Principles of Protective Relaying

OMICRON Academy Protection Knowledge 1 July 2019

Copyright

“ All intellectual property rights and in particular the

copyrights to this presentation and the related
documents, teaching materials and software are
OMICRON’s sole and exclusive property.
You are not allowed to record or otherwise copy
and/or distribute the content of this presentation
without the prior written consent of OMICRON.
”

© OMICRON Page 3
Contents
> Basics of protection
> Technical basic information
> Mathematical basics
> Mathematical basics
> Calculation planes for electrical systems
> Type of faults (short overview)
> Basics of power systems
> Star point connection (short overview)
> Instrument transformer
> Protective relaying
> Strategy of protective relaying
> Protective Criteria
> General protection philosophy
> Measurement of analogue signals
> Protection functions
> Directional Overcurrent Protection
> Transformer Differential Protection
> Distance Protection
> Breaker Failure (short overview)
> Busbar Protection (short overview)

= color of sections

© OMICRON Page 4
Technical basic information

> Protection criteria (general overview only)

> Protection mechanisms (primary / secondary)
> Basic requirements (Reliability, Selectivity, Rapidity)

© OMICRON Page 5
Protection criteria in general

criteria
criteria
criteria

operating
condition faulty
condition

ΔI
f
Z
V
I

© OMICRON Page 6
Protection mechanisms

Differences of protection mechanisms

Primary mechanism Secondary mechanism

I I I>
I
direct tripping protection relay
fuse (mechanical
or electrical)

© OMICRON Page 7
Basic requirements

Reliability

Selectivity Rapidity

© OMICRON Page 8
Selectivity

Selectivity of protection systems

Selectivity of fault location Selectivity of fault type

Phase-to-Phase

Phase-to-earth

Exact fault detection is required

High accuracy is required to
to secure uninterrupted power
disconnect the faulty section only.
supply.

© OMICRON Page 9
Selectivity of fault location

a)

A B C
= Protection device
= passed
= failed

© OMICRON Page 10
Selectivity of fault location

b)

A B C
= Protection device
= passed
= failed

© OMICRON Page 11
Selectivity of fault location

c)

A B C
= Protection device
= passed
= failed

© OMICRON Page 12
Rapidity
Response time of protection systems

10 ms 1s 1 min 10 min

t /s
0.001 0.01 0.1 1.0 10 100 1000
short-circuit protection overload protection
earth-fault protection

several ms fuses, circuit-breaker ...indefinite ms

30 ms secondary protective relays

annunciators

Source: University of Applied Sciences Zittau/Görlitz,

Electrical Engineering Dep., Prof. Dr. sc. Rothe

© OMICRON Page 13
Reliability

Reliability
 No false tripping during normal operation
 No unselective tripping in case of fault
 No malfunctions in case of fault

System protection concept System reliability

 suitable protective criteria  device functions (e.g. self

 main and backup monitoring)
protection  quality of parts &
 correct parameterization components
 correct CT & VT  redundant design
dimensioning  appropriate maintenance
strategies

© OMICRON Page 14
Mathematical basics

> Circuit diagram

> Phasor diagram (phase-to-phase / phase-to-neutral)
> Phasor diagram (with residual voltage)
> Reference-arrow systems (GRAS / LRAS)

© OMICRON Page 15
Circuit diagram
Van phase-to-earth voltage
Ia Za Vae Vbe Vce
a
phase-to-phase voltage

Vbn Vab Vab Vbc Vca

Ib Zb
n b phase-to-neutral voltage

Vca Van Vbn Vcn

Vbc
Vcn
residual voltage
Ic Zc
Vne
c
Vae
Vne phase currents
Vbe
Ia Ib Ic
Vce

e line/cable impedance
Za Zb Zc

© OMICRON Page 16
Phasor diagram (phase-to-phase/phase-to-neutral)

Vca
Vcn
phase-to-phase voltage

n Van Vab Vbc Vca

Vbc a
phase-to-neutral voltage
Van Vbn Vcn
Vbn
Vab

© OMICRON Page 17
Phasor diagram (with residual voltage)

phase-to-earth voltage
Vae Vbe Vce
Vce Vca
Vcn e
phase-to-phase voltage
Vae
Vab Vbc Vca
Vne
Vbc
a phase-to-neutral voltage
n Van
Vbe
Van Vbn Vcn

residual voltage
Vbn
Vne
Vab

© OMICRON Page 18
Reference-arrow systems in general
There are two existing reference-arrow systems:

Generator reference-
A B 1
Load arrow system (GRAS)
G
Load reference-arrow
2
system (LRAS)
GRAS LRAS
Iload A Zline Iload B

VAB

VAn VBn Zload

n n

© OMICRON Page 19
Reference-arrow systems (RLC phasor diagrams)
1 R 2 L 3 C

Im Im Im

I
φ=+90°

I V V V
LRAS
φ=0° Re Re Re
φ=-90°
I

Im Im Im

φ=180°
I φ=+90°

V V V
I GRAS
Re Re Re

φ=-90°
I

© OMICRON Page 20
Calculation planes for electrical systems

> Instantaneous value plane (basic elements of a power system with

calculation example)
> Complex plane (amplitude voltage phasor and voltage / current phasor
with angle)
> Symmetrical components (equivalent circuits / physical background /
calculation rules / calculation examples)
> Equivalent circuits for networks and transformers

© OMICRON Page 21
Calculation planes

Calculation planes for electrical systems

Instantaneous value plane Complex plane Symmetrical components

(v, i or v(t), i(t)) (V, I) (V(0), V(1), V(2) bzw.I(0), I(1), I(2))

© OMICRON Page 22
Instantaneous value plane
Basic elements of a power system connected in series
3
1 2
i(t) C
R L

vR(t) vL(t)
vC(t)
v(t)
mesh 4

Resistance R: Reactor L: Capacitor C:

di(t) 1
C ∫
v R (t) = R ⋅ i(t) v L (t) = L ⋅ v C (t) = ⋅ i(t)dt
dt
di(t) 1
V̂cos(ωt + ϕ V ) = R ⋅ i(t) + L ⋅ + ∫ i(t)dt
dt C
di(t) d2i(t) 1
0 = ωV̂sin(ωt + ϕ V ) + R ⋅ +L⋅ + i(t)
dt dt C
© OMICRON Page 23
Complex amplitude voltage phasor
Re v(ωt)

v^
Re { v^ }

v^
φv

v^ φv ωt next
Im { v^ } Im { v^ }
Im

v^
Re { v^ }

v^ v^
v^

v� = v� 𝑒𝑒 𝑗𝑗𝜑𝜑v = v� 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝜑𝜑v + 𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 𝜑𝜑v v 𝑡𝑡 = v� � cos 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔 + 𝜑𝜑v

= v� � 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 𝜑𝜑v + v� � 𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 𝜑𝜑v

= 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 v� + 𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗𝑗 v�

© OMICRON
Complex plane (voltage / current phasor)
In this plane the time characteristic of a cosine-
shaped voltage can be displayed as the angular
frequency 𝜔𝜔 = 2 � 𝜋𝜋 � 𝑓𝑓.

