Study of Relay Protection Modeling and Simulation
on the Basis of DIgSILENT
Jinsong LIU 1, Junyu ZHANG 2
1. Electric Power Research Institute
State Grid Shanghai Municipal Electric Power Company
Shanghai, China
liujinsong1888@126.com, zjunyu3@163.com
$EVWUDFW²',J6,/(17 3RZHU)DFWRU\ D VLPXODWLRQ VRIWZDUH
DSSOLFDWLRQ LV H[FOXVLYHO\ GHYLVHG IRU HOHFWULF SRZHU V\VWHP DQG
FRQWURO DQDO\VLV (TXLSSHG ZLWK YDULRXV HOHFWULF FRPSRQHQW
PRGHOV LW KDV EURXJKW JUHDW FRQYHQLHQFH IRU WKH UHVHDUFK DQG
VWXG\ RI SRZHU V\VWHP ZLWK GLVWULEXWHG JHQHUDWLRQ 7KLV SDSHU
LQWURGXFHV WKH PRGHOLQJ SULQFLSOH JHQHUDO IUDPHZRUN DQG
YDULRXV IXQFWLRQDO EORFNV LQ WKH VLPXODWLRQ RI UHOD\ SURWHFWLRQ
EDVHG RQ ',J6,/(17 %\ LOOXVWUDWLQJ RYHUFXUUHQW DQG GLVWDQFH
SURWHFWLRQ WKLV SDSHU SUHVHQWV WKH SURFHVV RI WKH DSSOLFDWLRQ RI
',J6,/(17 WR UHOD\ SURWHFWLRQ VLPXODWLRQ DQG SURYHV WKH
HIIHFWLYHQHVVDQGSURJUHVVLYHQHVVRIWKHVRIWZDUHLQWKLVILHOG
Keywords—DIgSILENT; relay protection; modeling and
simulation; overcurrent protection; distance protection
I. INTRODUCTION
The more complex operation mode of power system brings
great difficulties to operation analysis of relay protection[1]. In
such case, relay protection simulation of power system from
computer digital simulation system is an important method to
continue the development and research of relay protection
device. Reference [2] introduces and compares three realtime
simulation from theoretical basis and realization methods,
which should be selectively cooperate with each other in
practical applications. Reference [3] puts forwards the
modeling method of relay protection model in present situation
that lack of relay simulation model, by which users who use
PSASP can custom module to set up distance protection model,
so that feasibility of this method has been verified. Reference
[5] uses PSCAD/EMTDC to build interface model, with
launching Matlab data engine to transfer file M, which
achieves parameter setting of the model. This avoids
limitations from original software model, which enhance the
flexibility of simulation.
DIgSILENT PowerFactoy provides various models and
parameters of electrical components from different
manufacturers, which can be easily used and modified in
graphics environment, especially in power system simulation
application of new energy sources like PV, fan and stored
energy[5-7]. Meanwhile, this software can operate simulation in
conjunction with Matlab via the interface, taking in the
advantage of Matlab in processing large-scale data and control
Supported by The National Key R&D Plan of China (2017YFB0902801).
‹,(((
Ping LING 1, Weiqing TAO 2
2. School of Electrical Engineering and Automation
Hefei University of Technology
Hefei, China
mr.lingping@hotmail.com, twq@csg.com.cn
system modeling[8].
In terms of relay protection, at present, the majority of
widely used electric system simulation software merely
implement protection function depend on switching off after
preset time. However, the improvement plans of DG protection
cannot precisely simulate the system and the functioning of
relays due to the deficiency of new relay protection devices and
refined DG models.
DIgSILENT can construct protection device models, set
the parameters, and confirm the coordination through event
setting, which helps operators to get familiar with the functions
and operation of the device. This paper presents the great
capacity of DIgSILENT in relay protection simulation through
the introducing to the modeling theory of relay protection and
examples of simulation.
II. THE GENERAL PROCEDURE OF RELAY PROTECTION
SIMULATION
Fig.1 shows the general procedure of relay protection
simulation. First, a power system network needs to be
constructed through the software to set models, parameters, etc.
for each component and circuit. The power flow analysis based
on the function of software after above preparations can make
corresponding result boxes next to each components or circuits,
which helps users to see the output directly through the color
and the result boxes. In addition, they can set the corresponding
result reports according to their needs.
Build circuit Set devices Flow Add
networks parameters analysis Convergent relays
Misconvergent
Incoordinate
Coordinate
Set events to
Set relay Short circuit
End validate the
parameters calculation
reliability
Fig. 1. The general procedure of relay protection simulation
In relay protection simulation, the short circuit calculation
can be used to determine the parameter of relay protection
components and fuse capacity, as well as to coordinate
different protection devices. After a stable outcome achieved
by current analysis, this tool can be used to set short-circuit
point, select short circuits types and set up different short-
circuit conditions in a single line diagram. Based on standards
like VDE, IEC, ANSI, different calculating methods can be
chosen in the dialog boxes so as to meet the needs of the results
