Session 5
Design and Analysis of Protection System for Distribution Substation
Miss Thi Thi Soe
thithisoe81@gmail.com
Abstract
A distribution substation is a combination of switching,
controlling and voltage step-down equipment arranged
to reduce sub-transmission voltage to primary
distribution voltage for residential, farm, commercial
and industrial loads.
In electric power system may encounter abnormal
conditions which are lines and their overcurrents,
transient voltage, system overloads, etc. In distribution
substation, all the equipments are protected by the
reliable protection. Switching protection is used by using
fuses, disconnection switches and circuit breakers and
auxiliary protection are used by relays and lightning
arresters. For transformer direct protection, such as
differential relay, Buchholz relay, winding temperature
relay, oil temperature relay are also used.
This paper describes general theory, operations,
functions and characteristics of protection devices of
Aung Pin Lae Primary Substation, which is located
Pathein Gyi Township, Mandalay Division. The
programs to implement for achieving the project are to
study operation and function of basic components
protection system, to understand how it all fits together
in each portion, to calculate and choose the breaking
and making capacity of circuits breaker, insulation level
of lightning arresters, power fuses and relay operation.
And then theory test for components are presented, and
describes conclusion of this research.
1. Introduction
Distribution refers to the conveyance of electrical energy
from substation to the various consumers’ premises. So,
a distribution substation must be required measuring and
protect system to prevent damage to equipment and
circuits, to prevent hazards to the public and utility
personal, and to maintain a high level of service by
preventing power interruption.
During the faults, the voltage of three phase become
unbalanced and the supply to the neighbouring circuit is
affected. Fault currents being excessive, they can damage
not only the faulty equipment, but also the installation
through which the fault current is fed. So protection
devices are necessary with almost every electrical plant,
and no part of the power system is left unprotected.
The choice of protection depends upon several aspects
such as type and rating of the protected equipment, its
Proceedings of the 1st International Conference of
the IET Brunei Darussalam Network, 26-27 May 2008
Myanmar
important, location, probable abnormal conditions, etc.
Protection systems have three basic components
(Instrument transformers, Relays, Circuit breakers).
In this paper, Aung Pin Lae Primary Substation is
designed and analyzed of protection system. Aung Pin
Lae Primary substation is outdoor type. In the outdoor
substations, which are very common, all the equipment is
arranged out of doors and so should be able to withstand
the worst weather conditions. The adventage is that they
do not need any buildings.
1.1. Distribution System of Aung Pin Lae
The transmission line from Sedawgyi, Kindah,
Dagundaing power station with 132KV of transmission
reached Aung Pin Lae Primary substation. On reaching
this station 132KV is stepped down to 33KV and 11KV
by using stepped down transformers.
These 33KV buses from a ring system throughout the
north of Mandalay City. The 132KV bus is stepped down
to 33KV by 15MVA stepped down transformer. And
then it is stepped down to 11KV by 18MVA stepped
down transformer.
The 33KV bus is divided into two feeders, namely,
Myopark and Spare. The 11KV is distributed to Aung
Myay Thar San, Chan Aye Thar San, Pathein Gyi, Pyin
Oo Lwin, Maha Aung Myay Townships.
From this substation, 33KV is stepped down to 6.6KV
by step down transformers for further distribution. These
6.6KV is distribution to secondary substations with
radial lines. On reaching the secondary substations,
6.6KV is further stepped down to 400V for distribution
to consumers.
1.2. Main Equipments in Aung Pin Lae
Substation
At Aung Pin Lae substation, various type of equipments
are used. Among them the main equipments are:
(1) Incoming Lines: These supply power to the
substation from Sedawgyi; Kindar and Dagundaing
transmission lines.
(2) Isolating Switches: These can disconnect the lines
and also allow the equipment for repairs or maintenance
and testing when necessary. Isolators are interlocked
with circuit breakers to prevent operation on load. These
are operated by hand from ground level. In this primary
P42-1 ©2008, the Institution of Engineering & Technology
 Session 5

substation, horizontally open isolating switch are mostly type. The lightning arresters are mounted on steel
used. structures and fitted with a pressure relief device. Surge
counters are supplied.

