An algorithm for compensating secondary currents of current transformers

Abstract

Current transformer (CT) saturation may cause power system relays to malfunction. The conventional method used to deal with the problem is overdimensioning of the transformer core so that CTs can carry up to 20 times the rated current without exceeding 10% ratio correction. However, this not only reduces the sensitivity of power system relays, but also increases the CT core size. This paper presents a technique of estimating the secondary current corresponding to the CT ratio under CT saturation. The proposed algorithm can improve the sensitivity of relays to low level internal faults, minimize the instability of relays for external faults, and might ultimately assist in reducing the dimension of the required CT core cross-section.