Im Im

ω
ω

V
V

φv +φv Re
Re

-φi

facilitates the calculation of steady-state processes in the power system

© OMICRON Page 25
 Symmetrical components (equivalent circuits)

I(0) Z(0)
Van
Ia Za
a (0)

Vbn
Ib Zb I(1) Z(1)
n b

Vcn (1) V(1)

Ic Zc
c

I(2) Z(2)

e
(2)

© OMICRON Page 26
Symmetrical components (physical background)
I0 Z0 I1 Z1 Z2
F0 F1 I2 F2

VPh-E

N0 N1 N2
Zero Positive Negative

c1 b2
a0
b0
a1 a2
c0 ω ω
b1 c2

a0 a1 Ia load
b0 b1 Ib load
Σ Iload ≠ 0
c0 c1 Ic load

a0 + b0+ c0 = 3 ● I0
2 Ia load ≠ Ib load ≠ Ic load 3
earth
1

© OMICRON Page 27
 Symmetrical components (calculation rules / part I)

I(0) Z(0)

 I (0)  1 1 1   I a 
Van   1  2   (0)
Ia Za ⋅ 1 a a  ⋅  I b 
 I (1)  =
a   3  2   
I
 
( 2 ) 1 a a   I c  I(1) Z(1)
Vbn
Ib Zb
n b (1) V(1)

Vcn

1 1 1   I (0) 
Ic Zc
c
I a  I(2) Z(2)

   2   
=I b  1 a a  ⋅  I (1)  (2)
   2  
e  I c  1 a a   I ( 2 ) 

= symmetry matrix 𝑺𝑺

= de-symmetry matrix 𝑻𝑻

© OMICRON Page 28
Symmetrical components (calculation rules / part II)

 I (0)  1 1 1   I   I a  1 1 1   I (0)  Versors

  1  2  a
I     2   
I
  3
( 1) =
⋅ 1 a a  ⋅  
b = I b  1 a a  ⋅  I (1) 
     2  
 I ( 2 )  a   I c 
2
1 a  I c  1 a a   I ( 2 )  a

1
I ( 0=
)
3
(Ia + Ib + Ic ) I a = I ( 0 ) + I (1) + I ( 2 )
1

I (1) =
1
3 ( 2
I a + aI b + a I c ) Ib =
2
I ( 0 ) + a I (1) + aI ( 2 ) a2

a = 1 ∠120˚
1
( ) a = 1 ∠ 240˚
2 2 2
I (2) = I a + a I b + aI c I c =I ( 0 ) + aI (1) + a I ( 2 )
3

© OMICRON Page 29
Three-phase system to symmetrical components

1  I (0)  1 1 1   I 
  1  2 
a

2  I (1)  = ⋅ 1 a a  ⋅  I b 
3   I 
3  I ( 2 )  1 a
2
a   c 

I ( 0=
)
1
3
( )
I a + I b + I c = Ia( 0 ) I (1) =
1
3 ( 2
)
I a + aI b + a I c = Ia(1) I (2) =
1
3 ( 2
)
I a + a I b + aI c = Ia( 2 )

Zero Positive Negative

Ic(1) Ia(1)
Ic(2) Ib(2)

4 Ia(0) 5 6
 Ib(0)   Ia(2)
Ic(0)

Ib(1)

© OMICRON Page 30
Three-phase system to symmetrical components
Unbalanced system
Vcn

Van
=

Vbn

Positive Negative Zero

Vc(1) Va(1)
Vc(2) Vb(2)
Va(0)
= + +
Va(2) Vb(0)
Vc(0)

Vb(1)

© OMICRON Page 31
Symmetrical components to three-phase system
Positive Negative Zero Unbalanced system
Vc(1) Va(1) Vcn
1 Vc(2) 3 5
Vb(2)
Va(0) = Van
+ +
Va(2) 2 Vb(0)
Vc(0)

Im 4 Vbn
Vb(1)

Vc(0)
Va(2)
Vc(2) Vcn Va(1)
Va(0)
Vc(1)
Van Re
Vb(1) Vbn

Vb(2) V
b(0)

© OMICRON Page 32
Symmetrical components (equivalent circuits for
networks)
The connection of the component systems depends on the fault type.
The various examples are found in most network calculation manuals or
other reference books.

phase-to-earth fault: phase-phase-to-earth fault:

I1 Z1 I1 Z1
F1 F1

VPh-E VPh-E
N1 N1

I2 Z2 I2 Z2
F2 F2

N2 N2
I0 Z0 I0 Z0
F0 F0

N0 N0

© OMICRON Page 33
Symmetrical components (equivalent circuits for
transformers)
Transformer 3-limb 5-limb Equivalent Circuit

P Z0P Z0S S
X0/Xtr 5,0 ...10,0 X0/Xtr 10 ...100

IE/Ir 0,1... 0,2 IE/Ir 0 Z0M

0

P Z0P Z0S S
X0/Xtr 0,6 ...1,0 X0/Xtr 1,0
Z0M
IE/Ir 1,0 ...1,6 IE/Ir 1,0
0

Z0S S
X0/Xtr 2,0 ... 3,0 P Z0P
X0/Xtr 2,0 ... 5,0
Z0T T
IE/Ir 0,3 ... 0,5 IE/Ir 0,2 ... 0,5 Z0M
0

P Z0P Z0S S
X0/Xtr 0,5 X0/Xtr 0,25

IE/Ir 2,0 IE/Ir 4,0 Z0M

0

© OMICRON Page 34
Types of fault (short overview)

> Basic definitions (short-circuit / phase-to-earth fault)

> Two-phase short circuits without earth
> Three-phase short circuit (with calculation example)
> Single-phase faults (with calculation example)

© OMICRON Page 35
Types of Fault (basic definitions)
In three-phase systems several types of fault can occur which are also
dependent on the method of the star-point connection of the system.

In case there is a low-resistance connection between star-point and earth,

then we speak of short-circuit to earth for faults
between phase and earth.

If the star-point is isolated we speak of an

or compensated, phase-to-earth fault.

