OPERATING PROCEDURE OF

SPRECHER AUTOMATIC VOLTAGE

REGULATOR (AVR) IN THREE
TRANSFORMERS

1
FUNCTION OVERVIEW

The transformer voltage controller functionality (ANSI 90V) is used to control power transformers
(two winding transformers, three-winding transformers, grid coupling transformers) and auto
transformers using a motor-operated tap changer. In addition, the voltage control can be used for
two-winding transformers connected in parallel.

The function provides automatic voltage control within a specified voltage range on the secondary
side of the transformers or, as an alternative, at a remote load point (Z compensation or R/X
compensation) in the network. In order to compensate for the voltage variations in the meshed
system, use the LDC-Z procedure (Z compensation).

The control principle is based on the fact that a higher or lower adjusting command to the tap
changer, as a function of the voltage change (ΔV) per tap, causes a voltage increase or decrease.

The voltage control operates on a tap-for-tap basis and compares the measured actual voltage
(Vact) with the specified target voltage (Vtarget). If the voltage difference is greater than the set
bandwidth (B), a higher or lower adjusting command is sent to the tap changer once the set time
delay (T1) has elapsed.

Specifying the time delay (T1) depends on the set controller response (inverse or linear), so as to
avoid unnecessary adjusting commands during brief voltage deviations from the target value and
for coordination with other automatic voltage controllers in the system.

The voltage controller function also monitors the currents on the upper-voltage side and the low-
voltage side of the transformer to block the voltage controller during impermissible operating
states (overcurrent/undercurrent/undervoltage). The voltage controller function also has limiting
values that, in special operating cases, suppress higher adjusting commands in the case of
overvoltage and lower adjusting commands in the case of undervoltage.

You can also use the voltage controller function for parallel control of up to 6 two-winding
transformers in different groups. You can carry out parallel control based on the Master-Follower
method or using circulating reactive current minimization method.

MODE OF SELECTION

The AVR’s can be selected to run through two conditions:

1) Manual Mode
2) Auto Mode

2
1) Manual Mode :

In Manual mode operation, once the user sets AVR in manual. The user is in control to raise the
tap or lower the tap of the transformer based on the conditions from RTCC Panel. AVR does not
give command to tap changer based on voltage measurement input.

2) Auto Mode :

In Auto mode operation, AVR reads the Voltage & current input from transformer and provides
command to raise or lower the tap of the transformer based on target setting value.

*Additionally, OLTC Raise/Lower command can be issued from keypad of AVR device, it
is possible to disable this command from setting.

INDEPENDENT OPERATION OF AVR

There are two possibilities to keep the AVR in Independent mode, which are,

1. By pressing the push button/selector switch in RTCC panel “Independent Mode” during
ATS is “out of Service”
2. By sensing CB status of the plant (When ATS in service).

Once the AVR is in independent mode, following ways of raise/lower command can be issued.

 Manual Raise/Lower command from RTCC panel

 Manual Raise/Lower Command from SCADA
 Auto command from AVR based on voltage measurement.

Transformer are running individually. AVR measures the voltage input, it will provide commands
to the respective connected tap changer based on measured voltage deviation. AVR does not
monitor the other transformer’s AVR.

T/X‐1 T/X‐2 T/X‐3

Fig 2.1 T/X in Independent Mode

3
PARALLEL OPERATION OF AVR
The parallel operation of 2 or more power transformers is intended to increase the electrical
throughput or short-circuit power at a power-system node. An additional reason for the parallel
operation of transformers is a reserve in the event of a failure of a transformer.

If power peaks are to be expected in the power system, multiple transformers can be connected
in parallel on different busbars. This allows several feeders to be supplied simultaneously. You
can control up to 6 transformers in parallel in one group. The evaluation of the measured and
status values takes place via the IEC 104 communication.

There are two modes of parallel operation available,

1) MCC
2) Master- Follower

If the voltage change per tap are same and short circuit voltage deviation is <10%,
Master/Follower scheme is preferred. Either condition is not met, Minimized circulating current
mode is recommended.

There are two possibilities to control AVR modes,

1. By pressing the push button/selector switch in RTCC panel “Parallel/Independent” during

ATS is “out of Service”
2. By sensing CB status of the plant (When ATS in service).

Once the AVR is in Parallel mode, following ways of raise/lower command can be issued.

 Manual Raise/Lower command from RTCC panel

 Manual Raise/Lower Command from SCADA
 Auto command from AVR based on voltage measurement.

