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Home - Transformers
Differential Relay Setting
Calculation for Transformer
TRANSFORMERS
Posted on03/05/2025
Differential relay setting calculation for transformer is a critical aspect
of transformer protection. Transformers are expensive and essential
components in power systems. Protecting them from faults is a top
priority. Differential relays are widely used for this purpose because of
their accuracy and fast response.
In this article, we’ll break down the entire process of differential relay
setting in a simple way. Whether you’re a student, a protection
engineer, or just curious, this article will walk you through the
calculation steps, key concepts, and best practices.
Why Differential Protection is Essential
Transformers face many types of faults. These include internal winding
faults, turn-to-turn faults, and phase-to-phase faults. External faults
such as through faults do not need the relay to trip. Differential
protection works by comparing the current entering and leaving the
transformer. If the difference is more than a preset value, the relay
trips.
This technique is precise. It only trips when the fault is inside the
transformer. That’s why differential relay setting calculation for
transformer must be done carefully.
Understanding the Working Principle
The basic idea is simple. In a healthy transformer, the current entering
the primary should equal the current leaving the secondary (after
adjusting for the turns ratio). When there’s an internal fault, this
balance breaks. The relay detects this imbalance and sends a trip
command.
To perform the differential relay setting calculation for transformer, we
need to consider many factors such as:
Transformer rating
CT (Current Transformer) ratio
Vector group
CT polarity and placement
Load current and fault current levels
All these affect the relay’s performance and accuracy.
Key Terms You Must Know
Before diving into calculations, let’s understand some important terms.
1. Differential Current (Id):
The vector difference between the primary and secondary current
(after matching CT ratios and considering vector groups).
2. Restraint Current (Ir):
The average of the magnitudes of primary and secondary currents. It
helps avoid maloperation during through faults.
3. Bias Setting:
It provides stability during external faults with CT saturation. It is
usually expressed as a percentage.
4. Slope Setting:
Slope defines how much restraint current is needed to allow a certain
amount of differential current. Relays may have two-slope or multi-
slope characteristics.
Step-by-Step Differential Relay Setting
Calculation for Transformer
Let’s now dive into how the differential relay setting calculation for
transformer is actually done. We will use a sample transformer as a
reference.
Example Transformer Data
Parameter Value
Rating 10 MVA
Voltage (HV side) 66 kV
Voltage (LV side) 11 kV
Parameter Value
Vector Group Dyn11
CT Ratio (HV side) 300/1 A
CT Ratio (LV side) 1000/1 A
Step 1: Calculate Base Currents
First, calculate full load current for both HV and LV sides.
HV Side:
LV Side:
Step 2: CT Selection and Matching
CT ratios must be selected such that secondary currents are
comparable. Here we have 300/1 on HV and 1000/1 on LV.
Let’s bring both CTs to the same reference. We do this by converting
the LV current to HV side or vice versa.
Current match factor (CMF):
Now apply CMF to match LV CT to HV side current. This helps ensure
the relay receives balanced current during normal operation.
Step 3: Apply Vector Group Compensation
For Dyn11 transformers, there’s a phase shift of -30 degrees between
HV and LV. The relay must be able to compensate this. Modern
numerical relays allow vector group compensation through settings.
Set the vector group in the relay as Dyn11 so that phase shift is
handled correctly during the differential relay setting calculation for
transformer.
Step 4: Calculate Differential and Restraint
Current
Let’s assume the following CT secondary currents during a fault:
I1 (HV side) = 1.2 A
I2 (LV side) = 0.2 A
Differential current:
Restraint current:
Now compare the ratio
If this exceeds the slope setting (say 0.8), the relay will trip.
Step 5: Setting the Bias or Slope
Slope is set in percentage. For example:
Slope1 = 30%
Slope2 = 80%
The first slope applies at lower currents and the second at higher
currents. This helps to maintain stability under CT saturation or
external fault conditions.
So, for differential relay setting calculation for transformer, proper
slope selection is essential to avoid false trips.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid
Them
Many relay misoperations are due to incorrect settings. Here’s what to
watch out for:
CT Mismatch:
If CTs are not properly matched, the relay will detect false differential
current. Make sure to adjust for ratio and polarity.
Vector Group Error:
Incorrect vector group setting can cause phase shift issues. Always
enter the exact transformer vector group in the relay.
Inrush Current:
During energization, transformers draw inrush current, which may look
like a fault. Set the inrush restraint using harmonic detection (usually
2nd harmonic > 15%).
Incorrect Restraint Setting:
Too low a restraint may lead to tripping during external faults. Use a
dual-slope characteristic for improved performance.
Neglecting Short Circuit Study:
Relay settings should be validated against a short circuit analysis that
considers Fault Current at Transformer Secondary and Fault Current
Distribution in Star Delta Transformer.
Practical Tips for Engineers
When doing a differential relay setting calculation for transformer,
keep these tips in mind:
Always verify CT ratios, burdens, and accuracy class.
Use software simulation tools to model fault conditions.
Conduct tests like secondary injection and ratio tests to validate the
relay settings.
Never ignore the impact of PI Test of Transformer on insulation
condition. A poor PI value may lead to internal faults, triggering
differential protection.
Sample Relay Settings Table
Setting Parameter Typical Value
Slope1 30%
Slope2 80%
Pickup Current 0.3 A
Inrush Restraint 15% (2nd Harmonic)
Time Delay 0 ms (instantaneous)
These values can be fine-tuned based on the transformer design and
fault study.
Summary
Differential relay setting calculation for transformer is both a science
and an art. It requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and
practical experience. You must understand the transformer’s
characteristics, select the right CTs, and apply the correct vector group
compensation.
Set your slope wisely and validate all parameters under fault and load
conditions. Consider other system studies, like PI Test of
Transformer, Fault Current at Transformer Secondary, and Fault
Current Distribution in Star Delta Transformer, while finalizing the
settings.