The most frequent faults are single-phase faults, then double-phase

and three-phase faults.
© OMICRON Page 36
Types of Fault (two-phase short circuits without earth /
three-phase short circuit)
1

ab A ca

bc abc

earth

Three-pole short-circuit (3p) and two-pole short-circuit (2p) without earth

© OMICRON Page 37
Types of Fault (three-phase fault in the 4-phase model)

Relay
Ia Zline
Ia + Ib + Ic =0 =Ie
Van
Ib Zline 1 As we can see from the network model for the
three-phase fault, the three currents a, b and c
Vbn M
must sum up to zero for symmetrical reasons.
Ic Zline

Vcn  Therefore the fault connection to earth is not

relevant.
Ie Ze 2

The mesh equation results in the simple relationship:

V an = I a Z line

M = fault loop

© OMICRON Page 38
Types of Fault (single-phase faults)
1

a
an

b
bn

c
cn

earth

© OMICRON Page 39
Types of Fault (single-phase fault in the 4-phase
model)

Relay
Ia Zline
0
I a Z line − I e Z e − V an =
Van
Ib Zline 1
=
V an I a Z line − I e Z e
Vbn M
Ic Zline I e = −I a
Vcn

Ie Ze
=
V an (
I a Z line − −I a Z e )
2

Abbreviatory writing:

= (
V an I a Z line + Z e )

M = fault loop

© OMICRON Page 40
Star-point connection

> Influence of star-point connection on the operational behavior of the

power system
> Methods of star-point connection

© OMICRON Page 41
Influence of star-point connection on the operational
behavior of the power system

Influence of star point connection at the operational performance

of the power system

Currents by transient Interference of

phase-to-earth faults overvoltage adjecent systems

stationary Design of power

voltage rise system insulation

© OMICRON Page 42
Methods of star-point connection

nominal low resistance impedance

solidly earthed isolated
voltage earthing earthing
380 kV X

220 kV X

110 kV X X X

20/10 kV X X X X

0.4 kV X X

Note: The physical background of this methods is valid around the world.

© OMICRON Page 43
Instrument transformers

> Functions of voltage transformers (VT) and current transformers (CT)

> Technical specifications of CTs and VTs
> Current transformers (parameters old / magnetizing curve)
> Current transformers (parameters new)
> Current transformers (terminal board)
> Voltage transformers (measureable voltages / wiring examples)
> Voltage transformers (terminal board)
> Voltage transformers (relaxation oscillation)

© OMICRON Page 44
Functions of voltage (VT) and current (CT) transformers

Function of voltage transformers and current transformers

Safe electrical insulation against Transmitting instantaneous

MV and HV primary values

Transforming primary system

quantities to standardized
secondary values

© OMICRON Page 45
Instrument Transformers (technical specifications)

Technical specifications of CTs and VTs in medium voltage and high voltage power
systems

Principle of action Standardized secondary values

inductive current transformers 1 A bzw. 5A

inductive voltage transformers 100 110
V or V
(phase-to-earth voltage) 3 3
Inductive voltage transformer 100 110
or
(open delta winding) 3 3
capacitor voltage transformers 100 110
V or V
(phase-to-earth voltage) 3 3
150 mV ∙i
Rogowski Coil (Coil with nonmagnetic core) e.g. , I1 = 80 A
I1

optoelectric similiar to the Rogowski Coil

© OMICRON Page 46
Current Transformer (former classification)
Basic classification of current transformers

Measurement core Protection core

 Here the main requirement is to

transfer the measured quantities
within the range of “0... rated
current“ as exactly as possible
 Identified by the letter M
(obsolete) or FS (up-to-date)
referencing to “security factor“
 Example: 1M10 Accuracy class
1M Instrument security factor 10
 Here the main requirement is to
transfer high fault currents as
exactly as possible
 Identified by the letter P for
“protection“
 Example: 10P10 Accuracy class
10P Accuracy limit factor 10

Example: 1M10 Example: 10P10

Accuracy class 1M Accuracy class 10P
security factor 10 Accuracy limit factor 10

© OMICRON Page 47
Accuracy classes of CTs for protection objectives

Current error of Max. total error of

class measurement with n.Ir
measurement with Ir

5P 1% 5%

10P 3% 10%

Example: 10P 10

protection core class 10P 10 times Ir no saturation effects before the primary
current is higher the 10 times Ir.

© OMICRON Page 48
 Accuracy classes example for measurement CTs

Example: 1M 5

this ct goes in saturation before the primary

measurement core class 1M 5 times Ir
current is higher 5 times Ir.

very important for the protection of the secondary

measuring systems.

© OMICRON Page 49
Current Transformer Parameters

Core Types “new“ Classification

TPS & TPX TPY TPZ

no air gap small air gap large air gap

 Measurement Cores,
 Protection Cores  Protection Cores
Protection Cores
 remanence flux  remanence flux
(including 5P, 10P)
(kr) < 10% (kr) < 10%
 remanence flux
 useable for C-O-C-O  C-O-C-O duty
(kr) > 50%
duty  for high transients
 only C-O duty
 for small transients (large Tp)
 very low Tp

© OMICRON Page 50
Current Transformer (terminal board)
 

② ①

primary terminal
old/new: K/P1 L/P2 K/P1 L/P2

old: 1k 1l2 1l1 1k 1l 2k 2l

1S1 1S2 2S1
new: S1 S2 S3 2S2

① ① ②
secondary terminal

© OMICRON Page 51
Voltage Transformer (terminal board)
terminal board of a HV combined
(current and voltage) instrument
transformer

② ①

old/new: U/A X/N primary terminal

①
old: x e n
new:
a n da
② dn

functional earth terminal secondary terminal

© OMICRON Page 52
Voltage Transformer (measureable voltages)

Measureable voltages in general

Phase-to-Phase Phase-to-Earth Starpoint-to-Earth voltages

voltages voltages (residual voltage)

a a a
b b b
c c c
U V
A A A A A A

u v N N N N N N

c b a  da da da
a c a a
a

n n n
dn dn dn
Vresidual

© OMICRON Page 53
Voltage Transformer (wiring example)

a
b
c

A A A

N N N

da da da c b a

a a a

n n n
dn dn dn

© OMICRON Page 54
Voltage Transformer (relaxation oscillation)
Simplified equivalent circuit diagram of an anti-resonant circuit

A Zli ne B Rli ne Lli ne

vt A B

Cli ne LHVT

© OMICRON Page 55
 Voltage Transformer (relaxation oscillation)