T/X‐1 T/X‐2 T/X‐3

Fig 2.2 T/X‐1 & 2 in Parallel mode, Tx‐3 in Independent Mode

4
Voltage Control:
The optimum dynamic behaviour of the regulator is achieved at an optimum ratio between
maximum voltage stability and a minimum number of switching operations of the tap changer.
To this effect, the differential voltage (control deviation X w ) is calculated continuously from the
setpoint voltage (reference variable W) and the actual voltage (actual value X) in the regulator.
The voltage regulator operates as a three-step regulator and thus has a dead band. If the
control deviation is within the dead band, no correcting commands are issued. Thus,
fluctuations of the mains voltage within the admissible control deviation do not affect the control
process.
If the control deviation exceeds the preset admissible control deviation, two different regulator
modes can be set which are described in further detail in the following chapters.(MCC MODE
AND MASTER/FOLLOWER MODE)

For parallel operation of transformers in practice, identical ratings such as power, voltage,
short-circuit voltage and number of tapping positions, are required.
Moreover, AVR’s are interconnected by their own individual interface (Fiber Optic Cables)
These data lines are used for data exchange of internal voltage regulator information (operating
modes, Higher/Lower...).

Data’s are transferred regarding the current intensity and phase angle, which are used to
calculate the circular reactive current of each unit.Monitoring of the maximum admissible
circular reactive current with adjustable operate value and adjustable time delay has been
provided.

In automatic mode, AVR function of the master unit is fully functional, whereas the voltage
regulator function of the follower units is deactivated.
In manual mode of the group, the voltage regulator function for all regulators of the group is
deactivated. The last regulator of the group to be graded manually determines the required step
of the group.

5
MCC MODE
In MCC mode, the parallel transformer’s AVR will monitor the real time voltage & current readings,
based on which it calculates circulating current (MCC) flowing across the transformers.
In Fig. 2.2, T/x- 1 & 2 are running in parallel conditions.
The current and voltage values are communicated between the AVR devices and MCC
calculation does in each AVR separately as they have complete data from other AVR’s.
There is no dependency concept in MCC mode between the AVR’s as like Master/Follower mode,
whoever measures deviation will issue lower/higher command.
The reactive power comparison take place in each AVR and if there is difference in reactive power
which will be treated as circulating reactive power. Calculated difference in reactive power will be
converted into voltage deviation by multiplying with MCC bias factor.

𝑆
𝑈 063. 𝑆𝐸𝑇: 𝑃𝑎𝑟. 𝑏𝑖𝑎𝑠 ∗ 𝑄 𝑄 ∗
∑ 𝑆

The bias setting in MCC mode to be selected in such a way that if there is circulating current
caused by tap difference between transformer will increase the deviation above bandwidth setting.
Also, higher value of bias setting will lead to control instability.
The total bandwidth deviation is calculated as sum of voltage deviation and deviation out of
circulating current.
Usually, if the voltage is less than current deviation, either one AVR will issue the command
depend on actual measured voltage is above or below the target voltage. If the voltage deviation
contribution is more in total deviation calculation, both AVR will issue command simultaneously.
The amount of voltage deviation as result of circulating current can be seen from AVR display. If
there is communication fail between AVR, it is possible to keep the AVR in parallel mode by
activating Cos mode (Emergency Mode).

While operating in Cos mode, it needs to be taken care of capacitor bank contribution to load
current while setting the load power factor value.
While operating in MCC mode, if any AVR is selected as manual mode, other AVR which is in
parallel group will get blocked until the manual mode is released back to Auto mode.
In manual mode selection, MCC mode will not have any role to perform and the command will
be issued based on manual command.

MASTER/FOLLOWER MODE
The Master-Follower method regulates the Follower devices to the same tap position as the
Master transformer. One voltage controller takes the lead (Master device), whilst the other voltage
controllers (Follower devices) follow its tap position (Master-Follower method).

The selection of Master/Follower will be based on two options,

6
Either energizing “Master” or “Follower” digital input in AVR (or) auto selection, AVR which has
least number will be decided as Master always.

For example, if AVR-1 & AVR-2 are in parallel mode, AVR-1 will act as Master whereas AVR-2
will act in Follower Mode.

Master device controls the voltage of the transformer. The follower device updates the tap position
of the master device.

Operation Matrix for Three Transformers:

Breaker Conditions AVR’ Condition

I/C - 1 B/C - 1 I/C - 2 B/C - 2 I/C - 3 1 2 3

Close Close Close Close Close M F F

Open Close Close Close Close I/OFF M F

Close Open Close Close Close I M F

Close Close Open Close Close M I/OFF F

Close Close Close Open Close M F I

Close Close Close Close Open M F I/OFF

Open Open Close Close Close I/OFF M F

Close Open Open Close Close I I/OFF I

Close Close Open Open Close I I/OFF I

Close Close Close Open Open M F I/OFF

Open Close Close Close Open I/OFF I I/OFF

Open Close Open Close Close I/OFF I/OFF I

Close Close Open Close Open I I/OFF I/OFF

Close Open Close Open Close I I I

*I-Independent, M-Master, F-Follower, I/OFF-Independent & OFF

7
AVR MODE SELECTION
MCC & Master/Follower mode - both logics are implemented in the AVR.
Change of operation mode can be achieved by Selector switch (or) by Binary Input.
ATS CONDITIONS

ATS OFF:

During ATS “out of service”, AVR does not monitor breaker status.

