DISTRIBUTION PROTECTION

APPLICATION

Juan M Gers PhD

 Contents
1. Preliminary
2. Types of overcurrent relays
3. Setting of instantaneous and time delay units
4. Coordination across Dy Transformers
5. Example 1 Overcurrent Relays Setting
6. Consideration of energizing conditions, thermal
capabilities and minimum short circuit levels
7. Negative sequence overcurrent protection
8. Adaptive relaying applied to distribution protection
9. Equipment and setting criteria for feeder protection
10. Example 2 Feeder Protection Setting
 Preliminary
Very high current levels in electrical power systems
are usually caused by faults.

These currents can be used to determine the

presence of faults and operate protection devices,
which can vary in design.

Among the more common types of protection are

Thermo-magnetic switches
Molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs)
Fuses
Overcurrent relays
ANSI/IEEE device identification
i.No. i.DESCRIPTION
i.2 i.Time-delay relay
i.21 i.Distance relay
i.25 i.Synchronism-check relay
i.27 i.Undervoltage relay
i.30 i.Annunciator device
i.32 i.Reverse power relay
i.37 i.Undercurrent or underpower relay
i.40 i.Field excitation relay
i.46 i.Negative sequence overcurrent relay
i.47 i.Negative sequence overvoltage relay
i.49 i.Thermal relay
i.50 i.Instantaneous AC overcurrent relay
i.51 i.AC time overcurrent relay
i.52 i.Circuit breaker
i.59 i.Overvoltage relay
i.60 i.Voltage balance or loss of potential relay
i.63 i.Pressure device
i.64 i.Earth protection relay
i.67 i.AC directional overcurrent relay
i.69 i.Permissive relay
i.74 i.Alarm relay
i.76 i.DC overcurrent relay
i.78 i.Out-of-step relay
i.79 i.AC reclosing relay
i.81 i.Frequency relay
i.83 i.Transfer device
i.85 i.Carrier or pilot-wire relay
i.86 i.Lock out relay
i.87 i.Differential relay
i.94 i.Auxiliary tripping relay
 Overcurrent protection

Overcurrent relays are the most common form of

protection used to operate only under fault
conditions.

They should not be installed purely as a means of

protecting systems against overloads.

The relay settings that are selected are often a

compromise in order to cope with both overload
and overcurrent conditions.
 Classification

Overcurrent relays can be classified into three

groups:

Definite current
Definite time
Inverse time
 Definite current relays
This type of relay operates
instantaneously when the fault t
current reaches a pre-determined
value.

The setting is chosen so that, at the

substation farthest away from the
source, the relay will operate for a DEFINITE CURRENT
low current value. A

The relay operating currents are progressively increased at each

substation, moving towards the source.

This type of protection has the drawback of having little

selectivity when the impedance of the protected element is small
in comparison to that of the source.
 Definite time relays
Definite time relays enable the
setting to be varied to cope with t
different levels of current by using
different operating times.

These relays are used when the t1

source impedance is large
compared to that of the element DEFINITE TIME
protected. A

The settings bring about that the breaker nearest to the fault is
tripped in the shortest time, and then the upstream breakers
using longer time.

The big disadvantage is that faults near to the source may be

cleared in a relatively long time.
 Inverse time relays
These relays operate in a time that is
inversely proportional to the fault t
current.

The advantage of this type of relay

is that, for high currents, shorter
tripping times can be obtained INVERSE TIME A
without risk to the protection
selectivity.

They are generally classified in accordance with their

characteristic curve as inverse, very inverse, or extremely
inverse.
 Classification
t t

t1

DEFINITE CURRENT DEFINITE TIME A

A

t t

INVERSE TIME A INVERSE TIME WITH INSTANTANEOUS UNIT A

Protection coordination principles

Relay coordination is the process of selecting

settings that will assure that the relays will operate
in a reliable and selective way.

In OC relays, the coordination is based on the relay

time-current characteristics of instantaneous and/or
time delay units.
Protection coordination principles

1. Instantaneous units should be set so they do not

trip for fault levels equal or lower to those at
busbars or elements protected by downstream
instantaneous relays.

