Presentation 10.

1

OMICRON electronics GmbH 2011 Instrument Transformer Measurement Forum
The Impact of the Protective Gap (P1-P2) Degradation in Capacitive
Voltage Transformer (CVT)
Chitapon Jedwanna / Suppachoke Sutthapait, EGAT, Thailand

Abstract
A protective gap (P1-P2), a part of the Capacitive
Voltage Transformer (CVT) in some types, is
important and should be checked periodically.
When protective gap (P1-P2) deteriorated, the
result of its deterioration leads to error of the
secondary output and phase angle error. Other
found effects are that CVT will not be able to
suppress the ferroresonance oscillations
This paper studies the impacts of the deterioration
of protective gap (P1-P2) in some types of CVT on
the secondary output voltage and ability to
suppress ferroresonance by using ATP/EMTP
program and simulating in the high voltage
laboratory.
Introduction
A Capacitive Voltage Transformer (CVT), the main
equipment in the electrical power system, is used
to measure the line or bus voltage for metering and
protection system. Its structure in some types is
equipped with a small component, which is
important for CVT. This component is the
protective gap (P1-P2). This protective gap is a
voltage sensitive device wired in series with a
loading resistor on a secondary winding of the
main series reactor. It has the effect of de-tuning
the CVT and limiting the secondary current
available during overvoltage and external short
circuit conditions. Moreover, the protective gap
(P1-P2) serves to suppress ferroresonance
oscillations. However, due to the fact that CVT
usually operates in the system for a long time, the
protective gap of (P1-P2) CVT will deteriorate due
to its several times of operation. The result of its
deterioration leads to the error of the secondary
output and phase angle error, which have impact
on metering and protection system when it
becomes mal-operated. Also other effects found
are that when the protective gap (P1-P2)
deteriorates, CVT will not be able to suppress the
ferroresonance oscillations. After that this
degradation process may continuously impact on
the main part of CVT such as an intermediate
voltage transformer (IVT) or capacitive elements
and finally may develop into a failure in this part.
Therefore, the study by using ATP/EMTP program
and simulation in a high voltage laboratory is
performed in order to evaluate the effect of
protective gap (P1-P2) degradation on the
secondary output of CVT and the ability to
suppress ferroresonance oscillations. The X2-X3
secondary output of selected CVT with relaying
class is observed and its specification is shown in
Table 1


Fig. 1 shows the schematic diagram of selected CVT
Type


Fig. 2 shows the position of protective gap (P1-P2) of
selected CVT Type

NOMINAL 115 kV SYSTEM 50 Hz
BIL 550 kV MAX. RATED VOLTAGE 70 kV
HV VOLTAGE 69 kV LINE TO GROUND
LOW
VOLTAGE
TERMINALS
VOLTS RATIO
ACCURACY
(ANSI)
VA
(NOM)
X2-X3 69 1000 1.2 RWXYZ 200
Table 1 shows the specification of the secondary output
(X2-X3) of selected CVT

Presentation 10.2

OMICRON electronics GmbH 2011 Instrument Transformer Measurement Forum

Fig. 3 shows the limitation for accuracy class 1.2R for
Capacitive Voltage Transformer for relaying
service per ANSI C.93.1 /IEEE Standard [1]
A study on the effect of the
deterioration of the protective
gap (P1-P2)
A result of the study about the effect of protective
gap (P1-P2) degradation on X2-X3 secondary
output voltages is divided into 2 parts, which is
studied by using ATP/EMTP program and is
simulated in the high voltage laboratory.
1. Study by using ATP/EMTP
program
Case 1.1 A study about the effect of protective
gap (P1-P2) degradation on the X2-X3
secondary output voltage under no-load
condition

Fig. 4 shows the equivalent circuit of CVT used for
studying in case 1.1

For the result of study in this case, it is found that,
once the protective gap (P1-P2) began to
deteriorate and ended up with a short circuit, there
was an effect on secondary output voltage, which
decreased to 69.1 volts and affected the phase
error, +90.76 milliradians leading phase angle,
when comparing to the secondary output voltage
of the normal protective gap (P1-P2). Moreover, it
is found that its accuracy exceeds its accuracy
class. The result of case1.1, studying by using
ATP/EMTP program, is concluded and shown in
Table 2.

