1MRS757207 EN

Technical Note
Issued: July 2010
ABB Oy, Distribution Automation Revision: A / 09 July 2010

High-Impedance Differential Protection with REF615

Contents:
1 Scope ..................................................................................................................... 2
2 REF615 as high-impedance differential protection relay ................................ 3
2.1 Phase segregated high-impedance differential protection ............................ 3
2.2 Restricted earth-fault protection ................................................................... 5
2.3 Optional ARC protection .............................................................................. 7
2.3.1 Phase segregated high-impedance differential .................................. 7
2.3.2 Restricted earth-fault ......................................................................... 8
3 Reference list ........................................................................................................ 9

Document history, Disclaimer and Copyrights, Trademarks, Contact information .... 10

 Copyright 2010 ABB Oy, Distribution Automation, Vaasa, FINLAND 1 (10)

High-Impedance Differential Protection with REF615 1MRS757207 EN

1 Scope
This document describes an application of numerical protection relay REF615 as phase
segregated high-impedance differential and restricted earth-fault protection. Typical areas of
application are generator, motor, reactor, bus-bar and transformer protection.

First the usability of the REF615 is validated by studying the required features of a
protection relay to be used in high-impedance differential scheme. Next it is shown how
REF615 overcurrent and earth-fault protection functions are to be used for phase segregated
high-impedance differential protection and restricted earth-fault protection, respectively.
This is illustrated with relay connection drawings.

Finally, the use of REF615 optional arc protection functionality for more comprehensive
protection is discussed.

The rules and data given in this document are for REF615, standard configuration C, but are
also applicable for any 615 and 630 series relays/configurations. For more information on
the high-impedance differential protection principle, calculations and CT requirements
please use reference /1/.

KEYWORDS: high-impedance protection, differential protection, restricted earth-fault

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High-Impedance Differential Protection with REF615 1MRS757207 EN

2 REF615 as high-impedance differential protection relay

The REF615 is designed for a feeder protection and control, but it is fully applicable to be
used also as

- a phase segregated high-impedance differential protection for generator, motor,

reactor and bus-bar,
- a high-impedance differential based restricted earth-fault protection for generator,
motor and power transformer, and
- an optional arc-protection.

This is due the fact that the REF615 non-directional overcurrent and earth-fault functions
fulfil the needs of the high-impedance principle.

1. The operation must be based on the peak-to-peak measurement or have special peak
detection algorithm for ensuring fast and reliable operation with disturbed secondary
current of saturated CT.
2. Speed of operation.
3. Sensitivity in current setting.

The REF615 has multiple variants, known also as standard configurations. The standard
configuration C is most suitable and therefore recommended. Other standard configurations
can be used as well, but protection function used for high-impedance differential must be or
must be set to operate as non-directional.

2.1 Phase segregated high-impedance differential protection

In this application, the phase current input of the REF615 is used solely for differential
current measurement. Figure 2.1.-1 shows an example connection of relay when protected
object is a motor or generator.

 Copyright 2010 ABB Oy, Distribution Automation, Vaasa, FINLAND 3 (10)

High-Impedance Differential Protection with REF615 1MRS757207 EN

Fig.2.1-1. Three-phase current inputs in the REF615 used in phase segregated high-
impedance differential protection.

Protection is done by using the non-directional overcurrent stages. The REF615 standard
configuration has three stages (table 2.1.-1). The PHLPTOC gives minimum Start
value setting of 0.05 x In.

The “In” stands for the relay rated secondary current. The relay has 1/5A phase current
inputs, which can be software selected either for 1A or 5A. The inputs withstand 20 A
continuously and 500A for 1 sec time.

It is possible, and sometimes recommendable, to use more than one stage. For example
PHLPTOC for high sensitivity and PHIPTOC for faster operation in case of severe fault.

Table 2.1.-1. Available function blocks for phase segregated high-impedance differential
protection.

Start value Min. operation time

Function Notes
setting range with IEC def.time

PHLPTOC 0.05 .. 5 xIn, step 0.01 40 msec 1), 2)

PHHPTOC 0.10 .. 40 xIn, step 0.01 40 msec 1), 2)

PHIPTOC 1.0 .. 40 xIn, step 0.01 20 msec 2)

1) Measurement mode –setting must be set “Peak-to-peak”

2) Num of start phases –setting must be set “1 out of 3” for achieving phase segregation

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High-Impedance Differential Protection with REF615 1MRS757207 EN

2.2 Restricted earth-fault protection

In this application, the phase current input of the REF615 is used solely for differential
current measurement. Figure 2.2.-1 shows an example connection of the relay in a power
transformer winding protection application. As for the restricted earth-fault protection, only
the Io input is needed, the relay phase current inputs can be used for normal overcurrent
protection.