2. Time delay units should be set to clear faults in a

selective and reliable way, assuring the proper
coverage of the thermal limits of the elements
protected.
Single line diagram for criteria setting
Busbar 7 115 kV

TR1

8
Busbar 6 34.5 kV

Busbar 4 7 6 Busbar 5

34.5 kV 34.5 kV
Busbar 3 34.5 kV

Busbar 2 34.5 kV

TR2

Busbar 1 13.2 kV

1 2 3
Criteria for setting instantaneous units

Instantaneous units are set by adjusting the pick up

level current at which the relays operate.

Most numerical relays now have the possibility of

setting an operating time, allowing the relay to
behave as a definite time unit.
 Benefits of instantaneous units

They reduce the operating t

time of the relays for severe
system faults.

They avoid the loss of

selectivity in a system
consisting of relays with
different characteristics.
A
Criteria for setting instantaneous units
i. Distribution lines
Between 6 and 10 times the maximum circuit rating
50% of the maximum short circuit at the point of
connection of the relay

ii. Lines between substations

125% to 150% of the short circuit current existing on
the next substation

iii. Transformer units

125% to 150% of the short circuit current existing on
the LV side
The units at the LV side are overriden unless there is
communication with the relays protecting the
feeders.
 Effects of fault current levels
Effect of the source impedance on the short circuit level
at a substation, and for a fault at point B down the line
A B
Z
zS R

Z R = impedance of protected element

Z S = source impedance
V. 1 V. 1
ISC(A)= S ISC(B)= S
3 Z
S 3 Z +Z
S R
Effects of fault current levels
Fault currents at F1 and F2 are almost the same

F3

F2

F1
Coverage of instantaneous units
A B

zAB
zS

50
 Coverage of instantaneous units
Definition of parameters:

I pickup Zsource
Ki = Ks =
Iend Zelement

V V
Iend = Ipickup =
Zs + Zab Zs +X Zab

Zs + Zab Zs. Ki K s + 1 K s. Ki
X= X=
Zab Ki Ki
 Setting time delay relays
Time delay units are set by selecting the time/curve
characteristic that is defined by two parameters:

TAP or PICK UP VALUE:

A value that defines the pickup current of the relay.
Current values are expressed as multiples of this
value in the time/current characteristic curves.

DIAL:
Defines the time curve at which the relay operates for
any TAP value. Higher DIAL values represent higher
operating times.
Typical time/current characteristic

CO-11 Westinghouse
relay time/current
characteristic
Coordination of OC time delay units
Overcurrent inverse time relay curves associated with
two breakers on the same feeder.
t

Discrimination
margin
R2

R1

CURRENT
 Time discrimination margin
A margin between two successive devices in the order
of 0.2 to 0.4 seconds should be used to avoid losing
selectivity due to one or more of the following reasons:

The breaker opening time

The overrun time after the fault has been cleared
Variations in fault levels, deviations from the
characteristic curves of the relays and errors in
the current transformers
 Criteria for setting the TAP
For phase relays, the TAP or PICK UP VALUE is
determined by:

TAP = (OLF Inom) CTR

For ground fault relays, the TAP value is determined,

with the maximum unbalance, typically around 20%:

TAP = ((0.2) x Inom) CTR

 Criteria for setting the TAP

The overload factor recommended is as follows:

Motors = 1.05

HV Lines, transformers and generators =

1.25 to 1.5

Distribution feeders = 2.0

 Criteria for setting the TAP

For phase relays, three phase faults and maximum

short time overload should be considered.

For ground relays, line to ground faults and max 3Io

should be considered.
 Procedure for time delay setting
A suggested procedure to coordinate OC time delay units:

1) Select the TAP value for all the relays

2) Determine the operating time t1 of the relay closest to

the load with the lowest time dial and the fault level for
which the instantaneous unit picks up.

3) Determine the operating time t2a of the upstream relay

substation with the expression t2a = t1 + tmargin.
Procedure for time delay setting

4) Knowing t2a, and having calculated the TAP value for

relay 2, obtain the DIAL setting for relay 2.

