Ref1A High-Impedance Based Restricted Earth-Fault Protection

1MRS 752325-MUM REF1A
Issued: 10/1998 High-Impedance Based

Version: D/20.01.2004
Restricted Earth-Fault Protection
Data subject to change without notice
Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................ 2
1.1 Features................................................................................................ 2
1.2 Application ............................................................................................ 2
1.3 Input description ................................................................................... 3
1.4 Output description................................................................................. 3
2. Description of Operation ........................................................................... 4

2.1 Configuration ........................................................................................ 4
2.2 The measuring configuration ................................................................ 5
2.3 Operation criteria .................................................................................. 5
2.4 Recommendations for current transformers ......................................... 6
2.5 Setting groups..................................................................................... 11
2.6 Test mode ........................................................................................... 11
2.7 TRIP and CBFP outputs ..................................................................... 11
2.8 Resetting............................................................................................. 12
3. Parameters and Events............................................................................ 13

3.1 General ............................................................................................... 13
3.2 Setting values ..................................................................................... 14
3.2.1 Actual settings ........................................................................... 14
3.2.2 Setting group 1 .......................................................................... 14
3.2.3 Setting group 2 .......................................................................... 14
3.2.4 Control settings.......................................................................... 15
3.3 Measurement values........................................................................... 16
3.3.1 Input data................................................................................... 16
3.3.2 Output data................................................................................ 16
3.3.3 Recorded data ........................................................................... 16
3.3.4 Events........................................................................................ 18
4. Technical Data .......................................................................................... 19

REF1A Distribution Automation
1. Introduction
1.1 Features
• Restricted earth-fault protection of generators and power transformers based on the

high-impedance principle
• Adjustable operating value
• Delayed trip output for the circuit-breaker failure protection (CBFP) function
• High stability at external faults, also with partially saturated current transformers
• Short operate times at faults occuring in the zone to be protected (internal faults)
also with partially saturated current transformers
1.2 Application
This document specifies the function of REF1A, the high-impedance based restricted
earth-fault protection for generators and transformers, used in products based on the
RED 500 Platform.
dIo>
Figure 1. Protection diagram symbol (For IEC symbols used in single line diagrams,
refer to the manual “Technical Descriptions of Functions, Introduction”,
1MRS750528-MUM)
Figure 2. Function block symbol of REF1A, the stabilized restricted earth-fault

protection
2
Distribution Automation REF1A
1.3 Input description
Name Type Description

Ido Analogue signal (SINT) Input for measuring differential
neutral current Ido
BLOCK Digital signal (BOOL, active high) Blocking signal of REF1A
GROUP Digital signal (BOOL, active high) Control input for switching
between the setting groups 1 and
2. When GROUP is FALSE,
group 1 is active. When GROUP
is TRUE, group 2 is active.
RESET Reset signal (BOOL, pos. edge) Input signal for resetting the trip
signal and registers of REF1A
1.4 Output description
Name Type Description

TRIP Digital signal (BOOL, active high) Trip signal
CBFP Digital signal (BOOL, active high) Delayed trip signal for circuit-
breaker failure protection (CBFP)
ERR Digital signal (BOOL, active high) Signal for indicating a
configuration error
3
2. Description of Operation
2.1 Configuration
Neutral differential current can be measured via the measuring configuration presented
in Figure 3. The measuring devices and signal types for the analogue channels are
selected and configured in a special dialogue box of the Relay Configuration Tool
included in the CAP 505 Tool Box. Digital inputs are configured in the same
programming environment (the number of the selectable analogue inputs, digital
inputs and digital outputs depends on the hardware used).
P2 P1
IL1
S2 S1
P1 P2
IL2
S1 S2
IL3
Variable resistor
Stabilizing
resistor
87N High-impedance relay
Figure 3. Restricted earth-fault protection for generators and transformers based on

high-impedance principle
When the analogue channels and digital inputs have been selected and configured in
the dialogue box, the inputs and outputs of the function block can be configured on a
graphic worksheet of the configuration tool. The differential neutral current Ido
composed by the external measuring configuration is connected to the corresponding
Ido input of the function block. Digital inputs are connected to the boolean inputs of
the function block and in the same way, the outputs of the function block are
connected to the output signals.
4
2.2 The measuring configuration
The external measuring configuration is composed of four current transformers

measuring the currents and a stabilizing resistor (Figure 3). A variable resistor is
needed if high over voltages are expected. The value of the stabilizing resistor can be
calculated using the formula
Us
Rs = , (1)
Ir
where
Rs the resistance of the stabilizing resistor

