Buchholz Relay for Power

Transformer Protection
Device
How does a Buchholz Relay
Protect Power Transformer?
A Buchholz relay is a protective device used to protect power
transformers from internal faults and incipient failures. It is an
essential component of a power transformer's protection and
monitoring system. The Buchholz relay operates on the principle of
detecting abnormal conditions within the transformer's oil-filled
tank. Here's how it works and how it protects power transformers:

Detection of Gas Accumulation: Buchholz relay is installed in the

oil-filled conservator tank of the transformer. This tank is connected
to the transformer's main tank through a pipe. Inside the Buchholz
relay, there are two float switches and a gas collection chamber.
These switches are designed to float on the oil surface.

Normal Operation: During normal transformer operation, the oil

remains stable, and the float switches remain at the bottom of the
relay, indicating that everything is operating within the specified
parameters.

Abnormal Conditions: When an internal fault occurs within the

transformer, such as a short circuit, arcing, or partial discharge, it
generates heat and gas. The heat causes the oil to expand, and the
gas generated rises to the top of the transformer tank. This gas can
accumulate in the Buchholz relay's gas collection chamber.

Gas Accumulation Detection: As gas accumulates in the Buchholz

relay, it causes the float switches to rise. When the float switches
reach a certain level, they trip a set of contacts in the Buchholz
relay.

Alarm and Transformer Trip: The tripped contacts in the

Buchholz relay can trigger an alarm and/or initiate a trip signal to
the transformer's protective relay system. The alarm is usually a
warning that there may be a fault within the transformer. If the
fault is severe or hazardous, the trip signal is activated to
disconnect the transformer from the power system to prevent
further damage and reduce the risk of fire or explosion.

Buchholz relays provide several benefits for transformer

protection:

Early Warning: Buchholz relays can detect incipient faults and

minor issues before they escalate into major problems, allowing for
preventive maintenance and minimizing downtime.

Safety: They help prevent catastrophic failures, which can be

dangerous and expensive.

Fault Identification: The relay can provide valuable information

about the type and severity of the fault based on gas accumulation
and float switch behavior.

Remote Monitoring: Buchholz relays can be integrated into

remote monitoring and control systems, allowing for real-time
monitoring of transformer health.

In summary, Buchholz relays protect power transformers by

detecting abnormal gas accumulation within the transformer's oil-
filled tank, providing early warning of faults, and initiating protective
actions to prevent further damage or hazards. This makes them a
crucial component in ensuring the reliability and safety of power
transformer operation.

What Is A Buchholz Relay?

Could you please provide me with a clear explanation of what a
Buchholz Relay is?

Buchholz relay is a safety device to protect a transformer from internal faults,

like- impulse breakdown of the transformer insulating oil or transformer coil
turns insulation failure, etc. Buchholz relay in the field of power transmission
and distribution systems is a kind of relay that is a little different from
other conventional relays. Buchholz relay is also a safety device that is
mounted on large size (normally more than 500kVA) oil-immersed transformer
reactor and equipped with a conservator or overhead oil reservoir. The
Buchholz relay was first developed by Max Buchholz in 1921.

What is Buchholz in chess? “The Buchholz system (also spelled Buchholtz) is a

ranking or scoring system inches developed by Bruno Buchholz (died ca. 1958) in
1932, for Swiss system tournaments (Hooper & Whyld 1992). ... It was probably first
used in the 1932 Bitterfeld tournament.”

Working Principle Of Buchholz Relay

It is interesting that the transformer is electrical equipment but the protecting
device Buchholz relay does use any electrical signal itself. An internal fault
may occur inside transformer due to
1. insulation oil overheating;
2. insulation failure of coil turns;
3. excess core heating or core breakdown;
4. any fault may result in excess heat;
Any fault inside the transformer causes excess heat and heat decomposes
the transformer oil and generates gas. Gas bubbles ahead upward direction to
conservator, Buchholz relay collected these gas bubbles through connected
pipe and operate the relay to safe the transformer from destructive damages.
Buchholz relay actually consists of two floated hinges accomplished with a
mercury switch, one at the top and other at the bottom, both are in an oil-filled
chamber. The upper float mercury switch is connected to an alarm circuit and
the lower float mercury switch is connected to an external trip breaker, the
details working principle are shown in the constructional diagram of a
Buchholz relay.

For major faults, like earth faults or phase-to-earth short circuits, the generated heat
is high to produce a large amount of gas inside the transformer that will similarly flow
upwards, but its motion is high enough to tilt the lower float in the Buchholz relay.
Finally, the lower float will cause the lower mercury switch will break or trip the
transformer means isolated from the supply.
These are typically connected to cause the transformer to trip and this relay also
serves a third function, similar to the sudden pressure relay.
Common Features of a Buchholz Relay
Buchholz relays are protective devices used in oil-filled power
transformers and other oil-filled electrical equipment to detect and
respond to faults and abnormal conditions within the equipment.
These relays are named after their inventor, Max Buchholz, and
serve as an essential component for ensuring the safe and reliable
operation of such equipment. Here are some common features and
functions of Buchholz relays:

Gas Accumulation Detection: Buchholz relays primarily detect the

presence of abnormal gas accumulations, typically hydrogen or
other combustible gases, within the oil-filled enclosure. These gases
can be generated as a result of various faults, such as overheating,
partial discharges, or arcing.