in differing situations.
Then, with the result, considering the need of relay
protection, users can directly add relays, fuses and element
such as CT or VT in the corresponding positions in the network.
They can choose existing relay model of each manufacturer or
relay models build by themselves. Through the basic
information dialog box, users can easily revise the setting value
of relay and observe the coordination among relays via time-
current curves and R-X graphs.
Finally, the RMS simulation can set different events in
different positions to gain corresponding actions of relays in
fault, which can test the coordination and reliability of the relay
protection.
III. THE MODELING THEORY OF RELAY PROTECTION
A. The Modeling Frame of Relay Protection
DIgSILENT performs the modeling of relays through three
levels: frame, type and element. Fig.2 shows the relation
between the three levels.
Relay Frame
Relay Type
Ranges
Types
Voltage
97
Relay Element
Tripping Signal
Settings Current
&7 * *
Fig. 2. The relation between three modelling levels
The relay frame uses box diagrams to specify the functions
of general relays. Fig.4 shows the general modeling frame of
relays, and the boxes stand for various function blocks, with
arrow lines representing the connection between different
blocks. These boxes can be defined as measurement blocks,
comparison protection blocks, logic blocks and timing blocks.
They define the function of relay protection and the relation
among them.
The choice of function blocks in relay frame determines the
type of relays. DIgSILENT system has contained some relay
models from manufacturers, which can be straightly used, or
users can copy the model into the project library to revise or
remodel. Furthermore, the relay type also specifies the range of
the relay parameter setting.
Relay elements are used to simulate actual relays in the
network, which is determined by the type of relay and the
setting of parameters. It achieves operational aspect of power
system through CT/VT installed in measuring points, and
output trip signal is used to control the disconnection of the
circuit breaker when action is needed.
B. Some Basic Function Blocks for Relays
Fig.4 displays the basic modeling frame of relays in
DIgSILENT, which is made up of various function blocks for
simulation. Some regular function blocks are shown as below.
The measurement block is responsible for the simulation
processing of the real part and the imaginary part of the
secondary voltage and current into those taken up by the other
succeeding protection function blocks, including the RMS
value, the positive and negative sequence components of
currents and voltages.
The polarization block serves to provide polarized current
and voltage signal for distance protection block. The
calculation of input and output signals is determined by the
allocation of the function blocks and the polarization method.
As a means to detect faults, the starting block is
exclusively designed for distance relays. When a fault is
detected, a starting signal would be sent to distance block and
activates the comparison block.
The instantaneous overcurrent block would send signals
when the measured current exceeds the set starting current.
Meanwhile, the block also supports directional and delay
function. The block can protect the current when the measured
current exceeds the starting current determined by the
characteristic curve. And, the curve can be modified by
changing the staring current or the delay.
The distance admittance block performs admittance based
on the traditional method, impedance protection. The polygon
distance block is responsible for the simulation of the
characteristics supported by modern digital distance protection
relays, in order to prevent resistance fault. The timing block
can defer the sending time of the trip signal from the distance
block to the logic block.
The logic block combines the trip signals within the other
function blocks into a comprehensive output signal into a logic
sum output signal to validate the trip of the circuit breaker.
IV. SIMULATION EXAMPLES
A. The Example of Overcurrent Protection Simulation
Relay1 Relay2 Relay3
A B C
Fig. 3. The Simulation network of overcurrent protection
As is shown in Fig.3, the simulation network of overcurrent
protection adopts 6kV distribution network with the respective
circuit length between nodes: 5km, 1.5km, 1.5km, and
connects to a 0.4kV distribution network through a 10MVA
transformer. Add relays in the three positions, and get the
characteristic equation from the general math model of the
inverse time overcurrent relays:
 Three-phase voltage
Three-phase current Polarize Polarizing voltage and current
Zero-sequence current block Comparison block for
distance protection
Starting signal after
Starting fault type judgment
block
Comparison block for
Secondary
overvoltage or
current
CT RMS value of three-phase voltage
undervoltage protection

