For transformer differential protection to remain stable, the "CT Star Point Earthing" setting must be uniform for all windings (typically all "TOWARDS TRANSFORMER"). An inconsistent setting between windings or a mismatch between a setting and the physical installation will cause the software setup of a numerical differential relay to misinterpret the currents and trip for normal operation. This setting is a key part of establishing the relay's common reference point and must be verified meticulously for every CT input specially for Transformer Differential Protection (87T), Reactor Differential Protection. For a typical two-winding transformer (HV and LV sides) and hints at a third, neutral CT below the expected cases: A. The Ideal Case: 1- Configuration: The "CT Star Point Earthing" setting for both the HV and LV sides is set to "TOWARDS TRANSFORMER". 2- Status: IDEAL 3- Action: NONE. This consistent configuration ensures the relay's internal logic correctly processes the phase relationship between the HV and LV currents for the differential algorithm. B. Example 1 of a Wrong Case: Inconsistent Software Settings 1- Error: The settings are inconsistent. The LV side is correctly set to "TOWARDS TRANSFORMER", but the HV side is incorrectly set to "TOWARDS BUSBAR". 2- Consequence: The relay will interpret the current from the HV side as inverted relative to the LV side. This will cause it to calculate a large false differential current during normal load or external faults, leading to a mal-operation and trip. 3- Corrective Action: The incorrect setting on the HV side must be corrected. The "CT star point earthing" setting for the HV side shall be changed to "TOWARDS TRANSFORMER" to match the LV side and the standard scheme. C. Example 2 of a Wrong Case: Software-Physical Mismatch 1- Error: There is a mismatch between the physical installation and the software setting on the HV side. The CT is physically installed with its star point towards the busbar, but the relay setting is "TOWARDS TRANSFORMER". 2- Consequence: The relay receives a current signal that is inverted from what its configuration expects. This will severely distort the differential calculation and guarantee mal-operation. 3- Corrective Action: This requires a physical correction. The HV CT must be reoriented or rewired so that its star point is physically towards the transformer, thus matching the software setting. Alternatively, the physical installation could be left alone and the software settings for all windings could be flipped (to "TOWARDS BUSBAR"), but this is non-standard and must be approved by the Protection Engineering Department (PED). D. Implied Complexity: The Neutral CT The text mentions a "Neutral CT" with a setting of "TOWARDS BUSBAR". This highlights that for transformers with neutral-side CTs, the same rule applies: the setting must be chosen to be consistent with the overall scheme and the physical installation, or the relay will see an imbalance.
Transformer Differential Protection: CT Star Point Earthing Settings
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When to use Core Balance Current Transformer (CBCT) vs residual (summation) CTs for Earth Fault Protection : Core Balance CT (CBCT / Zero-Sequence CT) • Measures the true residual (I0 = Ia+Ib+Ic) by enclosing all live conductors (and neutral if present) through one core. • Immune to CT mismatch and unequal saturation of individual phase CTs. • Best for sensitive earth-fault (SEF) elements with very low pickup (typically <5–10% of CT secondary rating, e.g., <5 A on 5 A CTs). • Strongly recommended for: • MV/LV feeder SEF (50N/51N with low pickup). • Motor/cable feeders with small charging/unbalance currents. • LV earth-leakage/ground-fault relays (ZCTs in MCCs/switchboards). • Directional earth-fault protection in compensated or resistance-earthed networks. • Simple, accurate, and avoids “spill current” nuisance trips. Residual / Summation of Phase CTs (Holmgreen Connection) • Obtains zero-sequence current by adding the three phase CT secondary outputs (either wired or in relay software). • Economical: re-uses existing CTs, no extra CBCT required. • Acceptable for non-sensitive earth-fault elements with moderate pickup (≥10–20% of CT secondary rating). • Adequate for feeder or transformer earth-fault time-overcurrent (51N/50N) where grading margins are generous. • Limitation: Sensitive to CT ratio error, unequal saturation, and wiring errors → may cause false or missed trips, especially at low fault current. • Needs identical CT ratios/classes and correct polarity wiring; CT-circuit supervision is recommended. Special Case: Restricted Earth Fault (REF / 64G) • High-impedance REF requires special class PX CTs with defined knee-point, excitation, resistance, and low leakage reactance. • CBCT or residual methods are not interchangeable here—the scheme dictates CT specs. • Low-impedance REF and zero-sequence differential schemes also require careful CT selection and relay supervision. Standards & Guidance • IEC 61869-2: CT performance classes (P, PR, PX) → defines requirements, not connection method. • IEC 60255-151 / IEEE C37.112: Accuracy and inverse-time earth-fault element performance → both CBCT and residual acceptable if accuracy maintained. • Utility & vendor guides: Consistently recommend CBCT for sensitive EF, residual only for non-sensitive applications. Strong Recommendation (Best Practice) • Use CBCT whenever high sensitivity or high dependability is required (SEF, LV leakage, compensated networks). • Use residual summation only where sensitivity is moderate and CTs are well matched (typical feeder/transformer 51N protection). • For REF/differential EF schemes, follow the scheme’s required class PX CT specs. ✅ In practice: CBCT = precise and reliable for sensitive protection; residual = economical but limited to non-sensitive use. International standards don’t prescribe one method but require CT and relay performance; the consensus is CBCT is strongly recommended wherever feasible.
