MIRD-G Technical Manual P&B Engineering

MIRD-G
Generator Differential
Protection Relay

P&B Engineering
Belle Vue Works
Boundary Street
Manchester
M12 5NG

Tel: 0161 230 6363

Fax: 0161 230 6464
E-mail mail@pbeng.co.uk

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Contents

CONTENTS ......................................................................................................................................................................... I
1. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................................1

2. APPLICATIONS........................................................................................................................................................2

3. FEATURES AND CHARACTERISTICS. ..............................................................................................................2

4. DESIGN. .....................................................................................................................................................................3
4.1. APPLICATION DIAGRAM. ............................................................................................................................................3
4.1.1. Output relay. ......................................................................................................................................................3
4.1.2. Power supply......................................................................................................................................................4
4.2. FRONT PANEL.............................................................................................................................................................4
5. WORKING PRINCIPLES. .......................................................................................................................................5
5.1. OPERATION OF DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION. .............................................................................................................5
5.2. OPERATION BEYOND CT SATURATION - SAT OPTION.................................................................................................6
6. OPERATION AND SETTING. ................................................................................................................................8
6.1. RELAY SETTING. ........................................................................................................................................................8
6.2. INDICATION................................................................................................................................................................8
7. RELAY CASE. ...........................................................................................................................................................8
7.1. INDIVIDUAL CASE.......................................................................................................................................................8
7.2. RACK MOUNTING. ......................................................................................................................................................8
7.3. TERMINAL CONNECTIONS...........................................................................................................................................8
8. TEST AND MAINTENANCE. .................................................................................................................................9

9. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION. ............................................................................................................................9

9.1. MEASURING INPUT CIRCUITS. ....................................................................................................................................9
9.2. AUXILIARY POWER SUPPLY. .......................................................................................................................................9
9.3. COMMON DATA..........................................................................................................................................................9
9.4. CHARACTERISTIC CURVES. ......................................................................................................................................10
9.5. OUTPUT CONTACT RATINGS......................................................................................................................................10
9.6. SYSTEM DATA. .........................................................................................................................................................11
9.7. HOUSING..................................................................................................................................................................12
9.8. TERMINAL CONNECTION DETAILS............................................................................................................................13
9.9. FINE BALANCE ADJUSTMENT OF CT’S. .....................................................................................................................14
9.10. TEST TRIP. .............................................................................................................................................................15
9.11. RELAY TESTING AND COMMISSIONING....................................................................................................................15
9.11.1. Power on. .......................................................................................................................................................15
9.11.2. Checking the set values. .................................................................................................................................15
9.11.3. Secondary injection test. ................................................................................................................................15
9.11.3.1. Checking of the pickup and dropout value. ............................................................................................................... 16
9.11.3.2. Checking the trip delay. ............................................................................................................................................. 16
9.11.4. Primary Injection Test....................................................................................................................................16
10. ORDER FORM ......................................................................................................................................................17

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1. Introduction.

The application of powerful microprocessors opens a new chapter for power system protective relaying.
The digital processing of measured values and the ability to perform complex arithmetic and logic
operations, give digital protection relays significant performance and flexibility improvements over their
traditional analogue counterparts. Additional advantages - very small power consumption, adaptability,
self-supervision, fault diagnosis through fault data recording, smaller physical construction and
selectable relay characteristics - all combine to allow the implementation of accurate and highly reliable
protection schemes at a significantly reduced financial burden.

The development of microprocessor based protective relays and their introduction into the market has
been stimulated by the recent trend to replace analogue with digital equipment. This modern trend has
prompted the development of two new P&B protective relay families - the MI & MR relay series. The
superiority of digital protective relaying over traditional analogue devices, as embodied by the MR and
MI series relays, is summarised by the following features:

• Integration of many protective functions in a single compact case

• High accuracy owing to digital processing
• Wide setting ranges with fine interim steps.
• User friendly setting procedure by means of DIP-switches.

The MI series family includes the Digital Overcurrent and Earth Fault Relay, MIRI, a universal
protection device for medium voltage networks, and, for protection against undervoltage, overvoltage
and neutral voltage displacement, the MIRV.

The MI relay family was designed as a low cost range of protection relays for application in medium
voltage networks. Similar protection relays with extended functions, the MR series, are also available.
They provide an additional alpha-numeric display for the indication of measured values and faults as
well as allowing data exchange via a serial interface and increased operational reliability through self-
supervision. This comprehensive family of protection relays can satisfy the demands of even the most
complex protection schemes:

MRI - Overcurrent Relay (Independent time/I.D.M.T + earth + directional facilities)

MRI-V - Voltage Dependent Overcurrent Relay
MRAR - Auto-Reclosing Relay
MRMF - Mains Failure Relay
MRVT - Voltage Protection
MRFT - Frequency Protection
MROS - Vector Surge or Rate of Change of Frequency
MRNS - Negative Sequence Relay
MRRP - Power Relay
MRCS - Check Synchronising Relay
MRFF - Field Failure Relay
MRDG - Differential Relay

To complement the MI & MR series, a range of Auxiliary, Timing and Tripping devices are also
available.

