Current Transformer: Star side and Polarity
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Fairly common questions are:
- which side to star the CT?
- which side to have the polarity?
- are there any consequences or implications?
The answer, as always, depends on the application, and then to some extent on the capabilities and settings of the IEDs!
Non-directional Protection
If the protection elements "50" or "51" elements (IEEE C37-2008 are purely non-directional, they only operate on the magnitude of current so at least in that respect, polarity and star are immaterial.
The two independent choices star side and polarity sides is only a question of standardisation in order to be consistent across the various locations simply to ensure there is no confusion for the technicians.
Directional Current, Distance and Power- based Applications
However, if the "50" or "51" elements (IEEE C37-2008) are now directional as "67" devices, or perhaps a distance function "21", reverse/over power function "32", or any other power related function including metering etc, the direction of power flow becomes significant.
If the IED allows changing of the polarity seen by the IED as part of its available settings, the direction can be set to suit the application as part of commissioning.
As most modern directional-based relays have polarity settings. then as with non-directional relays, the polarity of the CT is arguably just a matter for company convention.
If we consider directional overcurrent and earth fault relays connected to CTs in a Holmgren connection, there are eight possible combinations requiring consideration of the protection element forward/reverse setting.
This can be shown if we consider an earth fault "downstream" of the CT point and the direction of current flow in the relay earth fault element that will cause operation.
P2 towards source | P1 towards source | |
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| CT Star source side |
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CT |
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CT Star load side |
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CT Star load side |  |
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Differential Applications
This is arguably a little more complicated in the "it depends" consideration
- Merz-Price Circulating Current High Impedance Differential
- Low Impedance Differential
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- Protection Systems Engineering
- IEC 61850 Engineering
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