MREF

Restricted Earth Fault Relay

P&B Engineering Belle Vue Works Boundary Street Manchester M12 5NG Tel: 0161 230 6363 Fax: 0161 230 6464

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MREF 01/96G

Contents

Contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1 2. Applications ............................................................................................................. 2 3. Features and Characteristics...................................................................................... 2 4. Design...................................................................................................................... 3 4.1. Application Diagrams ................................................................................. 3 4.1.1 Analogue input circuits............................................................................. 3 4.1.2 Output relay ............................................................................................. 4 4.1.3 Power supply............................................................................................ 4 4.2 Front panel.................................................................................................. 4 4.3 Code Jumpers.............................................................................................. 5 5. Working Principles ................................................................................................... 5 5.1 Analogue Circuits........................................................................................ 5 5.2 Digital Circuits ............................................................................................ 5 5.3 Operation of High Impedance Differential Protection................................... 6 5.4 Requirements for Current Transformers....................................................... 6 6. Operation and Setting............................................................................................... 7 6.1. Relay Setting.............................................................................................. 7 6.2. Indication ................................................................................................... 7 6.3. Setting Value Calculation ........................................................................... 7 7. Relay case ................................................................................................................ 8 7.1 Individual case............................................................................................. 8 7.2 Rack mounting ............................................................................................ 8 7.3 Terminal connections................................................................................... 8 8. Test and maintenance ............................................................................................... 8 9. Technical Specification ............................................................................................. 9 9.1 Measuring Input Circuits ............................................................................. 9 9.2 Auxiliary power supply................................................................................ 9 9.3 Common data.............................................................................................. 9 9.4 Output contact ratings ................................................................................. 9 9.5 System data................................................................................................. 10 9.6 Housing ...................................................................................................... 11 9.7 Terminal Connection Details........................................................................ 12 10. Order Form ............................................................................................................ 13

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1. Introduction
The application of powerful microprocessors opens a new chapter for power system protective relaying. The digital processing of measured values and the ability to perform complex arithmetic and logic operations, give digital protection relays significant performance and flexibility improvements over their traditional analogue counterparts. Additional advantages - very small power consumption, adaptability, self-supervision, fault diagnosis through fault data recording, smaller physical construction and selectable relay characteristics - all combine to allow the implementation of accurate and highly reliable protection schemes at a significantly reduced financial burden. The development of microprocessor based protective relays and their introduction into the market has been stimulated by the recent trend to replace analogue with digital equipment. This modern trend has prompted the development of two new P&B protective relay families - the MI & MR relay series. The superiority of digital protective relaying over traditional analogue devices, as embodied by the MREF and MI series relays, is summarised by the following features:

Integration of many protective functions in a single compact case High accuracy owing to digital processing Wide setting ranges with fine interim steps. User friendly setting procedure by means of DIP-switches.

The MI series family includes the Digital Overcurrent and Earth Fault Relay, MIRI, a universal protection device for medium voltage networks, and, for protection against undervoltage, overvoltage and neutral voltage displacement, the MIRV. The MI relay family was designed as a low cost range of protection relays for application in medium voltage networks. Similar protection relays with extended functions, the MR series, are also available. They provide an additional alpha-numeric display for the indication of measured values and faults as well as allowing data exchange via a serial interface and increased operational reliability through self-supervision. This comprehensive family of protection relays can satisfy the demands of even the most complex protection schemes: MRI MRI-V MRAR MRMF MRVT MRFT MROS MRNS MRRP MRCS MRFF MRDG - Overcurrent Relay (Independent time/I.D.M.T + earth + directional facilities) - Voltage Dependent Overcurrent Relay - Auto-Reclosing Relay - Mains Failure Relay - Voltage Protection - Frequency Protection - Vector Surge or Rate of Change of Frequency - Negative Sequence Relay - Power Relay - Check Synchronising Relay - Field Failure Relay - Differential Relay

To complement the MI & MR series, a range of Auxiliary, Timing and Tripping devices are also available.