5) Determine the operating time (t2b) of relay 2, but now

use the fault level just before the operation of its
instantaneous unit.

6) Continue with the sequence, starting from the third

step.
 Expression for time delay setting
Operating time defined by IEC and ANSI/IEEE:

t = Relay operating time in seconds

k k = Time dial, or time multiplier setting
t=
+L I = Fault current level in seconds amps.
I
1 IS = Tap or pick up current selected

IS L = Constant
= Slope constant
= Slope constant
Setting time delay on overcurrent relays
ANSI/IEEE and IEC constants for standards, overcurrent relays
IDMT Curve Description Standard L

Moderately Inverse IEEE 0.02 0.0515 0.114

Very Inverse IEEE 2 19.61 0.491

Extremely Inverse IEEE 2 28.2 0.1217

Inverse US-CO8 2 5.95 0.18

Short Time Inverse US-CO2 0.02 0.02394 0.01694

Standard Inverse IEC 0.02 0.14

Very inverse IEC 1.0 13.5

Extremely inverse IEC 2.0 80.0

Long Time Inverse UK 1 120

 Standards of Time/Current
characteristics
IEC/UK IEEE/US
overcurrent overcurrent
relay curves relay curves
Operating time (s)

Operating time (s)

UK LTI

IEC SI
IEEE MI
IEEE VI
IEC VI US C02

IEC EI US C08
IEEE EI

Current (Multiples of Is) Current (Multiples of Is)

 Characteristics of relay BE1-951

The PICK UP or TAP

settings are available in
Steps of 0.01

The TIME DIAL

settings are available in
Steps of 0.1
 Basic logic scheme of a BASLER
BE1-951 numerical overcurrent relay
 Setting OC relays using software
techniques
1. Locate the fault and obtain the current for setting
the relays.

2. Identify the pairs of relays to be set,

first determining which one is farther away from
the source.

3. Verify that the requirements thermal capabilities

are protected and devices operate for minimum
short circuit levels.
 Coordination with fuses

It is necessary to consider the case of preventing fuse

operation because of the problems of replacing them
after they operate.

In these cases, it may be preferable to forgo the

selectivity of the protection system by not taking into
account of the fuse characteristic curve, so that it will
act as a back-up.
Coordination across Dy transformers
Three phase fault

E n
If = =I
X
N2 I
I delta = I =
N1 3

I primary = 3Idelta = I
Coordination across Dy transformers
Phase-to-phase fault

E 3 .E n 3
If = = = I
2X 2x 2
3 N2 I
I delta = I =
2 N1 2

I primary = 2I delta = I
Coordination across Dy transformers
Phase-to-ground fault
E n
If = =I
X
N2 I
I delta = I =
N1 3
I
I primary =
3
Coordination across Dy transformers
Summary of fault conditions

Fault Iprimary Isecondary

Three phase I I
Phase-to-phase I 3I/2

Phase-to-earth I 3I
Coordination across Dy transformers
Coordination of overcurrent relays for a Dy transformer
t

0.4 Sec

If A
3 I
f
2
Example 1 - Single line diagram
 Example 1 - Data
Calculate the following:
1. The three phase short circuit levels on busbars 1 and 2
2. The transformation ratios of the CTs associated with breakers 1 to 8,
given that the number of primary turns is a multiple of 100.
The CT for breaker number 9 is 250/5.
3. The settings of the instantaneous elements, and the TAP and DIAL
settings of the relays to guarantee a coordinated protection
arrangement, allowing a discrimination margin of 0.4 seconds.
4. The percentage of the 34.5 kV line protected by the instantaneous
element of the overcurrent relay associated with breaker 6.

