IMPROVED RELAY COORDINATION AND RELAY RESPONSETIME BY INTEGRATINGTHE RELAY FUNCTIONS

John F. Witte Ljubomir A Kojovic Cooper Power Systems Franksville,Wisconsin, USA Abstract: This paper describes a practical method for improving relay coordination for high current faults by reducing the relay operating times by integrating the relay functions. This results in reduced fault duration at high currents, which minimizes equipment damage. Two examples of relay coordination for a typical distribution system using traditional relays, reclosers and new universal relays are presented. Protection scheme with integrated relay functions has been implemented in a new universal protective relay, which includes modular hardware and software components that can be combined into numerous configurations. It integrates protection, metering, control, communication, and programmable logic control (PLC) into a single device. The hardware platform makes it possible to manipulate input voltage and current samples through different algorithms to obtain quantities such as phasors, symmetrical components, and frequency. When the quantities are combined, the relay makes faster and more accurate decisions about faults in the system. Key words: Relay protection, Universal relays, Reclosers, Coordination, Distribution systems
1. INTRODUCTION

The second level coordinates for fault currents in the middle of the line, while the third level coordinates for fault currents at the end of the line. The second and third levels of the definite-time overcurrent protection are coordinated with the downline devices instantaneous overcurrent protection. This allows the upline relay to respond faster for fault curtents in the middle and at the end of the line. Furthermore, ifitegration reduces the required number of relays per substation. A single hardware platform with software can integrate protection and measurements for one feeder, which complies with slogan one feeder one relay. In some applications this relay can protect multiple feeders. A second hardware platform with software can integrate backup protection for multiple feeders or a whole substation. Multiple protection functions permit the interconnection of components within the embedded software, instead of external to the relay. This significantly reduces external wiring compared to traditional discrete devices, offering considerable cost savings in panel construction and wiring. The integration task needs to be performed only one time when composing the software embedded in the particular digital relay type; then it is readily available for all applications of that relay type. The panel construction and wiring for all individual components are entirely avoided. Secondary wiring can be further reduced using fiber-optic cables or relays connected using a local area network (LAN) with MMS protocol over an Ethernet. Section Two describes new universal protective relay architecture and protective functions of a scheme, which was developed as an integrated distribution feeder protection package. Section Three compares the effectiveness of protection coordination in a typical distribution system using traditional relays, reclosers and new universal relays. Conclusions are presented in Section Four.
II. A UNIVERSAL PROTECTIVE RELAY ARCHITECTURE AND PROTECTIVE FUNCTIONS

Electromechanical protective devices have fixed operational characteristics, which can only be changed within limits. For example, an overcurrent relay with normal inverse timecurrent characteristics (TCCs) cannot readily be changed into a relay with extremely inverse TCCs and it is impossible to change it into a frequency relay. First microprocessor relays introduced a high degree of flexibility because they provided a number of different operational characteristics in the same chassis. One relay could and does satisfy many applications. But only one operational characteristic can be used at a time. Also, different protective functions still require different relays. The universal protective relay presented in this paper integrates various protection functions. It is possible to combine inverse-time and definite-time overcurrent TCCs to improve relay coordination and reduce relay response time. This is achieved because the relay scheme provides three levels of definite-time overcurrent protection characteristics (more levels can be programmed if necessary). The first level is used to coordinate relay operation for high fault currents close to the substation.