(6) Outdoor Busbars: These are made of hollow copper

tubes or of aluminium. At Aung Pin Lae substation, main
132KV BUS
and transfer bus are used for distribution system. The
main bus is used for 132KV high voltage incoming side
5*3MVA 18MVA and transfer bus is used for 33KV and 11KV outgoing
sides.

33KV BUS 11KV BUS 11KV BUS

(7) Outgoing Lines: After stepping down the high
voltage to the required voltage level either of sub-
transmission on primary distribution, the lines at this
voltage would be leaving the substation. There are eight
outgoing feeders in Aung Pin Lae substation.
“Figure 1.1. One Line Diagram in Aung Pin Lae
Substation”
(8) Control Room: The control room has instrument
panels, controls for operating various circuits, protection
The 132KV and 33KV isolating switch is outdoor type, equipments, metering equipments, supervisory control
triple pole-single throw, manual gang-operated apparatus, telephone system, batteries and battery-
horizontal upright mountings, horizontal double break charging equipments.
and three-pillar earthing devices. Ratings 33KV isolating
switches are voltage 33KV, current continuous 400A and 1.3. Switchgear
short time rating 17.5 KA, frequency 50Hz.
The apparatus used for switching, controlling and
(3) Transformers: The purpose of the distribution protecting circuit equipment is called switchgear. One of
transformer is to reduce the primary voltage to a level the main reasons for using switchgear in any electricity
where it can be used by the consumer. The rating of two system is to provide protection for that system in the
main transformer of Aung Pin Lae substation is 18MVA, event of the fault. There are many types of relays, used
132/11KV and three phase oil-immersed outdoor separately or collectively, depending on the type of
transformers, oil natural air natural(ONAN) cooled type. equipment to be protected.
And the last transformer is 5*3MVA,132/33-11KV star
to star connection.
1.4. AC Auxiliary System
(4) Current and Voltage Transformers: The 132KV,
Substation ac auxiliary systems are typically used to
33KV and 11KV current and voltage transformers are
supply load such as:
single phase, oil-immersed, mounted in one insulator.
1. Transformer cooling, oil pumps, and load tap changer.
They are mounted on steel structures. Each transformer
2. Circuit breaker air compressors and motors.
is equipped with an oil-level guage to the easily visible
3. Outdoor device heaters.
from the ground. The same insulating oil as for the
4. Outdoor lightning and receptacles
power transformers are used if the manufacturer is the
5. Control house
same. The oil of the transformer is hermetically sealed
a. lightning and receptacles
against the ambient air.
b. Heating, ventilating and air condition
The primary connections are silver-plated. Earthing of
c. Battery charger input
the transformer cores and naturals are done on the
6. Motor-operated disconnecting switches
transformers. All the secondary connections are
connected to a terminal block which is located in a dust-
proof and watertight terminal box. The rated current of
1.5. DC Auxiliary System
the secondary winding is 5A. The secondaries of each
Substation dc auxiliary systems are typically used to
voltage transformer are provided with miniature circuit
supply loads consisting of the following:
breakers with alarm contacts. These would be for two
a. Relaying, supervisory, alarm and control equipment
purposes:
b. Emergency control horse lighting
(i) For metering
c. Circuit breaker trip and close circuits
(ii) For relaying and protection.

(5) Lightning arresters: These are for protecting the main 1.6. Conductors
electrical equipment against possible danger due to
sudden surges and lightning discharges. The lightning
arresters are preferably be of the gapless metal oxide

Proceedings of the 1st International Conference of P42-2 ©2008, the Institution of Engineering & Technology
the IET Brunei Darussalam Network, 26-27 May 2008