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Full meaning (ইলেকট্রিক্যাল এ্যান্ড ইলেকট্রনিক ডিপার্টমেন্টের জন্য) AB Switch = Air Break switch ACB = Air Circuit Breaker VCB = Vacuum Circuit Breaker MCB = Miniature Circuit Breaker MCCB = Molded case circuit breaker MPCB = Motor Protection Circuit Breaker EMPR = Electronic Motor Protection RELAY RCCB = Residual Current Circuit Breaker RCBO = Residual Current Circuit Breaker With Over-Current Protection ELCB = Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker HRC = Fuse High Rupture Capacity Fuse OLTC = On Load Tap Change SF6 Circuit Breaker = Sulphur Hexafluoride Circuit Breaker MPDB = Main Power Distribution Board ACDB = Alternating Current Distribution Board HT = High tension > Transformer HT Side LT = Low tension DO Fuse = Drop Out Fuse DCDB = Direct current Distribution Board PDB = Power Distribution Board PCC = Power Control Center MCC = Motor Control Centre MCP = Motor Control Panel VVVF = Variable Voltage Variable Frequency Drive VFD = Variable Frequency Drive DOL = Direct On line RDOL = Reverse Duty on Line MLDB = Main Light Distribution Board SLDB = Secondary Lighting Distribution Board EMLDB = Emergency Light Distribution Board CPSS = Construction Power Substation DSS = Distributed Power Substation RCC = Remote Control Cables FCMA = Flux Compensated Magnetic Amplifier UPS = Un-Interrupted Power Supply SMF Battery = Sealed Maintenance Free JB = Junction Box PB = Push Button TB = Terminal Box LCB = Local Control Board LCS = Local Control Station SPNDB = Short Circuit Protection Neutral Distribution Board TPNDB = Phase Three and Neutral Distribution Board CT = Current Transformer PT = Potential Converter SCIM = Squirrel Cage Induction Motor ACVS = Air-conditioning and Ventilation System FDA = Fire Detection & Alarm PCS = Pull Cord Switch ZSS = Zero Speed Switch BSS = Belt Sway switch NO = Normally opened NC = Normally Closed TEFC = Total Enclosed Fan Cooled TESC = Totally Enclosed Surface Cooled GI Bus bar = Galvanized Iron Bus Bar For Farthing PLC = Programmable Logic Controller DCS = Distributed Control System MPI = Multi Point Interface DP = Distributed parameters SCADA = Supervisory and Data Acquisition HART = Highway Addressable Remote Transducer HMI = Human Machine Identifier MMI = Man Machine Identifier VDU = Visual Display Unit RIO = Remote input Output TCP / IP = Transmission Control Protocol – Internet Protocol CFC =Continuous Function Chart SFC = Sequential Function Chart PID Control = Proportional Integral And Derivative Control RAM = Random Access Memory ROM = Read Only Memory PROM = Programmable Read Only Memory EPROM = Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory EEPROM = Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (collected)
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Power System, Protection and IEC 61850 Specialist
2wYaseen Mohamed well .... it depends! In the old days with HV cts connected to LV cts in Merz-Price Circulating Current, it was essential that there was only one earth point for both sides otherwise the cts are effectively short circuited! :( Where it is applied is irrelevant as long as there is only one ... note care when doing testing In modern relays with segregated HV and LV connections to the relay, the earth must be applied independantly to each set of cts. Where it is applied is irrelevant!