Current transformer

A current transformer (CT) is an electric device that produces an alternating current (AC) in its secondary
which is proportional to the AC in its primary. Current transformers, together with voltage transformers (VTs)
or potential transformers (PTs), which are designed for measurement, are known as instrument
transformers.

A current transformer (CT) is a type of transformer that is used to measure alternating current (AC).
It produces a current in its secondary which is proportional to the current in its primary.

Current transformers, along with voltage or potential transformers, are instrument transformers.
Instrument transformers scale the large values of voltage or current to small, standardized values that
are easy to handle for instruments and protective relays.

The instrument transformers isolate measurement or protection circuits from the high voltage of the
primary system. A current transformer provides a secondary current that is accurately proportional to
the current flowing in its primary. The current transformer presents a negligible load to the primary
circuit.

Current transformers are the current-sensing units of the power system and are used at generating
stations, electrical substations, and in industrial and commercial electric power distribution.

Function

Basic operation of current transformer

SF 110 kV current transformer TGFM series, Russia

6
Zero-phase-sequence current transformer

Like any transformer, a current transformer has a primary winding, a core and a secondary winding,
although some transformers, including current transformers, use an air core. In principle, the only
difference between a current transformer and a voltage transformer (normal type) is that the former is
fed with a 'constant' current while the latter is fed with a 'constant' voltage, where 'constant' has the
strict circuit theory meaning.

The alternating current in the primary produces an alternating magnetic field in the core, which then
induces an alternating current in the secondary. The primary circuit is largely unaffected by the
insertion of the CT. Accurate current transformers need close coupling between the primary and
secondary to ensure that the secondary current is proportional to the primary current over a wide
current range. The current in the secondary is the current in the primary (assuming a single turn
primary) divided by the number of turns of the secondary. In the illustration on the right, 'I' is the
current in the primary, 'B' is the magnetic field, 'N' is the number of turns on the secondary, and 'A' is
an AC ammeter.

Current transformers typically consist of a silicon steel ring core wound with many turns of copper wire
as shown in the illustration to the right. The conductor carrying the primary current is passed through
the ring. The CT's primary, therefore, consists of a single 'turn'. The primary 'winding' may be a
permanent part of the current transformer, i.e. a heavy copper bar to carry current through the core.
Window-type current transformers are also common, which can have circuit cables run through the
middle of an opening in the core to provide a single-turn primary winding. To assist accuracy, the
primary conductor should be centered in the aperture.

CTs are specified by their current ratio from primary to secondary. The rated secondary current is
normally standardized at 1 or 5 amperes. For example, a 4000:5 CT secondary winding will supply an
output current of 5 amperes when the primary winding current is 4000 amperes. This ratio can also be
used to find the impedance or voltage on one side of the transformer, given the appropriate value at
the other side. For the 4000:5 CT, the secondary impedance can be found as ZS = NZP = 800ZP,
and the secondary voltage can be found as VS = NVP = 800VP. In some cases, the secondary
impedance is referred to the primary side, and is found as ZS′ = N2ZP. Referring the impedance is
done simply by multiplying initial secondary impedance value by the current ratio. The secondary
winding of a CT can have taps to provide a range of ratios, five taps being common.

Current transformer shapes and sizes vary depending on the end user or switch gear manufacturer.
Low-voltage single ratio metering current transformers are either a ring type or plastic molded case.

Split-core current transformers either have a two-part core or a core with a removable section. This
allows the transformer to be placed around a conductor without having to disconnect it first. Split-core
current transformers are typically used in low current measuring instruments, often portable, battery-
operated, and hand-held (see illustration lower right).

Use[edit]
Many digital clamp meters utilize a current transformer for measuring alternating current (AC).

Current transformers are used extensively for measuring current and monitoring the operation of the
power grid. Along with voltage leads, revenue-grade CTs drive the electrical utility's watt-hour meter
on virtually every building with three-phase service and single-phase services greater than 200
amperes.

High-voltage current transformers are mounted on porcelain or polymer insulators to isolate them from
ground. Some CT configurations slip around the bushing of a high-voltage transformer or circuit
breaker, which automatically centers the conductor inside the CT window.

Current transformers can be mounted on the low voltage or high voltage leads of a power transformer.
Sometimes a section of a bus bar can be removed to replace a current transformer.

Often, multiple CTs are installed as a "stack" for various uses. For example, protection devices and
revenue metering may use separate CTs to provide isolation between metering and protection circuits
and allows current transformers with different characteristics (accuracy, overload performance) to be
used for the devices.

The burden (load) impedance should not exceed the specified maximum value to avoid the secondary
voltage exceeding the limits for the current transformer. The primary current rating of a current
transformer should not be exceeded or the core may enter its non linear region and ultimately saturate.
This would occur near the end of the first half of each half (positive and negative) of the AC sine wave
in the primary and would compromise the accuracy.

