2013 IEEE 7th International Power Engineering and Optimization Conference (PEOC02013), Langkawi, Malaysia.

3-4 June
2013

Overcurrent Relays Coordination for

Commercial Building
10. Aliman,
I

1.

Musirin

Faculty of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia
2
Centre for Electrical Power Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
l

2
omaraliman@ieee.org, ismailbml@gmail.com

algorithm for optimal coordination of overcurrent relays in a

Abstract-

This

paper

presents

an

overcurrent

relays

loops distribution system is discussed in [1-4]. In this paper,

coordination study for an 11 kV commercial building in southern

combination of primary and backup relay is chosen by using

Malaysia. Nevertheless, the actual study that covers the over

graph theory, to avoid mal-operation of relays. A novel

current relays, earth fault relays and earth leakage relays were
executed by providing optimum and functionable relay settings
prior to commissioning of the building. The calculated settings
and

proposed

adjustment

settings

have

been

verified

and

simulated by ETAP power tool for predictive sequence and

tripping time delay during fault. Based on the proven proposed

optimization technique based on evolutionary programming

for overcurrent relay coordination in distribution networks is
presented in [5-6]. Evolutionary programming is a stochastic
multi-point searching optimization algorithm and is capable of
escape from local optimum problems.
In [7-9], intelligent relay coordination method have been

settings, the coordination study been accepted by the concerned

discussed based on the most widely used intelligent search

authority body and suggested for implementation accordingly.

algorithms, called artificial bees colony (ABC) and particle

Index Terms-Radial power system, protection, over-current
relays, ETAP, STAR view of relay curves, relay coordination.

swarm optimization (PSO), for digital relaying, in which the

time-dial setting is appropriately adjusted in order to minimize
operating time while coordinated relays are also reliable.

I.

INTRODUCTION

Linear and non-linear programming optimizing techniques are

lectrical power system network consists of a series of

circuit

expensive

breakers

and

equipments.

relays

which

Significantly,

needed

the

to

relays

protect

must

be

coordinated so as to avoid mal-operation and also, to avoid

unnecessary

downtime

in

other

parts

of

the

system.

Coordination of overcurrent relays in a meshed distribution

system is a challenge task for the protection engineers. Hence,
it was initially done manually.
Generally, electricity demand increases more rapidly in
developing countries in line with its economic development of
the country. Impressed with the development, the networking
of the power systems will also become more complex. In a
case, analyzing streams load fault calculations and transfer
primary and backup pairs will be very exhausting. Also,
several iterations is needed to calculate the time multiplier
setting relay, so that the minimum margin discrimination as
required, is between relay and its entire backup relay in a large
electrical system. Therefore, in order to protect the entire

very frequently used for coordination of overcurrent relays. In

one method of linear programming, the power supply system
is divided into subsystems to give disabled diagonal matrix
structure connecting variables. Subsystem is solved using the
revised algorithm rare dual method of linear programming
[10-12]. Benders algorithm for linear programming is also
used to coordinate solutions for each subsystem and system
master [13]. Method of linear programming is also used to
coordinate distance relay zone-2 with overcurrent protection
[14].
Structured computer program that uses technically correct
models, uses a friendly interface, uses a common database and
user error trap are required to be a powerful tool that
significantly

the

efficiency of engineering and

criteria. In addition, it performs numerical calculations with

great speed

and automatically

applies

accepted

industry

standards.
In this paper,

system, the relays should be able to evaluate a wide range of

parameters to determine what corrective action is needed

improves

performance. For that, ETAP is chosen that meets these

an

industrial practice approach of overcurrent

relay coordination of 11 kV commercial building is presented.

responsive to any faults or abnormal conditions. This situation

IT.

is only possible and more accurate with reliance on computer

capabilities.
In present research development, artificial intelligence and
optimization techniques are applied for optimal co-ordination
of overcurrent relays. For instance, application of genetic

An electrical

SYSTEM MODEL

power

system

model

of

commercial

building in southern Malaysia is shown in Figure 1. The 11 kV

incoming source has a three phase short current rating of 286
MV Asc. The step down 1110.415 kV transformer is 1.6 MYA
with 6% of transformer impedance is installed to connect to

978-1-4673-5074-7/13/$31.00 2013 IEEE

608

2013 IEEE 7th International Power Engineering and Optimization Conference (PEOC02013), Langkawi, Malaysia. 3-4 June
2013

2. Minimum Plug Setting (PS) for every relay calculated

based on maximum demand (MD) written in single line
diagram. In other words, the plug setting must not be less

than the maximum normal load including permissible

286MVAsc

__
MSB

continuous overload unless monitored by undervoltage

relay, otherwise the relay will not allow the normal load

11 /0.415 kV
1.6MVA

to be delivered.
3. Plug Setting value greater than minimum PS been chosen
to avoid tripping during normal operation and this PS
value also must be lower than upstream current setting.