The same type of conductor is used for the overhead
earth wires, the cross-section being at least the equivalent
of 95mm2 copper.
1.7. Insulator
The metal parts are designed to transmit the mechanical
stresses to the porcelain by compression and to develop
maximum and uniform mechanical strength of the
insulator.
1.8 Circuit Breakers
Circuit breaker is a device for automatically making
breaking the normal current in a circuit or the current
which may flow under fault conditions such as short
circuit. In Aung Pin Lae substation, oil circuit breakers
(OCB) and gas circuit breakers (GCB) are used. 2500A,
40KA,ASEA circuit breakers and 1250A, 25KA,SF6
circuit breaker in 132KV side and 2500A, 40KA, HLR-
145/250/E1 circuit breakers are used in 33KV and 11KV
sides.
1.9. Relays
Relays are also used to detect abnormal or undesirable
operating conditions other than those caused by defective
equipment and either operate an alarm or initiate
operation of the circuit-interrupting devices. Protective
relays consists of three basic modules in the following
figure.
“Figure 1.2. Logical Representation of the Relays”
2. Protection System
Distribution system protection is the composite of all the
measuring taken on a given system to minimize the
effects of the abnormal conditions. All the conditions
cannot be prevented from occurring at all times, but they
can be controlled by protecting equipment and lines from
damage to the fullest extent that technology and
economic permit, and by limiting any interruptions of
service to the smallest practical portions of the system
and numbers of customers.
2.1 Overvoltage
In a distribution system the predominant overvoltage
faults are due to lightning. Fortunately a distribution line
is for less subject to a direct stroke than an induced surge
Proceedings of the 1st International Conference of
the IET Brunei Darussalam Network, 26-27 May 2008
Session 5
probably never exceeds 500,000V. Studies reveal that
about 80% of lightning overvoltages are caused by
induced overvoltages on distribution lines.
2.2. Overvoltage Protection Equipment
For the protection of electrical installations against
damage caused by overvoltage surges, lightning arresters
or surge arresters are used.
Surge arresters are the basic protective devices against
system transient overvoltage that may cause flashovers
and serious damages to equipments. They establish a
baseline of transient overvoltage above which the
arrester will operate to protect the equipment. When
transient overvoltages appear at on arrester location, the
arrester conduct internally and discharge the surge
energy to ground. Once the overvoltage is reduced
sufficiently, the arrester seals off, or stops conducting,
the flow of power follow current through itself and the
circuit is returned to normal. As voltage sensitive devices,
arresters have to be carefully selected to correlate
properly with the system operating voltages.
2.3. Overcurrent Protection
As the fault impedance is less than load impedance, the
fault current is more than load current. If a short circuit
occurs the circuit impedance is reduced to low value
therefore a fault is accompanied by large current.
The protection against overload is generally performed
by current-dependent, thermally or electronically delayed
overload relays and tripping devices.
The protection against the effects of short-circuit current
is usually performed by instantaneous electromagnetic or
electronic relays and tripping devices, or fuses. In the
case of short-circuit protection, short-time delayed
electromagnetic or electronic relays and tripping devices,
or suitably selected fuses are used. The direct protection
against excessive temperature rise is commonly achieved
by thermister protection devices.
2.4. Protection of Distribution Transformer
A distribution transformer will have much higher ratio of
surge strength to the operating voltage. For this reason it
is possible for the protective device in the low voltage
rating to have a higher protective ratio than that which is
required at higher voltages.
Also, the affect of location and connection of the
protective device is felt more on the distribution
transformers than on the power transformers. It is very
important that the lightning arresters be located and
connected properly with respect to the distribution
transformers in a distribution system.
2.5. Overhead Line Protection
The protection of overhead lines from lightning initiated
overvoltage can be achieved by the use of overhead
P42-3 ©2008, the Institution of Engineering & Technology
 Session 5

shield wires or by placing arresters at selected intervals

on the top phase only or on all three phase. Although the
primary purpose is to minimize the number of line
interruptions that result from lightning stroke, the
arresters will also protect against other possible
disturbances. The most effective method is to apply
arresters on all three phases. This is especially for line
BTL’s of at least 300KV and at spacing of
approximately every 1200feet.