Us the stabilizing voltage of the relay
Ir the setting value of the relay
The stabilizing voltage can be calculated by the formula
I kmax
Us = ( R in + R m ) (2)
n
where
Ikmax the highest through-fault current

n the turns ratio of the CT
Rin the secondary internal resistance of the CT
Rm the resistance of the longest loop of secondary circuit
Additionally it is required that the knee-point voltages (Uk) of the current transformers
are at least twice the value of the stabilizing voltage (Us).
For more information about calculating the value of the stabilizing resistor and
choosing the current transformers refer to section “Recommendations for current
transformers”.
2.3 Operation criteria
The operating characteristic of the function block is determined by the parameter

“Basic setting” and by the stabilizing resistor. When the differential current exceeds
the basic setting value, the function block trips unless it is blocked by the external
blocking signal BLOCK.
5
The value of the stabilizing resistor, which has to be calculated before installation and
commissioning, mainly determines the stability of the relay. The “Basic setting”
parameter allows for fine tuning the sensitivity of the protection.
2.4 Recommendations for current transformers
The sensitivity and reliability of differential current protection stabilized through a

resistor are strongly related to the current transformers used. The number of turns of
the current transformers that are part of the same differential current circuit should be
the same. Moreover, the current transformers should have the same transformation
ratio.
To make the operation of the relay fast and reliable for in-zone faults, the knee-point
voltage has to be twice the stabilizing voltage. The stabilizing voltage Us of the
function block is given by equation (2) in section “The measuring configuration”. The
required knee-point voltage Uk of the current transformer is calculated as follows:
Uk = 2 × Us (3)
The factor 2 is used when no operate delay is permitted for the protection.
The sensitivity requirements for the protection are jeopardized if the magnetizing
current of the current transformers at the knee-point voltage is too high. The Iprim value
of the primary current at which the function block operates at certain settings can be
calculated as follows:
Iprim = n × (Ir + Iu + m × Ie) (4)
where
n the transformation ratio of the current transformer

Ir the current value representing the function block setting
Iu the current flowing through the protection varistor
m the number of current transformers included in the protection
Ie the magnetizing current of one current transformer
The value Io given in many catalogues is the excitation current at knee-point voltage.
Writing Ie = 0.5 × Io gives a realistic value for Iprim in equation (4).
The choosing of current transformers can be divided into following procedures
1. Firstly, the nominal current In of the protected winding has to be known. It also
affects how high Ikmax is. Normally the Ikmax values are the following:
- for small transformers Ikmax = 16 × In
- for big transformers Ikmax = 12 × In
- for generators Ikmax = 6 × In
6
2. The nominal primary current I1n of the CT must be higher than the nominal
current of the protected winding. The choice of the CT also specifies Rin.
3. The required Uk is calculated using the formula (3). If the Uk of the CT is not
high enough, another CT has to be chosen. The value of the Uk is given by the
manufacturer or in the case of class X current transformer it can be estimated using
the equation (5) below.
4. The sensitivity Iprim is calculated with the formula (4). If the achieved sensitivity
is sufficient, the present CT is chosen. If better sensitivity is needed, a CT with a
bigger core is chosen.
If other than class X current transformers are used, an estimate for Uk can be
calculated as follows:
Uk = 0.8 × Fa × I2n × ( Rin + Rm ) (5)
where
Fa the actual accuracy limit factor