The universal protective relay presented in this paper uses modular hardware and software components [1-4]. It integrates different functions such as metering, control, communication, and PLC into a single device. This platform can be used as a single model Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) throughout a utility for any type of protection, control, or metering. The PC-based software comprises both an intuitive graphical interface for the relay functions and a Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) program for designing

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and testing protection, control, and monitoring schemes. The graphical CAE program runs on IBM-compatible PC's under the Microsoft WindowsCO operating system, and serves to develop protective relay schematic diagrams. The software automatically translates the schematic into a form readable by the hardware platform. Changes to the protection scheme are self-documenting, since the relay cannot perform a function not visually drawn in the CAE package. The scheme is modular and can be pre-configured explicitly for a given application, for example distribution protection. Also, since the scheme is an open, user-programmable universal relay platform, it can be easily modified for the user's particular application. Most importantly, the scheme can also be modified for future unanticipated user needs. The universal scheme is composed of functional blocks. Each block contains functions for performing various operations on voltage and current samples in conjunction with contact and transducer input signals. Several blocks can be easily bound together into a compound block or module, which embodies processing required for implementing a more complicated function. Such compound function blocks can then be connected into the schematic. Compound blocks can be further nested and bound together w i t h other simple and compound blocks to compose yet more sophisticated functions. The created schematic diagrams are thus termed hierarchical. The most sophisticated function blocks are usually hierarchical modules containing multiple layers of less and less complex function blocks. The great advantage of modularity in software is that modules can be built, tested, and maintained separately from the whole protection scheme. That is, it is not necessary for all the many pieces to be fully functioning together before they can each perform their individual task. Figure 1 shows a high-level scheme that includes four main blocks: application diagram, protection settings, oscillography,and scheme structure. The a measurements, and the reclosedbreaker status for intuitive online viewing.

Virtual testing is convenient for initial verification of logical components, or the entire scheme, prior to live testing.

The Human-Machine-Interface (HMI) is the LCD display and pushbutton interaction on the relay front panel which can be programmed according to the users' exact needs. Typical functions include breaker/recloser status, target outputs, external alarms, breaker/recloser control (closing and opening), and measurement.

This relay architecture makes troubleshooting and outage analysis very effective.

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Figure 1. Universal Scheme Hierarchical Levels

A Universal Distribution Protection (UDP) scheme developed for distribution feeder protection integrates protection, metering, control, and communication into a single device providing both a comprehensive feeder protection relay and diagnostics for underground circuits that can prevent permanent faults. The scheme includes the following protective functions:

Inverse time-overcurrent rotection is based on phase and zero-sequence (51G ) currents. Instantaneous and definite-time overcurrent (50P, 50Q
(5 lp), negative-sequence (5 1

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"he scheme includes a multiple function-specific oscillographic views for overview or focused analyses of event records such as phasor input vectors, waveforms, and magnitudes; contact inputs and outputs; breakerhecloser inputs and outputs; phase and residual current protection; and under-frequency load shedding.
The virtual Test Set (vTs) is in the software. It can model the simplified system including a voltage source, source impedance, and line impedance.
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level can also be used to monitor the protected line for low current events, such as arcing, and report back to the operations center. Combined inverse-time and definite-time overcurrent protection improve relay coordination and reduce relay response time. Section Three presents two examples of coordination effectiveness using these combined characteristics. Negative-seauence directional element for unbalanced faults and positive-sequence directional element for balanced They can act 8s directional forward, reverse, or non-directional.

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Programmable reclosing includes advanced capabilities for sequence coordination, fast-reclosing, and fast-tripping. Under-freuuencv load shedding and restoration. This function disconnects load during disturbances to support system stability and re-energizes the load back after the system recovers. Sub-cvcle detection of inciDient cable failures caused by cable splice self-clearing faults and cable protection [SI. Fault location, and other customized schemes.

Example #1: Relay-Relay Coordination

ReIay settings were based on load currents and available fault currents on the distribution system. Calculations for the relay settings presented in this paper are given in Appendix 1. It should be noted that settings were selected to also coordinate with overcurrent protective devices upline and downline of those being examined here. TCC curves of traditional relays for phase and ground coordination are shown in Figures 4 and 5.
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III. PROTECTION OF DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

