VECTOR GROUP CONNECTIONS OF TRANSFORMERS

What are the factors upon which a transformer vector group depends? While designing an electrical system how does one make a decision on what vector group should be chosen for a transformer? Vector Groups are the IEC method of categorizing the primary and secondary winding configurations of 3-phase transformers. Windings can be connected as delta, star (wye), or interconnected-star (zig-zag). Winding polarity is also important, since reversing the connections across a set of windings affects the phase-shift between primary and secondary. Vector groups identify the winding connections and polarities of the primary and secondary. From a vector group one can determine the phase-shift between primary and secondary. The first criterion to consider in choosing a vector group for a distribution transformer for a facility is to know whether a delta-star or star-star is required. Utilities often prefer star-star transformers, but these require 4-wire input feeders and 4-wire output feeders (i.e. incoming and outgoing neutral conductors). For distribution transformers within a facility, often delta-star are chosen because these transformers do not require 4-wire input; a 3-wire primary feeder circuit suffices to supply a 4-wire secondary circuit. That's because any zero sequence current required by the secondary to supply earth faults or unbalanced loads is supplied by the delta primary winding, and is not required from the upstream power source. The method of earthing on the secondary is independent of the primary for delta-star transformers. The second criterion to consider is what phase-shift you want between primary and secondary. For example, Dy11 and Dy5 transformers are both delta-star. If the phase-shift is not considered, then either transformer will do the job. Phase-shift is important when paralleling sources - where the phase-shifts of the sources are to be identical. While paralleling transformers, it is required to have the same the same vector group. If a transformer is to be replaced, the new transformer should also belong to the same vector group, otherwise the existing VTs and CTs used for protection and metering will not work properly. Using a Dyn1 instead of Dyn11 does not have any specific advantage. The only difference being -300 phase shift instead of +300 phase shift.

COMMENTS ON SELECTION OF POWER TRANSFORMERS (Dy11 Vs Yy0) Delta / star (Dyn11) : Advantages: 1. Third harmonic voltages are eliminated since the third harmonic current is circulated in the primary delta. 2. The secondary neutral may be earthed or it can be utilized for a four-wire supply. Disadvantages: 1. No neutral is available on the primary side for earthing.

This is not necessarily a disadvantage, as the system on the primary side of the transformer is usually earthed. Star / star (Ynyn0) : Advantages: 1. Due to relatively large conductors the inter turns electrostatic capacitance is high and hence the magnitude of stress due to transient voltage on the windings is reduced. 2. Insulation stresses are a minimum since the average voltage to earth is 1/(2 3) of the line voltage. 3. Third harmonic voltages are only a small percentage of the fundamental. 4. Cost is low compared to a Dy transformer. Problems associated with the use of Yy connected power transformers : 1. Operation of EF relays on magnetizing inrush: As the neutral of the EHV star winding is solidly earthed , the magnetizing inrush current in the three phases does not add up vectorially to zero, as a result of which a residual charging inrush flows into the ground through the EHV- neutral and back to the source neutral. This magnetizing in rush operates the instantaneous EF relays (50N). Hence it is essential to adopt a REF protection for EHV winding. 2. Nuisance tripping due to stray fault currents: The EHV neutral of the Yy power transformers of the consumer is solidly earthed as also the source neutral at the EB end. At the EB substation all the system neutrals (11,33,66,110 and others) are interconnected to a buried grounding grid within the premises of the out door switchyard. Hence the earth fault current of any adjacent feeder can return via consumers EHV neutral and 3 phase conductors of the feeder, back to the EB neutral. A stray fault current of If, enters the EHV neutral divides into three flowing through each phase of transformer (If/3) and line back to the source neutral at the EB substation. This stray current in each phase (If/3) is a zero sequence quantity and it is summed up as If in the residual circuit. Hence the residually connected EF relays associated with the transformer trips. This can be solved by providing directional earth fault relay instead of nondirectional earth fault relays. Though Dy transformer is preferred, Yy transformer is acceptable, provided the earth fault protection is designed properly.