I2n the rated secondary current of the current transformer
Rin the secondary internal resistance of the CT
Rm the resistance of the longest loop of secondary circuit
If the rated accuracy limit factor Fn is used in equation (5) instead of Fa, also Rm has to
be replaced with the rated burden of the current transformer.
Examples of the required knee-point voltages and achieved sensitivity are given below
(Examples 1 and 2). For transformer the value 12 × In is given to Ikmax, In being the
nominal current of the protected winding of the power transformer. For generator the
value 6 × In is used as Ikmax. When calculating Iprim, the value Ir = m × Ie has been
given for the setting of the relay and the value Iu = 0 A for the current of the varistor. Ir
depends on the application. However, it is recommended that Ir ≥ m × Ie. The number
of CTs connected in parallel is here m = 4.
Note 1: The formulae are based on worst-case analysis, i.e. choosing the CTs
according to the criteria above (equation 3) results in an absolutely stable scheme. In
some cases it is possible to achieve stability by knee-point voltages lower than stated
by the formulae. The conditions of the network, however, have to be known well
enough to ensure the stability. The following rule could be used.
1 If Uk is higher than required by the criterion, the stability is ensured

2 If Uk is higher than 50 % of the value recommended by the criterion, the stability
of the scheme is highly case-dependent
3 If Uk is lower than 50 % of the value recommended by the criterion, stability is not
achieved. Another CT has to be found
Note 2: The analysis of stability is based on the assumption that the ampere turns are
the same for individual CTs. If that is not the case, the selectivity may be endangered.
7
It is thus recommended that all the CTs used in the scheme are of the same type and
preferably from the the same batch.
Example 1
Figure 4. Restricted earth-fault protection of a transformer

The data for the protected power transformer is as follows:
Sn = 20 MVA
U2n= 11 kV
The longest distance of the secondary circuit is 50 m (the whole loop being thus 100
m) and the area of the cross-section is 10 mm2.
In = Sn / (√3 × Un) = 1050 A

Ikmax = 12 × In = 12600 A
Let us choose the CT-type IHBF 12 and the core size of 35 %. Let us choose 1200 A
for the primary current and 5 A for the secondary current.
Rin = 0.26 Ω (value given by the manufacturer)

Uk = 40 V (value given by the manufacturer)
Io = 0.055 A (value given by the manufacturer)
Rm = 1.81 Ω/km × 2 × 0.05 km = 0.181 Ω ≈ 0.18 Ω
12600 × (0.26 + 018

. )
Us = V ≈ 23 V
240
8
According to the criterion, Uk should be 2 × Us = 2 × 23 V = 46 V. It depends on the

case whether the stability of the scheme is achieved by Uk = 40 V. Otherwise it is
possible to choose a bigger core of 65 % for which the following data is given:

Rm = 0.18 Ω
12600 ⋅ (0.47 + 018

. )
Us = V ≈ 34 V
240
Uk = 2 × Us = 68 V (required value)
As mentioned earlier, writing Ie = 0.5 × Io gives a realistic value for Iprim in equation
(4). By writing Iu = 0 and Ir = m × 0.5 × Io the following value for the sensitivity can
be calculated:
Iprim = n × m × Io = 240 × 4 × 0.055 A ≈ 53 A ( = 5 % x In )

Ir = 4 × 0.5 × 0.055 A = 0.11 A
The resistance of the stabilizing resistor can now be calculated
Rs = Us / Ir = 34 V / 0.11 A ≈ 309 Ω
However, the sensitivity can be calculated more accurately when the actual values of
Iu and Ir are known.
In the example above it has been assumed that the stabilizing resistor of the relay is
not fixed but can be chosen freely.
Example 2
Figure 5. Restricted earth-fault protection of a generator
9
The protected generator has the following values:
Sn = 8 MVA
Un = 6 kV
In = 770 A
Ikmax = 6 × In = 6 × 770 A = 4620 A
Let us choose the CT-type KOFD 12 A 21 with the following data:
I1n = 1000 A (value given by the manufacturer)

I2n = 1 A (value given by the manufacturer)
Io = 0.012 A (value given by the manufacturer)
If the length of the secondary circuit is 100 m (the whole loop being thus 200 m) and
the area of the cross-section is 2.5 mm2:
Rm = 7.28 Ω/km × 2 × 0.1 km ≈ 1.46 Ω

