1
Back-Up Protection of Distance Relay Second
Zone by Directional Overcurrent Relays with
Combined Curves
Mojtaba Khederzadeh1
Abstract-- In this paper, a novel approach for simultaneous
setting of distance and directional overcurrent relays is
presented. When the line protection schemes are composed of
distance relays and directional overcurrent relays the setting of
the relays must be computed considering both relays. Separate
relay computation would lead to loss of selectivity. If the second
zone time setting is fixed, automatic determination of the settings
could lead to a non-feasible situation, indicating the impossibility
of finding a selective set of settings. Thus the second zone time
must be manually changed until the optimization problem is
feasible. In this method, the best setting for the second zone that
assures selectivity could be larger than the classical setting, so, it
could lead to the unfavorable timing of the second zone.
In the proposed method, instead of changing the time of the
second zone, the shape of the backup directional overcurrent
relay would be changed adaptively with the fault location and
current. The idea of reducing the overcurrent protection
response times at higher fault currents is achieved using a
universal protection device with a software platform that can
facilitate designing time-current characteristic curves of different
shapes, all in the same hardware. The simulation results indicate
the effectiveness of the method.
Index Terms-- Power System Protection, Directional
Overcurrent Relay (DOCR), Universal Relay, Distance relay.
I. INTRODUCTION
T HE problem of coordinating protective relays in electric
power systems consists of selecting their suitable settings
such that their fundamental protective function is met under
the requirements of sensitivity, selectivity, reliability, and
speed [1]-[2]. These requirements must be met for a variety of
system conditions and configurations, and can be translated
into conditions such as:
i. A variety of fault conditions must be detected by
appropriate relays,
ii.The relays located closer to the fault should have priority
of operation,
iii. If a primary relay fails, a backup relay should operate,
and
iv. The operation of the relay should be as fast as possible
Mojtaba Khederzadeh is with the Electrical Engineering Department,
Power & Water University of Technology, P. O. Box: 16765-1719, Tehran,
Iran (e-mail: khederzadeh@pwit.ac.ir).
1-4244-0493-2/06/$20.00 ©2006 IEEE.
to prevent equipment damage, and must occur in the presence
of abnormal operating conditions which jeopardize the system
integrity.
In many sub-transmission and transmission power systems
Directional Overcurrent Relays (DOCR) are used as
secondary protection; while the main protection systems use
distance relays. Distance relay schemes are implemented
according to the instantaneous for the first-zone and delayed
for the second zone schemes. The second zone represents a
definite time backup protection, and its operation time is over
0.3 seconds [3]-[4].
A method to automatically determine the optimum timing
for the second zone of distance relay in a mixed scheme with
directional overcurrent relays has been presented in [5]-[7]. It
has been shown that when the line protection schemes are
composed of distance relays and directional overcurrent
relays, the setting of the relays must be computed considering
both relays. Separate relay computation would lead to loss of
selectivity. It is shown that in practical cases the best setting
for the second zone that assures selectivity could be larger
than the classical setting of 0.3 seconds used in distance
schemes. The proposed method leads to the unfavorable
timing of the second zone.
Electromechanical and solid-state protection devices have
fixed operational characteristics, which can only be changed
within limits. For example, an overcurrent relay with normal
inverse time-current characteristic (TCC) can-not readily be
changed into a relay with extremely inverse TCCs. The first
microprocessor relays [9]-[10] introduced a 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 could be used at a time and different
protective functions still require different relays.
In [8] a universal protection device is presented that
integrates various protective functions. It is possible to
combine inverse time and definite time overcurrent TCCs to
improve coordination and reduce relay response time. This is
achieved because it is possible to program into the same
scheme a number of independently operated definite time
overcurrent protection elements as required by the application.
Even it is possible to have a piecewise curve with different
shapes. For example, some part an inverse curve and some
other extremely inverse one. This idea could be very well
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applied in the mixed protection scheme. tz 2 − tm( F 4) ≥ CI ' (4)

In this paper, the simultaneous consideration of distance
and directional overcurrent relays is kept, but instead of where CI’ is a time coordination interval which does not have
changing the timing of second zone, the shape of the backup to be the same as CI used in the selectivity constraints
directional overcurrent relay would be changed adaptively between DOCR (Fig.2).
with the fault location and current. The proposed method is
used for coordination of the distance and backup directional
overcurrent relays in a sample system. It will be shown that it
is possible to have fixed second zone timing of the distance
relays in a coordinated situation by selecting appropriate
curves for different sections of the overcurrent relay time-
current characteristic (TCCs).