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2. Applications
The MREF digital overcurrent relay, is a universal protection device for high, medium and low voltage networks. It is aimed primarily at high impedance differential schemes such as restricted earth fault and generator differential protection. In this type of protection scheme, based on circulating current measurement, heavy through fault currents during a fault condition can cause current transformers to approach or exceed their saturation level and allow sufficient unbalance current to operate the relay. This is due to the asymmetrical current of extreme magnitude which has dissimilar effects on seemingly identical CT's. In order to ensure stability under these circumstances, it is usual practice to employ a high impedance differential scheme, the stability of which is achieved through careful selection of CT's, stabilising resistors, settings and non-linear resistors.

For further details of the application of the MREF relay, please refer to technical note MR901.

3. Features and Characteristics

Single or three phase current measurement Stabilisation by means of a resistor in series with the current relay in differential circuit The harmonics produced by current transformer saturation should be rejected by a series

resonant circuit.
The total impedance of the relay should be low enough to prevent the current

transformers developing high voltages during maximum internal faults

The current setting range of 5 - 82.5% x In (in steps of 2.5% and 5% x In) The time delay is not selectable, but for currents of 1 to 2 x Is there should be a small

time delay of about 100 mS so that no maloperation occurs due to a heavy through fault. Frequency Range 50/60 Hz Rated Current 1A/5A Single output relay with two change over contacts Code jumpers behind front panel for manual or auto-reset

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4. Design
4.1. Application Diagrams
Supply

CASE

POWER SUPPLY

27

5
OUTPUT

PROTECTED OBJECT
RS 28 I> D

TRIP SIGNAL

3 7 6 4 8

CIRCUIT

RESET

MREF-1

Supply

CASE

POWER SUPPLY

21

L1
22 23 5
OUTPUT

PROTECTED OBJECT
RS 24 25 RESET

L2
I> D
CIRCUIT

TRIP SIGNAL

3 7 6 4 8

L3
26

L2 ONLY SHOWN

MREF-3

4.1.1 Analogue input circuits The constantly monitored measuring values are galvanically decoupled, filtered and finally fed to the analogue/digital converter.
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4.1.2 Output relay A single output relay with two changeover contacts; the relay contacts can be self or manual reset depending upon the position of the code jumpers. 4.1.3 Power supply Two auxiliary power supply versions are available: Vaux = 24V or Vaux = 110V or 4.2 Front panel The front panel of the MREF comprises the following operation and indication elements:
1 Reset Button 2 LED's for indication 1 6 Way DIP Switch for setting

in a range from 16V to 60V AC in a range from 16V to 80V DC in a range from 50V to 270V AC in a range from 70V to 360V DC

Front panel

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4.3 Code Jumpers Behind the front panel of the MREF are two code jumpers used to pre-set the following functions: Position
OFF ON

Jumper 1
LED: Manual Reset LED: Auto Reset

Jumper 2
Trip Relay: Manual Reset Trip Relay: Auto Reset

Note: LED and/or Trip Relay can only be reset via RESET push-button when jumpers in position "OFF". The following figure shows the position and designation of the code jumpers

Front Board

Code Jumper

J1

J2

Code Jumper ON Code Jumper OFF

5. Working Principles
5.1 Analogue Circuits The incoming currents from the external current transformers are converted to internal signals in proportion to the currents, via the internal input transducers and shunt resistors. The noise signals caused by inductive and capacitive coupling are suppressed by an analogue RC filter circuit. The analogue signals are fed to the A/D converter of the micro-processor and transformed to digital signals through sample-hold circuits. The analogue signals are sampled with a sampling frequency of 800 Hz, namely a sampling rate of 1.25 mS for every measured quantity. 5.2 Digital Circuits The essential component of the MREF relay is a powerful micro-controller. All of the operations, from the analogue digital conversion to the relay trip decision, are carried out by the microcontroller digitally. The relay program, located in EPROM, allows the CPU of the micro-controller to calculate currents in order to detect a possible fault. The calculated current values are continuously compared with the set value, which is adjusted using the DIP switches. When initiated, the output relay is operated and the front panel LED illuminated.

