and this short circuit current flows throughout the system. The fault current flows
back through the earthing of the components, causing irreparable damage. The supply is
disrupted, and other major systems may be affected as a result. The earth fault relay senses these
high flowing currents through the grounded neutral and trips off the circuit breaker. The
protection settings utilize the same CTs as the overcurrent relays and only single phase to ground
fault applications are only considered.

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5 Numerical Results
5.1 Overcurrent Protection
Overcurrent protection involved using the model SEL 751-1A with settings 50P1 as the definite-time and
51P1 and the inverse-time parameter components. There were five applications of the overcurrent in the
model which included both sides of the transformer and beginning of each load at the 400V switchboard
demonstrated in the figure below.

Figure 7: Line Diagram of SEL 752-1A Overcurrent Relay implemented

Using the data obtained from the load flow and short circuit analysis, the CT and relay settings were
obtained and displayed in the table below. The table present vital setting points such as plug settings and
the derivation of the TMS values.

Table 6: Overcurrent setting values

Transformer HV
Location Transformer LV Line Load 1 Load 2 Load 3
Line
Nominal Current (A) 42 2329 739 443 1182

25% Overload (A) 52.5 2911.25 923.75 553.75 1477.5

CT Ratio 50:1 1000:1 900:1 500:1 700:1

Plug Setting (A) 1 2 1 1 2

TMS 0.51 0.22 0.1 0.1 0.1

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Max Fault Current (A) 6500 35713 35713 35713 35713
Definite Tripping
6000 35000 35000 35000 35000
Setting (A)

The following graphs display the tripping times at various scenarios depicting it total performance.

Figure 8: Overcurrent Relays under Nominal Operating Conditions

The five relays were then set to apply three phase, line to line (2 phase) and single line to ground faults
using method IEC 60909 to assess the overcurrent protection schemes performance. The following graphs
start from the distribution end to the customer. All relays met our expectation of tripping at the set times
with speed and discrimination.

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Figure 9: Three Phase fault at Transformer HV junction, Overcurrent Relay

Figure 10: 2 Phase fault at Transformer HV junction, Overcurrent Relay

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Figure 11: Single Phase to Ground Fault, Transformer HV junction, Overcurrent Relay

Figure 12: 3 phase faults at 400V switchboard, Overcurrent Relay

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Figure 13: 2 phase faults at 400V switchboard, Overcurrent Relay

Figure 14: SLTG phase faults at 400V switchboard, Overcurrent Relay

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Figure 15: 3 phase faults at Load 3, Overcurrent Relay

Figure 16: 2 phase faults at Load 3, Overcurrent Relay

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Figure 17: SLTG phase faults at Load 3, Overcurrent Relay

5.1 Differential Protection

For the implementation of the differential protection, SEL487E-1A relay was implemented with the
settings in the table shown below.

Table 7: Transformer Settings

Transformer Type Three Phase Transformer

Rater Power 2MVA
Nominal Frequency 50Hz
Rated voltage HV Side 22kV
Rated voltage LV side 0.4kV
Vector Group HV- side D
Vector Group LV- side YN
Phase shift 11*30deg

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The following CT ratios have been implemented in respect to their location as shown in table 5.

The model was put through 3-phase, 2-phase (line to line) and single phase to ground fault tests. All three
were applied to both internal and external faults to assess the performance of the differential relays with
its current settings. The results are shown in the form of current comparison differential plots with tripping
times. The main objective is for the relay to operate or trip from all internal faults and not trip for the
external faults. The differential settings for SEL487E-1A relay is shown in figure _.

Figure 18 : Differential setting for model SEL 487E-1A

The graphs are shown below encompass the short circuit method 60909 at min short-circuit currents were
applied to evaluate the sensitivity of the relay.

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Internal Faults

Internal fault was tested by applying a short circuit to the junction node on the HV side of the transformer.

Figure 19: SEL 487E - 1A relay implemented into the model

Figure 20: 3 phase internal fault at transformer HV node, Differential Relay, Tripping time: 0.015sec

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Figure 21: 2 phase internal fault at transformer HV node, Differential Relay, Tripping time: 0.015sec

Figure 22: SLTG internal fault at transformer HV node, Differential Relay, Tripping time: 0.015sec

The figures above demonstrate the speed of the tripping of the relay to be exceptional, successfully
operating as designed.

External faults were assessed by applying min short circuit tests using IEC 60909 method. These were
applied at both ends of the bus bars. For a successful functionality, the relay must not trip.