Measures to suppress ferro-resonances

Damping connection of the open delta winding
(MV systems)
Avoiding relaxation oscillations da
Damping the
by off-resonance adjustment of
resonant circuit
the oscillating circuit

The measure aims at dn dn dn

This off-resonance adjustment
increasing the loss
can be achieved by switching R
within the oscillating
the line provided that the
circuit in order to
relaxation oscillations have
destabilize the
been detected early enough
oscillation relaxations
Damping connection of the open delta
winding (HV systems)
da

dn dn dn

© OMICRON Page 56
Strategy of protective relaying / General protection
philosophy
> Main causes of faults
> Effects of faults
> Aims of protective relaying
> Service factors for protection systems

© OMICRON Page 57
The strategy of protective relaying

Main Causes for Faults

Ageing insulation Operating errors

 Overvoltage
 Thermal overload
(e.g. coolant failure, overcurrent)  Switch-onto-fault (SOTF)
 Foreign object impact  Switch onto the earth electrode
(e.g. trees, cranes)  Opening of an isolating switch
 Climatic conditions under load
(e.g. wind, snow, ice)
 Insulation ageing

© OMICRON Page 58
The strategy of protective relaying

Effects of faults

 Destruction of power system components through

 arcs
 mechanical and thermal damages

 Instability of generators

 Power outage

 Potential harm of human beings

© OMICRON Page 59
The strategy of protective relaying
Aims of Protective Relaying
General
 Minimizing or, if possible,
avoiding damage to the
operational equipment, to
substations and to the power
system
© OMICRON
Related to potential hazards
 Minimizing fault effects
 Protecting human beings and
animals
 Avoiding subsequent faults
 Securing power supply
Page 60
General protection philosophy – Selection criteria for
protection systems

Selection criteria for protection systems

 Type of asset (e.g. cable, overhead line, transformer)

 Technical and economic significance of the operational

equipment or asset (generator, infeed, substation, etc.)

 Voltage level (e.g. medium voltage, high voltage)

 Network topology (e.g. radial, ring, meshed network)

 Method of star-point connection (e.g. solid earthing)

 Type of switchgear station (e.g. air-insulated, gas-insulated)

 Power system management (power plants, fragile consumer)

© OMICRON Page 61
Protective Criteria

> General protection philosophy (service factor for protection systems)

> Basic requirements
> Current (with application example)
> Current difference (with application example)
> Impedance (with application example)
> Active power direction
> Voltage
> Temperature
> Summary

© OMICRON Page 62
Basic requirements of protective criteria

Basic requirements of protective criteria

 unambiguous distinction between operational and faulty states

 selectivity with regards to fault location and type of fault

 fast enough trip times

 applicable as backup protection

© OMICRON Page 63
Protective criterion Current

service protective
connection example fault area
condition object
operating fault
area area
Idoff Idon

overhead line
I I> IOC max transformer
< Rdo
ISC min generator
0 Ioc max Isc min
motor
I
IOC max max. operational current

ISC min min. short-circuit current

© OMICRON Page 64
Overcurrent protection (cable / overhead line)

Definite Minimum Time

overcurrent relay (DMT)

I> I> tripping area

tA tB
tI>
A B
tI>>

I> I>> I/IP

50-1 or 50N-1 50-2 or 50N-2

© OMICRON Page 65
Protective criterion current difference
protective
connection example fault area service condition
object

fault
area
ΔI'
I1' I2' r=Ian overhead line
ΔI' transformer
ΔIOC max < ΔISC min
generator
operating busbar
area
I2' I1'

© OMICRON Page 66
Differential protection

fault inside the

protected area

A Iside 1 Iside 2 B
A Iside 1 Iside 2 B
Protected
Protected
Object
Object
protected area
protected area fault outside the
protected area

87 87

Iside 1 + Iside 2 ≠ 0 Iside 1 + Iside 2 = 0

→ Trip → no Trip

© OMICRON Page 67
Protective criterion Impedance

protective
connection example fault area service condition
object

Zload (Vr min)

I Z Zload (Vr max)

Zload min > ZSC max

operating overhead line
Z< V area transformer
for
generator
busbar
Zload ISC min ≤ I ≤ ISC max
fault area

Isc min Iload Ioc max I

© OMICRON Page 68
Impedance protection (cable / overhead line)

t
X
Zone 3
700ms
Zone 2
Zone 2
350ms

Zone 1
0s

Zone 1
A B C

ϕline
R

© OMICRON Page 69
Protective criterion Active power direction

service
connection example fault area protective object
condition

V
M I
3M I
operating sign Pcurrently load
φ
area
Pload V P>0 ≠ generator
fault sign Prated load
area
P<0

© OMICRON Page 70
Protective criterion Voltage

fault area protective

connection example service condition
(earth fault) object

e
overhead line
n
fault area generator
Dependet on the
application area
automatic
(overvoltage,
transfer gear
0 undervoltage, etc.)
Ven
earth-fault
detection

© OMICRON Page 71
Protective criterion Temperature
service protective
connection example fault area
condition object

tlimit
3

M inpermissible
3M area

temperature overhead line

detector transformer
allowable none
area generator
ϑ
motor
ϑmax limit

tlimit limiting time for the

temperature
ϑmax limit limiting temperature for
continuous operation

© OMICRON Page 72
Protective criteria Summary

Protective criteria comparison according to selectivity

Fault location selectivity Without fault location

Fault location selectivity
by time delay selectivity

Quantities are Quantities are measured Despite a time-delay

measured at different at a single measuring factor the fault location
measuring points: point, selectivity is cannot be determined
achieved by time-delayed with these criteria:
 current difference tripping:
 phase angle  temperature
difference  current  frequency
 active power  impedance  active power
direction comparison direction

© OMICRON Page 73
General protection philosophy

> Main protection and backup protection (general definition)

> General protection philosophy (basic example for cable / overhead line
and transformer)
> Application example for main protection and local backup protection
> Application examples for remote backup protection

© OMICRON Page 74
General Protection Philosophy (main and backup)

Main and backup protection

for the example of distance protection

Field of application Allocation of system

Local backup
Main Backup protection Remote backup
Protection protection protection
Located in the
Cable Transformer same feeder as Located in a
Overhead line Busbar the main other substation
protection

© OMICRON Page 75
General Protection Philosophy (basic example)

Local Local
backup protection backup protection

BB a BB b BB c

Local backup
protection
(overcurrent relay)
Main protection Main protection
Main protection Local backup
(e.g. distance relay) (e.g. distance relay)
(Differential protection) protection
(distance relay)