2.6. Underground Circuit Protection

The major consideration is to protect equipment on the

underground distribution circuit from transient
overvoltage initiated on the overhead circuit, especially
those due to lightning. There are recommended
protection methods.
The method of selection an arrester voltage rating for
underground distribution applications is the same as for
overhead applications but the margins of protection are “Figure2.1.Ring Main Time Grading”
much smaller and therefore, more critical. The result is
that normal distribution class arresters may not be
adequate where analysis indicates that this is the case, Alternator Protection
special riser-pole arresters or intermediate class arresters Trips CBs 1*6

may be used.
FeederProtec
Feede tion
2.7. Distribution Apparatus Protection r Trips CBs
1*2
6 1
Most of the equipment on distribution system is located
on poles or in enclosures, and each piece of equipment CBs 1 To 9
are
has its own overvoltage protection, generally provided 5
Automatic
2

by one or more surge arresters. Transformers make up Interconnector

the bulk of this equipment, and the other distribution Protection
4 3
devices that are individually protected include voltage Trips CBs 1.2*7
Transformer
7
regulators, reclosers, sectionalizers, switchers and Protection 9 8

capacitors.
To other
Section
2.8. Busbar Protection Feeder

The problem of busbar protection has been partly solved
by dispensing with busbars and grouping the circuits in
ring form, or mesh connection. The circuit breakers are
connected in the ring main, and it is necessary for two to
trip to disconnect any circuit automatically. Typical
protection schemes as applied to electrical systems are
shown in the following figures.
“Figure 2.2. Mesh Protection”
2.9. Buchholz Protection
This is a special type of protective device, which may be
fitted to transformers. A fault-throwing device can be
used when pilot cables are not available. When a
Buchholz relay is fitted, it can be arranged to operate
simultaneously the local circuit breaker (A) trip coil and
the release coil (B) of the fault throwing switch. The
latter is connected between any one phase of the feeder
and earth. This affords a second earth at full phase
voltage and produces adequate fault current to operate
the remote protective devices fitted to circuit breaker (B)
should the lack of fault current be due to a high neutral
resistance, the fault-throwing switch should be connected
between any two phases of the feeder.

Proceedings of the 1st International Conference of P42-4 ©2008, the Institution of Engineering & Technology
the IET Brunei Darussalam Network, 26-27 May 2008
 Session 5

3.1. Electrical Fault Calculation and Choice of

Circuit Breaker

If the capacity of MOCB installed at primary sides is

500MVA, the highest fault level is 3500MVA.
At the supply end,
Base MVA = 100 MVA
Base Voltage = 132 KV
Base Impedance = 174.24 Ω
Base Current = 437.387A
“Figure 2.3. Fault throwing Device”
Fault MVA
2.10. Grounding Actual fault current = Equation (1)
3 × base KV
An effective substation grounding system typically = 15.308 KA
consists of driven ground rods, buried interconnecting
grounding cables or grid , equipment ground mats Per unit voltage = 1 p.u
connections to grounded system neutral, and the ground Per unit current = 35 p.u
surface insulating covering material. Currents flowing Per unit impedance = 0.0286 p.u
into the grounding grid from the lightning arrester
operations, impulse or switching surge flashover of At 33KV side,
insulators, and line-to-ground fault currents from the bus
or connected transmission lines all cause potential 15MVA, 132/33/11, U% = 7
difference between grounded points in the substation and Base current = 1750 Amps
remote earth. Without a properly designed grounding
system, large potential difference can exist between MVA
Rated current = Equation (2)
different points within the substations itself. Under 3 × KV
normal circumstance, it is the current flow through the = 65.61 Amps
grounding grid from line-to-ground faults that constitutes
the main threat to personal. %U × Rated Voltage
The substation grounding grids depend on the dual action Impedance =
if the grid and connected grounding rods. Ground rods 100 × 3 × actual current
will be required in high voltage lines (132KV,66KV) Equation (3)
where the maximum resistance of 15Ω is acceptable and
in distribution line (33-0.4KV) where maximum = 81.312 Ω
resistance of 25 Ω is preferred. Ground rods should be
driven to depth of at least 6 feet. In distribution practice Per unit impedance = 0.467 p.u
a slightly larger rod, such as a 5/8 in by 8 ft rod, is
usually most suitable. Fault at 33KV side,
A ground connection to the best type of water-piping
system has a resistance often less than 1 Ω and seldom
more than 4 or 5 Ω. Outside of consumer premise the
most commonly used and most satisfactory ground
connection is the driven ground.

