NTPC SIMHADRI

ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

Unit-3 Generator trip on inter turn fault on 01.03.2018

Time of tripping: 16:19:52 Hrs on 01.03..2018

Cause of tripping: detection of generator inter turn fault in Y-phase

Relays operated: Inter turn trip protection in main-1 protection relay REG-670

Analysis of disturbance recorder: VT-1 voltage input to REG-670 at the time of tripping :
12.27/11.55/12.23 KV where as VT-3 input voltages to the relay were 12.28/12.25/12.23kv indicating
problem in VT-1 circuits(primary or secondary). Inter turn protection was derived from VT-1 and the
difference that appeared in R/Y/B has resulted in operation of the protection. After tripping residual
voltages were measured at GRP panel RN-253mv YN-231mv BN-254mv confirming problem in the VT-
1Y Phase.

Action by EMD:

Immediately clearance was given to operation for turbine rolling and the checking was done in the

VT-1 Circuits

1. VT-1 was inspected at HV sprouts and ratio Test and magnetizing currents test of VT was
carried out and found OK.

2. All Terminal connections at 8.5m VT cubicles and GRP checked.

3. All cables in the associated VT-1 circuit were meggered.

4. Voltage injection(110V ph-ph) was done from VT-1 secondary near VT JB and voltages were
measured at all relay/measuring points and found OK.

5. During voltage injection, currents were measured at all relays/measuring points and found to
be 1.5mA in R&B Phases and 9mA in Yphase . On further inspection it was observed that
Yphase input to DR(HATHAWAY MAKE) was taking approx 8mA and the same was
disconnected and again currents were measured and found to be same in all the
phases(approx 1.5mA).

6. The following works were carried out in addition to the above as a precautionary measure to
avoid recurrence of the tripping.

a. VT-1 Y phase was replaced with new VT after testing.

b. Load transducer 1 was replaced by C&I ( which is in VT-1 circuit)

 c. Open delta module for DR was disconnected.

d. VT-1 Output MCB replaced

e. VT secondary Phase lead from IJB to Main JB replaced

7.Machine was excited in manual mode and voltages were measured at 5KV,10KV and 21 KV and all
readings were found normal.

8.At 21KV generator voltage, dead machine protection operated at 03.05.28 HRS on 02/03/2018 as
external tracking took place in insulator B phase - 422 main breaker pole which is kept isolated.

9. Due to heavy mist conditions prevailing, tie bay was completely cleaned , clearance was given to
operation for synchronization through tie breaker (421).

10.At machine rated voltage, the R/Y/B voltages were measured as : 12.23/12.19/12.25 KV

Unit was synchronized at 06.14. on 02.03.2018.

Conclusion: From the above it is concluded that occasionally the sudden loading of VT due to one of
the connected component misbehavior causing voltage to drop upto the tripping value of Inter turn
protection.