MLl

ML2

In estimating the plug setting, an allowance must be

ML3
2
..::.___
.

made for the fact that the relay pick-up varies from 1 .05

------

to 1.3 times plug settings, as per standards.

1iI':

4. Time Multiplier Setting (TMS) adjusted / grading based

--

on upstream relay curve. The time-multiplier setting

1.0 MW
Stand by Gen.

EMSB

must be chosen to give lowest possible time for the relay

at the end of the radial feeder. Tn the preceding sections
towards the source, the time multiplier should be chosen
to give desire selective interval from the down-stream

ELl

ELJ

EL2

EL4

relay at maximum fault conditions.

EL5

5. The time multiplier setting should allow not only for the
time of the breaker but also for the overshoot of the relay

Fig. I. II kV commercial building model.

and allowable time errors in the time of operation of

the MSB and EMSB feeders. Tn addition, a 1 MY A standby

successive relays. It is a common practice to use a fixed

power generator connected to 0. 415 kV bus acts a standby

selective interval of 0.25 second (considering 2cycle

power for EMSB. The total connected loads is 1,316.46 kW.

breakers) between the successive relays [15].

Out of the total connected load, EL3 bus carries the highest
loads of 407.54 kW.
m.

TV.

METHOD IN COORDINATION ST UDY

Over the years, protection engineer use transparent template

that has been cut according to relay current-time characteristic
curve. By moving this template vertically will vary the time
multiplier setting (T.M.S) and moving horizontally will vary
the

plug

setting

(PS)

of

relay.

This

LOAD FLOW AND SHORT CIRC UlT ANALYSIS

By performing the load flow analysis, the flow of current,

traditional

and

conventional method which involves a lot of tedious and

voltage and power, buses, transformers, switchgears, motors

and other equipment information can be determined. Thus,
using this study as well plug relay settings can be solved. With
the same work load flow, short circuit studies are important in
finding the plug setting multiplier of relay. Therefore, load
flow and short circuit analysis should be required for the
coordination of relays.

burdensome task in determine the plug and multiple setting for

each respective relay is adoptive and still considerable for a

A. Loadflowanalysis

simple network. However, if the network is a bit large and has

Load flow study plays an important role in the planning and

many layers of protective devices, the coordination works

operation of electrical equipment. The results obtained in the

become intricate.

study (in conjunction with the results of short-circuit) are used

With help of ETAP software, the protection engineer can

to size capacitors, feeders, transformers and current-limiting

foresee the expected results from any possibilities of fault

reactors, etc. Whether designing a new system or an existing

analysis, factors such as voltage drop, load capacity, power

since from the initial stage.

Several options and techniques of relays coordination study
have

been

applied

by

engineers

with

ultimate

goal

of

providing optimum and functionable setting values. However,

the coordination procedure and consideration used in th is
study might be deferred and can be summarized as follow:
1. Normally coordination study are doing by starting the
relay curve plot at lowest voltage level and largest load,
but in this case we will start from the power utility
incomer since all the setting at this point has been
decided by her. Grading from this point going to the
farthest relay at the lowers voltage level must be firstly
done. Uniform grading time should be perform between
relays and if possible grading time of 0.3 second to 0.4
second is recommended.

factor constraints, steady-state stability limits, transformer tap

settings, and generator excitation levels should be considered.
Analyzing the load flow study can determine the undervoJtage
or overvoltage bus that can be severely affecting the efficient
operation of the machineries and loads.
B. Short circuit analysis
One of the major considerations in the design of a power
system is adequate control of short circuits or faults as they are
commonly

called.