The p.u. impedances are calculated on the following bases:

V = 34.5 kV, P = 100 MVA
 Example 1 - Data
The settings of relay 7 are:

TAP = 4 A
DIAL = 5
Instantaneous = 1100 A

All the relays are of the inverse time type with the following
characteristics:

TAP = 1 to 12 A, in steps of 1 A
DIAL = as shown in next figure
Network equivalent - Example 1
Calculation of short circuit levels
Example 1

V
2
(34500V) 2

Z =
P
= 6 = 6.5 ohms, referred to 34.5 kV
base
sc 182.87 10
(34500) 2

Z = 0.1 6 = 7 .93 ohms, referred to 34.5 kV

transf1
15 10
= 88.17 ohms, referred to 115 kV

(34500) 2

Z = 0.073 6 = 28.96 ohms, referred to 34.5 kV

transf2
3 10

(34500) 2

Z = 1.086 6 = 12.93 ohms, referred to 34.5 kV

100 10
line
 Nominal currents - Example 1
1 106 VA
I nom.1,2,3 = = 43.74 A at 13.2 kV
3
3 13.2 10 V
3 106 VA
I nom.4 = = 131.22 A at 13.2 kV
3
3 13.2 10 V

3 106 VA
I nom.5 = = 50.20 A at 34.5 kV
3
3 34.5 10 V
Inom.6,7 = 50.20 A at 34.5 kV
Inom.8 = 251.02 A at 34.5 kV
15 106 VA
I nom.9 = 3 = 75.31 A at 115 kV
3 115 10 V
Short circuit levels - Example 1
(34.5)
2

Z transf1
+ Z base
=
129.69
= 9.18 ohms, referred to 34.5 kV
= 102.0 ohms, referred to 115 kV

Zsystem = 102.0 88.16 = 13.84 , referred to 115 kV

34.5 103
I fault1,2,3,4 = = 411.72 A at 34.5 kV
3 ( 6. 5 + 12. 92 + 28. 96)
= 1076.06 A at 13.2 kV
34.5 103
I fault5 = = 1025.67 A at 34.5 kV
3 ( 6. 5 + 12. 92 )
Short circuit levels - Example 1

34.5 103
I fault6,7 = = 3060.34 A at 34.5 kV
3 ( 6. 5)

129. 69 106
I fault8 = 3 = 2170.4 A at 34.5 kV
3 34.5 10

115 3
I fault9= 10
= 4797.35 A at 115 kV
3 13.84
 Example 1 Short circuit printout

|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
|Fault values | /kA Ik"phas /D | /kA Ik"comp /D |Sk" /MVA|
|************ | 3.060| -86.3| 3.060| -86.3| 182.870|
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
|To node/Elementname |Type | /kA Ik"phas /D | /kA Ik"comp /D |Sk" /MVA|
|BUSBAR 1 |LINE | 0.000| -90.0| 0.000| -90.0| 0.000|
| EL2 | | | | | | |
|15-SUB-M |LINE | 0.453| 102.6| 0.453| 102.6| 27.047|
| EL3 | | | | | | |
|8-SUB-G |LINE | 0.453| 102.6| 0.453| 102.6| 27.047|
| EL5 | | | | | | |
|7-SUB-F |LINE | 0.000| -90.0| 0.000| -90.0| 0.000|
| EL7 | | | | | | |
|1-SUB-A |2-TR | 2.170| 90.0| 2.170| 90.0| 129.694|
| TR1 | | | | | | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
Example 1 Short circuit printout
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Calculation parameters: |
| ----------------------- |
| System frequency in Hz 60.0 |
| Number of elements 9 |
| Number of nodes 7 |
| Calculation method ANSI/IEEE |
| Kind of fault 3 phase SC |
| Ik"max calculation Yes |
| Interrupting times in cycles for Ib 3.000 |
| Short circuit duration for iDC in cycles 0.020 |
| Node voltages from loadflow (superposition method) No |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Index : |
| From nod: Name of starting node To node : Name of ending node |
| Fault no: Fault location Type : Type of element |
| Vn : System nominal voltage Distan. : Distance fr. faulted nod|
| El.name : Name of element Net : Type of network |
| VL-E,L-L: Fault voltages (phase) Vcomp : Fault volt. (sym. comp.)|
| Ib : Interrupting current (5 Cycles) |
| Ik : Steady state current (30 Cycles) |
| Zf : Network impedance for 0.5 Cycles pos.-, neg.-, zero system |
| Ik"phas : Momentary current after 0.5 Cycles in the phases (Am./Ang.) |
| Ik"comp : Momentary current after 0.5 Cycles the symm. comp. (Am./An.)|
| Iasy : Asymmetrical current |
| Sk" : MVA short circuit equivalent |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Faulted node: BUSBAR 6 Vn= 34.500 kV Net : GEN.FAR|
|============= VL-E = 19.919 kV Vcomp= 19.919 kV Zf= 6.51 O|
| 180.0 D 180.0 D 86.3 D|
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
|Fault values | /kA Ik"phas /D | /kA Ik"comp /D |Sk" /MVA|
|************ | 3.060| -86.3| 3.060| -86.3| 182.870|
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
|To node/Elementname |Type | /kA Ik"phas /D | /kA Ik"comp /D |Sk" /MVA|
|BUSBAR 2 |LINE | 0.000| 90.0| 0.000| 90.0| 0.000|
| L1 | | | | | | |
|BUSBAR 4 |LINE | 0.453| 102.6| 0.453| 102.6| 27.047|
| L3 | | | | | | |
|BUSBAR 5 |LINE | 0.453| 102.6| 0.453| 102.6| 27.047|
| L4 | | | | | | |
|BUSBAR 3 |LINE | 0.000| -90.0| 0.000| -90.0| 0.000|
| L2 | | | | | | |
|BUSBAR 7 |2-TR | 2.170| 90.0| 2.170| 90.0| 129.694|
| TR1 | | | | | | |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
 Selection of current transformers
Example 1

