Abstract
Safety and reliability are key aspects of power system design and planning. The fundamental goal of an electric utility has always been to serve its customers with a reliable and low cost power supply. Effective system protection is a key aspect of the reliability and safety of the power system. Distribution transformers have a variety of high-side protective devices, ranging from simple power fuses to circuit breakers with advanced relaying schemes. In this project, we will examine the various high-side protection schemes of distribution transformers (systems generally 12 kV and below), including both effectiveness of each particular scheme, and cost analysis. In particular, the pros and cons of transformer high-side protection using power fuses, versus using economical three-pole interrupters such as circuit switchers, will be discussed.