Uncontrolled

short-circuits

can

cause

service outage with accompanying production downtime and

associated inconvenience, interruption of essential facilities,
etc. Calculation of short-circuit currents for industrial power
systems are generally more complex, since a mixture of
sources that contributes to the current location of the fault. Tn a

609

2013 IEEE 7th International Power Engineering and Optimization Conference (PEOC02013), Langkawi, Malaysia. 3-4 June
2013

TC:': :l 3J.6. 4 6R.1A/

2:15. _ 9'9-:_

""'"

O . .:Ji1.5

><K5
)

2 00/5

-=-CL:130

)
1400/5

><1<6

"'00/5

""" ?

T-c:I...: J. OOKW

=CL; 1.4. 62KH

l"!l:),: :!' .Q! 4.cef\ri

BG_'_4 O /_5__
.r. __
4

1400./5.

EMS ..
O_45

CL: 942 _ 85K""w

!<!!::.,: 716.9 9f\ri

..,,, h. ,""J-e
MKlO ,""" 4h,
MKll ,"""h,><KU "k.
MKla
"""9
TCL75K""rl

7 5 X--rl

TCLJ.06'5-

MD:

24Krn'

J.<69.24KIii'

TCL":::O?

MD:

TCLe:aHMir
: e :a RIM

54Kn'

J. 9 2 . 0 D .2 .f K!ii'

8'SO() IIdi
,STANBY GEN.

TCL:J.OE' .O"7KW

MD:

97 .'i5Kloi

Fig. 2. Single line diagram of 11 kY commercial building.

typical modem industrial system of the main sources of

Setting Relay MK2 :

short-circuit currents are utilities, in-plant generation and

synchronous and induction motors. These sources contribute

Maximum demand current

additional exponentially decaying currents which make fault

current magnitudes at various locations time dependent.

V.

A.

0.415
1773.94 x - - 11
66.93 A

RELAY COORDINATION

PS>

Manual calculation ofrelay setting

The single line diagram of the commercial building is

illustrated in Figure 2 with all protective devices are placed

according to its original design. The initial calculation is
started by focusing to the farthest and highest load at the
lowest voltage level. The first grading step is determining the

[max
CT ratioxrelay current setting

66.93
PS>%
x5
S
PS> 89.24 %

grading relays for EL3as illustrated in Figure 3.

The parameters for relay MKI has been given by the power
utility which the plug-setting is given as 82%, while the time

PS

110% (adjusted based on relay MK 1 curve setting)

TMS

0.09

multiplier-setting is set as 0. 1.
Setting Relay MK3 :
Setting Relay MKI :
Maximum demand current is 1,773.94 A at 0.415 kV
Setting parameter for relay MKI has been provided by the
power utility supplier.
PS

82%

TMS

0.1

1773.94
%
2000
-- x5
5
PS> 88.7 %
PS>

PS

100% (adjusted based on relay MK2 curve setting)

TMS

0.07

610

2013 IEEE 7th International Power Engineering and Optimization Conference (PEOC02013), Langkawi, Malaysia. 3-4 June
2013

Setting Relay MK6 :

Setting Relay MKII :

Maximum demand current is 1,175.86 A at OA15 kV

Maximum demand current

1175.86
PS>
%
1400
--x5
5
PS> 84.0 %

192.0034 kW

v'3x415x0.85

314.25 A

314.25
%
500
x5
T
PS>62.85 %
PS>

PS

100% (adjusted based on relay MIG curve setting)

TMS

0.07
PO'Mc.r UlI;ilitry
:2:86 c:

PS

75% (adjusted based on relay MK8 curve setting)

TMS

0.05

The above calculated and adjusted grading of relays is then be

150/5

!lK1.

translated into tripping curve as depicted in Figure 4.

CBIl-2
6aO A

11 ""V
25 !<A

Amps

100

EMSB

Ii I

500

JOO

2000/S

500

>---.,---MK2P

) CB,-HS-8
2 00 A
.M.5B. 50 "-'I.
0..41.5 rt.V

(Nom. kV=0.415. Pial Ref. kV=0.415)

CB:n.-4
6ao A

Mikro

fo.1I<2200

"

CT RallO 75:5

lEe - Normal Inverse

1.1 (0.5 - 2.5

50

Pickup::o

JO

3x = 0.567 $, 5x == 0.385 $, 8x = 0.297 s

xCT Sec)

50

Time Dial = 0.09

Inst == 8 (0.5 - 40 xCT Sec)

.!lK2

Time Delay = 0_05 s

f:li-H
1400/5

.'