User has to decide the conditions for AVR to operate. AVR functions based on status of Local Selector
Switch Modes i.e. Auto/Manual mode and Independent/Parallel mode.

ATS ON:

When ATS is ON, regardless of the Local Selector switch mode, AVR will enter Auto mode and based on
breaker status, AVR will function in Independent / Parallel mode. In the scenario of Three Transformers,
all three incomer breaker and two bus coupler breakers monitored on Open & Close status.

Operation Matrix for AVR condition during ATS ON:

Breaker Conditions AVR’ Condition

I/C ‐ 1 B/C ‐ 1 I/C ‐ 2 B/C ‐ 2 I/C ‐ 3 1 2 3

ON ON ON OFF ON P P I

ON OFF ON ON ON I P P

ON ON OFF ON ON P I P

Fig. 2.4 Logic with breaker status – Conditions defining transformers in parallel

8
Voltage Matching:

After Incomer / BC trip, ATTS relay gives command for Bus section close . During this condition
generally sync are monitored and close command is executed , transformer tap positions are
not considered during this operation.
Considering the tap position of transformer following logic is implemented,

ATS ON

ATS in Progress

Tap Match Ok Output

Voltage Match/OK from

Transformer

Breaker(s) Status

ATS ON – Output from 11kV Panel, indicating switch or status of ATS in ON state
ATS in Progress – Output from ATS relay, indicating ATS function has started and in progress
Voltage Match/OK – Input from AVR, comparing the voltages of transformers, input will be
enabled if the voltage between transformers are in acceptable bandwidth
Breaker status – Output from 11kv Panel breaker status of the incomers and bus couplers.

T/X‐1 T/X‐2 T/X‐3

Fig2.4 Fault in Bus Coupler ‐ 1

9
Scenario 1:
As per fig 2.4, TX-1 & TX-2 are in parallel condition with BC-1 in CLOSE condition.

ATS initiated & ATS ON

Breaker conditions OK

Compare
Raise/Lower Tap until voltage match
Voltages

Voltage Match Output to ATS Relay

After fault in BC-1 and BC’s breaker trip.

ATS initiated from BC-2
ATS ON and ATS initiation from BC-2 output received in AVR
AVR will compare voltage of TX-2 and TX-3
In the event of voltage match of TX-2 and TX-3, AVR issues output of Voltage match
If Voltage not matched, AVR-3 will raise/lower the tap until voltages match between
TX-2 & TX-3
Note: In this case, minimum TX number is taken as reference and other TX’s tap is
raised/lowered
The above voltage match sequence does not follow any time delay in event of tap change.

10
Fig 2.5 Logic Implemented for Voltage match

11
 COMMUNICATION

AVR can be communicated through web interface (chrome/IE/any other browser)

Default IP address of the AVR is 192.168.10.1

Default Login credentials

User name: SPRECON

Password: SPRECON

For Editing the setting value, login with the credentials.

Port used for Web

interface
communication

Fig 2.6
Note: Same port can be used for communication SPRECON-E Engineering Center

12
Fig 2.7 – Enter IP address in web browser to access AVR and Click “Lock Icon” to Login

Fig 2.8 – Login with credentials

13
 Fig 2.9 – Under -> System -> Settings – Change the settings required

Fig 2.10 – In Process Page – Alarm List, Event List , Display Pages and LED’s can be viewed

14
Fig 2.10 – In Process Page – Alarm List, Event List , Display Pages and LED’s can be viewed

Fig 2.11 – In Hardware configuration – Select any DI/DO module to view status of the
Inputs/Outputs.

Fig 2.12 – DI Status

15
To establish connection using SPRECON-E Engineering configurator

Follow the points described below

1. Open the SPRECON-E Engineering configuration and select Installation, Services and
Diagonistics

2. Click the ICON to establish connection

16
 3. Select the mode of communication, in case network enter the IP address of the AVR and
connect

AVR BLOCK
AVR Block – Once any of this condition is observed, AVR will stop issuing commands to tap
changer.

 If feedback from tap changer is not received on tap positions - AVR will enter BLOCK
mode.
 In Parallel Mode – Communication failure between AVR’s
 In Parallel Mode – Power failure recorder in any AVR
 In Independent/Parallel Mode – External block from OLTC Fail
 In Independent/Parallel Mode – VT MCB Fail
 In Independent/Parallel Mode – Over voltage, under voltage, Over Q Power, Over
Current.

17
OUT OF STEP CONDITION

When the tap position difference between the paralleled AVR is more than the setting value of
tap difference, out of step condition will be issued after set time delay while AVR mode is
selected as Master/Follower.

PARALLEL ERROR

 When more than one AVR is selected as Master.

 When there is no Master selected.
 Communication fail between AVR during in Parallel Mode.
 Partner AVR gets fail while in Parallel Mode.

----------------------------------------------------End of the Document--------------------------------------------

18