2/18/2020 A Practical Overview of CT Saturation Causes and Mitigation Techniques | T&D World

LOG IN REGISTER SEARCH

SUBSTATIONS

A Practical Overview of CT Saturation Causes and Mitigation Techniques

This article provides a simple explanation of what CT saturation is, what causes it, and
what you can do about it.

Ryan Urie, Brad Heilman

DEC 16, 2019

https://www.tdworld.com/substations/article/21118502/a-practical-overview-of-ct-saturation-causes-and-mitigation-techniques 1/10
2/18/2020 A Practical Overview of CT Saturation Causes and Mitigation Techniques | T&D World

LOG IN REGISTER SEARCH

The primary function of a current transformer (CT) is to provide accurate current information
to protective relays. But when a CT saturates and can no longer perform this function, the lack
of accurate information can cause relays to misoperate. This can, in turn, jeopardize the
functionality of your electric power system.
This article provides a simple explanation of what CT saturation is, what causes it, and what
you can do about it. For a more thorough, technical treatment of this topic, refer to the paper,
“Beyond the Knee Point: A Practical Guide to CT Saturation.”

How Do CTs Work?

Like any transformer, a CT consists of a primary winding, a secondary winding, and a core
(see Fig. 1). When an alternating current flows on the primary winding (primary current, IP), it
generates an alternating magnetic field in the core. This field, in turn, induces an alternating
current on the secondary winding (secondary current, IS) that is proportional to the primary
current. This is how CTs scale current values to meet the needs of relays and other
measurement and control devices.

https://www.tdworld.com/substations/article/21118502/a-practical-overview-of-ct-saturation-causes-and-mitigation-techniques 2/10
2/18/2020 A Practical Overview of CT Saturation Causes and Mitigation Techniques | T&D World

LOG IN REGISTER SEARCH

Fig. 1: Generic Transformer

Fig. 4: Asymmetrical CT Saturation

What Is CT Saturation and Why Should I Care?

To better understand CT saturation, think of the iron core of the CT as being made up of a
huge number of tiny, molecular magnets that are randomly arranged. The magnetic field
created by the primary current causes these magnets to line up in the same direction as the
field. This aligning of the magnets with the magnetic field produces magnetic flux, a

https://www.tdworld.com/substations/article/21118502/a-practical-overview-of-ct-saturation-causes-and-mitigation-techniques 3/10
2/18/2020 A Practical Overview of CT Saturation Causes and Mitigation Techniques | T&D World

measurement of the amount of magnetic field in a given area. A higher magnitude current
LOG IN REGISTER SEARCH
generates a stronger magnetic field, which causes the magnets to align more fully and
increases magnetic flux. This process of the magnets changing their alignments is what
induces the current on the secondary winding.

Normally, the molecular magnets in the CT begin randomly oriented, align in one direction for
the first half of the cycle, and then align in the opposite direction for the second half of the
cycle. Because there are always magnets changing their alignment, secondary current is
continuously induced in proportion to the CT ratio. However, if a situation occurs in which all
the magnets align in the same direction, the CT core becomes saturated, a state also known as
maximum flux density.

Since the change in the alignment of the magnets induces secondary current, when there are
none left to change direction (that is, the core becomes saturated), the current on the
secondary winding drops to zero, as shown in Fig. 3. With no current on the secondary
winding, the CT can no longer provide accurate current information to measurement and
control devices, which can lead to relay misoperation.

Fig. 3: Symmetrical CT Saturation (the arrows indicate the alignment of the magnets in the CT core)

https://www.tdworld.com/substations/article/21118502/a-practical-overview-of-ct-saturation-causes-and-mitigation-techniques 4/10
2/18/2020 A Practical Overview of CT Saturation Causes and Mitigation Techniques | T&D World

LOG IN REGISTER SEARCH

What Causes CT Saturation?

There are two main types of CT saturation: symmetrical and asymmetrical.

Symmetrical saturation is caused by a primary current that is too large for the CT core to
handle for a given load or burden. An example is shown in Fig. 3 that assumes a CT ratio of
unity (that is, 1:1). The primary current causes a strong enough magnetic field to align the
magnets in the first half cycle. When the CT runs out of magnets to realign, the secondary
current drops to zero.

Once the primary current enters the negative half of the cycle, the magnets begin aligning in
the other direction and secondary current is produced once more. However, because of the
strength of the primary current, the magnets all align in this direction and the secondary
current drops off again.

Asymmetrical saturation occurs as the result of dc offset in the primary current. This offset
causes the current wave to no longer be symmetrical around zero, as illustrated in Fig. 4. This
results in one half of the cycle being larger than the other. Because the amount of magnetic
flux created in the CT is proportional to the area under the curve, this asymmetry causes more
flux to accumulate in the direction of the larger half cycle than can be reset by the smaller half
cycle. This extra flux accumulates until the CT saturates.

https://www.tdworld.com/substations/article/21118502/a-practical-overview-of-ct-saturation-causes-and-mitigation-techniques 5/10
2/18/2020 A Practical Overview of CT Saturation Causes and Mitigation Techniques | T&D World

LOG IN REGISTER SEARCH

Because asymmetrical saturation does not require a high primary current, it can take several
cycles to occur, unlike symmetrical saturation which normally occurs in the first half cycle
after a fault. Note that low levels of saturation can be much harder to detect than those
depicted in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4.