II. DOCR/DISTANCE RELAY COORDINATION

The problem of finding the time dial setting of directional
overcurrent relays (DOCR) has been stated and solved using
linear programming [5], [7]. This technique is based on the
mathematical statement of the sensitivity, speed, security and Fig. 1 Coordination between Directional Overcurrent Relays
selectivity conditions associated with the traditional relay
coordination problem. The basic optimization problem, in For this constraint, the operation time of main DOCR is
terms of the relay operation times has the following basic evaluated at point F4, which corresponds to the ohmic reach
form: of the second zone of the distance relay associated with the
minimize: backup circuit breaker. DOCR relay associated with circuit
∑t i
i (1) breaker b must be slower than the second zone of distance
relay associated with main circuit breaker m:
subject to:

ti min ≤ ti ≤ ti max (2) tb( F 3) − tz 2 ≥ CI ' (5)

tb( Zm) − tm( Zm) ≥ CI (3)

where:

ti operation time of relay ;

tm(Zm) and tb(Zm) denote the main and backup relays
operation times over a given power system protection zone
Zm; and
CI time coordination interval time coordination interval

Constraints of type (3), are stated according to a set of

coordination pairs previously determined; and the relay times
for each pair (m, b) are determined only for a set of relevant
faults in the zone, which is the zone where is the main relay.
Fig. 1 shows the case of two DOCR with similar inverse-time
characteristic, where the relevant faults are determined by
points F1 and F2 [5].
The derivation of the coordination constraints for systems
with DOCR and distance relays is explained in Fig.2 It is
assumed that the ohmic reach of each distance relay is
properly set prior to the time coordination process. There are
two important types of constraints:
Second zone of distance relay associated with circuit
breaker b must be slower than the DOCR associated with
main circuit breaker m; which can be stated as follows:
Fig. 2 Coordination between DOCR and distance relays
Notice that the operation time of the DOCR is evaluated at
point F3, where the second zone of distance relay at m starts.
The original equations (1) and (4)–(5) can be stated in terms
of the relays’ time dial settings by using a proper
representation of the relay operation times as functions of
them. Since the operation time of a given relay “i” for faults at
zone Zm can be approximated by an equation of the type:
Minimize:
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n times. In the next section a novel approach based on the

∑C x
i =1
i i (6) capabilities of multi-functional is described.