= no standard for power systems Vn < 110 kV

© OMICRON Page 76
General Protection Philosophy (main protection / local
backup protection)
Local 2 Local
backup protection backup protection

BB a BB b BB c

Local backup
protection 4
(overcurrent relay)
Main protection Main protection
Main protection Local backup
(e.g. distance relay) 1 (e.g. distance relay)
(Differential protection) protection
3 (distance relay)
5

= protected area

= no standard for power systems Vn < 110 kV

© OMICRON Page 77
General Protection Philosophy (remote backup
protection)

BB a BB b BB c

Local backup
protection 4
(overcurrent relay)
Main protection 1 Main protection
Main protection
(e.g. distance relay) 2 (e.g. distance relay)
(Differential protection) 3

= protected area = protected area

(main protection) (main protection)

= protected area = protected area

(remote backup protection) (remote backup protection)

© OMICRON Page 78
General Protection Philosophy (remote backup
protection)
remote backup protection

BB b BB c

Local backup main protection

protection
(overcurrent relay)

Main protection
(Differential
protection)

protection device failed

 remote protection device tripped

© OMICRON Page 79
Measurement of analogue signals

> Basic principle

> Time measurement by the relay
> Time measurement by the CMC

© OMICRON Page 80
Measurement of analogue signals (basic principle)
For digital signal processing, the analog input signals current
and voltage have to be converted to time-discrete signals.

analog current converted to time-discrete signal trip

2 3
Timer

trip time =
Isec
I Frequency 500ms
Adaption Digitalization
Filter Protection
CT logic
A
D TRIP
VT 1
response time: e.g. 25ms

1 Trip Time displayed in the test report (e.g. 525 ms)

= Trip Time displayed in the Trip Log file (e.g. 500ms)

= pick up
= Response Time

© OMICRON Page 81
Time measurement by the relay
fault inception

faulty area

operating area

pickup

response
trip time trip drop-off time drop-off
time e.g. 400ms
e.g. 24ms
stored in trip log file

© OMICRON Page 82
Time measurement by the CMC
fault inception

faulty area

operating area

pickup

response
trip time trip drop-off time drop-off
time e.g. 400ms
e.g. 24ms
trip time stored in the CMC test report

© OMICRON Page 83
Directional Overcurrent Protection

> Physical backround (forward/reverse, design of the ideal directional

characteristic line)
> Ideal directional line
> Real directional line

© OMICRON Page 84
Directional Overcurrent Protection (physical
background part I)
The relay measures the short circuit angle (φsc) between short circuit voltage (Vsc) and short
circuit current (Isc) for detection forward or reverse.

Rsc Xsc 
IA 𝑋𝑋𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
For metallic faults φsc = φline = arctan
VA R 𝑅𝑅𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
e IB Rsc Xsc
l
VB a
Im
y
IC Rsc Xsc

VC
Vc
IE ZE

Vsc

φsc HV
φsc MV Re

Isc MV

forward
Isc HV area
Vb

© OMICRON Page 85
Directional Overcurrent Protection (physical
background part II)
𝑋𝑋𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
IA Rsc Xsc For this case φsc = arctan
𝑅𝑅𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 +𝑅𝑅𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
VA R
e IB Rsc Xsc
l
Result: The short circuit angle is smaller than
VB a for metallic short circuits!
y
IC Rsc Xsc

VC Im

IE ZE
Vc

Vsc
Re
φsc MV with Rfault
φsc MV Isc MV with Rfault

Isc MV

Vb

© OMICRON Page 86
 Directional Overcurrent Protection (ideal direct. line)
Design of the ideal directional characteristic line 1

Im
Critical position for short circuits
with Rfault (e.g. arc)! 2
Vc

Va = Vsc

!
directional Re
characteristic line
φsc MV with Rfault
Isc MV with Rfault

forward
Vb area

© OMICRON Page 87
Directional Overcurrent Protection (ideal direc. line)
Design of the ideal directional characteristic line 1

Im
Critical position for metallic short
circuits in HV systems! 2
Vc
forward
area

Va = Vsc

Re

Vb
!
Isc HV

directional
characteristic line
© OMICRON Page 88
Directional Overcurrent Protection (ideal directional
line)
1
The short circuit range for electrical
Im MV and HV networks is -90 < φsc ≥ 0

2
Vc
The ideal directional characteristic
must have a certain distance to 0°
and to 90° in order to work
properly taking into account small
reverse angle errors of the current
direction Va = Vsc transformers.

φsc Re 3

forward The reverse short circuit

area corresponds to the rotation of
Isc
the current of 180°.

Vb
ideal directional
characteristic line

© OMICRON Page 89
Directional Overcurrent Protection (real directional
line)
Im

Vc


Va = Vsc

φsc Re

Isc

Vb
directional
characteristic line

© OMICRON Page 90
Transformer Differential Protection

> Protection example for high voltage transformer

> Connections (delta, wye, zigzag)
> Transmission behavior (vector group/phase angle)
> Transmission behavior (vector group/matrix)
> General tripping characteristic (with calculation example)

© OMICRON Page 91
Transformer Differential Protection (HV Transformer)

Operator information

Buchholz Temperature
Warning Warning
Trip Trip

CB Trip

BB
BB 1
2B
I>

∆I Ζ<

CB Trip

© OMICRON Page 92
Power transformer (connections)

a.) delta connection b.) star connection c.) zigzag connection

or wye connection
1U 1V 1W

U U

V V

W W

2U 2V 2W 2N

© OMICRON Page 93
 Power transformer (transmission behavior / vector group / phase
angle)
The vector group indicates the electrical interconnection of the transformer windings:

• delta connection (D, d)

• star connection or wye connection (Y, y)
• zigzag connection (Z, z)

and the phase angle of the voltages, which is represented by the number following the
letter codes. This so-called phase displacement index indicates the difference in phase
angle between the windings, in units of 30°.
IB LV

IC HV
Phasor diagram for a transformer with
the vector group Yd5 (5•30°=150°)
IA HV

150°

IA LV IB HV IC LV

© OMICRON Page 94
Power transformers (vector group / phase angle)

Which vector group? Identification via phase angle.

