What is Buchholz Relay?

A Buchholz relay is a safety device mounted on some oil-filled power transformers and reactors, equipped with an external overhead oil reservoir called a “conservator”. Buchholz relays are used as a protective device, as they are sensitive to the effects of dielectric failure that can occur inside the equipment they protect. Buchholz relays are a type of gas detection relay.

Buchholz relays have two main elements. The upper element consists of a float. The float is attached to a hinge in such a way that it can move up and down depending upon the oil level in the Buchholz relay container.

A mercury switch is fixed on the float. The alignment of the mercury switch hence depends upon the position of the float.

The lower element consists of a baffle plate and a mercury switch. This plate is fitted on a hinge just in front of the inlet (main tank side) of the Buchholz relay in a transformer in such a way that when oil enters in the relay from that inlet in high pressure the alignment of the baffle plate along with the mercury switch attached to it, will change.

In addition to these main elements, a Buchholz relay has gas-release pockets on top. The electrical leads from both mercury switches are taken out through a molded terminal block.

Buchholz Relay Working Principle

The Buchholz relay working principle is very simple. Buchholz relay function is based on an elementary mechanical phenomenon.

It is mechanically actuated. Whenever there will be a minor internal fault in the transformer such as an insulation fault between turns, breakdown of the core of the transformer, and core heating, the insulating transformer oil will be decomposed in different hydrocarbon gases, CO_2, and CO.

The gases produced due to the decomposition of transformer insulating oil will accumulate in the upper part of the Buchholz container which causes a fall of the oil level in it.

Fall of oil level means lowering the position of the float and thereby tilting the mercury switch. The contacts of this mercury switch are closed and an alarm circuit is energized.

Sometimes due to oil leakage on the main tank air bubbles may be accumulated in the upper part of the Buchholz container which may also cause a fall of oil level in it and the alarm circuit will be energized.

By collecting the accumulated gases from the gas release pockets on the top of the relay and by analyzing them one can predict the type of fault in the transformer.

More severe types of faults, such as short circuits between phases or to earth and faults in the tap changing equipment, are accompanied by a surge of oil that strikes the baffle plate and causes the mercury switch of the lower element to close.

This switch is energized the trip circuit of the circuit breakers associated with the transformer and immediately isolates the faulty transformer from the rest of the electrical power system by inter-tripping the circuit breakers associated with both the LV and HV sides of the transformer. This is how the Buchholz relay functions.

Buchholz Relay Operation Certain Precaution

The Buchholz relay operation may be actuated without any fault in the transformer. For instance, when oil is added to a transformer, air may get in together with oil, accumulate under the relay cover, and thus cause a false Buchholz relay operation.

That is why the mechanical lock is provided in that relay so that one can lock the movement of mercury switches when oil is topping up in the transformer.

This mechanical locking also helps to prevent unnecessary movement of breakable glass bulbs of mercury switches during transportation of the Buchholz relays.

The lower float may also falsely operate if the oil velocity in the connection pipe through, not due to an internal fault, is sufficient to trip over the float.

This can occur in the event of an external short circuit when overcurrents flowing through the winding cause overheating of the copper and the oil and cause the oil to expand.

Conclusion

Overall, Buchholz Relay emerges as a crucial component for ensuring the safety of power transformers. This safety device assists in detecting potential faults that may occur within the transformer by monitoring the levels of gas and liquid inside. When issues such as overheating, gas accumulation, or leakage arise, the Buchholz Relay comes into action, swiftly reacting to protect the transformer.

Safety devices like the Buchholz Relay play a vital role in the efficiency, durability, and reliability of transformers. They contribute to ensuring the security and continuity of power systems while preventing possible faults. It is essential for the Buchholz Relay to be designed and tested in compliance with industry standards.

Source

• Electrical 4 U, “Buchholz Relay in Transformers | Buchholz Relay Operation and Principle”, website. [Online]. (https://www.electrical4u.com/buchholz-relay-in-transformer-buchholz-relay-operation-and-principle/) Accessed: 07.06.2023