Fig. 2.2.-1 drawing a) shows an example connections when same phase CTs are used both
for high-impedance restricted earth-fault, and normal overcurrent protection. Drawing b)
shows connections if separate phase CTs are used. Which one is used depends on customer
requirements, available space for the CTs etc.

Fig.2.2-1. Residual current input (Io) in the REF615 used for restricted EF-protection.

Protection is achieved by using the non-directional earth-fault stages. The REF615 standard
configuration has three stages (table 2.2.-1). The EFLPTOC gives minimum Start
value setting of 0.01 x In.

The “In” stands for the relay rated secondary current. The relay can be ordered to have
0.2/1A current input, which can be software selected either for 0.2A or 1A. This input can
withstand 4 A continuously and 100A for 1 sec time. Alternative, the relay can be ordered to
have 1/5A current input, which can be software selected either for 1A or 5A. This input can
withstand 20 A continuously and 500A for 1 sec time.

It is possible, and sometimes recommendable, to use more than one stage. For example
EFLPTOC for high sensitivity and EFIPTOC for faster operation in case of high fault
currents at severe fault.

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High-Impedance Differential Protection with REF615 1MRS757207 EN

Table 2.2.-1. Available function blocks for restricted earth-fault protection.

Function Start value Min. operation time Notes

setting range with IEC def.time

EFLPTOC 0.010 .. 5 xIn, step 0.005 40 msec Measurement mode

–setting must be set
EFHPTOC 0.10 .. 40 xIn, step 0.01 40 msec “Peak-to-peak”

EFIPTOC 1.0 .. 40 xIn, step 0.01 20 msec

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High-Impedance Differential Protection with REF615 1MRS757207 EN

2.3 Optional ARC protection

The REF615 variant C can be ordered with optional arc-protection, which can further
improve the overall protection achieved with the relay.

In any arc-protection, for safety and reliability reasons, a “light & current” functionally is
typically required. The same applies when using REF615.

2.3.1 Phase segregated high-impedance differential

In this scheme, the relay does not measure the phase currents which means that “light &
current” mode cannot be used. The arc-protection is therefore achieved by setting REF615
arc-protection to “light only” mode, routing this signal (FLT_ARC_DET) to an output relay
and further to another relay. This other relay will then perform trip if it sees current and
receives light information from REF615 (Fig. 2.3-1).

Fig.2.3-1. ARC protection in phase segregated high-impedance differential scheme.

Table 2.3.1.-1. Technical data of arc-protection in light only mode.

Function Operation time

ARCSARC Less than 12 msec (typically 10 msec) in the “light only” mode

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High-Impedance Differential Protection with REF615 1MRS757207 EN

2.3.2 Restricted earth-fault

In this scheme, only the Io input is needed. The phase current inputs are therefore free to be
used for normal phase current measurement and then the “light & current” mode can be
achieved.

Table 2.3.2.-1. Technical data of arc-protection in light & current mode.

Function Operation time

ARCSARC Less than 15 msec (typically 12 msec) in the “light & current” mode

 Copyright 2010 ABB Oy, Distribution Automation, Vaasa, FINLAND 8 (10)

High-Impedance Differential Protection with REF615 1MRS757207 EN

3 Reference list

/1/ 1MRS757208 EN. High Impedance Protection, Principle, Calculations and CT

Requirements.

/2/ 1MRS756887. 615 series Technical Manual.

/3/ 1MRS756378. Feeder Protection and Control, REF 615, Application Manual.

 Copyright 2010 ABB Oy, Distribution Automation, Vaasa, FINLAND 9 (10)

Document revision history

Document revision/date History

A / 09 July 2010 First revision

Disclaimer and Copyrights

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a
commitment by ABB Oy. ABB Oy assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document.

In no event shall ABB Oy be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages of any
nature or kind arising from the use of this document, nor shall ABB Oy be liable for incidental or consequential
damages arising from use of any software or hardware described in this document.

This document and parts thereof must not be reproduced or copied without written permission from ABB Oy,
and the contents thereof must not be imparted to a third party nor used for any unauthorized purpose.

The software or hardware described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used, copied, or
disclosed only in accordance with the terms of such license.

Copyright © 2010 ABB Oy

All rights reserved.

Trademarks
ABB is a registered trademark of ABB Group. All other brand or product names mentioned in this document
may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Contact information
ABB Oy, Distribution Automation
P.O.Box 699
Visiting address: Muottitie 2A
FI-65101 Vaasa, FINLAND
Phone: +358 10 22 11
Fax: +358 10 22 41094

www.abb.com/substationautomation