Yd ??-transformer
ratio 1:1

IA HV IA LV
IB HV IB LV
IC HV IC LV
HV side LV side

Im

?
IC HV Ph

IA HV Ph

Re

IB HV Ph

© OMICRON Page 95
 Power transformers (vector group/ phase angle)
Defining of the load currents (reference-arrow system) 1

ILoad HV ILoad LV
2 3

IA HV Ph IA LV Ph
IA HV IA LV
IB HV IB LV IB HV Ph IB LV Ph

IC HV IC LV
IC HV Ph IC LV Ph

HV side LV side

Im

IC HV Ph
IA HV Ph / IB HV Ph / IC HV Ph :
phase currents of the high voltage side (primary side) IA HV Ph

Re
IA LV Ph / IB LV Ph / IC LV Ph :
phase currents of the low voltage side (secondary side) IB HV Ph

© OMICRON Page 96
Power transformers (vector group / phase angle)
Physical information concerning the difference between phase current and the
phase winding current.

HV side (Y) 1 LV side (d) 2

IA HV Ph IA HV Ph IA LV IA LV Ph

IB HV Ph IB HV Ph IB LV IB LV Ph

IC HV Ph IC HV Ph IC LV IC LV Ph


IA LV Ph / IB LV Ph / IC LV Ph (phase currents) ≠ IA LV / IB LV / IC LV (phase winding current)

IA HV Ph / IB HV Ph / IC HV Ph (phase currents) = IA LV / IB LV / IC LV (phase winding current)

© OMICRON Page 97
Power transformers (vector group / phase angle)
Calculation of the LV side current IA LV Ph :

HV side (Y) 1 LV side (d) 2 IC LV

IA LV IA LV Ph

IB LV IB LV Ph
IA HV Ph IA HV Ph IA LV IA LV Ph
IC LV IC LV Ph

IB HV Ph IB HV Ph IB LV IB LV Ph
The calculation principle is based on Kirchhoff’s law, i.e. the
sum of the currents flowing into a conducting network is zero.
IC HV Ph IC HV Ph IC LV IC LV Ph
3

� 𝐼𝐼 = 𝐼𝐼1 + 𝐼𝐼2 + 𝐼𝐼3 = 0

𝑛𝑛=1
Im -IA HV Ph Im 3

IC HV Ph
IL3 PL IA LV Ph
(-IA LV Ph) + (-IA LV) + IC LV = 0
IL1 PL

Re
210° Re IA LV Ph = -IA LV + IC LV

IL2 PL with: -IA LV = - IA HV Ph and IC LV = IC HV Ph 4

reference winding IA LV Ph = - IA HV Ph + IC HV Ph 5

© OMICRON Page 98
Power transformers (vector group/ phase angle)
Calculation of the LV side current IB LV Ph and IC LV Ph :

IA LV IA LV Ph IA LV IA LV Ph
IA LV
IB LV IB LV Ph IB LV IB LV Ph
IB LV
IC LV IC LV Ph IC LV IC LV Ph

(-IB LV Ph) + IA LV + (- IB LV)= 0 (-IC LV Ph) + IB LV + (- IC LV)= 0

IB LV Ph = -IB LV + IA LV IC LV Ph = -IC LV + IB LV
with: IA LV = IA HV Ph and - IB LV = - IB HV Ph with: - IC LV = - IC HV Ph and IB LV = IB HV Ph

IB LV Ph = - IB HV Ph + IA HV Ph IC LV Ph = - IC HV Ph + IB HV Ph

Im Im

IB LV Ph
- IB HV Ph

IA HV Ph Re
Re
IB HV Ph

- IC HV Ph IC LV Ph

© OMICRON Page 99
Power transformers (vector group / phase angle)
Result:

HV side (Y) 1 LV side (d) 2

ILoad HV ILoad LV
IA HV Ph IA LV Ph = (-IA HV Ph) +IC HV Ph
IA HV IA LV
IB HV IB LV IB HV Ph IB LV Ph = (-IB HV Ph) +IA HV Ph

IC HV IC LV IC HV Ph IC LV Ph = (-IC HV Ph ) +IB HV Ph

Im
Im The phase shift between the HV side
IB LV Ph
and the LV side is n*30°
IC HV Ph IA LV Ph

IA HV Ph 210°
𝑛𝑛 = =7 4
Re
210° Re
30°
IB HV Ph
3

IC LV Ph
The vector group of this example
transformer is Yd7.

© OMICRON Page 100

Power transformers (vector group / matrix)
Mathematical information:

Yd ??-transformer
ratio 1:1
IA HV IA LV
IB HV IB LV
IC HV IC LV
HV side LV side

factor „K“:

IA LV Ph a1 a2 a3
1
IA HV Ph
2 3

IB LV Ph = K• b1 b2 b3 • IB HV Ph
IC LV Ph c1 c2 c3 IC HV Ph Y d d Y
1
LV side = transmission matrix • HV side 𝐾𝐾 = 𝐾𝐾 = 3
(HV side  LV side)
3

© OMICRON Page 101

Power transformers (vector group / matrix)

Yd 7-transformer
ratio 1:1

IA HV IA LV
IB HV IB LV
IC HV IC LV
HV side LV side

wiring scheme

?
Im Im
IB LV Ph
IA LV Ph
IC HV Ph

IA HV Ph
210° Re
Re

IB HV Ph

IC LV Ph

reference winding

© OMICRON Page 102

Power transformers (vector group / matrix)
Defining the transmission matrix for IA LV Ph:

1 IA LV Ph a1 a2 a3 IA HV Ph
IB LV Ph = K• b1 b2 b3 • IB HV Ph
IC LV Ph c1 c2 c3 IC HV Ph

3
2 4 6
IA LV Ph = K•{(a1•IA HV Ph)+(a2•IB HV Ph)+(a3•IC HV Ph)} - IA HV Ph Im
7
+ IC HV Ph
I A LV Ph

IA HV Ph
[a1= -1] [a3= 1]
[a2= 0]
Re
(not involved)

IB HV Ph
Result for IA LV Ph: 8 5

IA LV Ph -1 0 1 IA HV Ph
IB LV Ph = K• b1 b2 b3 • IB HV Ph
IC LV Ph c1 c2 c3 IC HV Ph

© OMICRON Page 103

Power transformers (vector group/Matrix)
Defining of the transmission matrix for IB LV Ph:

IA LV Ph a1 a2 a3 IA HV Ph
IB LV Ph = K• b1 b2 b3 • IB HV Ph Im
IC LV Ph c1 c2 c3 IC HV Ph
IC HV Ph I B LV Ph
- IB HV Ph
IB LV Ph = K•{(b1•IA HV Ph)+(b2•IB HV Ph)+(b3•IC HV Ph)}
+ IA HV Ph
Re

[a1= 1] [a3= 0] IB HV Ph
[a2= -1] (not involved)

Result for IB LV Ph:

IA LV Ph a1 a2 a3 IA HV Ph
IB LV Ph = K• 1 -1 0 • IB HV Ph
IC LV Ph c1 c2 c3 IC HV Ph