Safety[edit]
Current transformers are often used to monitor high currents or currents at high voltages. Technical
standards and design practices are used to ensure the safety of installations using current
transformers.

The secondary of a current transformer should not be disconnected from its burden while current is in
the primary, as the secondary will attempt to continue driving current into an effective infinite
impedance up to its insulation break-down voltage and thus compromise operator safety. For certain
current transformers, this voltage may reach several kilovolts and may cause arcing. Exceeding the
 secondary voltage may also degrade the accuracy of the transformer or destroy it. Energizing a
current transformer with an open circuit secondary is equivalent to energizing a voltage transformer
(normal type) with a short circuit secondary. In the first case the secondary tries to produce an infinite
voltage and in the second case the secondary tries to produce an infinite current. Both scenarios can
be dangerous and damage the transformer.


Contactor
o A contactor is an electrically controlled switch used for switching an electrical power circuit, similar to a relay
except with higher current ratings. A contactor is controlled by a circuit which has a much lower power level
than the switc…

Motor soft starter

A motor soft starter is a device used with AC electrical motors to temporarily reduce the load and
torque in the power train and electric current surge of the motor during start-up. This reduces the
mechanical stress on the motor and shaft, as well as the electrodynamic stresses on the attached
power cables and electrical distribution network, extending the lifespan of the system.

It can consist of mechanical or electrical devices, or a combination of both. Mechanical soft starters
include clutches and several types of couplings using a fluid, magnetic forces, or steel shot to transmit
torque, similar to other forms of torque limiter. Electrical soft starters can be any control system that
reduces the torque by temporarily reducing the voltage or current input, or a device that temporarily
alters how the motor is connected in the electric circuit.

Digital Soft Starter

Across-the line starting of induction motors is accompanied by inrush currents up to 7-10 times higher
than running current, and starting torque up to 3 times higher than running torque. The increased
 torque results in sudden mechanical stress on the machine which leads to a reduced service life.
Moreover, the high inrush current stresses the power supply, which may lead to voltage dips. As a
result, lifespan of sensitive equipment may be reduced. [1]

A soft starter eliminates the undesired side effects. Several types based on control of the supply
voltage or mechanical devices such as slip clutches were developed. The list provides an overview of
the various electric start-up types. The current and torque characteristic curves show the behavior of
the respective starter solution. Torque surges entail high mechanical stress on the machine, which
results in higher service costs and increased wear. High currents and current peaks lead to high fixed
costs charged by the power supply companies (peak current calculation) and to increased mains and
generator loads.

A soft starter continuously controls the three-phase motor’s voltage supply during the start-up phase.
This way, the motor is adjusted to the machine’s load behavior. Mechanical operating equipment is
accelerated smoothly. This lengthens service life, improves operating behavior, and smooths work
flows. Electrical soft starters can use solid state devices to control the current flow and therefore the
voltage applied to the motor. They can be connected in series with the line voltage applied to the
motor, or can be connected inside the delta (Δ) loop of a delta-connected motor, controlling the
voltage applied to each winding. Solid state soft starters can control one or more phases of the voltage
applied to the induction motor with the best results achieved by three-phase control. Typically, the
voltage is controlled by reverse-parallel-connected silicon-controlled rectifiers (thyristors), but in some
circumstances with three-phase control, the control elements can be a reverse-parallel-connected
SCR and diode. [2]

Another way to limit motor starting current is a series reactor. If an air core is used for the series
reactor then a very efficient and reliable soft starter can be designed which is suitable for all types of 3
phase induction motor [ synchronous / asynchronous ] ranging from 25 kW 415 V to 30 MW 11 kV.
Using an air core series reactor soft starter is very common practice for applications like pump,
compressor, fan etc. Usually high starting torque applications do not use this method.

Soft starters can be set up to the requirements of the individual application. In pump applications, a
soft start can avoid pressure surges. Conveyor belt systems can be smoothly started, avoiding jerk
and stress on drive components. Fans or other systems with belt drives can be started slowly to avoid
belt slipping. In all systems, a soft start limits the inrush current and so improves stability of the power
supply and reduces transient voltage drops that may affect other loads.

Motor controller
o A motor controller is a device or group of devices that serves to govern in some
predetermined manner the performance of an electric motor. A motor controller
might include a manual or automatic means for starting and stopping the
motor, selecting forward or reverse rotation, selecting and regulating the
speed, regulating or limiting the torque, and protecting against overloads and
faults.

Introduction to Star-Delta motor

starter
Most induction motors are started directly on line, but when very large motors are
started that way, they cause a disturbance of voltage on the supply lines due to
large starting current surges.

Star Delta Starter

The Star Delta Starter is a very common type of starter and is used extensively as compared to the
other type of starting methods of the induction motor. A star delta is used for a cage motor designed to
run normally on the delta connected stator winding. The connection of a three-phase induction motor
with a star delta starter is shown in the figure below.

Two methods used for reduction of starting voltage are: Star delta starting and
Auto transformer starting.