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2. Applications.

The MIRD-G Generator differential protection relay, is a universal protection device for high, medium
and low voltage networks. It is aimed primarily as an alternative for high impedance differential
schemes such as those employed by the MREF, High impedance relay, with particular application on
generator protection.

In this type of protection scheme, based on circulating current measurement, heavy through fault
currents during a fault condition can cause current transformers to approach or exceed their saturation
level and allow sufficient unbalance current to operate the relay. This is due to the asymmetrical current
of extreme magnitude which has dissimilar effects on seemingly identical CT's. The extended (SAT)
version of the MIRD-G has the ability to detect in zone and out of zone faults during CT saturation
which enables stable and reliable operation beyond the normal accuracy limit factor associated with the
CT’s.

3. Features and Characteristics.

• Three phase current measurement

• Dual slope percentage bias restraint characteristic.
• The differential current setting range of 5 - 42.5% x In.
• Frequency Range 45/65 Hz
• Rated Current 1A/5A
• Single output relay with two change over contacts

Additional features and characteristics for the extended (SAT) version.

• Ability to continue reliable operation during saturation of the main CT’s

• Lower CT burden / class requirements.

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4. Design.

4.1. Application Diagram.

L3
L2 Supply
L1
1 2 CASE

POWER

SUPPLY

S1 17
P1

1L1
18
P2
19
S2

1L2
5
20
3
21 TRIP SIGNAL
7
6
1L3 4
22 8

GENERATOR

S1
P1 23
2L1

P2 24
S2 25
2L2

26
27
2L3

28

MIRD-G
Typical earthing shown

4.1.1. Output relay.

A single output relay with two changeover contacts; the relay contacts are either:-

Option MR
Manual Reset by use of the Reset button. This also reset the LED trip indication.

Option SR
Self Reset of the relay contacts with manual reset of the trip indication leds, i.e. the trip output contacts
and the red"TRIP" LED automatically reset when the fault is removed. The phase fault indication red
LED's L1, L2 and L3 are manually reset by means of the Reset button.

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4.1.2. Power supply.

Two auxiliary power supply versions are available:

Vaux = 24V in a range from 16V to 60V AC

or in a range from 16V to 80V DC
Vaux = 110V in a range from 50V to 270V AC
or in a range from 70V to 360V DC

4.2. Front panel.

The front panel of the MIRD-T comprises the following operation and indication elements:

• 1 Reset Button
• 6 LED's for indication
• 1 4 Way DIP Switch for setting
• 7 Sockets for CT Unbalance calibration
• 3 Potentiometers for CT Unbalance calibration

Front panel

MIRD
ON L1 L2 L3
5 7.5
0 5
I d1 0 10
Trip I2 0 20

RESET

1L1 2L1

1L2 2L2

1L3 2L3

PB

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5. Working Principles.

5.1. Operation of Differential Protection.

The operation of the MIRD-G relay, is based fundamentally on Kirchoffs first law, that “The vector sum
of currents entering and leaving any mode in a system is zero”. Using the principle of the Merz-Price
differential scheme, the currents at both sides of the transformer are compared and should any significant
difference be noted the output relay is operated.

During normal operation, additional differences in the CT characteristics result in the relay receiving
slightly different signals for comparison, in addition the magnitude of this error increases as the current
magnitude increases.

In order to ensure that completely stable and reliable operation is obtained, the MIRD-G uses two
techniques to reduce this problem.

1]. Integral balancing of CT characteristics.

The MIRD-G is provided with three adjustable potentiometers, which allows correct
balancing of the CT’s during primary injection tests.

2]. The use of a biased tripping characteristic.

The MIRD-G compares the measured currents in two ways, the differential current Id is
obtained by comparing the currents through either end of the generator winding, whilst the
stabilising current Is is obtained from the absolute magnitude of current. In this way, as
the measured currents increase, so too does the pickup value for relay operation (please
refer to tripping characteristics).

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5.2. Operation beyond CT saturation - SAT option.

The operation described in 5.1 above may be extended beyond CT saturation by use of the SAT option.
When large through faults or internal faults occur, the CT’s will not transform the primary current to the
secondary circuit, correctly. In effect when the core becomes fully magnetised, their is no longer a
change in flux with time and therefore no induced current in the CT secondary.

However, although the secondary current is no longer a true reflection of the primary current, the form
of this secondary current may be used to detect in zone or “out of zone faults” (due to large machine
starting, magnetisation inrush of large machines or transformers, or in true faults within the system).

