The Official Publication of the InterNational Electrical Testing Association

Fall 2005

Feature

Phase-Matching Considerations with Open-Delta PTs

henever a power system is supplied by multiple sources, such as a main-tie-main configuration, special consideration should be given as to how the sources are phased or matched to each other. Obviously, both sources will have to be connected with the same phase rotation. In a traditional open-transition system, matched rotation of the sources may be sufficient. However, if a system is closed transition (the two sources may be tied together for some duration of time) it is critical that the two sources be phase matched. This means that the phase voltages on either side of the open point are in phase with each other. Additionally, high-speed open transition type systems may also need to be phase matched. With high-speed systems, it is possible that the collapsing magnetic fields of motor loads may maintain the bus voltage through the duration of the transfer. If this voltage is present and out of phase, closing the second source may cause a large spike of an apparent short-circuit current, resulting in possible nuisance tripping or other complications. Once any multisource system is initially energized, the phase matching must be verified.

by Kevin Miller, PE Electrical Equipment Upgrading

Why Use Potential Transformers?

The absolute best method to make certain that the phases are matched is to directly measure the voltages across the open point. This eliminates any possible wiring problems with the potential transformer (PT) cirNETA WORLD Fall 2005

cuits. Traditionally, this measurement has been accomplished by using a handheld voltmeter or high voltage tester, depending on the system voltages. However, due to various concerns such as additional exposure to arc-flash hazards, it may not be practical or safe to measure the voltages directly. Determining that it is not practical to measure the voltages directly makes it necessary to verify the phasing by making voltage measurements on the secondary of PT circuits.

Complications with Open-Delta PTs

If the system is utilizing wyeconnected PTs, the voltages measured are in phase with the individual phase voltages. These measurements can be treated just as measuring the voltages directly. However, a slightly more complicated approach is required when dealing with open-delta PTs. A typical open-delta PT connection is shown in Figure 1. Notice that the B-phase secondary is grounded. Therfore a voltage measurement from A-phase-to-ground is in phase with the primary VAB, and C-phase-to-ground is in phase with VCB. Since the secondary Bphase connections are effectively coupled, any measurements between B-phase on the two sets of PTs are meaningless, leaving only A- and C-phase measurements. With this B-phase coupling, there are only four meaningful voltage measurements to be made: VA1VA2; VA1 -V C2 ; V C1 -VA2 ; V C1 -V C2 . The following discussions only apply if the B-phase secondaries are grounded and the PTs on both sources are connected open-delta, as it is not possible to utilize two different PT connection types when making these phase comparisons.

Figure 2

Verifying the PT Connections

Since PTs may be the only method of verifying phasing, it is vital that both sets of PTs be connected identically to each other. Although this can be achieved by inspecting and testing the PTs, the most positive method of verifying that the connections are correct and matched is to energize both sets of PTs from the same source. Considering Figure 2, this can be accomplished by closing one of the main breakers and the tie breaker, leaving the other main open. Once supplied by a single source, the voltages between the two sets of PTs (based on a nominal voltage of 115 V) should be measured as follows: VA1-VA2=0, VA1-VC2=115 (1.0x), VC1-VA2=115 (1.0x), VC1-VC2=0. If the measured voltages differ from these values, the PT connections are not matched to each other and must be corrected.

Performing Measurements
Once the PT connections have been verified, the next step is to proceed with energizing the PTs by the two different sources. This is accomplished by opening the tie breaker and closing the other main. Until the phasing has been verified as being correct, all of these transfers must be opentransition, taking care not to tie the two sources together. For simplicity, source #1 will be set as the reference, with any suggested wiring changes being made to the source #2 connections. When dealing with three cables or conductors, there are six possible orders to connect them to the equipment, with only one being correct. Assuming that the two sources can be matched, the following table lists the voltages measured for the six possible connections of source #2. If dealing with a system that has a nominal secondary value other than 115 V, the number listed in parentheses is the multiple of nominal. It is worth noting, with one exception, that all of the incorrect connections yield the same voltage measurements, just in different orders: 1.0x; 3x; 3x; 2.0x

Figure 1

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Conn. 1 2 3 4 5 6

VA1-VA2 0V 115V (1.0x) 230V (2.0x) 199V 199V 115V (1.0x)

VA1-VC2 115V (1.0x) 199V 199V 115V (1.0x) 230V (2.0x) 0V

VC1-VA2 115V (1.0x) 199V 199V 230V (2.0x) 115V (1.0x) 0V

VC1-VC2 0 230V (2.0x) 115V (1.0x) 199V 199V 115V (1.0x)

Changes to Source 2 Connections The sources are correctly matched. Exchange B and C Exchange A and B Move A to B, B to C, and C to A Move A to C, B to A, and C to B Exchange A and C

There are several other transformer connections, some of which will not produce secondary voltages that can be matched. If any measurements are made that are not consistent with the previously listed tables, the sources and transformers should be investigated to determine what can be done to permit phasing of the secondaries.

Conclusions
Whenever possible and safe, it is best to verify phase matching by measuring the voltages to be phased directly. If PTs are to be relied on to determine phasing, the following must be verified: Both sets of PTs must be connected to the bus with the same configuration and with the same ratio and polarity. For open-delta connections, the B-phase secondary on each PT is grounded. Prior to paralleling the two sources, measure the various combinations of voltages to assure that phasing is correct. The addition of the PTs adds more potential for human error. Anyone performing this type of test must be competent and methodical in verifying the system.

After necessary measurements have been made, the system should be de-energized to make the necessary corrections. Once the system has been corrected, the system should be re-energized and the phasing verified.

Systems That Can Not Be Matched

As stated, the previous table applies only if the two sources can be matched, which is not always the case. There are several possible ways to connect source transformers that will produce phase shifts between secondary voltages such that there is no reconnection that can match the voltages. The transformers must be compared to verify that they have the same phasor relationships. Even with matched transformers, there are still connection issues that can prevent the secondary voltages from being matched. The most common example occurs when delta-wye transformers are used. These transformers must be connected with the same phase rotation on the primary. If one of the transformers is connected with a different primary rotation, there will be a 60 phase shift between the secondary voltages, rendering them unmatchable. The following table lists the six possible measurements that exist if the two sources are 60 apart. The only solution to this problem is to correct the primary rotation and then recheck the phasing to determine if other corrective action is required.
Conn. 1 2 3 4 5 6 VA1-VA2 0V 115V (1.0x) 230V (2.0x) 199V 199V 115V (1.0x) VA1-VC2 115V (1.0x) 199V 199V 115V (1.0x) 230V (2.0x) 0V VC1-VA2 115V (1.0x) 0V 199V 115V (1.0x) 230V (2.0x) 199V VC1-VC2 199V 115V (1.0x) 230V (2.0x) 0V 199V 115V (1.0x)

Kevin Miller received his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from The Georgia Institute of Technology. He works as a field service engineer with Electrical Equipment Upgrading, a NETA Full Member Company, in Savannah, Georgia. His primary responsibilities revolve around project management. Kevin is a Registered Professional Engineer with the state of Georgia and is a NETA Certified Level IV Technician.

Article available for reprint with permission from NETA. Please inquire at neta@netaworld.org.
NETA WORLD Fall 2005