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5.3 Operation of High Impedance Differential Protection The relay is connected in the differential circuit across the CT's as shown below. In the case of a through fault condition, both CT's will reflect the fault current into the secondary. If the CT magnetising curves, internal impedances (Rs) and lead resistances (RL) are similar for both the CT's, the voltage Vs will be approximately zero.
Equivalent Circuit to describe the working principles of the MREF IF Protected Object IF

Rs

RL

RL

Rs

Rsr

Vs

During saturation is short circuit

However, if the fault current passes only through one CT (in zone fault) then the second CT will appear as an open circuit (magnetising current only), and Vs will be of sufficient magnitude to operate the relay through Rsr. During severe fault conditions, this voltage may rise to an extremely high value. Thus, a voltage dependent non-linear resistor may be required to limit this voltage. In practice if one CT becomes saturated first, during a through fault, inadvertent operation may occur. In order to prevent this a stabilising resistor Rsr is fitted. The relay input circuit is tuned to the network supply frequency (50/60 Hz) by means of a resonant circuit and harmonics produced by the CT's can be effectively rejected. 5.4 Requirements for Current Transformers In order to ensure the correct operation of the MREF protection relay, the characteristic of the CT must be selected to suit its application. In general the CT's must be Class X, all of the same ratio and similar secondary resistance. They should have a knee point of at least twice the setting voltage. or Vkn = 2 Vset

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6. Operation and Setting

6.1. Relay Setting The relay is set using the front panel DIP switches and examples of this are shown below:
5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.5 5 10 20 40 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.5 5 10 20 40 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7.5 5 10 20 40

ON

ON ON

ON

ID % In

0 0 0

ID % In

0 0 0

ID % In

0 0 0

ID=7.5+5=12.5%In

ID=5+5+20=30%In

ID=5+5+10+20+40=80%In

6.2. Indication
Power On Indication, green ON LED Trip Indication, red ID LED

6.3. Setting Value Calculation The setting current Is, and the stabilising resistor Rsr must be selected as; Is = where; Vs Where; Vs IF n Rct RL Ra = = = = = = Setting Voltage Fault Level in CT Primary CT Ratio Resistance of CT secondary Load Resistance Additional Resistance due to contacts, connections etc. IF (Rct + 2RL + Ra ) n Vs R sr

With the CT knee point in excess of 2 Vs The value of the stabilising resistance is selected so that the relay setting current will fall within the setting range (5% - 82.5% In) If the relay measuring current is higher than the setting value, the relay trips instantaneously with the operating time approximately 30 mS (this includes the time taken for the output relay to operate).
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Careful selection of Rsr and Is must be made such that excessive voltage is not present for high fault currents. For further details of the setting of the MREF relay, please refer to technical note MR901 for restricted earth fault, or MR904 for Bus-Zone protection.

7. Relay case
The MREF is delivered in an individual case for flush mounting. 7.1 Individual case The MREF is supplied in a UK manufactured industry standard drawout case suitable for flush mounting. For case dimension and cut-out, refer to Technical Data. 7.2 Rack mounting MREF relays may be supplied mounted in 19" racks if specified by the user. 7.3 Terminal connections The MREF plug in module is supplied in a case which has a very compact plug and socket connector. The current terminals are equipped with self closing short circuit contacts. Thus the MREF module can be unplugged even with current flowing without endangering personnel.

8. Test and maintenance

Currents may be supplied to the input transformers to test the behaviour of the relay. By switching on test currents and measuring the tripping time, the whole system can be accurately tested. A portable test case can be supplied which is suitable for testing the MREF. All measuring input circuits of the MREF are of static design and the relay functions are fully digitised. Thus, the MREF has no particular demand on maintenance.

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9. Technical Specification
9.1 Measuring Input Circuits Rated Data Rated current, IN Rated frequency, fN Power consumption Power Consumption Thermal withstand Thermal Withstand 9.2 Auxiliary power supply Supply Voltage Vaux = 24V or Vaux = 110V or Power Consumption 1W @ 24V Quiescent 2W @ 24V Operating 1W @ 110V Quiescent 2W @ 110V Operating Automatic Restart Time 50mS 9.3 Common data Drop Off/Pick Up ratio Drop Off time Minimum Operating Time 9.4 Output contact ratings Maximum rated voltage = 380V AC / 125V DC Maximum breaking capacity Resistive Inductive Maximum rated current Making current (16mS) >97% 50mS 20mS in a range from 16V to 60V AC in a range from 16V to 80V DC in a range from 50V to 270V AC in a range from 70V to 360V DC 4 x In continuous <0.12VA @ In 1A or 5A 50 - 60Hz

= 1250VA / 150W = 500VA / 90W = 5A = 20A

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9.5 System data Design standard Operating temperature range Storage temperature range Relative humidity = IEC 255-4, BS 142 = -20C to 70C = -40C to 85C = 95% @ 40C for 56 days

