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Knee Point Voltage Calculator

Calculate knee point voltage easily using our free online Knee Point Voltage Calculator. Get accurate results, formulas, examples, and step-by-step guidance.

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In electrical power systems, protection and accuracy are very important. One small mistake in measurement can cause big damage to equipment. This is why engineers always focus on current transformers and potential transformers. One key parameter of these devices is the knee point voltage.

Many students, technicians, and engineers find it difficult to calculate knee point voltage manually. It involves several values like fault current, CT ratio, resistance, and burden. To make this process simple, we have developed an easy and reliable Knee Point Voltage Calculator. With this online tool, you can calculate knee voltage in seconds without any confusion.

This calculator is designed for beginners and professionals. It gives accurate results and shows clear calculation steps.

What Is Knee Point Voltage?

Knee point voltage is the voltage level at which a current transformer core starts to saturate rapidly. After this point, a small increase in voltage causes a very large increase in magnetizing current.

In simple words, it is the limit after which the CT can no longer give accurate output.

For protection current transformers, knee point voltage is very important. If the CT saturates during a fault, protective relays may not work correctly. This can lead to system failure.

Knee point voltage is mainly used in protection CTs and sometimes in PTs for special applications.

Why Is Knee Point Voltage Important?

Knee point voltage helps engineers to understand the performance of a transformer during fault conditions.

It ensures that:

  • The CT does not saturate during high fault current.
  • The relay receives correct current signals.
  • Protection systems operate properly.
  • Equipment remains safe from damage.
  • Power supply remains stable.

Without proper knee point voltage, protection systems may fail when they are needed most.

How to Calculate the Knee Point Voltage?

To calculate knee point voltage, you need three main things.

  • First, you need the secondary fault current.
  • Second, you need the total secondary resistance.
  • Third, you need a safety factor.

These values are combined using a standard formula.

Knee Point Voltage Formula

The standard formula for knee point voltage is:

Vkp = K × Isec × Rtotal

Where:

  • Vkp = Knee Point Voltage in volts
  • K = Safety factor, usually 2
  • Isec = Secondary fault current in ampere
  • Rtotal = Total secondary resistance in ohms

Secondary fault current is calculated as:

Isec = IF ÷ CTR

CT ratio is calculated as:

CTR = Iprimary ÷ Isecondary

Total resistance is calculated as:

Rtotal = RCT + RL + RB

Where:

  • IF = Fault current
  • RCT = CT winding resistance
  • RL = Lead resistance
  • RB = Relay burden resistance

How to Use the Online Knee Point Voltage Calculator

Our online knee point voltage calculator is designed to be simple and fast.

  1. First, enter the safety factor. The default value is 2.0, which is recommended for most applications.
  2. Second, enter the fault current and select its unit. You can choose ampere or kiloampere.
  3. Third, enter the CT primary current and CT secondary current.
  4. Fourth, enter the CT resistance, lead resistance, and relay burden resistance.
  5. Fifth, click on the Calculate button.

After clicking, the calculator will instantly show the knee point voltage. It will also display step-by-step calculations for better understanding.

No manual math is required. Everything is done automatically.

Example Knee Point Voltage Calculation

Let us understand this with a simple example.

Suppose we have the following values.

Fault current = 25,000 A

CT ratio = 500/5 A

CT resistance = 0.15 Ω

Lead resistance = 0.10 Ω

Relay burden = 0.25 Ω

Safety factor = 2

Step 1: Calculate CT ratio.

CTR = 500 ÷ 5 = 100

Step 2: Calculate total resistance.

Rtotal = 0.15 + 0.10 + 0.25 = 0.50 Ω

Step 3: Calculate secondary fault current.

Isec = 25,000 ÷ 100 = 250 A

Step 4: Calculate knee point voltage.

Vkp = 2 × 250 × 0.50

Vkp = 250 V

So, the required knee point voltage is 250 volts.

This means the CT should have a knee point voltage of at least 250 V to avoid saturation.

What Is the Knee Point Voltage of a PT?

In most cases, knee point voltage is mainly used for current transformers. However, in some special protection and metering systems, potential transformers also have saturation characteristics.

For PTs, knee voltage refers to the voltage at which the core starts saturating and the output becomes distorted.

The concept is similar, but the calculation method is different and usually provided by the manufacturer.

For accurate PT knee voltage, datasheets are recommended.

How to Determine Knee Voltage Practically?

In practical testing, knee point voltage is found by applying increasing AC voltage to the CT secondary and measuring the excitation current.

When a small increase in voltage causes a large increase in current, that point is marked as the knee voltage.

This method is mostly used in laboratories and commissioning tests.

Our online calculator provides a theoretical and design-based value for engineering purposes.

Final Verdict

The knee point voltage is one of the most important parameters for protection transformers. It ensures that CTs work correctly during fault conditions and provide reliable signals to relays.

Manual calculation is time-consuming and confusing. That is why our Knee Point Voltage Calculator is the best solution for students, engineers, and technicians.

It is fast, accurate, easy to use, and shows complete steps. With this tool, you can design safer and more reliable electrical systems.

If you work with power systems, this calculator is a must-have tool for you.

FAQs

How to calculate the knee point voltage?

You can calculate it using the formula:

Vkp = K × Isec × Rtotal

Or simply use our online knee point voltage calculator for instant results.

Why is knee point voltage important?

It prevents CT saturation during faults and ensures proper relay operation.

What is the standard safety factor for knee voltage?

Most engineers use a safety factor of 2.0 for reliable performance.

Is knee point voltage required for metering CTs?

No, it is mainly required for protection CTs. Metering CTs usually work at lower currents.

Can I use this calculator for any CT?

Yes, you can use it for most protection CTs used in substations and industrial systems.