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Figure 23:3 phase external fault at bus locations, Differential Relay, Tripping time: 9999.99sec

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Figure 24: 2 phase external fault at bus locations, Differential Relay, Tripping time: 9999.99sec

Figure 25: SLTG external fault at bus locations, Differential Relay, Tripping time: 9999.99sec

From the figures above, the relay does not trip when all fault tests are applied externally. Leading to a
successful protection of the transformer from any external faults possible.

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5.2 Earth Fault Protection
Earth fault protection scheme was implemented using the same relay model, SEL 751 – 1A, at the same
location as the overcurrent relays. The 51G1 inverse-time parameter was chosen to simulate the earth
fault relay. The relay settings were configured as per the table below.

Table 8: Earth Fault protection setting values

51G1 Transformer HV Line Transformer LV Line Load 1 Load 2 Load 3

Nominal Current (A) 42 2329 739 443 1182

10% of Nominal
4.2 232.9 73.9 44.3 118.2
Current
CT Ratio (Primary) 10 100 100 100 100
Plug Setting (Current
0.42 2.32 0.73 0.44 1.18
Setting)
TMS (time dial) 0.73 0.31 0.1 0.1 0.1

The following curve gradings display the nominal and tripping times when simulated only with single line
to ground faults with IEC 60909 method.

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Figure 26: Nominal, 3 phase and 2 phase faults at Load 1, Earth Fault

Figure 27: SLTG fault at Load 1, Earth fault

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The SLTG fault at load 1 displays a trip of 0.199sec and 0.617s tripping time at 400V switchboard which
displays the selectivity, speed, and reliability of the relays. This is also observed at other loads and on both
sides of the transformer.

Figure 28: SLTG fault at Transformer HV junction, Earth fault relays

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Figure 29: Nominal condition of Earth fault relay

6 Technical Challenges
Technical hurdles were present throughout the project which impacted various aspects of the flow of
completion and results. Due to inexperience with Powerfactory, majority of the protection schemes were
implemented with the weeks of labs in respect to it content. This impacted the work and load amongst
the team members with issues regarding the software and unknown errors being caused. Limited
experience with lockdown affecting the learning curve impacted the accuracy of implementing the
protection schemes. Another major technical challenge was the rapid change in CT ratios causing major
changes within the project’s performance in a short period of time. An example could be the plus setting
changed to satisfy both Powerfactory and scope accordance. As time went along, we got very familiar with
the program thought many failures and learning from each other’s mistakes.

Differential protection at the early stage had issues regarding the odd tripping times caused by the in-built
connection of the transformer and CT’s. This was resolved with swapping the CT’s and altering the
differential parameters to operate in nominal conditions which was solved at a very late date.

Regarding the earth fault, the definite time 50G1 was not meeting our expected outcomes and resolved
us to drop the idea and employ the inverse time characteristic curve. This was very unusual as with the

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success of implementing the overcurrent relay, we were surprised that the simpler application did not
work.

7 Conclusions
In conclusion, this report outlines, and examines the three implementation of protection schemes to a
customer connecting to a 22kv distribution network with the given requirement of transformer and loads.
Our design involved employing SEL 751 – 1A model for both overcurrent and earth fault relay and SEL487E-
1A relay model transformer differential protection. The relay settings were configured to be:

- Sensitive – narrow the limit of nominal operating conditions and be reactive near fault
currents
- Discriminate – relays coordinating to reduce the impact of fault currents on the system as
becoming back-up protection relays.
- Speed- respond effectively to minimise damage to the system and its operators/users
- Selective – trips within the given range
The model generated is a major insight into the design and performance of various protection designs that
are applied in the real industry. The importance of protection systems and its operations under various
scenarios have made significant changes in the distribution with the means to increase the safety,
reliability, and efficiency of the network.

Appendix
Task Allocation Kosta Julian Aamir Nathan
Model Construction R P C R
Load Flow/Short Circuit Analysis P C C R
Overcurrent Protection - P R R
Differential Protection R - P -
Earth Fault Protection C C - P
Presentation C C C C

P – Prime; C – Contributed; R - Reviewed

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References
Guidelines:
▪ When references are cited in text, they appear on the line, in square brackets, inside
the punctuation.
▪ When citing a section in a book, please give the relevant page numbers. In text, refer
simply to the reference number.
▪ Do not use “Ref.” or “reference” except at the beginning of a sentence: “Reference
[3] shows ... .”

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