1
Multi-Transformer Paralleling Control using
Ethernet Communications
Cesar Guerriero and Farel Becker
Siemens Infrastructure and Cities
Raleigh, NC
Abstract Multiple transformers are typically applied in
parallel in order to improve reliability and efficiency. Precise
control of the tap position of all the parallel transformers is
required in order to prevent circulating currents from
damaging the transformers and reducing efficiency.
This paper describes the implementation of a control
system, using different manufacturers devices, to optimize
transformer tap positions. An IEC 61850 Ethernet network
is used to exchange digital and analog values in a Master
Follower control scheme. Peer-to-peer control commands
are executed in 4-6 ms over the network using monitored
communications for high reliability. Distributed processing
provides for flexible control algorithms as well as fail-safe
operation in case of network problems. Wiring and control
changes are simplified for reduced up-front and long-term
costs.
Test results and operational experiences are provided to
demonstrate system performance. System design
considerations and requirements are given to help engineers
evaluate suitability for new and existing applications.
I. INTRODUCTION [1] [2]
T he control and supervision of parallel operation of power
distribution transformers equipped with load tap changers
relies on external devices, such as auxiliary relays for
electro-mechanical logic and selector switches for mode
selection. Additionally, most utilities (e.g. Consolidated
Edison of New York) use the control center for parallel
transformer control and supervision, making this type of
control dependent upon the communication link between
substation and control center. With the advantage of devices
capable of IEC 61850 analog GOOSE messaging, protecting
the transformers as well as the control of parallel transformers
can be done at the process level while using distributed logic.
This approach reduces the amount of hardware required,
makes it independent from upper level systems and gives the
transformer paralleling system greater reliability.
Thaichong Li and Srikanth Mangayyagari
Beckwith Electric
Largo, Florida
II. CONCEPTS OF IEC 61850 [3] [5] [6]
According to the IEC 61850 standard, the network LAN of
a substation is divided into two parts. The first domain is the
process bus, which is constituted by the interface between the
process equipment at the instrument transformer level, such as
breakers, disconnect switches, and intelligent protection
device (IED) protective relays. The second domain is the
station bus, which comprises the interface between the
protection relays and the supervision equipment, including
HMI and SCADA. GOOSE (Generic Object Oriented
Substation Event) messages, as defined in the IEC61850
standard, have been more often implemented in the protection
and automation portion of electric systems. They are often
used to replace the conventional hardwires for intra-relay
interlocking and trips. In this application, GOOSE messages
communicate horizontally and travel peer to peer between IEC
61850 IEDs or servers. At this level, they pass commands and
status data among protection relays (IEDs) which are
associated with breakers and disconnect switches. These IEDs
then execute the control and protection algorithms.
GOOSE messages are digital or analog point values with
no Boolean logic or floating point, therefore GOOSE does not
carry the phasor data and is different from Sample Values
(SV). These types of messages are horizontal and go in
process bus between IEC 61850 servers. GOOSE and SV
messages are fast, reliable and secure.
When a GOOSE message is generated by IED (IEC 61850
server), it uses a layer 2 (Figure 1.) multi-cast transmission to
send the event on the network. The receiving devices, known
as a subscriber, subscribe to the multicast address of the
message to be able to quickly filter the information and
execute the needed task(s). The performance requirements for
a GOOSE message are defined by the standard depending on
the application. For protection systems no more than 4 ms is
allowed to elapse from the time an event occurs to the time the
message is received.
 2

message sent. In the case of a change of state (going from

Figure 1. Full 7 Layer ISO/OSI Model Stack
GOOSE message validity and delivery Under normal
conditions, all GOOSE messages are cyclically retransmitted
heartbeat with a predefined time called T0 or Tmax (Figure
2). The normal range for T0 is 5-100 ms. When a substation
event occurs (i.e. circuit breaker trip signal) the transmission
rate of the new GOOSE messages increases to statistically
assure that the message is delivered. This rapid fire mode
called T1 or Tmin has a range of .5 to 5 ms. After the first rapid
fire retransmission of the GOOSE message, each successive
message time doubles until again reaching T0. For example, if
T0 is set at a cyclical rate of 10 ms and T1 is set at a
spontaneous rate of 1 ms, the following GOOSE message
sequence would be expected:
cyclic to spontaneous transmission) the sequence number is
set back to zero. If the receiver detects a gap in the sequence
number, it immediately knows that there were missing
packages in between the numbers. The manufacturers
configuration software allows annunciation of an alarm
message if this occurs. The manufacturers IED IEC 61850
profiles will display if this kind of control is supported.
The final mechanism for tracking the validity of GOOSE
message frames detects if the time between messages has
become extended beyond a safe transmission period. On the
receiving side, if a non-sequential message character is
received, the GOOSE message Receiver or Subscriber will
wait a predefined time before it invalidates the signal. This
waiting time is longer than a predefined time called Time
Allowed to Live or TTAL, which is commonly defined as 1.5
times Tmax. If the TTAL is exceeded, the receiver will treat the
message as suspect and therefore invalidate it. Once the
message is invalidated, all subscribers on the network will
receive updated information on the message status every Tmax
time. The receiver will revalidate the message again after the
next repetition after TTAL if and when it becomes valid. In
combination, these three message validity mechanisms
mathematically ensure delivery of the message even if there
are temporary problems in the network.