Protective
gap (P1-P2)
Secondary
output
voltage
(X2-X3)
Ratio / %
Ratio
Error
Phase
Angle
Out of
Accuracy
Class
Normal
(100% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)
70.7 Volts
990.1
/-0.99%
In-phase
with primary
voltage
No
Deterioration
(50% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)
70.7 Volts
990.1
/-0.99%
In-phase No
Deterioration
(25% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)
70.7 Volts
990.1
/-0.99%
In-phase No
Shorted
(0% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)
69.1 Volts
1013.0
/+1.30%
+ 90.76
milliradians
(+5.2
degrees)
Yes
Note : The primary voltage for case 1 studying of CVTs is 70 kVrms
with phase angle 0 degree
Table 2 shows the result of case 1.1 study

Protective
gap
(P1-P2)
X2-X3 Secondary output voltage
Normal
(100% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)

Deterioration
(50% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)

Deterioration
(25% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)

Presentation 10.3

OMICRON electronics GmbH 2011 Instrument Transformer Measurement Forum
Shorted
(0% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)

Table 3 shows a waveform of X2-X3 secondary output
voltage according to case 1.1 study

Case 1.2 A study about the deterioration of the
protective gap (P1-P2) on X2-X3 Secondary
output voltage with load 200 VA and P.f =0.85
(Standard burden Z)


Fig. 5 shows the equivalent circuit of CVT used for
studying in case 1.2

For the result of study in this case, it is found that
when the protective gap (P1-P2) deteriorated, it
could reduce the AC sparkover voltage to be less
than 25% of rated value or even create a short
circuit connection. Moreover, it could reduce the
secondary output voltage to fall down to 67.4 volts
and could affect the phase error, +326.03
milliradians leading of phase angle. Moreover, it is
found that its accuracy exceeds the accuracy
class. The result of case 1.2 study by using
ATP/EMTP program is summarized in Table 4.

Protective
gap (P1-P2)
Secondary
output
voltage
(X2-X3)
Ratio / %
Ratio
Error
Phase
Angle
Out of
Accuracy
Class
Normal
(100% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)
70 Volts
1000 /
0%
In-phase
with
primary
voltage
No
Deterioration
(50% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)

70 Volts
1000 /
0%
In-Phase No
Deterioration
(25% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)
67.4 Volts
1038.6/
+3.86%
+326.03
milliradians
(+ 18.68
degrees)
Yes
Shorted
(0% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)
67.4 Volts
1038.6/
+3.86%
+326.03
milliradians
(+ 18.68
degrees)
Yes
Note : The primary voltage for case 1 studying of CVTs is 70 kVrms
with phase angle 0 degree
Table 4 shows the result of case 1.2 study

Protective gap
(P1-P2)
X2-X3 Secondary output voltage
Normal
(100% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)

Deterioration
(50% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)

Deterioration
(25% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)

Shorted
(0% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)

Table 5 shows a waveform of X2-X3 secondary output
voltage according to case 1.2 study
Presentation 10.4

OMICRON electronics GmbH 2011 Instrument Transformer Measurement Forum
2. Simulation study in a high
voltage laboratory

Fig. 6 shows the circuit for simulation and
measurement in high voltage laboratory

Case 2.1 A study about the effect of protective
gap (P1-P2) degradation on the X2-X3
secondary output voltage with no-load
condition

In this case it is found that, when the protective
gap (P1-P2) is short circuit, the secondary output
voltage decreased to 68.16 Volts and the phase
error increased to +64 milliradians leading phase
angle when comparing to the standard wave of the
secondary output voltage of normal CVT. Moreover
it is found that its accuracy exceeds its accuracy
class. The result of case 2.1, study by using
simulation in a high voltage laboratory is concluded
and shown in Table 6.

Protective
gap
(P1-P2)
Secondary
output
voltage
(X2-X3)
Applied
Primary
Voltage
Ratio/
%
Ratio
Error
Phase
Angle
Out of
Accuracy
Class
Normal
(100%
A.C.
sparkover
voltage)
70.56
Volts
70.17
kVs
994.5 /
-0.55%
- 9.74
milliradians
(- 0.56
degrees)
No
Shorted
(0% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)
68.16
Volts
70.17
kVs
1029.5
/ +2.9%
+64
milliradians
(+3.67
degrees)
Yes
Table 6 shows the result of case 2.1 study
Protective
gap
(P1-P2)
X2-X3 Secondary output voltage
Normal
(100%
A.C.
sparkover
voltage)

Shorted
(0% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)

Table 7 shows a waveform of X2-X3 secondary output
voltage according to case 2.1 study

Case 2.2 A study on the deterioration effect of
the protective gap (P1-P2) on X2-X3 Secondary
output voltage with load 200 VA and P.f =0.85
(Standard burden Z)

For this case study, it is found that, when the
protective gap (P1-P2) is short circuit, the
secondary output voltage decreased to 64.32 Volts
and the phase error changed to +276.78
milliradians leading phase angle, when comparing
to the standard wave of the secondary output
voltage of normal CVT. Furthermore, it is found
that its accuracy exceeds its class. The result of
case 2.2 study by using simulation in a high
voltage laboratory is summarized in Table 8.

