NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,

ROURKELA

Report on Instrument Transformer

Session: 2023-24

Prepared By:
Kamalesh Nayak (121EE0342)
Sibashankar Pradhan (121EE0351)
Dinesh kumar Sahu (121EE0553)
Ashis kumar Sethy (121EE0576)
 Instrument Transformers
Instrument transformers are devices used in electrical AC systems to step down current or
voltage levels to a magnitude suitable for measurement electrical quantities such as voltage,
current, power, energy, power factor, and frequency.

They serve two primary purposes:

1. Measurement:

Such transformers steps down high voltage or current levels, enabling instruments or
monitoring devices to provide precise readings of electrical quantities. This is crucial for
monitoring power flow, load characteristics, and system performance in power generation,
transmission, and distribution systems.

2. Protection:

They step down the voltage or current, and provide input signals to protective relays, which
can detect abnormal conditions. When these conditions are detected, protective relays can
trigger circuit breakers to isolate faulty sections of the system, thereby preventing damage to
equipment and ensuring the safety and reliability of the power grid.

Fig.1 Types of Instrument Transformer Fig 2. Circuit Diagram of Instrument Transformers

There are two types of Instrument transformers:

➢ Voltage Transformer:
A voltage transformer (VT), also commonly referred to as a potential transformer (PT),
is a specialized type of instrument transformer used in electrical power systems. Its
primary function is to step down high voltage levels to lower, more manageable
levels suitable for measurement or control purposes.
➢ Current Transformer:
A current transformer (CT) is a type of instrument transformer used in electrical
power systems to measure alternating current (AC) and to provide a scaled-down
representation of high current levels for measurement or control purposes.

Such instrument transformer works on the fundamental principle of electromagnetic

induction.
These transformers have several applications which includes metering, protection relaying,
power quality monitoring, control systems, industrial automation and process control,
renewable energy systems etc.

Difference between instrument transformer and normal transformer:

➢ Normal transformers are used to either step up or step-down voltage levels based on
the turn’s ratio of the transformer, whereas instrument transformer step down high
voltages and currents to levels that can be safely and accurately measured by
instruments.
➢ The main purpose of normal transformer is to transfer electrical energy from one
circuit to another while maintaining the frequency. On the other hand, they are
specifically designed for measurement and protection purposes in electrical power
systems.
➢ Normal transformers are typically designed for continuous power transfer and may
have multiple winding taps for voltage regulation purposes and are often larger in
size. Whereas Instrument transformers are designed for accuracy, linearity, and
insulation performance. They are often smaller in size compared to normal
transformers.
➢ Normal transformers are commonly designed for specific frequency ranges, such as
50 Hz or 60 Hz, corresponding to standard power system frequencies. On the other
hand, Instrument transformers are designed to operate over a wider frequency range.

Instrument transformers, whether current transformers (CTs) or voltage transformers (VTs),

consist of several essential parts such as,

I. Core: It is a magnetic component made of high-permeability materials such as

silicon steel or amorphous metal. It provides a path for the flow of magnetic flux from
primary winding and secondary windings.
II. Primary Winding: The
primary winding carries the
high voltage or current that
needs to be measured or
transformed.
III. Secondary Winding: The
secondary winding provides
the scaled-down output signal
proportional to the primary
input.
IV. Enclosure: The enclosure
provides mechanical
protection and insulation for
the internal components of the
transformer. Fig 3. Structure Of Instrument Transformer
V. Terminals: Terminals are connection points on the transformer used for external
wiring and connections.
 VI. Insulation: Insulation materials are used to electrically isolate the windings from each
other and from the transformer core.
VII. Mounting Hardware: Mounting hardware such as brackets, clamps, or mounting
flanges may be provided to secure the transformer to a mounting surface.

Current Transformers:

Introduction:

A current transformer (CT) is a vital component in

electrical engineering and power systems. It's used to
measure alternating current (AC) and transform it into a
proportional current that can be safely monitored and
measured by instruments or protective relays. A typical
CT consists of a primary winding, a core, and a secondary
winding. The primary winding is connected in series with
the circuit carrying the current to be measured, while the
secondary winding is connected to instruments or
devices that measure or monitor the current.

Fig 4. Current Transformer

Working Principle:

Current transformers (CTs) are essential components in electrical systems, functioning on the
principle of electromagnetic induction. When alternating current (AC) flows through the
primary winding of a CT, it generates a changing magnetic field around the winding.
According to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, this changing magnetic field
induces a voltage in the secondary winding of the CT. The magnitude of this induced voltage
is directly proportional to the rate of change of the magnetic flux linking the secondary
winding. Consequently, a current is induced in the secondary winding, which is proportional
to the primary current flowing through the primary winding.

The secondary current output from the CT is connected to measuring instruments or

protective relays. These instruments are calibrated to interpret the secondary current and
display it as the actual current flowing through the primary conductor. The magnitude of the
secondary current is typically scaled down by the turns ratio of the CT to represent the
primary current accurately.