© OMICRON Page 104

Power transformers (vector group / matrix)
Defining of the transmission matrix for IC LV Ph:

IA LV Ph a1 a2 a3 IA HV Ph
IB LV Ph = K• b1 b2 b3 • IB HV Ph Im
IC LV Ph c1 c2 c3 IC HV Ph
IC HV Ph

IA HV Ph
IC LV Ph = K•{(c1•IA HV Ph)+(c2•IB HV Ph)+(c3•IC HV Ph)}
+ IB HV Ph Re

[a1= 0] [a3= -1]

(not involved) [a2= 1]
- IC HV Ph
I C LV Ph

Result for IC LV Ph:

IA LV Ph a1 a2 a3 IA HV Ph
IB LV Ph = K• b1 b2 b3 • IB HV Ph
IC LV Ph 0 1 -1 IC HV Ph

© OMICRON Page 105

Power transformers (vector group / mMatrix)
Transmission matrix for the Yd7 transformer:

Yd 7-transformer
ratio 1:1

IA HV IA LV
IB HV IB LV
IC HV IC LV
HV side LV side

IA LV Ph -1 0 1 1 Defining the wiring scheme

IA HV Ph
IB LV Ph 1 -1 0
by the transmission matrix
= • • IB HV Ph
IC LV Ph 0 1 -1 IC HV Ph

© OMICRON Page 106

Power transformers (vector group / matrix)
Defining the wiring scheme for the Yd7:

With the transmission matrix and Kirchhoff’s law we can create the wiring
scheme for the LV side of the Yd7 transformer.

Phase A:

3 4

1 IA LV Ph -1 0 1 IA HV Ph
IA HV Ph IA HV Ph IA LV IA LV Ph

IB LV Ph = • 1 -1 0 • IB HV Ph IB HV Ph IB HV Ph IB LV IB LV Ph

IC LV Ph 0 1 -1 IC HV Ph IC HV Ph IC HV Ph IC LV IC LV Ph

with: IA LV = IA HV Ph , IB LV = IB HV Ph and IC LV = IC HV Ph 2
+ IC LV
-1
Result for phase A: 5 IA LV IA LV Ph

IB LV

IC LV

© OMICRON Page 107

Power transformers (vector group / matrix)
Defining the wiring schema for the Yd7:

With the transmission matrix and Kirchhoff’s law we can create the wiring
scheme for the LV side of the Yd7 transformer.

Phase B:


IA LV Ph -1 0 1 IA HV Ph IA HV Ph IA HV Ph IA LV IA LV Ph

1 IB LV Ph = • 3 1 4 -1 0 • IB HV Ph IB HV Ph IB HV Ph IB LV IB LV Ph
IC LV Ph 0 1 -1 IC HV Ph
IC HV Ph IC HV Ph IC LV IC LV Ph

with: IA LV = IA HV Ph , IB LV = IB HV Ph and IC LV = IC HV Ph 2
IA LV IA LV Ph
+ IA LV

Result for phase B: 5 IB LV

-1
IB LV Ph

IC LV

© OMICRON Page 108

Power transformers (vector group / matrix)
Defining the wiring scheme for the Yd7:

With the transmission matrix and Kirchhoff’s law we can create the wiring
scheme for the LV side of the Yd7 transformer.

Phase C:


IA LV Ph -1 0 1 IA HV Ph IA HV Ph IA HV Ph IA LV IA LV Ph
IB LV Ph = • 1 -1 0 • IB HV Ph IB HV Ph IB HV Ph IB LV IB LV Ph
1 IC LV Ph 0 1 -1 IC HV Ph
IC HV Ph IC HV Ph IC LV IC LV Ph
3 4

with: IA LV = IA HV Ph , IB LV = IB HV Ph and IC LV = IC HV Ph 2
IA LV IA LV Ph

Result for phase C: 5 IB LV IB LV Ph

+ IB LV
IC LV IC LV Ph
-1

© OMICRON Page 109

Power transformers (vector group / matrix)

With the transmission matrix and Kirchhoff’s law we can create the wiring
scheme for the LV side of the Yd7 transformer.

Yd 7-transformer
ratio 1:1
IA HV Ph IA LV Ph
IA HV IA LV
IB HV IB LV IB HV Ph IB LV Ph
IC HV IC LV
IC HV Ph IC LV Ph
HV side LV side

IA LV Ph -1 0 1 IA HV Ph
IB LV Ph = • 1 -1 0 • IB HV Ph
IC LV Ph 0 1 -1 IC HV Ph

© OMICRON Page 110

Transformer Differential Protection (general tripping
characteristic)

Idiff

Idiff >>

Tripping Area

Blocking Area

Idiff >
0
0 Ibias

© OMICRON Page 111

Transformer Differential Protection (tripping characteristic)
Calculation example for Siemens 7UT6x:

line equations: P2: I = II

 I := IDiff 0.25 ⋅ IBias
 II : IDiff =0.5 ⋅ (IBias − 2.5 )
3 0.25 ⋅ IBias =0.5 ⋅ ( IBias − 2.5 )
1
0.25 ⋅ IBias =0.5 ⋅ IBias − 1.25
2 1.25
= 0.25 ⋅ IBias Insert Ibias = 5 in equation I

IBias = 5 4 IDiff 0.25 ⋅ IBias

=
IDiff
= 0.25 ⋅ =
5 1.25 5
P3 (?/?)
I-Diff>>
P3 (14.5/6)
P3: 6

Insert IDiff = 6 in equation II

6 =0.5 ⋅ IBias − 1.25

7.25
= 0.5 ⋅ IBias
IBias = 14.5 7

8
P2 (?/?)

P2 (5/1.25)
I-Diff> Tripping characteristic
P1 (0/0) 2.5 IBias

© OMICRON Page 112

Distance Protection

> Field of application (with examples)

> Protection concepts for overhead lines (conventional / teleprotection)
> Impedance characteristics

© OMICRON Page 113

Distance Protection

Field of application

Main protection Backup protection

Transformers
Generators / Motors
Cables / Overhead lines
Cables / Overhead lines
(further network section)

© OMICRON Page 114

Distance Protection (main protection)

BB a BB b

distance relay

= protected area

© OMICRON Page 115

Distance Protection (backup protection)
BB b BB c

Local backup
protection
(overcurrent relay)

Main protection
(Differential protection) distance relay

BB a BB c

G
Local backup
protection
(overcurrent relay)

distance relay Main protection

(Differential protection)

= backup protected area

© OMICRON Page 116
Distance Protection (backup protection)