The relay coordination effectiveness of traditional microprocessor relays and the universal protective relay were compared. A typical distribution system with three lines was selected (Figure 2). System parameters included: 34.5 kV system voltage, 20 kA (X/R=lO) available short circuit current at the S/S,and 90+j30 Cl load impedance for each load. Typical 34.5 kV three-phase crossarm construction was assumed for the lines and ACSR conductor was sized based on the load currents. Knowing the line construction, conductor type, conductor size, and line lengths, the line impedances in Table 1 were calculated.
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Fault currents were then calculated for all fault types including line-to-ground, phase-to-phaseto-ground, phase-tophase, and three-phase. The results of the fault current calculations are given in Figure 3. Table 1. Line Impedances

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Figure 4. Relay Coordination for Phase Fault Currents using Traditional Relays

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Figure 5. Relay Coordination for Ground Fault Currents using Traditional Relays The load current at the location of the relay was used to determine the CT ratio. A factor of 1.5 was included to account for load growth and contingency operating conditions. The load current was also used to determine the minimum pickup for the phase and ground time overcurrent (TOC) elements. For the phase element, a factor of 2.0 was included to account for load growth, contingency operating conditions, and cold-load inrush currents. For the ground element, a factor of 0.5 was included to allow increased sensitivity to low magnitude ground faults and still remain high enough to

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Figure 3. Phase and Ground Fault Currents vs. Fault Location

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avoid operation on normal feeder unbalances. With the CT ratio and the minimum pickup, the required tap setting for the TOC element can be calculated. The maximum available fault current (phase and ground) at the end of the relays zone of protection was used to determine the minimum pickup for the phase and ground Instantaneous OverCurrent (IOC) elements. A factor of 1.2 was included to keep the relays IOC element from reaching into the protective zone of the next downline device. Again, with the CT ratio and the minimum pickup, the required tap setting for the IOC element can be calculated. Time dial settings were selected to achieve total coordination between the three relays. Again, it should be noted that these time dial settings were also selected to coordinate with the overcurrent protective devices upline and downline of those being examined here. For the IOC elements the fastest definite-time delay setting was used. Coordin&ion between the three relays was verified by using a coordinating time interval (CII)of 0.3 seconds. This CTI accounts for the downline breaker clearing time, relay timing tolerance, and a safety margin. Settings for the three relays focused on reducing response times for higher magnitude fault currents. The IOC elements were used to achieve a quicker response to the very high magnitude fault currents. Due to variations in the system quantities and relay minimum pickup tolerances, the IOC element was set 20% higher than the maximum available fault current at the end of the protection zone. This causes lower magnitude faults to remain on the system longer while waiting for the TOC element to operate. Also, during backup operation, the upline device is operating on its TOC element which again causes the fault current to remain on the system for a longer period of time. The new universal relay presented in this paper makes it possible to combine inverse-time and definite-time overcurrent protection, improving relay coordination and reducing relay response time. This is achieved by employing either two or three levels of definite-time overcurrent protection characteristics with the inverse-time characteristics. TCC curves of the new universal relays for phase and ground coordination are shown in Figures 6 and 7 . The 51 and 50H elements (both phase and ground) for all three relays were set as described for the traditional microprocessor relays. The second and third set of curves, the 50L and 50M elements (both phase and ground), were set 10% higher than the setting of the next downline relays 50M and 50H elements respectively. The 10% safety margin was applied to account for relay minimum pickup tolerances and
CT errors.

the definite-time characteristic (50M)coordinates for fault currents in the middle of the line, while the third level (50L) coordinates for fault currents at the end of the line. Both the second and third levels of the definite-time overcurrent protection are coordinated with the downline relays 50 elements. This allows the upline relay to respond faster for fault currents in the middle and at the end of the line. This significantly reduces stress on distribution system equipment during high current faults.