Types:

There are various types of CTs designed for specific applications, such as wound CTs, toroidal
CTs, and bar-type CTs. Each type has its advantages and is chosen based on factors like the
magnitude of current to be measured, space constraints, and accuracy requirements.
 Fig. 5 Types of Current Transformer

Application:
1. Metering: CTs are used to measure the current flowing through power lines and
transform it into a proportional current that can be accurately measured by electrical
meters.
2. Protection Relays: They are used to provide input signals to protective relays, which
monitor current levels and trip circuit breakers or other protective devices in the
event of abnormal operating conditions.
3. Fault Diagnosis and Analysis: By monitoring current levels and identifying
abnormalities, CTs help technicians pinpoint the location and nature of faults,
facilitating timely repairs and minimizing downtime.
4. Renewable Energy Systems: CTs are utilized in renewable energy systems such as
solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power installations. They help measure the output
current from renewable energy sources and facilitate integration into the electrical
grid.
CTs are designed to have high accuracy under normal operating conditions. The accuracy of
a CT is typically specified as a percentage of the rated primary current, such as 1%, 0.5%, etc.

Voltage Transformer:

Introduction:

Voltage transformers (VTs), also known as potential transformers (PTs), are crucial
components in electrical systems used for measuring, monitoring, protection, and control
purposes. The design of a potential transformer (PT) involves utilizing a high-permeability
magnetic core, typically made of materials like silicon steel or nickel-iron alloy, configured to
efficiently concentrate magnetic flux.
Primary and secondary windings, insulated to prevent
electrical arcing, determine the transformation ratio. The PT
is enclosed in a protective housing, providing insulation
and mounting provisions, while a nameplate displays
essential details such as rated voltage, transformation ratio,
and manufacturer information. Safety features like
overvoltage and short-circuit protection are integrated to
ensure safe operation. Fig. 6 Voltage Transformer
 Overall, PT design prioritizes accuracy, reliability, and safety in voltage measurement
applications.

Working:
The working principle of a potential transformer (PT) relies on electromagnetic induction to
accurately step-down high voltages to lower, measurable levels. When a high voltage is
applied to the primary winding of the PT, it creates a magnetic field around the winding. This
magnetic field induces a proportional voltage in the secondary winding through Faraday's
law of electromagnetic induction.
The transformation ratio, determined by the ratio of primary to secondary windings, ensures
that the output voltage is scaled down accurately. The secondary voltage output is then
connected to measuring instruments, meters, or protective relays, providing a safe and
precise representation of the primary voltage.

Types:
There are several types of voltage transformers like Capacitive voltage transformers,
Inductive voltage transformers, electromagnetic voltage transformer, oil immersed voltage
transformer etc.

Fig 7. Inductive voltage transformers Fig. 8 Capacitive voltage transformers

Application:
1. Testing and Calibration: PTs are used in testing and calibration procedures for
electrical equipment and instruments. They provide accurate reference voltages for
calibrating voltage measuring devices, ensuring their proper functioning and
reliability.
2. Voltage Conversion: In some cases, PTs are used for voltage conversion purposes,
where a specific voltage level needs to be stepped down or stepped up to match the
requirements of connected equipment or devices.
3. Instrumentation and Measurement: They provide accurate voltage signals for
instrumentation purposes, such as oscilloscopes, data acquisition systems, and
laboratory equipment, enabling detailed analysis and characterization of electrical
signals.
4. Metering: PTs are widely used for voltage measurement in conjunction with electrical
meters. They step down high voltage levels to safer and more manageable levels that
can be accurately measured by meters.
Voltage transformers are designed to provide accurate voltage transformation within
specified accuracy limits. The accuracy of a voltage transformer is typically expressed as a
percentage of the rated voltage and is influenced by factors such as load, frequency, and
temperature.

Testing and calibration procedures:

Testing and calibration procedures are essential for ensuring instrument transformers'
accuracy and reliability. There are different types of tests that verify various aspects of
transformer performance such as the ratio test confirms turns ratio accuracy, while the
polarity test ensures correct phase relationships. Insulation resistance testing assesses
winding integrity, while saturation tests determine maximum current capacity etc. These
procedures are vital for transformer performance and functionality.

Common maintenance practices:

Routine maintenance is crucial for early issue detection and prevention in instrument
transformers. Practices include:

• regular visual inspections for damage, corrosion, and overheating.

• Keeping the area clean prevents dust buildup and ensures proper ventilation.
• Lubricating moving parts reduces friction and extends component life.
• Periodically tightening electrical connections prevents arcing.
• Thermal scanning detects abnormal temperature variations.

Advantages:

Instrument transformers offer several advantages in power systems, including:

• Accuracy: Provides precise measurements of voltage and current for monitoring and
control purposes.
• Safety: Isolates measurement and protection circuits from high voltage and current
levels, ensuring operator safety.
• Space-saving: Reduces the size and complexity of metering and protection
equipment.
• Compatibility: Compatible with a wide range of instruments and control devices,
enhancing system flexibility.

Disadvantages:

Despite their benefits, instrument transformers have some limitations:

• Cost: Initial investment and maintenance costs can be relatively high.
• Sensitivity to external factors: Susceptible to environmental conditions,
electromagnetic interference, and mechanical stress, affecting accuracy and reliability.
• Calibration requirements: Regular calibration is necessary to maintain accuracy, which
can be time-consuming and costly.
• Limited bandwidth: May have limited frequency response, affecting performance in
high-frequency applications.
Conclusion:
Instrument transformers play a pivotal role in ensuring precise measurement and protection
within electrical systems. By reducing high currents and voltages to manageable levels for
control devices, they are essential components for system functionality. These transformers
fulfil distinct functions in measurement and protection tasks. Although offering substantial
benefits, they are encumbered by limitations including cost and size constraints. In
summation, instrument transformers stand as indispensable assets for the secure and
effective operation of power systems on a global scale.

Reference:
❖ https://www.elprocus.com/
❖ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instrument_transformer
❖ https://www.electrical4u.com/instrument-transformers/