The two criteria to be fulfilled are:

The CT withstands the nominal current continuously

The maximum short circuit current does not saturate
the CT. This is verified with the following expression
assuming C100 CTs and a burden of 1 Ohm :

(Isc 5/X) 100 X (Isc 5/100)

Summary of currents and CT ratios
Example 1
Breaker Pnom Inom Isc 5/100 CT
No. (MVA) (A) (A) Isc Ratio
(A)

9 15 75.31 4797.35 233.12 250/5

8 15 251.02 2170.40 108.51 300/5
7 1 16.73 3060.34 153.01 200/5
6 3 50.20 3060.34 153.01 200/5
5 3 50.20 1025.67 51.28 100/5
4 3 131.22 1076.06 53.80 200/5
1,2,3 1 43.74 1076.06 53.80 100/5
 Tap setting - Example 1
Iload1,2,3 = 43.74 A; TAP1,2,3 = (1.5)(43.74)(5/100) = 3.28; TAP1,2,3 = 4 A

Iload4 = 131,22 A; TAP4 = (1.5)(131.22)(5/200) = 4.92: TAP4 = 5 A

Iload5 = 50.20 A; TAP5 = (1.5)(50.20)(5/100) = 3.76 A; TAP5 = 4 A

Iload6 = 50.20 A; TAP6 = (1.5)(50.20)(5/200) = 1.88 A; TAP6 = 2 A

Iload8 = 251.02 A; TAP8 = (1.5)(251.02)(5/300) = 6.28 A; TAP8 = 7 A

Iload9 = 75.31 A; TAP9 = (1.5)(75.31)(5/250) = 2.26 A; TAP9 = 3 A

 Instantaneous and DIAL setting
Example 1
Relays 1, 2 and 3
Inst. trip = 9 Inom (1/CTR) = 9 43.74 (5/100) = 19.68 A
20 A
I prim. trip = 20 (100/5) = 400 A
MULT = 20 (1/4) = 5 times. At 5 times and DIAL 1/2, t = 0.11
sec.
Relay 4
To discriminate with relay 3 at 400 A requires operation in t4
= 0.11 + 0.4 = 0.51 sec.
MULTa = (400)(5/200)(1/5) = 2 times. At 2 times and top = 0.51
sec., DIAL 1/2
MULTb = (0.86)(1076.06)(5/200)(1/5) = 4.63 times. At 4.63
times and DIAL 1/2 tb = 0.13 sec.
Typical time/current characteristic

trelay = 0.71 sec

t2 = 0.51 sec

0.40 sec

t1 = 0.11 sec
Summary of relay settings - Example 1

Relay CT ratio Tap DIAL Instantaneous

No.