subject to: IV. NEW MULTIFUNCTIONAL RELAYS

eb( Zm) − em( Zm) ≥ CI (7)
xi min ≤ xi ≤ xi max (8)
tz 2 − tm( Zm) ≥ CI ' (9)
tb( Zm) − tz 2 ≥ CI ' (10)
where n is the total number of DOCR, fi = 1, and xi = fi(TDSi).
Equations (6)–(10) have the form of a standard linear
programming problem, since coefficients e are determined for
the relevant faults. The problem can be appropriately solved
by the optimization toolbox of MATLAB, LinProg,
command. Once the auxiliary variables are determined, each
can be calculated as the solution of xi – fi (TDSi)=0.
III. FIXED SECOND ZONE TIMING
If the second zone time setting tz2 is given, constraints (9)
and (10) take the form (8). In other words, tz2 contributes to
the bound-type constraints for the time dial settings. As tz2 is
previously fixed, constraints of the (7), (8) type could lead to a
non-feasible situation, indicating the impossibility of finding a
selective set of settings. Thus tz2 must be manually changed
until the optimization problem is feasible. In [5] it is proposed
to include tz2 as one of the variables in the coordination
problem. A fixed tz2 is selected for all the distance relays, so
only one variable is added to the original problem. Constraints
(9) and (10) become:
xn + 1 − tm( Zm) ≥ CI ' (11)
tb( Zm) − xn + 1 ≥ CI ' (12)
where xn+1 = tz2 . The objective function (6) now changes as:
n +1
∑C x
i =1
i i (13)
and a new bound constraint for tz2 is added:
tz 2 min ≤ xn + 1 ≤ tz 2 max (14)
These limits depend on the regular selectivity and speed
constraint for distance relays. The problem with this method is
that tz2 is automatically calculated by the optimization routine
and if the bounds according to (12) are very tight, there is the
risk of non-feasible solution and if the bounds are wide, then
the results could converge to unfavorable long second zone
New multifunction relays [8]-[10] integrate many
protection functions into a single device. Integration reduces
the required number of devices per application and associated
wiring. A single hardware platform with software can
integrate protection and measurements for one feeder, which
complies with the concept of “one feeder one device”.
Multiple protection functions permit the interconnection of
components within embedded software instead of external to
the device.
The new multifunction technology improves protection
while integrating additional functions such as metering,
control, PLC, and communication into a single device.
Protection is improved because the platform makes it possible
to manipulate input voltage and current samples through
different algorithms to obtain quantities such as phasors,
symmetrical components, and frequency. This combination
makes faster and more accurate decisions about faults in the
system.
Multifunctional relays software uses object-oriented
programming for scheme designing. Any changes to the
scheme are self-documenting, as the device cannot perform
any function not visually drawn. Relay schemes can be rapidly
developed for specific applications. When a scheme is
constructed, it may be easily and quickly tested utilizing the
Virtual Test Set (VTS) implemented in the program. The VTS
simulates a simplified power system including a voltage
source, source impedance, and line impedance. All types of
faults can be simulated to test how the relay will operate and
how closely every sub-function approaches its threshold.
Troubleshooting is simplified as event records can be
examined and played back in the PC software “version” of the
actual hardware, permitting examination of the behavior of
every level of the relay functions.
Protection functions includes: Phase, ground and negative
sequence overcurrent (each may be set for directional or non-
directional operation); Sensitive Ground Fault overcurrent;
current supervision; over/under voltage; negative and positive
sequence overvoltage elements; re-verse power; breaker fail-
to-trip and fail-to-open; bus potential transformer fuse fail
detection.
Fig.3 shows the characteristics of conventional overcurrent
relays. The figure indicates the combination of DOCR and
instantaneous relay. As can be deduced from this figure, the
shape of the DOCR relay is fixed for every relay, although it
is possible to select any common shape.
The capability of multifunctional relays establishes new
methods for protecting power equipments from extended
stresses during high fault current conditions. This is achieved
by using a universal protection relay with a software platform
that facilitates designing TCC curves of different shapes in the
same hardware. When different TCC curves are combined,
device response times are faster and more accurate than with
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conventional means (Fig. 4). V. SIMULATION RESULTS

The first programmed element is used to coordinate device The proposed approach is applied to the setting of DOCR
operation for high fault currents close to the substation. The relays for the system shown in Fig. 5 [7]. The sys-tem consists
second element coordinates for fault currents in the middle of of 2 generators, 2 Y-Y transformers, 9 buses and 7 lines. The
the line, while the third element coordinates for fault currents pick-up current settings (IP) and the cur-rent transformer
at the end of the line. The second and third elements of the ratios (CTR) are given in table I. System characteristics are as
definite-time overcurrent protection are coordinated with the follows:
downline device’s instantaneous overcurrent protection. This • G1 and G2:
allows the upline device to respond faster for fault currents in 12 KV, 25 MVA, X1=X2=15%; X0=8%
the middle and at the end of its zone of protection. • T1 and T2:
30MVA, 69/12KV, X=9%, X/R=10
• Line impedances:
Z1=0.19+j0.461 Ω/Km
Z0=0.65+j1.254 Ω/Km
• Line lengths (Km):
L1=10, L2=20, L3=12, L4=10, L5=20, L6=10, L7=10.

Table I: DOCR Relay Basic Data

CB CTR Ip (A)

1 600/5 5.0
2 400/5 5.0
3 200/5 5.0
4 200/5 5.0
5 600/5 5.0
6 400/5 5.0
7 400/5 5.0
8 400/5 5.0
Fig. 3 Phase Coordination – Conventional Settings 9 400/5 5.0
10 300/5 5.0
11 1600/5 5.0
12 100/5 5.0
13 1600/5 5.0
14 100/5 5.0
15 400/5 5.0
16 400/5 5.0

