REVERSE POWER RELAY

Reverse Power Relay

Reverse Power Relay is a directional protective relay that prevents/protect the
generator from motoring effect (going to reverse direction). It is used where
generator runs in parallel with other utility or generator. The relay monitors the
power supply from the generator and in case the generator output falls below a
preset value, it quickly activates the trip and disconnects the generator.

CONSTRUCTION

The relay is made up of lightweight non-magnetic Aluminium disc between two

soft laminated iron core electromagnets. The upper magnet is wound with Voltage
Coil (PT) which is supplied from one phase & artificial neutral of generator output.
The other output magnet is wound with Current Coil (CT) connected to the same
phase as the voltage in the upper electromagnet.
WORKING
Since Voltage Coil has more number of turns, so it has move inductive value and
more induced current that lag in the coil by an angle of 90°. The current coil has
less number of turns so less number of turns, so it has less inductive valve & less
induced current that lag less.

As we all know that current carrying conductor produces the magnetic field. So
both upper and lower section produces magnetic fields. But Induced current in PT
lags more than CT so magnetic field produced in upper section will be weaker than
lower section & both magnetic fields will have a difference of 90°

When both fields pass through the Aluminium disc, it produces eddy current. As a
result of the formation of eddy current torque is generated that tries to rotate the
disc. Under normal power flow, the trip contact on the disc are open and rotation is
restricted by stoppers but if a reverse power starts to flow the disc is rotated in
opposite direction, moves away from the stoppers in the direction of trip contact
that activates the trip.

Why is Reverse Power Relay required?

When two or more power units are running in parallel and if reverse power flow
occurs, the same unit will start drawing power from the main bus bar. it can cause
overloading of the other power supply unit and hence leads for the preferential trip
or may lead to total power failure(Blackout). At the same time the faulty unit will
draw power from main bus bar and go for motoring effect and RPM will soot up
which leads to over speed trip or in worst case some mechanical failure to the
prime mover.
 When does reverse power flow…..?
 When the prime mover of a generator is not supplying sufficient torque to keep the
generator rotor spinning at the same frequency as the bus goes to which the
generator is supposed to be connected, the generator will start behaving like a
motor and instead of supplying power it will draw power from bus bar.
 During synchronization, it might be possible to have the synchroscope rotates slow
(anticlockwise direction) and then close the breakup. under this condition. The
generator would then be drawing current from the bus for instead of supplying
current through the bus (which occurs when the breaker is closed with the
synchroscope rotates in the fast anticlockwise direction).
 Faulty Governer of the prime mover.
 Loss of excitation in the alternator.
How do you test reverse power trip?
Reverse power trip can be tested by load shifting with the help of Governor
control. when the Load has shifted sufficiently from the generator to be offloaded
(Nearly 10% of the max rated ), reverse power relay will open the ACB of the
same generator. this relay can be tested by simulation using boost test push button
on the relay to see if it gives a trip signal.
PREFERENTIAL TRIPPING
What is the use of preferential trip?
The preferential trip is a kind of electrical arrangement on the ship which is
designed to disconnect the non-essential circuit .i.e non-essential load from the
main bus-bar in case of partial failure or overload of the main supply.
The non-essential circuit or loads on the ship are air conditioning unit, exhaust
ventilation fans, & galley equipment which can be disconnected momentarily. The
main advantage of the preferential trip is to supply uninterrupted power for
propulsion and safe navigation under overloading condition of the power unit.
CONSTRUCTION

Preferential
Trip
The preferential trip circuit consists of an Electromagnetic coil and a dashpot
arrangement to provide some delay to disconnect the non-essential circuits. Along
with this, there is also an alarm system provided, which function as soon as
overload is detected and trips start operating. There are some mechanical linkages
provided in the circuit which instantaneously operates the circuit for preferential
trips.
The dashpot arrangement consists of a small Piston with the small orifice and
which is placed inside a small cylinder assembly. The Piston moves up against the
viscous fluid silicon and the time delay is governed by the orifice in the Piston
WORKING
The current passes through the electromagnetic coil and the linkage are kept from
the contacting using a spring arrangement. As soon as the current value increases
the limit, the electromagnetic coil pulls the linkage up against the spring force and
operates the instantaneous circuit and the alarm system. The lower linkage
completes the circuit for the preferential trip circuit.
The current passes through the coil in the preferential trip circuit which pulls the
piston in the dashpot arrangement. The movement of the piston is governed by the
diameter of the orifice and the time delay made by the same. The preferential trip
operates at 5,10, & 15 seconds and the load is isolated accordingly. If the overload
still persists, then blackout will occur.