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Figure 6. Relay Coordination for Phase Fault Currents using New Universal Relays

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Figure 7 . Relay Coordination for Ground Fault Currents using New Universal Relays Example #2: Relay-RecloserCoordination Replacing Relay #3 with an electronically controlled recloser allows the examination of relay-recloser coordination. The electronic recloser control settings are based on load current and available fault current in the reclosers zone of protection. Calculations for the recloser control settings presented in this paper are given in Appendix 1. It should be noted that these settings were selected to also coordinate with overcurrent protective devices downline of the electronic recloser. Ground TCC curves of a traditional relay (Relay #2) and the

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The inverse-time characteristics (51) coordinate for low current faults. The first level of definite-time characteristics (50H) coordinate for high fault currents. The second level of

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electronic recloser are shown in Figure 8. In this example only ground coordination will be considered. It should be noted that phase coordination would be handled in the similar fashion. The load current was used to determine the ground minimum trip for the electronic recloser. A factor of 0.5 was included to allow increased sensitivity to low magnitude ground faults and still remain high enough to avoid operation on normal feeder unbalances. The maximum available ground fault current at the end of the electronic reclosers zone of protection was used to determine the high current ground trip value (value as a multiple of ground minimum trip). A factor of 1.2 was included to keep the electronic reclosers high current trip from reaching into the protective zone of the next downline device. The electronic reclosers delay curve was selected to achieve total coordination with the upline relay. Again, it should be noted that the settings of the electronic recloser were selected to coordinate with other downline overcurrent protection devices. For the high current trip time delay the fastest time delay setting was used. Coordination between the electronic recloser and Relay #2 was verified by using a CTI of 0.15 seconds. This CTI accounts for the relay timing tolerance and a safety margin. It should be noted that this CTI is the minimum time margin between the relay TCC curve and the electronic reclosers delay TCC curve with all plus tolerances taken into consideration. Here again, settings were also determined to reduce response times for higher magnitude fault currents. To achieve this, the high current trip and IOC element were used. Due to variations in the system quantities and device tolerances, the high current trip and IOC element was set 20% higher than the maximum available fault current at the end of the protection zone. This causes lower magnitude faults to remain on the system longer while waiting for the TOC element to operate. Also, during backup operation, the upline relay is operating on its TOC element which again causes the fault current to remain on the system for a longer period of time. Again, the new universal relay presented in this paper makes it possible to combine inversetime and definite-time overcurrent protection, improving relay-recloser coordination and reducing relay response time. This is achieved by employing two levels of definite-time overcurrent protection characteristics with the inverse-time characteristics. TCC curves o f the new universal relays for ground coordination are shown in Figure 9. The 51G and 50GH elements f o r the relay was set as described in Example #1 for the traditional microprocessor relay. The second level of definite-time overcurrent protection, the 50GM element, w a s set 10% higher than the setting of the electronic reclosers high current trip. The 10%
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safety margin was applied to account for device tolerances and CT errors. The inverse-time characteristic (51G) coordinates for low current faults. The first level of definite-time characteristic (50GH) coordinates for high fault currents. The second level of the definite-time characteristic (50GM)coordinates for fault currents in the middle of the line. The second level of the definite-time overcurrent protection is coordinated with the electronic reclosers high current trip. This allows the relay to respond faster for fault currents and significantly reduces stress on distribution system equipment during high current faults.

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Figure 8. Relay-Recloser Coordination for Ground Fault Currents using Traditional Relay

Figure 9. Relay-Recloser Coordination for Ground Fault Currents using New Universal Relay

IV. CONCLUSIONS
This paper describes a new universal protective relay with modular hardware and software components that can be combined into numerous configurations. It integrates protection, metering, control, communication, and programmable logic control (PLC) into a single device. For distribution system protection, a Universal Distribution Protection (UDP) scheme was developed that integrates: inverse-time overcurrent protection, instantaneous and definite-time overcurrent protection, directional protection, reclosing, under-frequency load shedding and restoration, and sub-cycle overcurrent protection. Combined inverse-time and definite-time overcurrent protection improve relay coordination and reduce relay response time. This is possible since the relay scheme provides three levels of definite-time overcurrent protection characteristics for all phase, negaiive-sequence, and zerosequence currents. The first level is used to coordinate relay operation for high fault currents close to the substation. The second level coordinates for fault currents in the middle of the line, while the third level coordinates for fault currents at the end of the line. The second and third levels of the definitetime overcurrent protection are also coordinated with the downline relays instantaneous overcurrent protection. This allows the upline relay to respond faster for fault currents in the middle and at the end of the line. Furthermore, integration reduces the required number of relays per substation. Multiple protection functions permit the interconnection of components within the embedded software, instead of external to the relay. This significantly reduces external wiring compared to traditional discrete devices, offering considerable cost savings in panel construction and wiring.