BB a BB b

distance relay

= protected area = backup protected area

© OMICRON Page 117

Distance Protection (concepts for overhead lines)

Concepts of overhead line protection with distance protection

Conventional Teleprotection

SS A SS B
SS A SS B

Z< Z<
Z< Z<

© OMICRON Page 118

 Distance Protection (conventional)
Distance p. without auto-reclosure (AR):

t

For selectivity reasons the trip time setting „0s“ is not
700ms possible for 100% of Zone 1. Approx. the “last” 15% of the
Zone 2 protection zone A-B trip with the next zone time (Zone 2).
350ms
 This situation is not accepted in all networks!
Zone 1 ≈15%
0s

A B


Distance p. with auto-reclosure (AR): 

The trip time setting „0s“ is possible for 100% of Zone.
t
700ms

Zone 2

350ms
This trip is formally non-selective. After the dead time, the
Zone 1
0s AR function switches on the circuit breakers automatically.
 This situation is not accepted in all networks!
A B

 
≈120% of ZAB = Overreach zone = distance protection

© OMICRON Page 119

 Distance Protection (Teleprotection)
The requirement is the protection of 100% from A to B in “0s”.
t
350ms

0s

A B

The solution: Distance protection with teleprotection. 1

The basic logic is the query from A to B: Can you see the short circuit in the same area (between A-B)? 2 5

t Zone 2
t
350ms 350ms
  0s
 Zone 1
0s

A  B A B 
? 3 ? 6
yes no
4 7

= distance protection  = trip time 0s = trip time 350ms (zone 2)

© OMICRON Page 120
Distance Protection (impedance characteristics)

X [Ω]

4
1 = line charactistic
3
2 = impedance circle
2
3 = conductance circle
1
4 = mho circle
0
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
R [Ω] 5 = mixed impedance
-1
6 = quadrilateral (polygon)
-2 characteristic

-3

Why different impedance

-4 characteristics?

© OMICRON Page 121

 Distance Protection (impedance circles)
The impedance circle is the „mother“ of all circle characteristics.

X [Ω] technical disadvantage:

4

3
1 additional directional function required 

2 2 For short circuits with fault resistance (Rf),

RF  e.g. arc resistance, the MHO characteristic
1 can‘t measure the short circuit in the
correct zone. 5
0
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 A B
R [Ω]
❶ Zone 1  Zone 2

-1

3
-2

VA
-3
R 4
e
l
VB a
-4 y

VC
= impedance circle

© OMICRON Page 122

 Distance Protection (quadrilateral characteristic)
Solution: Quadrilateral/polygon characteristic. 1

X [Ω]
4
optimum adaptation to line
3
characteristic and arc-fault

RF

0
-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5
R [Ω]
-1

-2

-3

-4

= impedance circle = quadrilateral (polygon)

characteristic

© OMICRON Page 123

Breaker Failure (short overview)

> Technical background

> Basic principle
> Monitoring

© OMICRON Page 124

Circuit breaker failure protection (technical
background)
t
3
700ms

Zone 2
!
350ms

2 Zone 1 B
0s
1

A TRIP TRIP

! The trip time of 350ms (via backup protection) is not acceptable for different networks. 4

Solution: Circuit Breaker failure (BF)

= circuit breaker on = circuit breaker failed = relay tripped in the 2nd zone
= circuit breaker off = distance protection
© OMICRON Page 125
Circuit breaker failure protection (basic principle)
t
350ms
B Zone 1
0s
1

2
A TRIP
3

short circuit
pick up
Trip
Start BF
Trip of all CB

= circuit breaker on = circuit breaker failed = relays tripped with BF delay time
= circuit breaker off = distance protection (appox. 120 ... 150ms)

© OMICRON Page 126

Circuit Breaker failure Protection (Monitoring)
Current flow monitoring: CB auxiliary contacts monitoring:

B IF B IF
1 1

2 2
A TRIP A TRIP
3 3

short circuit short circuit

short circuit (IF) CB-on
pick up pick up
Trip Trip
Start BF Start BF
Trip of all CB  Trip of all CB 

0s 120ms t 0s 120ms t

= circuit breaker on = distance protection = No Trip OK

= circuit breaker off
© OMICRON Page 127
Busbar Protection (short overview)

> Technical background

> Variant type (decentralized / centralized)
> Tripping scheme

© OMICRON Page 128

Numerical Busbar Protection (technical background)

Busbar

I1 I2 I3 ... In

The current difference, which is the underlying protection criterion in this case, is
based on Kirchhoff's current law. This law says that the signed sum of all currents
in a closed area must be zero.

I1 + I2 + I3 + . . . + In = 0

I1 ... n = feeder currents

© OMICRON Page 129
Busbar Protection (variant type)
 decentralised busbar protection:  centralised busbar protection:
Central Central
Unit Unit

BB BB

Bay Bay Bay

Unit Unit Unit

Feeder 1 Feeder 2 Feeder n Feeder 1 Feeder 2 Feeder n

© OMICRON Page 130

Busbar Protection (feeder wiring example)
decentralised busbar protection (feeder wiring diagram)

BB I
BB II

Q1 Q2

Connection to the
central unit via
optical fibre cable

Bay Unit

© OMICRON Page 131

Busbar Protection (feeder wiring example)
centralised busbar protection (feeder wiring diagram)

BB I
BB II

Q1 Q2

directly to the inputs

of the central unit.

© OMICRON Page 132

Busbar Protection (tripping scheme)
Busbar selective measurement:

Depending on the isolator position, the currents of one busbar section are
used for calculating the differential and stabilization current.


IDiff
BB 1
BB 2

Blocking Area

I1 I2 I3 I4 I2 ID>
45°

IBIAS

DIFF-ZONE BB 1 DIFF-ZONE BB 2
© OMICRON Page 133
Busbar Protection (tripping scheme)
Check zone:
In contrast to the busbar selective measurement, the check zone
method uses the current sum of all feeders without considering the
isolator status. The coupling feeders are not taken into account.


IDiff
BB 1
BB 2

Blocking Area

I1 I2 I3 I4 I2 ID>
45°

IBIAS

DIFF-ZONE BB 1 DIFF-ZONE BB 2 CHECKZONE

© OMICRON Page 134

Busbar Protection (tripping scheme)
Directional current comparison (phase comparison):

BB 1 BB 1

I1 I2 I1 I2

a) busbar healthy b) short circuit on the busbar

Im
Im

I2

φ=74°
Re
φ=74°
Re

I1
I2
!
I1

© OMICRON Page 135

© OMICRON Page 136