GOOSE
GOOSE Elapsed Breaker GOOSE Sequence
Message Time at Status Status # #
1 0ms Closed 100 1000
2 10ms Closed 100 1001
3 20ms Closed 100 1002
4 22ms tripped 101 1
5 23ms tripped 101 2
6 25ms tripped 101 3
7 29ms tripped 101 4
8 37ms tripped 101 5
9 47ms tripped 101 6

Table 1. GOOSE Mechanism

Refer to Figure 2. for graphical representation Figure 2. GOOSE Mechanism

In this example, from the time the trip signal was initiated,
four (4) rapid fire GOOSE message transmissions would have
been broadcast to the subscribing IEDs in just 7 ms. This
would statistically assure that the message was received in
time to cause the IED to trip.
The IEC 61850 defines the mechanisms for tracking the
GOOSE message frame exchange among the IED(s) in the
network. The first mechanism is the tracking of message
status. In this validation process, the GOOSE message has a
status number embedded in the frame header. At the moment
when the status changes (e.g. circuit breaker goes from closed
to tripped), the GOOSE message status value increases by
one.
A second mechanism for tracking GOOSE message frame
exchange is to detect missing packages. Also embedded in
each message frame is a sequence number. Each GOOSE
message includes a number which increases with every
The IEC 61850 architecture, in the case of status changes,
guarantees speed, and avoids the speed degradations of layer 3
which is used for normal Ethernet LAN traffic. The health of
the GOOSE messages is monitored closely to assure on-time
delivery.
III. Control of Parallel Transformers Philosophy
Control of Parallel Transformers Philosophy
To share the load in the bus bar in a substation, it is
necessary to parallel the power transformers by controlling
two or more power transformers connected to the same busbar
on the low voltage, and in most cases also on the high voltage
side.
Keeping the parallel transformers at same tap setting is
needed to avoid or minimize the current that circulates
between them.