Appendix 1
Relay 1: 610 A x 1.5 = 915 A (Use 100015 ACT Ratio) Phase TOC Min. Pickup = 610 Ax2.0 = 1220 A IOC Min. Pickup = 7040 Axl.2 = 8448 A Ground TOC Min. Pickup = 610 Ax0.5 = 305 A IOC Min. Pickup = 4380 Ax1.2 = 5256 A Relay 2: 400 A x 1.5 = 600 A (Use 600/5 A CT Ratio) Phase TOC Min. Pickup = 400 Ax2.0 = 800 A IOC Min. Pickup = 4030 Ax1.2 = 4836 A Ground TOC Min. Pickup = 400 Ax0.5 = 200 A IOC Min. Pickup = 23 13 Ax 1.2 = 2776 A Relay 3: 200 A x 1.5 = 300 A (Use 300/5 A CT Ratio) Phase TOC Min. Pickup = 200 Ax2.0 = 400 A IOC Min. Pickup = 2520 Axl.2 = 3024 A Ground TOC Min. Pickup = 200 Ax0.5 = 100 A IOC Min. Pickup = 1491 Ax1.2 = 1789 A Recloser: Ground Min. Trip = 200 Ax0.5 = 100 A High Current Trip = 1491 Ax1.2 = 1789 A (High Current Trip = 18xMin. Trip) Biographies
Ljubomir A. Kojovic currently holds the position Chief Power Systems Engineer for Cooper Power Systems at the Thomas A. Edison Technical Center in Franksville, Wisconsin. He has a Ph.D. degree in power systems with specialties in protective relaying, digital modeling, systems analysis, and testing. He is a Senior Member of IEEE Power Engineering Society; is included in the roster of experts for United Nations Development Organization (UNDO); and is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin. Dr. Kojovic has authored more than 90 technical papers.

References
[l] L j . A Kojovic, John F. Witte, Improved Relay Coordination and Fault Detection by Integrating the Relay Functions, CIGRE 99, Florence, Italy, October 1999. [2] L j . A. Kojovic, J. McCall, T. Newton, A New Protective Relay Architecture with Integrated Protection, Control, and Monitoring Functions, Computer Application in Power, IEEE Magazine, July 1998. [3] L j .A. Kojovic, T. Day, Improved Relay Coordination and Fault Detection using a New Relay Platform, CIRED 99, Nice, France, 1999. [4] EdisonB-Pro Protection and Automation Systems, Electrical Apparatus 160 Series, Cooper Power Systems. [5] L j .A. Kojovic, C. W. Williams, Sub-Cycle Overcurrent Protection for Self-clearing Faults due to Insulation Breakdown, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, March 29-31, 1999.

J. F . With is a Power Systems Staff Engineer in the Systems Engineering Group of Cooper Power Systems, located at the Thomas A. Edison Technical Center in Franksville, Wisconsin. He is involved in analytical studies of utility and industrial power systems, including on-site harmonic and transient measurements, harmonic analysis, power factor correction, short circuit analysis, protective device coordination, and reliability improvement. John is an instructor for the Overcurrent Protection and Applications of Overcurrent Protection workshops offered by Cooper Power Systems and has authored several technical papers and articles related to power system analysis. He received a BSEE and MSEE from the University of Missouri-Rolla. He is a member of the IEEE Power Engineering Society and is also involved in the activities of the IEEE Industry Applications Society.

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