Protectiv
e gap
(P1-P2)
Secondary
output
voltage
(X2-X3)
Applied
Primary
Voltage
Ratio/
% Ratio
Error
Phase
Angle
Out of
Accuracy
Class
Normal
(100%
A.C.
sparkove
r voltage)
69.24
Volts
69.75
kV
1007 /
+0.73%
-12.9
milliradians
(- 0.74
degrees)
No
Shorted
(0% A.C.
sparkove
r voltage)
64.32
Volts
69.92
kVs
1087.0
/+8.7%
+ 276.78
milliradians
(+15.8
degrees)
Yes
Table 8 shows the result of case 2.2 study




Presentation 10.5

OMICRON electronics GmbH 2011 Instrument Transformer Measurement Forum
Protective
gap
(P1-P2)
X2-X3 Secondary output voltage
Normal
(100%
A.C.
sparkover
voltage)


Shorted
(0% A.C.
sparkover
voltage)


Table 9 shows a waveform of X2-X3 secondary output
voltage according to case 2.2 study

Referring to the study about the effect of protective
gap (P1-P2) degradation on secondary output
voltage of selected CVTs, by using ATP/EMTP
program and performing the simulation test in a
high voltage laboratory, it is found that the
degradation of protective gap (P1-P2) could
eventually cause a shot circuit, which will have
effect of decreasing of secondary output voltage of
CVT and increasing of phase error as leading
angle when comparing to the normal output
waveform of CVT. Therefore its accuracy of
measured waveform exceeds its associated
accuracy class.




3. A study about the effect of the
protective gap (P1-P2) degra-
dation on the ability to suppress
Ferroresonance oscillation

Fig.7 shows the equivalent circuit of CVTs used for
study

The study on the effect of the protective gap (P1-
P2) degradation on the ability to suppress
ferroresonance oscillation was performed by using
ATP/EMTP program. The AC sparkover voltage
was changed to 75%, 50%, 25% and 0% of the
rated AC sparkover voltages. The secondary
output voltage waveforms of (X2-X3) are shown in
Table 10.

A.C.
sparkover
voltage
Secondary output voltage (X2-X3)
Oscillation
time

100 %
(Normal)

< 200
mSec.
75%

200
mSec.
Presentation 10.6

OMICRON electronics GmbH 2011 Instrument Transformer Measurement Forum
50%

>200
mSec.
0%
(Shorted)

>200
mSec.
Table 10 shows a waveform of X2-X3 secondary output
voltage from ATP/EMTP program by changing
the A.C. Sparkover voltage

In this case study, the ability of CVT to suppress
ferrroresonance oscillation is referred to instruction
manual from CVT manufacturer, which states that
the CVT shall eliminate ferroresonance oscillation
within 200 ms. According to the study results
shown in table 10, when the protective gap (P1-
P2) deteriorated, it could cause the AC sparkover
voltage to decrease to 75% of its rated voltage or
even lower. For such situation, the ferroresonance
on CVTs might happen, which means CVTs itself
would not be able to suppress the Ferroresonance
oscillation whenever a stimulation condition of
ferroresonance occurs.
Conclusion
According to the whole intensive study, the
conclusion is that when the protective gap (P1-P2)
deteriorated, the AC sparkover voltage decreased
or a shot circuit could eventually occur. This leads
to significant increase of the secondary output
error of selected CVTs type and its accuracy
exceeds its accuracy class, which could impair the
performance of the protection and metering
system. Consequently, the deterioration of
protective gap (P1-P2) could affect the ability to
suppress Ferroresonance oscillation of CVTs
whenever a stimulation condition of ferroresonance
occurs. Therefore, our organization will setup
replacement policy for the protective gap (P1-P2)
of the selected CVTs type by considering the
deterioration of the protective gap (P1-P2) from
statistical data in order to prevent the severe
damage.



Literature
[1] ANSI C93.1: 1999 Standard
About the Authors
Mr. Chitapon Jedwanna is 29
years old. He received a
bachelor degree in Electrical
Engineering and master degree
in Engineering Management at
Kasetsart University, Thailand.
He has experiences in
maintenance and damage
analysis of power transformer,
on-load tap changer, surge arrester and instrument
transformer for 5 years. At present, he acts as
engineer level 5 of Technology of Transformer
Maintenance Section at the Electricity Generating
Authority of Thailand (EGAT).
E-Mail: Chitapon.j@egat.co.th

Mr. Suppachoke Sutthapait is
33 years old. He received a
bachelor degree in Control
Engineering at King Mongkut s
Institute of Technology
Ladkrabang , Thailand. He has
experiences in testing of
instrument transformer for 5
years. At present, he acts as
engineer level 5 High Voltage Laboratory Section
at the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand
(EGAT).
E-Mail: Suppachoke.s@egat.co.th