Two Floats: Most Buchholz relays are equipped with two floats or
vane-type mechanisms suspended in the oil. These floats are
designed to move in response to changes in gas levels within the
oil.

Alarm Function: When the lower float detects a smaller amount of

gas accumulation, it triggers an alarm signal, indicating a minor
fault or early warning of a potential problem. This alarm can alert
maintenance personnel to investigate the issue.

Trip Function: If the upper float detects a significant increase in

gas accumulation, it triggers a trip signal. This trip signal initiates a
shutdown of the transformer or other equipment, preventing further
damage and potentially catastrophic failures.

Remote Monitoring: Buchholz relays often include provisions for

remote monitoring and signaling, enabling operators to receive
alerts and take appropriate action even when they are not physically
present at the equipment location.

Oil Flow Monitoring: In addition to gas detection, some Buchholz

relays are equipped with a second set of contacts that monitor the
flow of oil within the equipment. A sudden or severe reduction in oil
flow can also trigger an alarm or trip signal.

Installation Position: Buchholz relays are typically installed in the

oil-filled pipe connecting the main transformer tank and the
conservator tank, which allows them to monitor the gas content in
the oil. The position of installation is critical for their proper
functioning.

Manual Reset: After a trip is initiated, most Buchholz relays

require a manual reset to restore normal operation. This manual
reset ensures that a qualified technician can inspect the equipment
and address any issues before resuming operation.

Maintenance and Inspection: Buchholz relays require periodic

maintenance and inspection to ensure their continued reliability.
This includes checking float operation, verifying proper oil levels,
and testing the alarm and trip functions.

Fault Analysis: The information provided by Buchholz relays can

help identify the type and location of faults within the equipment,
allowing for more efficient and targeted maintenance.

Buchholz relays are an essential safety feature in oil-filled electrical

equipment, as they provide early warning and protection against
potential catastrophic failures. Regular maintenance and testing of
these relays are crucial to ensure their effectiveness and the overall
reliability of the equipment they protect.

Why Buchholz Relay is Used In

Transformers?
It is common for a transformer to have an internal fault due to a
short circuit to transformer coil turns, any incidental fault in
transformer winding, or any impulse breakdown of the transformer
oil or insulating oil. Buchholz relay is used for the protection of
transformers from such a kind of fault.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of

Buchholz Relay
The major advantages and disadvantages of Buchholz are as below:

ADVANTAGES

1. Buchholz relay indicates the internal faults due

to heating and safe transformer from any major
faults;
2. To determine the fault severity no need to
dismantling the transformer;
3. Buchholz relay prevents accidents from any
major fault isolating the transformer.

DISADVANTAGES

1. Buchholz relay can only be used with oil

immersed transformers equipped with conservators;
2. Buchholz relay may operation may be actuated
without any fault in the transformer;
3. During oil fill in the transformer, some air also
get in, later this air may accumulate under the relay
and false operation may happen;
 4. Buchholz relay mercury switch may lock its
movement due to mechanical lock;
5. Buchholz relay can detect faults only below
the oil leveling the transformer.

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Buchholz relay and related similar items. If you think it will be
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Top 5 Famous Brands of Buchholz

Relays
Buchholz relays are protective devices used in oil-filled transformers
and other electrical equipment to detect and respond to faults such
as internal arcing or gas accumulation. While there aren't many
brands that exclusively manufacture Buchholz relays, several well-
known electrical equipment and relay manufacturers produce high-
quality Buchholz relays. Here are five famous brands that offer
Buchholz relays:

1. Siemens: Siemens is a global leader in electrical

engineering and automation technology. They offer a wide
range of protection relays and equipment for power systems,
including Buchholz relays.
2. ABB (ASEA Brown Boveri): ABB is another major
player in the field of electrical equipment and protection
relays. They provide Buchholz relays as part of their
comprehensive product lineup.
3. Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric is a prominent
manufacturer of electrical distribution and automation
equipment. They produce Buchholz relays for various
applications.
4. Toshiba: Toshiba is known for its high-quality electrical
equipment, including transformers. They also offer Buchholz
relays to complement their transformer protection systems.
 5. Eaton: Eaton is a global supplier of power management
solutions, and they manufacture protective relays, including
Buchholz relays, for use in transformers and other oil-filled
equipment.

Please note that the availability and specific models of Buchholz

relays may vary over time, and it's essential to check with the
respective manufacturers for the latest product offerings and
specifications.