The required knee-point voltage can be calculated using the formula (3):
Uk = 2 × ( 4620 A / 1000 ) × ( 15.3 + 1.46 ) ≈ 155 V

The value 155 V is lower than the value 323 V, which means that Uk is high enough.
As mentioned earlier, writing Ie = 0.5 × Io gives a realistic value for Iprim in equation
(4). By writing Iu = 0 and Ir = m × 0.5 × Io the following value for the sensitivity can
be calculated:
Iprim = n × m × Io = 1000 × 4 × 0.012 A = 48 A ( ≈ 6 % x In )

Ir = 4 × 0.5 × 0.012 A = 0.024 A
The resistance of the stabilizing resistor can now be calculated
Rs = Us / Ir = 78 V / (2 × Io) = 78 V / (2 × 0.012 A) = 3250 Ω

Let us choose for the relay setting Ir = 4 x 12 mA = 48 mA and assume Iu = 30 mA
The following sensitivity is achieved as a result:
Iprim = n × ( Ir + Iu + m × Ie ) = 1000 × (48 + 30 + 24) mA = 102 A

(= 13 % × In)
The resistance of the stabilizing resistor is now
Rs = Us / Ir = 78 V / 48 mA ≈ 1630 Ω
In this example the relay has been supposed to be of such a type that the stabilizing
resistor can be chosen freely.
10
2.5 Setting groups
Two different groups of setting values, group 1 and group 2, are available for the
function block. Switching between the two groups can be done in the following three
ways:
1 Locally via the control parameter “Group selection”1) of the MMI

2 Over the communication bus by writing the parameter V21)
3 By means of the input signal GROUP, when allowed via the parameter “Group
selection” (i.e. when V2 = 21))
1)
Group selection (V2): 0 = Group 1; 1 = Group 2; 2 = GROUP input
The control parameter “Active group” indicates the setting group valid at a given time.
2.6 Test mode
The TRIP and CBFP digital outputs of the function block can be activated with
separate control parameters for each output either locally via the MMI or externally
via the serial communication. When an output is activated with the test parameter, an
event indicating the test is generated.
The protection functions operate normally while the outputs are tested.
2.7 TRIP and CBFP outputs
The output signal TRIP may have a non-latching or latching feature. When the
latching mode has been selected, the TRIP signal remains active until the output is
reset even if the operation criteria have reset.
The function block provides a delayed trip signal CBFP after the TRIP signal unless
the fault has disappeared during the set CBFP time delay. In circuit-breaker failure
protection the CBFP output can be used to operate a circuit breaker in front of the
circuit breaker of the machine. The control parameter “Trip pulse” also sets the width
of the CBFP output signal.
11
2.8 Resetting
The TRIP output signal and the registers can be reset via the RESET input, or over the
serial bus or the local MMI.
The operation indicators, latched trip signal and recorded data can be reset as follows:
Operation Latched Recorded

indicators trip signal data
RESET input of the function block 1) X X
Parameter F102V013 1) X X
2)
General parameter F001V011 X
General parameter F001V012 2) X X
2)
General parameter F001V013 X X X
2)
Push-button C X
Push-buttons C + E (2 s) 2) X X
2)
Push-buttons C + E (5 s) X X X
1)
Resets the latched trip signal and recorded data of this particular function block.
2)
Affects all function blocks
12
3. Parameters and Events
3.1 General
• Each function block has a specific channel number for serial communication
parameters and events. The channel for REF1A is 102.
• The data direction of the parameters defines the use of each parameter as follows:
Data direction Description
R, R/M Read only
W Write only
R/W Read and write
• The different event mask parameters (see section “Control settings”) affect the
visibility of events on the MMI or on serial communication (LON or SPA) as
follows:
Event mask 1 (FxxxV101/102) SPA / MMI (LON)
Event mask 2 (FxxxV103/104) LON
For example, if only the events E3, E4 and E5 are to be seen on the MMI of the
relay terminal, the event mask value 56 (8 + 16 + 32) is written to the “Event mask
1” parameter (FxxxV101).
In case a function block includes more than 32 events, there are two parameters
instead of e.g. the “Event mask 1” parameter: the parameter “Event mask 1A”
(FxxxV101) covers the events 0...31 and “Event mask 1B”(FxxxV102) the events
32...63.
13
3.2 Setting values
3.2.1 Actual settings
Parameter Code Values Unit Default Data Explanation