1,2,3 100/5 4 1/2 20 A

4 200/5 5 1/2
5 100/5 4 3 26 A
6 200/5 2 6 32 A
7 200/5 4 5 27.5 A
8 300/5 7 2
9 250/5 3 2 17 A
Coordination Example 1
curves with a
W CO-11
Settings with a numerical relay
Consider a numerical relay with the following
constants:

= 1.0,
= 13.5
L=0

Therefore t = [(dial) 13.5]/ (MULT 1) where

MULT = Fault current (in secondary amps)/TAP

For setting of the instantaneous element consider

ten times the maximum load current
 Settings with a numerical relay

Relays 1, 2 and 3

Iinst. trip = 10 Inom (1/CTR)

= 10 43.74 (5/100) = 21.87 A
set at 22 A.
Iprim. trip = 22(100/5) = 440 A.

MULT = 22/4 = 5.5 times

with dial = 0.05,
t = (0.05 13.5)/(5.5 1) = 0.15 s.

To coordinate with relays 1,2 and 3 at 440 A , t4a 0.15 + 0.4 =

0.55 s.
 Settings with a numerical relay
Relay 4

MULT4a = (440)(5/200)(1/5) = 2.2 times.

At 2.2 times, and t4a = 0.55 s, dial = 0.55 (2.2 1)/13.5 = 0.05.

The operating time for a line-to-line fault is determined by

taking 86% of the three-phase fault current.

MULT4b = (0.86)(1076.06)(5/200)(1/5) = 4.63 times.

t4b = (0.05 13.5)/(4.63 1) = 0.19 s.

This relay has no setting for the instantaneous

 RELAY SETTINGS
R1, R2, R3:

Example 1 Tap=4.0 Amp

Time Dial=0.05
Inst=22.0 Amp
CT=100/5 Amp
R4:
Tap=5.00 Amp
Time Dial=0.05
Coordination Inst=Disable
CT=200/5 Amp

curves with a R5:

Tap=4.0 Amp
Time Dial=0.2
Inst=26.0 Amp
numerical relay CT=100/5 Amp
R6:
Tap=2.0 Amp
Time Dial=0.4
Inst=32.0 Amp
CT=200/5 Amp
R7:
Tap=4.0 Amp
Time Dial=0.3
Inst=27.5 Amp
CT=200/5 Amp
R8:
Tap=7.0 Amp
Time Dial=0.1
Inst=Disable
CT=300/5 Amp
R9:
Tap=3.0 Amp
Time Dial=0.2
Inst=17.0 Amp
CT=250/5 Amp

THERMAL LIMITS
TR1, TR2:
Power Transformer
L1:
Feeder Cable
Coverage of the instantaneous unit
Example 1
Percentage of 34.5 kV line protected by the instantaneous element
of the overcurrent relay associated with breaker 6.

Given that: % = Ks(1-Ki)-1/Ki

where Ki = Isc pickup/Isc end = 1280/1025.67 = 1.248
and Ks = Zsource/Zelement

From the computer listing:

Zf = V2/P = 34.52/182.87 = 6.5
and, Ks = 6.50/12.92 = 0.50

Therefore: % = 0.50 x (((1-1.248)+1)/1.248) = 0.70 so that the

instantaneous element covers 70% of the line
 Minimum short circuit levels

When the time delay unit has been set using maximum
fault levels, it is necessary to check that the relays will
operate at the minimum fault levels and in the correct
sequence.

