Technical Basics

Transformers, CTs, VTs

ANDRITZ HYDRO GmbH
Eibesbrunnergasse 20
A-1120 Wien
Tel. +43 50805 - 0
www.andritz.com
Transformers

Purpose of transformers

Down-scaling of high input quantities to adequate values fitting the particular

measurement
Galvanic isolation of high potential and measurement circuits
Accuracy of the transformation: less deviation of input an output quantities.
Especially current transformers for protective systems are required to transform up
exactly to several times of the nominal current

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Transformers
The transformer

A transformer is a passive device that transfers electrical energy from

one circuit to another through inductively coupled conductors. The
common medium is the magnetic flux.

Principle scheme Φh
i1 i2

u1 Φ1 σ Φ2 σ u2

3 Protection Training, Transformers

Transformers
Equivalent circuit
R1 X1σσ X2σσ' R2'

I1 I0 I2’ Orders:
Im IFe I0 0,01⋅ In
U1 U2 ' ZB '
Uh Xh 103 ⋅ Xσ
Xh RFe

Vector diagram
Ux Characteristics:
. • high efficiency
I1 = I2' Kapp’s Triangle UR • less leakage inductance
Rk Xk U1 U2' • hysteresis and
eddy current losses
I1
U1 U2 '
I2 '

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Transformers
Voltage Transformer - Transformer with no load
No load:
Nominal voltage at the primary winding and
secondary current approximately I2' = 0

- resulting from the induction law: U10 / U20 = N1 / N2

Caution: Never short-circuit the secondary winding of a voltage transformer!
This will cause damage due to thermal overload.

R1 X1σσ X2σσ' R2'

I1 I0 I2
Im IFe
U1 U2 ' ZB '
Uh
Xh RFe

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Transformers
Current Transformer - short-circuited transformer
short circuited:
primary winding with operating current and
secondary voltage approximately: U2' = 0

- due to ZB' Zm (= Xh // RFE) succeeds:

- I1k = I2k and with constant magneto motive force
- I1k / I2k = N2 / N1
Caution: no load at the secondary winding cause
a) high voltage at the secondary terminals
b) damage of the iron core

R1 X1σσ X2σσ' R2'

I1 I0 I2
Im IFe
U1 U2 ' ZB '
Uh
Xh RFe

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Transformers
Construction of Voltage Transformers

Electromagnetic Voltage Transfomer

- galvanic separation

Capacitor Voltage Transformer

- capacitive cascade
- often used in very high-voltage girds
- Disadvantage: ferro resonance (resonance
phenomena)

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Transformers
Construction of Current Transformers

single conductor
- window type (or plug-in) CT
- split core CT
- often with compound-filled cast
resin

wound primary
- CT bushing
- CT support (indoor and outdoor)
- often oil insulation

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 Protection versus Instrument Transformer 1
Characteristics
Transformation ratio
Burden
Classification
Secondary rated current (1 A, 5 A)
Protection transformer
accuracy class e.g. 5P20 or Class X (knee-point, R, magnetizing current)
Instrument transformer
Instrument security factor e.g. FS5; Norm IEC60044-1; IEEE 57.13.1-1981

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 Protection versus Instrument Transformer 2

Characteristic curve of both transformer types Definition of knee-point according to IEEE 57.13.1-1981

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