Linear coupler for FL

Linear coupler connection for Fault

Locator device

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Linear coupler for FL

1. The travelling wave technique

When a fault occurs on overhead lines waves are generated and spread out each direction
along the transmission lines eventually reaching the substations at either end. The units
placed at each end of the overhead line would capture and time tag the arrival of the high
frequency travelling waves. The time difference between the time tags from each end of the
line would be used along with the speed of the travelling wave to work out the distance to
fault. Accurate, consistent results for all types of faults quickly displayed in a control room or
engineering center where the information is needed to direct maintenance teams and
reduce downtime.

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Linear coupler for FL

1.1. Basic linear coupler connection

Split core linear couplers are placed around the secondary wiring of the protection current
transformers to capture the traveling waves.

In all circumstances an installation should strive to have the red linear couplers
placed as close as possible to the main current transformer.

We commend to use the cable supplied by Qualitrol 16-2-2c shielded twisted

pair with CT Type Qualitrol 3C. 3750

Because the access is easier, the red split core linear couplers can be connected over
cables feeding the current signals to the primary protection relay for the fault locator device
to capture the travelling waves. It is not necessary to do several turns around the linear
coupler to get a good sensitivity. The outputs from these red linear couplers are fed back to
the input of the fault locator device.

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Linear coupler for FL

1.2. alternatives connections

In some cases, the signal measured around the the primary protection relay is distorted or
the signal comes from 2 different protection current transformers and the fault recorder does
not detect the travelling waves. In this case the linear coupler can be connected closer to the
protection current transformers.

A feeder connected in a breaker and a half scheme can be energized from two circuit breakers.
Total line current is the summation of the current in the CTs adjacent to each of the circuit
breakers.

Traditionally the CTs were summed externally and fed to one input of a protection relay. In such
cases travelling waves used for TWS fault location were collected by a single linear coupler per
phase placed around the CT wiring at the relay. However, modern relays have two separate
inputs, one for each CT, and summation is part of the relay function. In this instance it is
necessary to use two linear couplers, one per CT circuit. This method allows one circuit to be
monitored by one line module input when one or both circuit breakers are closed. Note that it is
very important to follow the correct polarity otherwise the signals from each linear coupler may
cancel.

The total lead summated length should not exceed 25 meters. Longer cable runs
will attenuate the signal resulting in loss of high frequency component of the
travelling wave.

We commend to use the cable supplied by Qualitrol 16-2-2c shielded twisted

pair with CT Type Qualitrol 3C. 3750

If you need to use more than one linear coupler, you need to connect them in
series to get a better sensibility.

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Linear coupler for FL

1.2.1. Sensors are close together

When the sensors are close together the user can use a single twisted pair cable running from the
fault recorder to sensors with a single bridge between sensors at sensor position.

Utilise cable supplied by Qualitrol 16-2-2c shielded twisted pair.

2
Bridge between sensors to be unshielded 1mm wire.

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Linear coupler for FL

1.2.2. Sensors are further apart

When the sensors are close together the user can use a single twisted pair cable running
from the fault recorder to the first sensor with a twisted pair bridge between the two sensors.

Utilise cable supplied by Qualitrol 16-2-2c shielded twisted pair.

Bridge between sensors to be cable supplied by Qualitrol 16-2-2c shielded twisted pair.
One core of each twisted pair to be joined with effective electrical connection at A.
Shield wire of each twisted pair to be joined with effective electrical connection at A.

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Linear coupler for FL

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About QUALITROL :

QUALITROL manufactures substation and transformer monitoring and protection devices used by electric utilities and
manufacturing companies. It is the global leader in sales and installations of transformer asset protection equipment, fault

recorders and fault locators. Established in 1945, QUALITROL produces thousands of different types of products on
demand, each customized to customers' unique requirements.
2008 QUALITROL Company LLC, an ISO 9001 system certified company. All rights reserved. Information subject to change without notice.
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