Table II shows the results obtained with the application of

Fig. 4 Phase Coordination – Improved Settings
the proposed method for the DOCR time dial settings for a
mixed scheme with distance relays. The second zone timing of
the distance relays is fixed and the same for all relays. The
simulation is performed for 5 different cases. In these cases
the tz2 is fixed and is given to the optimization problem as an
input.
As can be deduced from Table II, there is no influence on
time dial settings for tz2≤0.4s, but for the tz2>0.4s and
CI’≥0.4s, leads to infeasible situation. In these cases the
DOCR time current characteristics is changed from IDMT to a
mixed scheme consisting of IDMT and two definite time
according to Fig. 4. These cases are marked by UR (Universal
Relay) in Table II. The results indicate the potential of using
 5

multi-section characteristics for solving the infeasible

optimization problem. Table II: Results of the coordination
Time Dial Setting
Relay
Case1 Case2 Case3 Case4 Case5
1 UR UR 1.2 1.2 1.2
2 UR UR 1.4 1.4 1.4
3 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
4 UR UR 2.4 2.4 2.4
5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
7 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
8 UR UR 2.0 2.0 2.0
9 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
10 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0
11 UR UR 1.8 1.8 1.8
12 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
13 UR UR 2.0 2.0 2.0
14 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
15 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8
16 UR UR 1.4 1.4 1.4
tz2(s) 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3
CI(s) 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4
CI’(s) 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2

Fig. 5 Sample System

VI. CONCLUSION
This paper describes a new method for coordinating DOCR
and distance relays using a universal protection relay with a
software platform that facilitates designing TCC curves of
different shapes in the same hardware. When different TCC
curves are combined, device response times are faster and
more accurate than with conventional means.
The proposed method determines the optimum timing for
the time dial settings in a mixed scheme with directional
overcurrent relays. Whenever the optimization problem does
not converge due to the fixed time of second zone timing of
distance relays, conventional DOCR with IDMT characteristic
is replaced by universal relay.
An example of coordination for a typical system is
presented to demonstrate how the new multifunction devices
can be used to solve the infeasible coordination problem. It
was shown that the classical setting of 0.25 to 0.4 seconds
used in distance schemes for the second zone that assures
selectivity could be kept, and coordination difficulties would
be solved by using DOCR with multi-section characteristics.
VII. REFERENCES
[1] Protective Relaying Application Guide, GEC Alsthom Measurement
Ltd., St. Leonard’s Works, Stafford, U.K., 1992.
[2] The Electricity Training Association, Power System Protection, 2nd
ed., Stevenage, UK: Institution of Electrical Engineers, 1995.
[3] S. H. Horowitz, A. G. Phadke, Power System Relaying, Taunton, UK:
Research Studies Press, Second Ed., 1995.
[4] J. L. Blackburn, Protective Relaying; Principles and Applications,
New York: Marcel Dekker, 1987.
[5] Perez, L. G. and Urdaneta, A. J., Optimal Computation of Distance
Relays Second Zone Timing in a Mixed Protection Scheme with
Directional Overcurrent Relays, IEEE, PWRD, Vol. 16, No. 3, July
2001.
[6] A. J. Urdaneta, R. Nadira, and L. G. Pérez, “Optimal coordination of
directional overcurrent relays in interconnected power systems,”
IEEE Trans. on Power Delivery, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 903–911, July
1988.
[7] L. G. Pérez and A. J. Urdaneta, “Optimal coordination of directional
overcurrent relays considering definite time backup relays,” IEEE
Trans. on Power Delivery, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 1276–1284, Oct. 1999.
[8] Kojovic, L. A. and Witte, J. F., A New Method in Reducing the
Overcurrent Protection Response Times at High Fault Currents to
Protect Equipment from Extended Stress, Transmission &
Distribution Conference & Exhibition 2001, IEEE/PES, Vol. 1, 2001,
pp. 65-70.
[9] B. Ram, Advanced Microprocessors and Interfacing, Tata McGraw-
Hill, 2001.
[10] A. T. Johns, S. K. Salman, Digital Protection for Power Systems,
Peter Peregrinus LTD. on behalf of Institution of Electrical Engineers
(IEE), 1995.
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VIII. BIOGRAPHIES

Mojtaba Khederzadeh received the B.Sc. degree from Sharif University of

Technology, Tehran, Iran, the M.Sc. degree from Tehran University and Ph.D.
degree from Sharif University of Technology, all in electrical engineering, in
1980, 1990 and 1996, respectively. He has been on Sabbatical leave at the
University of Western Ontario (UWO) in 2004 for a one year period.
He is Assistant Professor and Director of Power System Protection and
Control Researches in the Department of Electrical Engineering, Power and
Water Institute of Technology, Tehran, Iran. His areas of research interest
include power system protection, control and monitoring; and power system
dynamics.