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Differential Protection of Transformer (Merz-Price Scheme)

Infographic of Merz-Price differential protection scheme showing CTs on transformer primary and secondary sides, fault detection via digital relay, and schematic overlay in substation.
Merz-Price Differential Protection: CTs monitor current on both sides of the transformer. Any imbalance activates the digital relay, isolating faults and protecting substation equipment.

Transformers are critical in power systems, and any internal fault inside them can cause severe damage, long outages, and safety risks. One of the most reliable methods to protect transformers from such internal faults is the Differential Protection Scheme, also known as the Merz-Price Protection.

This article explains the principle, construction, working, advantages, limitations, and applications of differential protection in transformers.

What is Differential Protection?

Differential Protection is a protective scheme that compares the current entering a transformer with the current leaving it.

Under normal conditions:
Current entering the primary winding = Current leaving the secondary winding (after CT ratio adjustment).

Under fault conditions (like internal short circuits):
A difference (or “differential current”) is detected. This activates the relay which trips the circuit breaker, isolating the transformer.

👉 In simple terms: If input ≠ output → fault inside transformer.

Principle of Differential Protection

The working is based on Kirchhoff’s Current Law (KCL):
Sum of incoming currents = Sum of outgoing currents.

CTs (Current Transformers) are placed on both primary and secondary sides of the transformer. Their secondary windings are connected to a differential relay. If the difference between incoming and outgoing current exceeds a set limit → relay operates.

Equation:
Idiff = | I1 - I2 |

If → Transformer is healthy.
If → Fault detected, relay trips.

Construction of Differential Protection Scheme

  • Current Transformers (CTs): Installed on both primary and secondary sides. Used to measure current and scale it to a comparable level.
  • Relay (Differential Relay): Connected across the CTs. Senses difference between primary and secondary currents.
  • Circuit Breaker: Trips to isolate transformer when relay detects a fault.
  • Operating & Restraining Coils: Modern relays use both to avoid mal-operation due to external faults or CT saturation.

Working of Merz-Price Differential Protection

1. Normal Condition (No Fault)

Current entering = Current leaving (after CT adjustment). No differential current flows through relay coil. Relay remains inactive → Transformer continues operation.

2. External Fault (Outside Transformer)

Fault outside still produces large current. But primary and secondary CTs measure equal current. Differential current = 0 → Relay does not operate.

3. Internal Fault (Inside Transformer)

Example: winding short-circuit, insulation breakdown. Current entering ≠ Current leaving. Differential current flows → Relay operates → Circuit breaker trips.

Advantages of Differential Protection

  • High sensitivity → Detects even small internal faults.
  • Fast operation → Clears fault quickly, minimizing damage.
  • Selective → Operates only for internal transformer faults, not for external faults.
  • Reliable → Widely used in HV/EHV transformers.

Limitations of Differential Protection

  • Expensive compared to simple overcurrent relays.
  • Requires matching CTs for accurate operation.
  • May cause false tripping during inrush current (magnetizing inrush at transformer energization).
  • CT saturation during external faults can affect reliability.
  • Not economical for small distribution transformers.

How Inrush Current is Handled

When a transformer is energized, a large magnetizing inrush current flows, which may appear as an internal fault. To avoid false tripping:
Harmonic Restraint Relays are used. They block relay operation if the current contains high harmonic content (typical of inrush current).

Applications of Differential Protection

  • Used for power transformers above 5 MVA.
  • Widely applied in generating stations, substations, and EHV networks.
  • Suitable for internal winding fault protection.
  • Provides fast and reliable isolation of faulty transformers.

Difference Between Differential Protection & Overcurrent Protection

Feature Differential Protection Overcurrent Protection
Fault Detected Internal faults only Both internal & external faults
Speed Very fast Comparatively slower
Sensitivity High Moderate
Application Power & large transformers Small distribution transformers

Conclusion

The Differential Protection (Merz-Price Scheme) is one of the most important protection methods for transformers. By continuously comparing incoming and outgoing currents, it ensures that any internal fault is detected instantly. Despite being costlier and requiring CT accuracy, it remains the most reliable and widely used scheme for protecting power transformers in modern electrical systems.


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