3. Design and Calculating of Components in

Aung Pin Lae Substation “Figure 3.4 Circuit Diagram”

In a distribution substation, breaking capacity and

making capacity of components are very important. Voltage in per unit
Therefore, the choice of components to use is also Per unit current =
Total impedance in per unit
important. The number of power transformer used in a
distribution substation are four numbers. The rating are Equation (4)
three numbers of 5MVA and one number of 18MVA. = 2.02

Actual fault current = Per unit current × base current

Equation (5)
= 3535 Amps

Proceedings of the 1st International Conference of P42-5 ©2008, the Institution of Engineering & Technology
the IET Brunei Darussalam Network, 26-27 May 2008
 Session 5

132 KV 33 KV 11 KV
The breaking capacity, MVA = 3 × I s × KV
Switching surge voltage 512.16 128.04 42.68
Equation (6)
(100%)
= 202.05 MVA
Power frequency over 312.84 78.21 26.07
voltage (75%)
Therefore 250 MVA, Minimum oil circuit breaker is
chosen.
Power frequency over 333.96 83.49 27.83
voltage (80%)
3.2. Minimum Insulation Level of Lightning
Arrester Power frequency over 303.6 75.9 25.3
voltage (100%)
If lightning causes any component of substation,
lightning surges, switching surges and power frequency
over voltage can occur. So the minimum level is needed
to calculate. Discharge factor of arrester is 2.4 to 3 and the average
value is 2.7.
Impulse surge = 1.15 (1.1EA + 40) KV
Equation (7)
3.3. Choice of Power Fuse For Transformer
Switching surge = 3.88E KV Equation (8)
132/33 KV, 15MVA transformer
Power frequency over voltage
High voltage side of transformer
= 2.37 EL(75%) Equation (9)
Rated current = 65.608 Amps
Power frequency over voltage
= 2.53EL(80%) Equation (10)
Maximum short circuit current on high voltage side
Power frequency over voltage
= 2.37 EL(100%) Equation (11) Transformer KVA × 100
=
% Impedance × 3 × KVH.Vside
Discharge voltage
Equation (13)
= discharge factor × rated voltage
Equation (12) = 937.257 Amps

“Table 3.1. Result Data for Insulation Level of Lightning The high voltage fuses is selected 120 Amp fuse for
Arrester” 937.257 Amp take pre arcing time of 0.09 sec.

132 KV 33 KV 11 KV Rated-current for low voltage side

Impulse surge 384.13 130.53 74.18 = 262.24 Amps
voltage (75%)
Maximum short circuit current on low voltage side of
Impulse surge 409.69 136.71 76.07 transformer
voltage (80%)
Transformer KVA × 100
Impulse surge 496.85 156.71 83.75 =
voltage (100%) % Impedance × 3 × KVL.Vside

Switching surge 384.12 96.03 32.01 Equation (14)

voltage (75%)
= 3749.028 Amps
Switching surge 409.72 102.43 34.14
voltage (80%) The low voltage fuse is selected 300 Amp fuse for 4000
Amp take pre arcing time of 0.03 sec.

Continue;

Proceedings of the 1st International Conference of P42-6 ©2008, the Institution of Engineering & Technology
the IET Brunei Darussalam Network, 26-27 May 2008
 Session 5

3.4 Data of relay for Aung Pin Lae

“Table 3.2. Overcurrent Relay”