Measurement
block for Comparison block for
RMS value of zero-sequence voltage
Primary phase zero-sequence
current sequence overvoltage protection
component and
to earth
component RMS value of phase current Comparison block for
Secondary phase-fault overcurrent
voltage
VT protection

RMS value of zero-sequence current Comparison block for

earth-fault fault
Primary overcurrent protection Logic
voltage block
Maximal value of current
Comparison block for
directional over-current
protection
Sequence current and Direction Forward or reverse
voltage block
Primary Measurement Comparison block for
side of block for negative sequence
sequence overcurrent protection
power component
system Comparison block for
negative sequence
overvoltage protection

Measurement
block for Frequency Comparison block for
frequency over or under frequency
protection

Lock
block

Tripping signal

Fig. 4. The regular modelling frame of protection relay in DIgSILENT

0.14 K (1) The function blocks compare the signals and send the trip
t
M 0.02 -1 signal to the logic block which decides the breaker’s switch.
K refers to time setting coefficient; M=I/Iop, Iop stands for the
starting current; I, the short current flowing through a relay. Logic

The modeling frame of the relay model selected in this

example is shown in Fig.5. The function blocks of the relay are
made up of the instantaneous overcurrent block and the time Ioc> Ioc>> Ioc>>> Toc

overcurrent block. CT gives out the momentary current and

converts it into the real part and imaginary part of three-phase
current and zero sequence current and transfer them to the CT Measurement

measurement block. The measurement block then gives out the Ioc Ioc Toc
RMS values of three-phase current and zero sequence current Ie> Ie>> Ie
and offers them respectively to the corresponding function
blocks of the relay. The above four blocks consist of inverse Logic

time overcurrent blocks and one definite time overcurrent

block, while the three blocks for ground faults below are two Fig. 5. The modelling frame of overcurrent relays
inverse time overcurrent blocks and one time overcurrent block.
 The starting current of the relay is adjusted with the aim to
avoid the maximum load current on the protected components.
Since only the differing time limit of all protection devices can
help meet the selective needs of protection, the time limit of
actions should be adjusted respectively.
First start with the protection furthest from the power
supply, and the starting current would be adjusted as Iop.1 with
t1 as action time.
K rel Kss
I op I L. max
K re
(2)
In the equation, Krel㸪 the reliable coefficient, is usually
1.15~1.25; Kss, self-starting coefficient, is greater than 1, which
is determined by the specific network connection and load
property; Kre㸪the resetting coefficient of the current relay, is
0.85~0.95㸹 IL.max is the maximum loading current.
Then, the starting current of the succeeding relays will be
Different events can be identified in different positions in
the network by RMS simulation function. Point C, B, A in the
simulation network shown in Fig. 3 are respectively set up with
single phase short circuit events at 0.5s, 1s, 1.5s, and carry out
a simulation period of 2s. The result is shown in Fig.7. When
faults occur, the state variables would rise gradually at different
speeds. The state variables of the back-end relays would be
reset to zero when the relative relays send the trip signal.
According to the result boxes, the corresponding breakers of
Relay3, Relay2 and Relay1 would trip respectively at 0.70s,
1.27s, and 1.83s, which meets the breaking time figured out by
the inverse time overcurrent characteristic. So, it meets to the
needs of relay protection.
B. The Example of Distance Protection Simulation
132kV 132kV
132kV
275kV
40km

adjusted according to the distance from the power supply, and 33kV
33kV
the action time limit of the succeeding relays should be one ∆t
length unit, longer than the previous ones, thus, t2= t1+∆t.

ü
S

Relay1

ü Relay2 50km
ü Relay3
Relay1 132kV
100km
Relay2

SG
a
Fig. 8. The Simulation network of distance protection

Fig.8 is a network for distance protection simulation, and

Pri.A
Fig. 6. The characteristic curve of overcurrent relays
The adjusted characteristic curve is shown as Fig.6 Take
the single phase short circuit starting from C as an example.
The short circuit current is 3.509kA, and the action time limit
of the three adjusted relays is 0.235s, 0.456s and 0.968s
respectively. Therefore, Relay3 acts first while Relay1 and
Relay2 stay still.
the ohm Relay 1 and 2 are installed to the positions shown in
the figure. The relay modeling frame is shown in Fig.9, while
the instantaneous values of three-phase voltage and current are
measured by CT/VT, which will be changed by measurement
block to transfer data to polarization block and starting block.
When starting block detects the occurrence of fault, it transmits
signal and begins the comparative work of distance function
block. The blocks are three zone distance function blocks, in
which zone 2 and zone 3 protection will send the signal to the
logic block after the setting timer delay when detecting the
fault.
Timer Timer

PPZ1 PPZ2 PPZ3 Or

Relay3
CT
Measur Polarize Logic
ement
VT

Starting

Relay2
PGZ1 PGZ2 PGZ3

Timer Timer

Relay1
ü State variable
ü Tripping Signal
Fig. 9. The modelling frame of distance relays