Working Principle of Star-Delta

Starter
This is the reduced voltage starting method. Voltage reduction during star-delta
starting is achieved by physically reconfiguring the motor windings as illustrated
in the figure below. During starting the motor windings are connected in star
configuration and this reduces the voltage across each winding 3. This also
reduces the torque by a factor of three.

Scheme – Working Principle of Star-Delta

Starter

After a period of time the winding are reconfigured as delta and the motor runs
normally. Star/Delta starters are probably the most common reduced voltage
starters. They are used in an attempt to reduce the start current applied to the
motor during start as a means of reducing the disturbances and interference on
the electrical supply.
Traditionally in many supply regions, there has been a requirement to fit a
reduced voltage starter on all motors greater than 5HP (4KW). The Star/Delta (or
Wye/Delta) starter is one of the lowest cost electromechanical reduced voltage
starters that can be applied.
The Star/Delta starter is manufactured from three contactors, a timer and a
thermal overload. The contactors are smaller than the single contactor used in a
Direct on Line starter as they are controlling winding currents only. The currents
through the winding are 1/root 3 (58%) of the current in the line.

There are two contactors that are close during run, often referred to as the main
contractor and the delta contactor. These are AC3 rated at 58% of the current
rating of the motor. The third contactor is the star contactor and that only carries
star current while the motor is connected in star.

The current in star is one third of the current in delta, so this contactor can be
AC3 rated at one third (33%) of the motor rating.

Star-delta Starter Consists following units

1. Contactors (Main, star and delta contactors) 3 No’s (For Open State Starter)
or 4 No’s (Close Transient Starter).
2. Time relay (pull-in delayed) 1 No.
3. Three-pole thermal overcurrent release 1 No.
4. Fuse elements or automatic cut-outs for the main circuit 3 Nos.
5. Fuse element or automatic cut-out for the control circuit 1No.

Power Circuit of Star Delta Starter

The main circuit breaker serves as the main power supply switch that supplies
electricity to the power circuit.

The main contactor connects the reference source voltage R, Y, B to the primary
terminal of the motor U1, V1, W1.

In operation, the Main Contactor (KM3) and the Star Contactor (KM1) are closed
initially, and then after a period of time, the star contactor is opened, and then the
delta contactor (KM2) is closed. The control of the contactors is by the timer
(K1T) built into the starter. The Star and Delta are electrically interlocked and
preferably mechanically interlocked as well.
Power circuit of Star-Delta starter

In effect, there are four states:

The star contactor serves to initially short the secondary terminal of the motor U2,
V2, W2 for the start sequence during the initial run of the motor from standstill.
This provides one third of DOL current to the motor, thus reducing the high inrush
current inherent with large capacity motors at startup.

Controlling the interchanging star connection and delta connection of an AC

induction motor is achieved by means of a star delta or wye delta control circuit.
The control circuit consists of push button switches, auxiliary contacts and a
timer.
When the switch S is in the START position, the stator windings are connected in the star as shown
below.
 When the motor picks up the speed, about 80
percent of its rated speed, the switch S is immediately put into the RUN position. As a result, a stator
winding which was in star connection is changed into DELTA connection now. The delta connection
of the stator winding in shown in the figure below.

Firstly, the stator winding is connected in star and

then in Delta so that the starting line current of the motor is reduced to one-third as compared to the
starting current with the windings connected in delta. At the starting of an induction motor when the
windings of the stator are star connected, each stator phase gets a voltage VL/√3. Here VL is the line
voltage.

Since the developed torque is proportional to the square of the voltage applied to an induction motor.
Star delta starter reduces the starting torque to one-third that is obtained by direct delta starting.

Theory of Star Delta Starter Method of Starting of Induction

Motor
At the starting of the induction motor, stator windings are connected in star and, therefore, the voltage
across each phase winding is equal to 1/√3 times the line voltage.
Let,

 VL is the line voltage

 Istyp is the starting current per phase with the stator windings connected in star.
 Istyl is the starting line current with the stator winding in the star

For star connection, the line current is equal to the phase current

Therefore,

If,

 V1 is the phase voltage

 VL is the line voltage
 IstΔp is the starting current per phase by direct switching with the stator windings connected in delta.
 IstΔl is the starting line current by direct switching with the stator windings in the delta.
 IscΔp is the short circuit phase current by direct switching with the stator windings in the delta.
 Ze10 is the standstill equivalent impedance per phase of the motor, referred to the stator

For Delta connection, the line current is equal to the root three times of the phase current.

Therefore,
 Thus,
with star delta starter, the starting current from the main supply is one-third of that with direct
switching in the delta.

Also,

Hence, with star delta starting, the starting torque is reduced to one-third of the starting torque obtained
with the direct switching in the delta.

Where,

IflΔp is the full load phase current with the winding in the Delta

But,
 He
nce, the equation (4) shown above gives the starting torque of an induction motor in the star delta
starting method.