Setting Installed
Setting CT Ratio
Installed Time Current Equipment
CT Ratio
Time Current Equipment 0.25 I=1 100/5/5A 18MVA
0.5 I=1 400/1/1/1A 132KV (20A) Transformer
(400A) Sedawgyi Line
0.125 I = 0.1 100/5/5A 15MVA
0.5 I=1 200/5/5/5A 132KV (20A) Transformer
(200A) Dagundaing Line
0.5 I = 0.5 400/5A 33KV
0.25 I = 3.75 100/5/5A 18MVA (60A) Myopark Line
(75A) Transformer
0.2 I=1 200/5A 11KV
0.175 I = 0.6 100/5/5A 15MVA (40A) Warkingone Line
(60A) Transformer
0.2 I=1 150/5A 11KV
0.5 I=3 400/5A 33KV (30A) Nanshae
(360A) Myopark Line
0.2 I=1 100/5A 11KV
0.2 I=2 200/5A 11KV (20A) M.T.U Line
(200A) Warkingone Line
0.2 I=1 600/5A 11KV
0.2 I = 2.5 150/5A 11KV (120A) Main Line
(187.5A) Nanshae
0.5 I = 0.5 200/5A 11KV
0.2 I=2 100/5A 11KV (20A) 26TH Street Line
(100A) M.T.U Line
0.5 I = 0.5 200/5A 11KV
0.2 I = 1.5 600/5A 11KV (20A) 35TH Street Line
(450A) Main Line
3 60 400/5A 33KV
0.5 I=5 200/5A 11KV Myopark Line
(200A) 26TH Street Line

0.5 I=5 200/5A 11KV

(200A) 35TH Street Line
4. Conclusion
3 35 400/5A 33KV
Myopark Line The demand on electric power supply in world has
changes drastically, both qualitatively and quantitatively.
With increasing development, the dependence on electric
power supply has increased considerably. While demand
has increased , the need for a steady power supply with
“Table 3.3. Earth Fault Relay” minimum power interruptions and fast fault restoration
has increased. Faults are minimized by protection system
Setting Installed and the system can protect electrical equipment from
CT Ratio damage. So protection system is very important for
Time Current Equipment
distribution. In Aung Pin Lae substation, all the
0.5 I = 0.1 400/1/1/1A 132KV equipments are protected by reliable protection.
(40A) Sedawgyi Line In Aung Pin Lae substation, oil circuit breaker and SF6
circuit breaker are used. Dielectric oil is used in oil
0.5 I = 0.1 200/5/5/5A 132KV circuit breaker and SF6 gas are new dielectric media used
(20A) Dagundaing Line for arc extinction. There is preliminary protection for
substation by using lightning arrester to protect the
overhead sub-transmission line fault whatever it may be.
Continue; And also, the C.T and P.T are essential sensing

Proceedings of the 1st International Conference of P42-7 ©2008, the Institution of Engineering & Technology
the IET Brunei Darussalam Network, 26-27 May 2008
 Session 5

equipments for measuring and protection. Transformer

protection has over current relaying for short-circuit
protection.
In this paper, about these substation especially in
transformer protection is emphasized, because in the
substation the valuable and the most important
equipment is main transformer. Other elements like
current transformer, lightning arrester, potential
transformer, circuit breakers and disconnecting switches
are protective and operation devices of main transformer.
Therefore the security of the power system operation can
be improved, the distribution fault in substation
distribution system can be prevented.

5. Reference

[1] Adkins,E.M. 1981, Transmission and Distribution.

Jersey Central Power and Light Company.

[2] Assistant Professor Desphand. M.V, 1996. Elements

of Electrical Power System Dessign.

[3] Arora, R.S.2004, Hand Book of Electrical

Engineering (4th Edition)

[4] Anderson, P.M. 1999, Power System Protection.

[5] Berenharat Strotzki, G.A. 1954, Transmission and

Distribution.

[6] Barnes, Thomas D. 1980, Measurements and

Instruments, McGraw-Hill Book Company.

[7] Carr, T.H. 1952, Substation Practice.

[8] Leonards Works, S.T. 1966, Protective Relays

Application Guide.

[9] Pabla, A.S. 1981, Electrical Power Distribution (4th

Edition ) , Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company
Limited, New Delhi.

[10] Rao, Sunie S. 1974, Switchgear and Protection.

Proceedings of the 1st International Conference of P42-8 ©2008, the Institution of Engineering & Technology
the IET Brunei Darussalam Network, 26-27 May 2008