For this, it is sufficient to verify that the TAP multiplier

under these conditions is greater than 1.5.
Thermal limits of copper conductors

Thermal Plastic
Insulation 75C
Thermal capacity of transformers Above 10,000
kVA single phase; above 30,000 kVA three phase
10000
9000
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
3000

Category IV 2000
THROUGH-FAULT PROTECTION CURVE
FOR FAULTS WHICH WILL OCCUR
1000 FREQUENTLY OR INFREQUENTLY
900
800
700
600
500
400
300

200

TIME (seconds)
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
CATEGORY IV TRANSFORMERS
20 Above 10000 kVA Single-Phase
Above 30000 kVA Three-Phase
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3

2 12 10 8 7 6 5 4

K TRANSFORMER IMPEDANCE
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3

0.2

0.1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 20 30 40 50 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 20 30 40 50

TIMES NORMAL BASE CURRENT

 Checking of energizing conditions
It is important to check that the relay settings are not going to
present problems when system elements are energized.

In the case of transformers, the initial magnetization inrush

current can be expressed as:
IInrush = K Inom
where
Inom = nominal transformer current
K = 8, from 500 to 2,500 kVA transformer capacity
K = 10 above 2,500 kVA transformer capacity

The inrush point remains during 0.1 seconds.

Negative sequence OC protection
50/51Q are common features of the new multi-function relays.

The 51Q settings should be checked for coordination with

phase-only sensing devices such as fuses, reclosers, and
ground relays.

Sensitivity to phase-to-ground unbalances can be increased

with the application of ground relays, which can be set more
sensitively than phase relays because a balanced load has no
ground current component (3I0).

50Q elements can provide similar increased sensitivity to

phase-to-phase faults because a balanced load has no
negative sequence (I2) current component.
Negative sequence OC protection
To plot the negative sequence time current characteristics
on the same plot for the phase and ground devices, it is
required to multiply the 50/51Q pickup value by the
respective multiplier.

The multiplier is the ratio of phase current to negative

sequence current for the fault type.

Fault Type Multiplier

Ph-Ph 1.732
Ph-Ph-G >1.732
Ph-G 3
Three-Phase Infinity
Adaptive relaying consideration on
OC protection
Topology changes affect the short circuit levels.

Miscoordination could arise if the relays are not

reset for the prevailing power system conditions.

Adaptive protection is a very effective way to

overcome the difficulties by using automatic
change of group setting.
System to illustrate automatic
change of group setting
Grid

G
T1 T2

1
 Coordination curves considering
Grid adaptive relaying
4

G
T1 T2

2 R2 R1 R2a

t2
1
t2a

t1
t1
t2

0.5If If If
Logic diagram for automatic change of
group setting
IN2 62
V09
DO SG0

/43
/143
/243

43

/143 V06
D1 SG1
/243

/IN2

/43

143 V07
D2 SG2
/243

/IN2

/43

/143 V08
D3 SG3
243

/IN2

0
AUTO

43 AND
143

43 V013 MAJOR
AND OR ALARM
243

143
AND
243
Equipment for feeder protection

Overcurrent relays
Reclosers
Sectionalizers
Fuses
 Reclosers

Reclosers are devices with the ability to:

Detect phase and phase-to-ground overcurrent

conditions

Interrupt the circuit if the overcurrent persists after

a pre-determined time

Automatically reclose to re-energize the line

 Reclosers
Time/current
curves for
reclosers

A
 Reclosers
Typical sequence for recloser operation
Reclosing intervals
(contacts open)

Load current
(contacts closed)

Start of fault

Fault current

Rapid operation Timed operation

(contacts closed) (contacts closed)
 Location of reclosers

In substations to provide primary protection for a

circuit.

In main feeder circuits to permit the sectioning of

long lines and, thus, prevent the loss of a
complete circuit due to a fault towards the end of
the circuit.

In branches or spurs to prevent the opening of the

main circuit due to faults on the spurs.
 Sectionalizers
Sectionalizers are devices that automatically isolate
faulted sections of a distribution circuit, once an
upstream breaker or recloser has interrupted the fault
current.

Normally installed downstream of a recloser.

Constructed in single or three phase arrangements

with hydraulic or electronic operating mechanisms.

