Numerical transformer differential relay

In Fig. 6.19, if there is no fault in the transformer, the current I2 leaves the transformer. In
this case, the secondary currents i1 and i2 are the same. Currents i1 and i2 just circulate in the
pilots and no current flows through the operating element M. No doubt, the current may fl ow
through this element due to CT mismatch when a heavy through fault occurs. This has to be
avoided by proper stabilisation.

In case of an internal fault, the current (i1 + i2) flows through the operating element M as
shown in Fig. 6.19. The relay operates in this case, tripping the transformer by tripping
breakers on both sides.

A numerical relay usually is required to be fed by the data of the transformer to be protected
and instrument transformer data. MVA rating, primary and secondary voltages, vector group,
etc., of the transformer are entered in the relay. The relay calculates the full load currents on
both the sides and finds out the secondary equivalents. All these calculations are possible to
be made by some form of microprocessor within the relay. When numerical relay is used,
CTs on both sides are connected in star only and no ICTs are required to be used. The relay
continuously takes the samples of CT secondary currents on both the sides and before feeding
these currents to the pilots, the pilot currents are vectorially and arithmetically matched.

[Im] = k [M] [In]

where,

[Im] = matrix of the pilot currents

k = constant factor to match the pilot currents arithmetically

[M] = coefficient matrix depending on the vector group to take care of vectorial inherent
phase shift of line currents of transformer

[In] = matrix of phase currents of R, and B phases available from CT secondaries.

Thus, proper pilot currents are fed to the relay. i1 is the pilot current on the primary side, i2 is
that on the secondary (and i3 is the same on the tertiary in case of a three-winding transformer).
The relay will calculate the differential current idiff and stabilising current istab given by,

idiff = i1 + i2 + i3 , i.e., the vectorial sum

and istab = i1 + i2 + i3 , i.e., arithmetic sum

A straight horizontal line ab shows the basic setting. Curve bc gives the fi rst slope to take
care of CT errors and tap changing. Curve cd causes stronger stabilisation to take care of CT
mismatch which occurs for heavy through faults. If Idiff is higher than the value given by the
portion de , the relay will always issue a trip command and no harmonic restraint or
stabilisation is effective.