direction
Basic setting S1 0.5...50.0 % 0.5 R/M Lowest ratio of differential and
nominal current to cause trip
3.2.2 Setting group 1

direction
Basic setting S41 0.5...50.0 % 0.5 R/W Lowest ratio of differential and
3.2.3 Setting group 2

direction
Basic setting S71 0.5...50.0 % 0.5 R/W Lowest ratio of differential and
14
3.2.4 Control settings

direction
1)
REF1A V1 0 or 1 - 1 R/W Protection block in use or not in
use
2)
Group selection V2 0...2 - 0 R/W Selection of the active setting
group
3)
Active group V3 0...3 - 0 R/M Active setting group
4)
Trip signal V4 0 or 1 - 0 R/W Selection of latching feature for
TRIP output
Trip pulse V5 40...1000 ms 40 R/W Minimum pulse width of TRIP

and CBFP
CBFP time V6 100...1000 ms 100 R/W Operate time of the delayed trip
CBFP
Reset registers V13 1=Reset - 0 W Resetting of latched trip signal

and registers
5)
Test TRIP V32 0 or 1 - 0 R/W Testing of TRIP
5)
Test CBFP V33 0 or 1 - 0 R/W Testing of CBFP
Event mask 1 V101 0...255 - 15 R/W Event mask 1 for event

transmission (E0 ... E7)



1)
Status 0 = Not in use; 1 = In use
2)
Group selection 0 = Group 1; 1 = Group 2; 2 = GROUP input
3)
Active group 0 = Group 1; 1 = Group 2
4)
Trip signal 0 = Non-latching; 1 = Latching
5)
Test 0 = Do not activate; 1 = Activate
15
3.3 Measurement values
3.3.1 Input data

direction
Current Ido I1 0.00...60.00 x In 0.00 R/M Neutral differential current
0 R/M
1)
Input BLOCK I2 0 or 1 - Status of block signal
0 R/M
1)
Input GROUP I3 0 or 1 - Status of signal for switching
between the groups 1 and 2
0 R/M
1)
Input RESET I4 0 or 1 - Status of signal for resetting
the output signals of REF1A
1)
Input 0 = Not active; 1 = Active
3.3.2 Output data

direction
1)
Output TRIP O1 0 or 1 - 0 R/M Status of trip signal
1)
Output CBFP O2 0 or 1 - 0 R/M Status of configuration CBFP
signal
1)
Output 0 = Not active; 1 = Active
3.3.3 Recorded data
3.3.3.1 General
The data of three last operations (operation 1...3) are recorded, and the values of the
most recent operation always replace the data of the oldest operation. The registers are
updated in the following order: Operation 1, Operation 2, Operation 3, Operation 1,
Operation 2,...
3.3.3.2 Date and time
The time stamp indicates the moment of the highest fault current during 50 ms after
the tripping.
16
3.3.3.3 Current
If the function block trips, the neutral differential current value is updated during 50
ms after the tripping, and the highest value during that time is recorded. The value of
the differential neutral current Ido is recorded as a multiple of the rated current In.
3.3.3.4 Status data
The status of the “Active group” parameter, which indicates the setting group valid for
the recorded data, is recorded at the moment of tripping.
3.3.3.5 Recorded data 1

direction
Date V201 YYYY-MM-DD - - R/M Recording date
Time V202 hh:mm:ss.mss - - R/M Recording time
Current Ido V203 0.00...60.00 x In 0.00 R/M Neutral differential current