The control and supervision of a parallel transformer in this
application is based on the Master-Follower method, in which
one of the transformers is chosen as the master, and the
remaining units are followers.
The master transformer also initiates control simultaneously
in the follower transformers, thus assuring the same tap
position in all transformers, and avoiding current circulating
among the transformer windings which are operating in
parallel. During normal operation, if there is a discrepancy
between tap settings of transformers in parallel or the
occurrence of any other error (e.g. IED switched off,
communication problem), the operation of tap changers is
blocked.
It is possible to use GOOSE messages to exchange
information and commands between the parallel transformers,
making the master transformer aware of the status of the other
transformers.
IV. CURRENT APPLICATION
All parallel transformers in the substation are kept in
Manual Mode and Remote during normal operation. In this
way, the control center controls the tap changer remotely.
Therefore it is necessary for the control center to either
execute an algorithm or utilize human intervention to control
the tap changers. This concept is completely dependent upon
communication between the control center and
substation/transformers.
Some utilities (i.e. Con Edison of New York) have
developed an emergency scheme in the event of a
communication failure between control center and substation.
This scheme is manual with an operator present at the
substation. In other applications, an electro-mechanical
scheme is implemented where hardwired logic will take over
with the substation keeping the transformers in parallel.
Therefore, current application depends on external
communication, human intervention and/or electromechanical
logic to control the parallel transformers.
V. CONTROL OF PARALLEL TRANSFORMERS USING GOOSE
[7] [8]
The parallel control of power transformers equipped with a
tap changer capable of implementing GOOSE messages
between the protection relays is installed in the substation.
GOOSE messages can be exchanged between these devices in
order to report the value of the tap position, voltage regulator
control mode and other information useful for this application.
Taking advantage of the protection devices with GOOSE
capability, the control of parallel transformers is implemented
without electro-mechanical logic, as well as independent of
the control center communication or algorithm. The result
parallels control of transformers at the process level by
distributing the logic in the protection relays.
Once the Master tap changer controller is up and running in
Master Mode (power up or after any change in M/F mode), it
scans for any existing Masters on the paralleling network for
3
32 seconds. If another Master is detected, it changes itself into
a Follower. If no Master is detected, it starts automatic
regulation. Then the Master publishes its tap position and
breaker statuses (line and tie breakers), and all the followers
subscribed to the Masters message follow the Masters tap
position by raising or lowering their tap position as required.
Thus, every tap position change by the Master is
communicated to the Followers which change their tap
position to match the Masters tap position. Then each
Follower will update all the other controls on the network
including the Master with its new tap position and breaker
statuses.
If the Master is disengaged from the paralleling scheme due
to its line breaker being opened, it will then become a
Follower, and the Follower with the next highest paralleling
address becomes the Master. Furthermore, the Master
Follower scheme supports GROUPING whereby an original
single paralleling network shall be divided into a distinct
group of paralleling controls depending on the states of the tie
breakers. Each subsequent group shall have its own Master
control.
Grouping Operation is how the network splits into an
individually controlled subnetwork.
Follower Mode
In the Follower mode, the control shall subscribe to the tap
position GOOSE message of the Master and shall publish its
own tap position. Additionally, all followers subscribe to each
other for information. Whenever the control detects a change
in its tap position, it will update its tap position value through
a new GOOSE message.
If the Follower detects a difference in its own tap position
and the Master tap position, it will initiate a tap operation in
such a direction to make its tap position equal to the Masters
tap position. After the operation has successfully been
executed by the Follower, it will then issue a new tap position
GOOSE message to inform the Master of its new tap position.
For example if the Master tap position is 6 and the follower
tap position is 5, then the Follower shall execute a Raise Tap
operation.
If the Follower detects that the difference between its own
tap position and the Master tap position is greater or equal to
the Tap Difference setting, it shall then execute a tap
operation in the direction to reduce the difference in tap
position. Then the Follower shall stop sending its own
GOOSE message, which will cause the Master to lockout the
paralleling scheme. Additionally, whenever there is a lockout
an alarm is issued.
If the Follower detects that its tiebreaker is opened, it will
automatically become a Master and determine the new
network topology.
The Breaker position is also exchanged between the tap
changer controller and the protection IED. The protection IED
informs the Breaker status to the controllers.
Master Mode
When the control is configured to be a Master, the control will
subscribe to the Followers tap position GOOSE messages and
publish its own tap position GOOSE message. The Master
 4