!lK6

\ \
MJU.,E
MK3-P
,A------MK6-P
,-----MK8-P
-----

..
CB- 4 1 5- 1a

) H()() A
H.OO/;;
EH.:m, 50 kA
O.4H tV

MKJ.1..,J' -------',
Mikro

!lK8

MK1000
CT Ratio 500:5
IEC

- Normal Inverse

Pickup = 0.75 (0.5 - 2.5 xCT Sec)

Time Dial = 0.09
3x == 0_567 s, 5x = 0.385 S, ax = 0.297 s
Ins! = 5 (0.5 - 40 xCT Sec)
Time Delay = 0_05 s

..

"C'CL : 4 0"1. 5qK""ri'

.:J: 1 9 2.0Cii 3, ;Q illof

...

'OK

Amps

100

EMSB

(Nom. kV=0.415. Plot Ref. kV=0.415)

Fig. 4. Overcurrent grading for relay MK!1.

Fig. 3. Grading of EL3.

Setting Relay MK8 :

TABLE!
ADJACENT RELAYS SETTING

Maximum demand current is 1,175.86 A at OA15 kV

Relay

1175.86
%
1400
--x5
5
PS> 84.0 %

IMD. (A)

PS(%)

TMS

MSB

PS>

MK4

212.77

90

0.1

MK5

163.67

100

0.1

286.40
277.00
135.84

80
100
80

0.05
0.1
0.1

EMSB
MK9

PS

90% (adjusted based on relay MK6 curve setting)

MK10

TMS

0.05

MK12

611

2013 IEEE 7th International Power Engineering and Optimization Conference (PEOC02013), Langkawi, Malaysia. 3-4 June
2013

Relays connected to MSB are graded base on the upstream

[4]

relay which is relay MK3. Whereas, relays connected to

EMSB are graded base on the upstream relay which is relay
MK8. Table 1 shows the grading of the rest of the adjacent

[5]

relays.
B. Relay setting in ETAP:
Consider that fault is occurred at bus EL3. Then near the
faulted bus, first relay MKII must be operated. In the ETAP
software, the star view feature is good to show the exact

[6]

[7]

coordination of relays.
Same way, if the relay MKll is failed, the relay MK8 must

and Information Techno logy (ECTI-CON),

Conference on, 2011,pp.

be operated as back up relay. So as, if relay MK8 is failed, the

relay MK6 must be operated. As above, if relay MK6 is failed,
the next relay that should be operated is relay MK3. The same

[8]

will follow to relay MK2 and the last relay MKI.

is done by using ET AP software. The star views of all relays

[9]

can be displayed to confirm complete coordination of all

relays.
[10]
CONCLUSION

relays in the power system need to be coordinated properly so

[11]

as to avoid mal-operation and also, to avoid unnecessary

downtime in other parts of the system. In this paper, normal
coordination works of

overcurrent relays

by

[12]

manual calculation has been presented. However, since the

network is very large and has many layers of protective
devices, the coordination works become intricate. With help of
ETAP

software,

the protection engineer can

M. R. Asadi and S. M. Kouhsari, "Optimal Overcurrent relays

coordination using particle-swarm-optimization algorithm," in Power
pp. 1-7.
H. H. Zeineldin, E. F. El-Saadany and M. M. A. Salama, "Optimal
coordination of overcurrent relays using a modified particle swarm
optimization," Electric Power Systems Research, vol. 76, pp. 988-995,
2006.
P. P. Bedekar, S. R. Bhide and V. S. Kale, "Coordination of overcurrent
relays in distribution system using linear programming technique," in
Contro l, Automation. Communication and Energy Conservation. 2009.

The overcurrent relays which dominate almost all types of

practice of

2011 8th International

901-904.

Systems Conference and Exposition. 2009. PSCE '09. IEEE/PES,2009,

Thus, the relay coordination from relay MKll to relay MKI

VI.