Test Voltages to EN50081-1, EN50082-2 Isolation Test Impulse Test High frequency interference Test Burst transient Test ESD Test RFI Suppression Test EMI Suppression Test = 2.5kV / 50Hz / 1 min. = 5kV, 1.2 / 50mS, 0.5J = 2.5kV / 1MHz = 4kV / 2.5KHz, 15mS = 8kV = 10V/m, 27 - 500MHz, 1 Octave/ 3 min. = 10V/m

Mechanical Tests: Shock Vibration Degree of Protection = IEC 41B (CO) 38, Class 1 = IEC 41B (CO) 35, Class 1 = Front - IP52 Rear - IP00 = Approx. 2kg.

Weight

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MREF 01/96G

9.6 Housing Throughout the MR series range a modular housing system has been employed, utilising the latest high quality UK manufactured industry standard case components. This approach affords maximum flexibility for both the relay scheme designer and the maintenance engineer. The relay modules are fully withdrawable for ease of maintenance and where applicable incorporate automatic shortcircuiting CT connections to avoid dangerous open circuit CT overvoltages. A clear plastic front cover is provided for inspection purposes. MREF units are supplied in standard height (179mm7in.) cases, complying with IEC 297 size 4U. The rigid case wall is manufactured from a single sheet of hot dipped galvanised steel coated externally with Plastisol PVC and internally with a low gloss alkyd paint finish. This construction technique provides improved thermal transfer characteristics over plastic walled cases and combines exceptional corrosion and flame resilience with good electromagnetic and electrostatic screening properties allowing many relays to be freely situated in close proximity and hazardous environments. When the relay is inserted a leaf spring along the top edge of the module makes contact with a solidly bonded nickel plated steel strip on the interior of the case, providing excellent earth continuity. This strip is brought out at the rear of the case, above the terminal block, where it forms a separate earthing terminal. A rigid front mounting flange is provided allowing the entire range of standard cases to be flush mounted without alteration. These flanges are also used to mount the relay inspection cover which is secured by thumbscrews. Securely bonded channels can be provided on the top and bottom surfaces toward the rear of the case allowing large rigid assemblies to be created by the use of joining strips located in these channels. This uniform but highly flexible housing system integrates excellent mechanical strength with good electrical practice in industry standard sizes.
97 45 10 4 HOLES 4.4mm DIAMETER 52 23.5

OPTIONAL

168

159

PANEL CUT OUT FLUSH MOUNTING FIXING DETAILS

Min 28

99

PUSH BUTTON PROJECTION 10mm

NOTE Minimum gap between vertical spacing is required in order to withdraw relay from the case above.

OPTIONAL
32 212

Clearance 25 min

177

157

103

178 Required to open case NOT SHOWN TO SCALE

OPTIONAL

SIZE 100 CASE

MREF 01/96G

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9.7 Terminal Connection Details The rear terminal block accepts both pre-insulated screw and push-on blade type connectors which may be used singly or in combination. Each terminal has 1 screw type and 2 blade type connectors. Screw: Each connection uses a 4mm (M4) screw outlet and accepts standard L-shaped ring type connectors designed for 4mm screws. Each connection facilitates 2 pre-insulated push-on blades 4.8mm wide 0.8mm thick complying with BS5057. Each terminal will accept either; 2 ring type connectors or 2 push-on blade type connectors or 1 ring type connector & 1 push-on blade type connector

Blade:

Combinations:

Earth
Each terminal 1 screw & 2 spade

1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27

2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28

MREF Rear terminal block connections.

All information subject to change without notice Publication number MREF-01/96G

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10. Order Form

Restricted Earth Fault Relay

QUANTITY MREF

Single Phase Three Phase

1 3

Rated current 1A 5A * Aux Voltage 24 V 110 V

1 5 L H
* Range 16-60V ac, 16-80Vdc for 24V device 50-270V ac, 70-360Vdc for 110V device Non-standard voltages available on request

Housing

19" Rack Flush mounting

A D

PBSI Ltd Trading as P&B ENGINEERING Belle Vue Works, Boundary Street, Manchester. M12 5NG. Tel: 0161- 230-6363 Fax: 0161-230-6464
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