shall usually be in Auto mode and can also operate in Remote - Usage of GOOSE possibility multi-vendor
and Manual mode. Upon detecting a change in its own tap interoperability
position after a successful tap operation, the Master shall - Faster, reliable and secure
publish an updated tap position GOOSE message. - Simplicity of project/application design and
The control compares its own tap position against the tap implementation.
position of every Follower that is present in the network. The
Master obtains knowledge of the Followers tap position The following data was recorded during the testing of a
through the GOOSE messages published by the Followers. If prototype system set up in the Beckwith Lab. Observations
its own tap position differs from any Followers tap position show the following sequence of operation after a simulated
by being greater than or equal to the Tap Difference setting, lockout conditions and different scenarios, like breaker status
then the Master shall lock out. change.
Optionally, the Master will monitor its own line breaker. If Pictures and Tables below will show the integration between
the line breaker (low side breaker) is open, it changes itself protection devices and TAP change controllers using GOOSE
into a follower after publishing its line breaker status messages.
information for 32 seconds. Optionally, if tie breaker is
opened, the control remains as a master and determines the
new network topology.
As described before, the Breakers status is exchanged
between controller and protection IEDs. The Breakers statuses
are received by GOOSE messages from IEDs to the tap
changer controllers.
The decision by the Master to lock out the paralleling
scheme due to mismatch in tap position shall also depend on
the line breaker status. If the Master detects a tap position
mismatch with a corresponding line breaker OPEN status for a
given Follower, then the Master shall not lock out the
paralleling scheme.
Additionally, the Master can receive a GOOSE from the
protection IED to lock out. In case of applications like an over
current pick up detected by the protection IED, it can send a Figure 3. Master-Follower Method using GOOSE. Breaker position change
GOOSE message to lock out the tap changer in order to information from the Protection Device to the TAP controller device.
protect the tap from being moved in an overcurrent condition. Above a scenario change, transformers were connected in
parallel through the inter-bar (TIE) breaker. When the TIE
VI. CONVENTIONAL PARALLELISM CONTROL VS. CONTROL breaker opens, the TAP change controller devices re-
PARALLELISM USING GOOSE configure the Master-follower to Individual method. The
breaker information comes from the protection device which
Using analog GOOSE for transformer paralleling control is
is connected to the breaker via GOOSE message.
a benefit to customers as it is simple, economical, low
Another possible scenario is a fault condition detected by the
maintenance and reduces equipment cost. As explained
protection device. Depends con the fault condition, for
earlier, the normal operation relies on communication between
instance a pickup timed overcurrent (51) or the overload (49)
the control center and substation. In the event there is a
on the transformer starts increase, the protection device will
communications failure, dedicated device to control and
send GOOSE messages to the TAP change controller to lock
supervised parallel transformers are required.
the TAP out. This will prevent moving the TAP that could
Protection devices are now capable of performing the
bust this fault condition.
control logic and GOOSE messaging to allow the paralleling
of transformers by working with tap changer controllers that
are both IEC 61850 servers and clients. By exchanging
GOOSE messages (analog and digital) between transformer
protection devices, each transformer is aware of the
operation mode and tap position of the others. The tap
changer controller then receives and broadcasts GOOSE
messages to perform the master follower application without
communication from the control center. When this type of
application is implemented at a process level, the control
remains distributed and inside of the substation, independent
of control center level communication.
The parallelism transformer control will show the
following benefits: Figure 4. Master-Follower Method using GOOSE. Lockout signal from the
- Scheme completely independent from other Protection Device in case fault condition.
equipments/systems

Table 1. Parallelism Control using GOOSE application performance for
Lockout Conditions
Depends on the application the lockout signal might vary from
4 to 50ms from the protection device to the TAP change
controller.
Below commutation trace exchanged between protection
device and TAP change controller where the performance was
measured.
Figure 6. Master-Follower Method using GOOSE. Lockout signal
exchanged by Protection Device and TAP change controller.
In the conventional parallelism control the parallelism
algorithm is implemented in Control Center level or manually
controlled by Operators. This way it will depends on the link
between substation and Control Center.
In case of failure, contingency plan such as DMT (Dead Man
Timer) enables the transformer controllers to be in Auto
Mode.
5
Figure 5. Conventional Parallel Control and supervision of Transformers.
Using Control Center and dedicated device as part of the control depends on
Station Level Communication.
Once the TAP change controller exchange GOOSE message
with protection device this algorithm can be fully
implemented at substation level. This way the scheme is
completely independent from other equipments/systems.
The usage of GOOSE possibility multi-vendor interoperability
provides faster, reliable and secure communication between
the devices.
Also simplicity project design and implementation.
Below picture shows the parallelism implemented between
devices at substation.
Figure 8. Master-Follower Method using GOOSE independently from
communication with Control Center as well no need external equipments at
transformer. GOOSE messages are used between protection devices and tap
change controllers.
 6

VII. CONCLUSION

The control and supervision of parallel operation of power

transformers equipped with load tap changer is very important
to avoid the current that circulates between the paralleled
transformers. This can be performed by the differential
protection device using GOOSE messages in IEC61850. The
tap changer controllers have the capability to receive and
broadcast GOOSE messages thus saving equipments, external
systems and keeping the control distributed in a reliable and
cost efficient. Test data has shown that the use of GOOSE
messages can be an enhancement to the performance of this
application.
References

Standards:
[1] IEC 61850-8-1 Communications networks and system in Substations
First Edition 2005.
Reference:
[2] Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org paralleled transformers
[3] J & P Transformer Book - Martin Heathcote
[4] Electrical Machines, Second Edition - Smarajit Ghosh
[5] IEC 61850 - Communication Networks and Systems in Substations: An
Overview of Computer Science, Jianqing Zhangand Carl A.Gunter,
Illinois Security Lab.
[6] RuggedCom: The Communications Backbone for IEC 61850, IEC 61850
Seminar, derived from UCA Users Group Meeting CIGRE 2006
[7] Master/Follower Paralleling Implementation on the M2001-D - Authors
Thai Li and Sri Mangayyagari
[8] Loading Considerations When Paralleling Transformers Edvard EEP