F. Razavi, H. A. Abyaneh, M. Al-Dabbagh, R. Mohammadi and H.

Torkaman, "A new comprehensive genetic algorithm method for
optimal overcurrent relays coordination," Electric POlVer Systems
Research. vol. 78,pp. 713-720,2008.
I A Sueiro, E. Diaz-Dorado, E. Miguez and J. Cidnis, "Coordination
of directional overcurrent relay using evolutionary algorithm and linear
programming," International Journal of Electrical Power & Energy
Systems. vol. 42, pp. 299-305, 2012.
C. W So and K. K. Li, "Overcurrent relay coordination by evolutionary
programming," Electric POlVer Systems Research. vol. 53, pp. 83-90,
2000.
D. Uthitsunthorn, P. Pao-La-Or and T. Kulworawanichpong, "Optimal
overcurrent relay coordination using artificial bees colony algorithm,"
in Electrical Engineering/Electronics. Computer. Telecommunications

foresee

[13]

the

expected results from any possibilities of fault since from the

initial stage. Therefore, the chances of mal-function operation
of the devices is very very minimal. Thus, the advantage of

[14]

using software tool can efficiently provide and solve the

coordination problem of overcurrent relays in radial system.
[15]
ACKNOWLEDGMENT

INCACEC 2009. 2009 International Conference on, 2009,pp. 1-4.

P. P. Bedekar, S. R. Bhide and V. S. Kale, "Optimum Coordination of
Overcurrent Relays in Distribution System Using Dual Simplex
Method," in Emerging Trends in Engineering and Techno logy
(ICETET) , 2009 2nd International Conference on, 2009,pp. 555-559.
P. P. Bedekar, S. R. Bhide and V. S. Kale, "Optimum coordination of
overcurrent relays in distribution system using genetic algorithm," in
Power Systems, 2009. ICPS '09. International Conference on, 2009, pp.
1-6.
H. B. Elrefaie, M. R. Irving and S. Zitouni, "A parallel processing
algorithm for co-ordination of directional overcurrent relays in
interconnected power systems," Generation. Transmission and
Distribution. lEE Proceedings-, vol. 141, pp. 514-520,1994.
S. .Iamali and M. Pourtandorost, "New approach to coordination of
distance relay zone-2 with overcurrent protection using 1 inear
programming methods," in Universities Power Engineering
Conference, 2004. UPEC 2004. 39th International, 2004, pp. 827-831
vol. 1.
B. Oza,N. Nair, R. Mehta and V. Makwana, Power System Protection
& Switchgear: Tata McGraw-Hill Education ( India) Pvt Limited, New
Delhi,2010.

The authors would like to acknowledge The Research

Management Institute (RMT) UiTM, Shah Alam and Ministry
of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) for the financial
support of this research. This research is supported by MOHE
under the Research Acculturation Grant Scheme (RAGS) with
project code: 600-RMIIRAGS 5/3(49/2012 ).

Omar Aliman (M'07) received his Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering

from University Teknologi Malaysia, graduated his BSc. from Hanyang
University, Korea and obtained his MEng. from Universiti Teknologi
Malaysia. Currently, he is a PhD candidate at Universiti Teknologi MARA
His special field of interest includes power distribution,distributed generation
and arc-flash analysis study.

REFERENCES
[I]

[2]

[3]

.I. G. Singh, S. N. Singh and S. C. Srivastava, "An Approach for

Optimal Placement of Static V Ar Compensators Based on Reactive
Power Spot Price," IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, vol. 2 2, pp.
2021-2029,2007.
R. M. Chabanloo, H. A. Abyaneh, S. S. H. Kamangar and F. Razavi,
"A new genetic algorithm method for optimal coordination of
overcurrent and distance relays considering various characteristics for
overcurrent relays," in Power and Energy Conference, 2008. PECon
2008. IEEE 2nd International, 2008,pp. 569-573.
R. M. Chabanloo, H. A. Abyaneh, S. S. H. Kamangar and F. Razavi,
"Optimal Combined Overcurrent and Distance Relays Coordination
Incorporating Intelligent Overcurrent Relays Characteristic Selection,"
Power Delivery, IEEE Transactions on, vol. 26, pp. 1381-1391,2011.

Associate Professor Dr. Ismail Musirin obtained his Diploma of Electrical

Power Engineering in 1987, Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Hons) in
1990; both from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, MSc in Pulsed Power
Technology in 1992 from University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom and
PhD in Electrical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia in
2004. His research interest includes power system stability, optimization
techniques,distributed generator and artificial intelligence.

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