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The correct sizing of current transformers is required to ensure satisfactory operation of measuring instruments and protection relays. Several methods exist to size current transformers. This note will look at several methods, with particular attention being paid to protection class CTs sized in IEC 60044, which is adopted internationally.
Example of a CT specification: - a very common specification for a protection class CT would be an accuracy class 5P (1%), with rated accuracy limiting factors of 10 or 20. Typical burdens would be 5, 10, 15 or 20 VA. A typical specification would be 5P10 15 VA.
The factor Kssc is relatively easy to understand and relates to the liner portion of a CT characteristic. The voltage and current across a CT are linear only up till a certain value (normally specified as a multiple of the nominal rating), after which the CT will saturate and the curve will level off. A CT rated at say 5P20 will stay linear to approximately 20 times its nominal current. This linear limit is the Kssc (i.e. Kssc = 20). As a reminder, the 5 [in the 5P20] would be the CT accuracy class and the P signifies a protection class CT. Slightly more complicated is the effective factor, Kscc. This is a calculated value which takes into account the burden (resistance) of the relay, resistance of the CT windings and resistance of the leads:
Rct - secondary winding d.c. resistance at specified temperature Rb - rated resistive burden of the relay Rb - Rleads + Rrelay; this is thel connected burden
CTs need to be able to supply the required current to drive the relays during transient fault conditions. The ability of the CT and relay to operate under these conditions is a function of K scc and the transient performance of the relay, Ktd. The factor, Ktd is supplied by the relay manufacturer. Correct functioning is achieved by ensuring the following is valid:
Issc max - maximum symmetrical short-circuit current Ipn - CT rated primary current That it. Once you have confirmed the above is ok, you know your CT is ok.
Connection Leads
In the sizing of protection transformers, the resistance (burden) of the connection leads can have a considerable effect. In calculations, the resistance of the connection leads can be estimated from:
where: l is the connection lead length in m is the resistivity in mm2 m-1 (=0.0179 for copper) A is the cross sectional area in mm2
ANSI/IEEE C57.13
The IEEE standard C57.13 covers the requirements for CT sizing in the North American markets. Class C of the standard defines CTs by their secondary terminal voltage at 20 times nominal current (for which the ratio error shall not exceed 10%). Standard classes are C100, C200, C400 and C800 for 5 A nominal secondary current. This terminal voltage can be calculated from the IEC data as follows:
with
and