What Should I Do About It?

The simplest solution to CT saturation is to select a CT with high accuracy class. However,
higher-rated CTs are sometimes not viable because of physical limitations such as restricted
spaces.

Another option is to reduce the CT burden. Halving the burden by adding another set of CT
cables in parallel has the same effect as doubling the CT accuracy class. Using CT taps, if
available, to effectively double the turns ratio has the same effect as quadrupling the accuracy
class.

Relay protection algorithms can also be used to desensitize or delay relay operation during CT
saturation, though they are no substitute for selecting the appropriate CTs in the first place. If
you plan to use such algorithms, it is recommended that you test them in a digital simulator
prior to deployment.

Conclusion

Even the best protection and control devices are only as good as the information they have to
act upon. Choosing the right CTs and taking other steps to avoid saturation are essential to
giving your devices the information they need to operate reliably and protect your electric
power system.

Reference

https://www.tdworld.com/substations/article/21118502/a-practical-overview-of-ct-saturation-causes-and-mitigation-techniques 6/10
2/18/2020 A Practical Overview of CT Saturation Causes and Mitigation Techniques | T&D World

Beyond the Knee Point: A Practical Guide to CT Saturation

LOG IN REGISTER SEARCH

LATEST IN SUBSTATIONS

Linxon to Deliver Substation for Project in Sweden

FEB 12, 2020

Substations

Co-op Improves Substation Inspections with Analytics

FEB 06, 2020

Substations

PG&E Phases Out SF6 in HV Substation GIS

JAN 27, 2020

Substations

California ISO Selects LS Power for Gates Transmission Reliability Project

JAN 22, 2020

Substations

Sign up for T&D World eNewsletters

Email address SIGN UP

https://www.tdworld.com/substations/article/21118502/a-practical-overview-of-ct-saturation-causes-and-mitigation-techniques 7/10
2/18/2020 A Practical Overview of CT Saturation Causes and Mitigation Techniques | T&D World

LOG IN REGISTER SEARCH

SUBSTATIONS

Linxon to Deliver Substation for Project in Sweden

The existing substation is nearing the end of its lifespan, and the new substation will
build higher transmission capacity into the network.

FEB 12, 2020

Linxon, an ABB and SNC-Lavalin company, will upgrade a 400 kV substation for Svenska
kraftnät located in Storuman in northern Sweden. The order is worth around $20 million and
is consisting of a 400 kV Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) substation that will modernize the
transmission grid.

The upgrade is part of a refurbishment program of the 400 kV grid, as the existing substation
is approaching the end of its lifespan. A new substation with modern technology will help to
build higher transmission capacity into the network.
https://www.tdworld.com/substations/article/21118502/a-practical-overview-of-ct-saturation-causes-and-mitigation-techniques 8/10
2/18/2020 A Practical Overview of CT Saturation Causes and Mitigation Techniques | T&D World
g p y
LOG IN REGISTER SEARCH
“We are glad to receive a new award from Svenska kraftnät and look forward to deliver a
reliable and sustainable 400 kV turnkey solution to the project”, said Frederic Trefois, CEO of
Linxon. “This new order will be executed using the comprehensive offering and great
collaboration with ABB and SNC-Lavalin to generate enhanced value to our customer Svenska
kraftnät”.

The hydro power plant in Grundfors will be connected to the transmission grid through this
substation. The hydro power plant is a major supplier to manage the electrical demand from
all major cities in the northern part of the country. The cold climate in this area puts extra
high requirements on the high voltage equipment and the local construction of the project.

The Linxon project scope includes project management, engineering, equipment supplies, civil
design, civil works, mechanical and electrical installation and commissioning. This upgrade
also includes the relocation of two existing transformers (350 and 750 MVA) as well as
relocation of two reactors and demolition of the existing 400 kV AIS switchyard.

As it is a turnkey project, Linxon will select and manage some local competent subcontractors
to complete the civil construction works, installation and commissioning of the substation.
The project is planned to be completed by end of 2023.

Linxon commenced operations on September 1, 2018, undertaking turnkey electrical

alternating current substation projects related to renewable and conventional power
generation, power transmission and transportation solutions. Substations enable the efficient
and reliable transmission and distribution of electricity. Within the substation, switchgear
controls and protects the network from power outages and facilitates reliable electricity
supply.

LATEST IN SUBSTATIONS

Co-op Improves Substation Inspections with Analytics

FEB 06, 2020

Substations

PG&E Phases Out SF6 in HV Substation GIS

JAN 27, 2020

Substations
https://www.tdworld.com/substations/article/21118502/a-practical-overview-of-ct-saturation-causes-and-mitigation-techniques 9/10
2/18/2020 A Practical Overview of CT Saturation Causes and Mitigation Techniques | T&D World
Substations
LOG IN REGISTER SEARCH

California ISO Selects LS Power for Gates Transmission Reliability Project

JAN 22, 2020

Substations

Squirrels and Substations: How to Keep the Power On

JAN 10, 2020

Substations

Load More Content

About Us Contact Us Advertise Privacy & Cookie Policy Terms of Service

© 2020 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.

https://www.tdworld.com/substations/article/21118502/a-practical-overview-of-ct-saturation-causes-and-mitigation-techniques 10/10