Fig. 7. State variable and tripping signal of relay while simulating

 Set the parameters of Relay1. The residual compensation
factor k0 of the polarization block is automatically calculated
and displayed as 0.48 by software. The starting block calculates
the three-phase and ground fault currents at the end of the line
by means of the full method, respectively 600A and 410A.
Then, set the ground fault current value 3∗I0 to 0.6 sec. A and
current value I>> to 1 sec.A.
For the three zone protection of distance relay, zone 1
needs to cover 80% of the protected line. Zone 2 is set to cover
the protected line plus 50% of the shortest adjacent line. Zone 3
is required to cover 120% of the relay mounting line and the
impedance of the longest adjacent line. Considering the
auxiliary effect of the parallel line fault, the impedance
parameter is set to two times.
As shown in Fig.8, the length of the lines is respectively
50km, 40km, 100km, and line per kilometer unit impedance is
10.981 sec.Ohms. Three phase interphase distance protection
parameter of Relay 1 can be calculated to 8.78 sec.Ohms, 15.37
sec.Ohms and 65.89 sec.Ohms separately. Timer delay ∆t of
zone 2 and zone 3 protection is assumed about 0.3s, while
timers are set to 0.3s and 0.6s respectively. Earth fault setting
can be achieved by adjusting the setting value of interphase
fault range which is completed by residual compensation factor
k0. This can be applied to all segments, and the setting is the
same as that of the interphase fault protection in simulation.
Pri.Ohm
ü Relay1
ü Relay2
Pri.Ohm
Fig. 10. The impedance characteristic diagram of distance relays
The impedance characteristic of two relays can be achieved
by similar settings for Relay2 parameters, as shown in Fig.10
Through setting up simulation events of RMS, it can be
concluded that relays can cooperate with each other in the
event of a fault.
V. CONCLUSION
The feature of graphic and model integration of
DIgSILENT PowerFactoy, vast applications of virtual
instruments, as well as rich electrical component model, which
all brings great facilities to the research and learning of electric
power system. However, the studies based on this software
merely involves the field of new energy like fan, solar energy
and energy storage.
This article indicates general steps and modeling principle
of relay protection simulation by using the software. In
addition, overcurrent protection and distance protection are
seen as example to introduce setting and parameter setting of
relay, which shows its advance in the field of relay protection.
The fine model can imitate operation condition of electric
power system better in actual failure condition, so that it can
provide more data to relay protection which is closer to the
actual situation. Thus, it can provide data for monitoring
equipment like PMU to do the test work. At present, the
software can be used for research about overcurrent protection,
distance protection and differential protection and so on, except
motor protection, while users can explore it by custom
protection module. The learning of model and advantages in
DIgSILENT is important for promoting the research and
programming of power system.
REFERENCES
[1] Zhang B, Hao Z, Bo Z. New development in relay protection for smart
grid[J]. Protection & Control of Modern Power Systems, 2016, 1(1):14.
[2] LUO Jian-min, QI Guang-yu, HE Zheng-wen, et al. Research on power
system real-time simulation[J]. Relay,2006,(18):79-86.
[3] SUN Yuanzhuang, YANG Jun, ZHANG Xiaodong㸪et al. Protection
Model for Dynamic Simulation of Power System[J].Automation of
Electric Power Systems, 2009,33(20):47-51.
[4] YUAN Xin. Application of the Interface Technique Between
PSCAD/EMTDC and Matlab in Power System Simulation[J].Journal of
Electric Power, 2010,25(3):214-217.
[5] L Tao, HAN Zhen-xiang. Introduction of power system simulation
software DIgSILENT[J]. East China Electric Power,2004,12:37-41.
[6] ZHANG Xiaoping, ZHENG Wenjie, CHEN Hui, et al. Simulation and
modeling of wind power storage system based on DIgSILEN[J].
Renewable Energy Resources.2015(01),63-67.
[7] WANG Yixiao, ZHANG Xinchang, LU Jinsheng, et al. Modeling and
simulation of grid connected photovoltaic power generation system
based on DIgSILENT[J]. Power System Protection and
Control..2014(03):49-55.
[8] YUAN Tianqing, WU Xiaomei, LIU Guoxiang, et al. Simulation
Modeling for Interface between DIgSILENT and MATLAB[J].
Guangdong Electric Power,2014(3):49-52.
[9] ZHANG Baohui, YIN Xianggen. Relay Protection of Power System.
Beijing: China Power Press,2009.
[10] DIgSILENT PowerFactory Application Guide Overcurrent Protection
Tutorial DIgSILENT Technical Documentation[M]. Gomaringen,
Germany: DIgSILENT GmbH, 2013.
[11] DIgSILENT PowerFactory Application Guide Distance Protection
Tutorial DIgSILENT Technical Documentation[M]. Gomaringen,
Germany: DIgSILENT GmbH, 2013.