No current/time operating characteristic can be used

between two protective devices where an additional step
in coordination is not practical.
 Fuses
Fuses possess an element that is directly heated by the
passage of current and is destroyed when the current
exceeds a predetermined value.

A suitably selected fuse should open the circuit by the

destruction of the fuse element and eliminate the arc
established during the destruction of the element.

The majority of fuses used in distribution systems

operates on the expulsion principle, with the interior
covered with de-ionizing fiber and a fusible element.
 Criteria for feeder OC coordination

Basic criteria should be employed when coordinating

time/current devices in distribution systems:

1. The main protection should clear a permanent or

temporary fault before the back-up protection
operates or continue to operate until the circuit is
disconnected.

2. Loss of supply caused by permanent faults should

be restricted to the smallest part of the system for
the shortest time possible.
 Characteristics of typical fuse links
200K fuse link 200T fuse link
Criteria for fuse-fuse coordination

t2 t 1 < 0.75 t 2
Time in Seconds

t1

Current in Amperes
 Recloser-fuse coordination
Fuse at the source side

All the recloser operations should be faster than the

'minimum melting time' of the fuse.

This can be achieved through the use of appropriate

multiplying factors on the recloser time/current curve.

The factors compensate for the fatigue of the fuse link

produced by the cumulative heating effect.
Criteria for source-side fuse and
recloser coordination

C'
C

C times K

Time in Seconds
R A
R Recloser S Sectionalizer
Transformer Fuse

Isc max.
at recloser installation
Current in Amperes
 K factor for source side fuse link
Used to multiply the time values of the delayed curve of the recloser

Reclosing Multipliers for

time in cycles
Two-Fast, One-Fast, Four-Delayed
Two-Delayed Sequence Three-Delayed Sequence Sequence

25 2.70 3.20 3.70

30 2.60 3.10 3.50

50 2.10 2.50 2.70

90 1.85 2.10 2.20

120 1.70 1.80 1.90

240 1.40 1.40 1.45

600 1.35 1.35 1.35

 Recloser-fuse coordination
Fuses at the load side

The MMT of the fuse must be greater than the fast

curve of the recloser multiplied by the multiplying
factor.

The MCT of the fuse must be smaller than the delayed

curve of the recloser without any multiplying factor.

The recloser should have at least two or more delayed

operations to prevent loss of service in case the
recloser trips when the fuse operates.
 K factor for the load side fuse link
Used to multiply the time values of the recloser fast curve

Reclosing Multipliers for

time in
cycles One Fast Two Fast
operations Operations
25-30 1.25 1.80

60 1.25 1.35

90 1.25 1.35

120 1.25 1.35

 Criteria for load-side fuse and
recloser coordination

A'
A

Time in Seconds
R A times K

R Recloser S Sectionalizer
Transformer Fuse

Isc max.
at fuse installation
Current in Amperes
 Recloser-relay coordination

Two factors should be taken into account for a recloser-

relay coordination:

The interrupter opens the circuit some cycles after

the associated relay trips.

The relay has to integrate the clearance time of the

recloser.
Recloser-sectionalizer coordination

Since the sectionalizers have no time/current

operating characteristic, their coordination does
not require an analysis of these curves.

The coordination criteria in this case is based

upon the number of operations of the back-up
recloser.

These operations can be any combination of

rapid or timed shots; for example, two fast and
two delayed.
Recloser-sectionalizer-fuse coordination

Each one of the devices should be adjusted in order to

coordinate with the recloser.

The sequence of operation of the recloser should be

adjusted in order to obtain the appropriate
coordination.
Example 2 - System Layout

31993 ASC 1 50
51

R Recloser
Transformer
31993 ASC 50
2 51
S Sectionalizer
Fuse
RECLOSER
7066 A SC 3 R 2 fast
2 delayed

S 3 Operations
2224 A SC

4
Branch
Fuse

2097 A SC 5 Transf.
Fuse

112.5kVA
Example 2 Time/Current characteristics
 Example 2 Setting criteria

trecloser k tMMT of branch fuse 0.75

Where tMMT of branch fuse is the minimum melting time

Questions?