1)
Active group V204 0 or 1 - 0 R/M Active setting group
1)

direction

1)
1)

direction

1)
1)
17
3.3.4 Events
Code Weighting Default Event reason Event state

coefficient mask
E0 1 1 TRIP signal of REF1A Reset
E1 2 1 TRIP signal of REF1A Activated
E2 4 1 CBFP signal Reset
E3 8 1 CBFP signal Activated
E4 16 0 BLOCK signal of REF1A Reset
E5 32 0 BLOCK signal of REF1A Activated
E6 64 0 Test mode of REF1A Off
E7 128 0 Test mode of REF1A On
18
4. Technical Data
Operation accuracies Depends on the frequency of the current measured:
f/fn = 0.95...1.05: ±2.5% of set value or ±0.004 x In
Trip time Injected currents > 2.0 x operating current:
f/fn = 0.95...1.05 internal time < 20 ms

(1
total time < 30 ms
Reset time 60...1020 ms

(depends on the minimum pulse width set for the TRIP output)
Reset ratio 0.80...0.98
Retardation time This function block cannot retard. The function block trips if the current
even once exceeds the operate value.
Configuration data Task execution interval (Relay Configuration Tool): 5 ms

at the rated frequency fn = 50 Hz
1)
Includes the delay of the heavy-duty output relay
Technical revision history

Technical revision Change
B -
C Parameter Output ERR changed to Output CBFP.
19

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1MRS 752325-MUM REF1A

Issued: 10/1998 High-Impedance Based

2. Description of Operation ........................................................................... 4

3. Parameters and Events............................................................................ 13

4. Technical Data .......................................................................................... 19

• Restricted earth-fault protection of generators and power transformers based on the

Figure 2. Function block symbol of REF1A, the stabilized restricted earth-fault

1.3 Input description

Name Type Description

1.4 Output description

Name Type Description

Figure 3. Restricted earth-fault protection for generators and transformers based on

2.2 The measuring configuration

The external measuring configuration is composed of four current transformers

Rs the resistance of the stabilizing resistor

The stabilizing voltage can be calculated by the formula

Ikmax the highest through-fault current

2.3 Operation criteria

The operating characteristic of the function block is determined by the parameter

2.4 Recommendations for current transformers

The sensitivity and reliability of differential current protection stabilized through a

Iprim = n × (Ir + Iu + m × Ie) (4)

n the transformation ratio of the current transformer

The choosing of current transformers can be divided into following procedures

Uk = 0.8 × Fa × I2n × ( Rin + Rm ) (5)

Fa the actual accuracy limit factor

1 If Uk is higher than required by the criterion, the stability is ensured

Figure 4. Restricted earth-fault protection of a transformer

In = Sn / (√3 × Un) = 1050 A

Rin = 0.26 Ω (value given by the manufacturer)

12600 × (0.26 + 018

According to the criterion, Uk should be 2 × Us = 2 × 23 V = 46 V. It depends on the

Rin = 0.47 Ω (value given by the manufacturer)

12600 ⋅ (0.47 + 018

Iprim = n × m × Io = 240 × 4 × 0.055 A ≈ 53 A ( = 5 % x In )

Figure 5. Restricted earth-fault protection of a generator

The protected generator has the following values:

Let us choose the CT-type KOFD 12 A 21 with the following data:

I1n = 1000 A (value given by the manufacturer)

Rm = 7.28 Ω/km × 2 × 0.1 km ≈ 1.46 Ω

Uk = 2 × ( 4620 A / 1000 ) × ( 15.3 + 1.46 ) ≈ 155 V

Iprim = n × m × Io = 1000 × 4 × 0.012 A = 48 A ( ≈ 6 % x In )

Rs = Us / Ir = 78 V / (2 × Io) = 78 V / (2 × 0.012 A) = 3250 Ω

Iprim = n × ( Ir + Iu + m × Ie ) = 1000 × (48 + 30 + 24) mA = 102 A

2.5 Setting groups

1 Locally via the control parameter “Group selection”1) of the MMI

2.6 Test mode

2.7 TRIP and CBFP outputs

Operation Latched Recorded

3. Parameters and Events

3.2 Setting values

3.2.1 Actual settings

Parameter Code Values Unit Default Data Explanation

3.2.2 Setting group 1

Parameter Code Values Unit Default Data Explanation

3.2.3 Setting group 2

Parameter Code Values Unit Default Data Explanation

3.2.4 Control settings

Parameter Code Values Unit Default Data Explanation