Fig 5.2a shows the differential current Id obtained from I2 - I1 where I2 = 0 i.e. for an internal fault where
I1 is the reflected secondary current from a saturated CT.

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Fig 5.2b shows the differential current Id obtained from I2 - I1, where one CT is saturated (I1) and the
second is not (I2). This represents the worse case for an external fault or overcurrent.

The optional SAT option, uses the notable differences and obtains

a] The rate of change of Id - [d(If/dt]

b] The sign of d(Id/dt)
c] The time period of saturation
d] Saturation due to AC or DC

The extreme rate of dI/dt is the first indication of CT saturation, the sign indicates internal or external
fault, DC saturation is indicated by a single extreme dI/dt per cycle whilst AC saturation produces two
extremes per cycle.

Using this information the SAT option follows the following logic

* The trip circuit is blocked for external faults.

* The measurement of Id is blocked during DC saturation, and is released upon the detection
of an internal fault, or if AC saturation is detected.
* When AC saturation is detected the saturated portion of the current is eliminated.

The differential current Id is then only obtained from the non-saturated portions of the secondary
currents.

Operation during saturation causes a second saturation tripping characteristic to be used to ensure
reliable operation.

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6. Operation and Setting.

6.1. Relay Setting.

The relay is set using the front panel DIP switches and an example of this is shown below:

5 1 7.5
ON

0 2 5

0 3 10
Id1 %0 4 20

Id1
=7.5+5=12.5%In

6.2. Indication.

• Power On Indication, green ON LED

• Trip Indication, red Trip LED

• Phase Indication, red L1,L2,L3 LEDS

• Course characteristic active, red
I2 LED

( Only applicable to relays with the saturation option [ SAT ] )

7. Relay case.

The MIRD-G is delivered in an individual case for flush mounting.

7.1. Individual case.

The MIRD-G is supplied in a UK manufactured industry standard drawout case suitable for flush
mounting. For case dimension and cut-out, refer to Technical Data.

7.2. Rack mounting.

MIRD-G relays may be supplied mounted in 19" racks if specified by the user.

7.3. Terminal connections.

The MIRD-G plug in module is supplied in a case which has a very compact plug and socket connector.
The current terminals are equipped with self closing short circuit contacts. Thus the MIRD-G module
can be unplugged even with current flowing without endangering personnel.

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8. Test and maintenance.

Currents may be supplied to the input transformers to test the behaviour of the relay. By switching on
test currents and measuring the tripping time, the whole system can be accurately tested. A portable test
case can be supplied which is suitable for testing the MIRD-G.

All measuring input circuits of the MIRD-G are of static design and the relay functions are fully
digitised. Thus, the MIRD-G has no particular demand on maintenance.

9. Technical Specification.

9.1. Measuring Input Circuits.

Rated Data

Rated current, IN 1A or 5A
Rated frequency, fN 50 - 60Hz

Rated Burden

At IN = 1A <0.1 VA
IN = 5A <0.5 VA

Thermal withstand

Thermal Withstand 4 x In continuous

9.2. Auxiliary power supply.

Supply Voltage

Vaux = 24V in a range from 16V to 60V AC

or in a range from 16V to 80V DC
Vaux = 110V in a range from 50V to 270V AC
or in a range from 70V to 360V DC

Power Consumption

3W @ 24V Quiescent
6W @ 24V Operating
3W @ 110V Quiescent
6W @ 110V Operating

Automatic Restart Time 50mS

9.3. Common data.

Drop Off/Pick Up ratio >97%

Drop Off time 100mS
Minimum Operating Time 30mS

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9.4. Characteristic Curves.

9.5. Output contact ratings.

Maximum breaking capacity

250V AC / 1500VA / continuous current 6A

for DC voltage :
ohmic L/R = 4ms L/R = 7ms
300 V DC 0.3 A / 90 W 0.2 A / 63 W 0.18 A / 54 W
250 V DC 0.4 A / 100 W 0.3 A / 70 W 0.15 A / 40 W
110 V DC 0.5 A / 55 W 0.4 A / 40 W 0.2 A / 22 W
60 V DC 0.7 A / 42 W 0.5 A / 30 W 0.3 A / 17 W
24 V DC 6 A / 144 W 4.2 A / 100 W 2.5 A / 60 W

Max. rated making current: 64A(IEC65)

mechanical life span: 3 x 106 operating cycles
electrical life span: 2 x 105 operating cycles at 220 V AC / 6A
Contact material Silver Cadmium Oxide (AgCdO)

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9.6. System data.

Design standard = IEC 255-4, BS 142

Operating temperature range = -20°C to 70°C

Storage temperature range = -40°C to 85°C
Relative humidity = 95% @ 40°C for 56 days

Test Voltages to EN50081-1, EN50082-2

Isolation Test = 2.5kV / 50Hz / 1 min.

Impulse Test = 5kV, 1.2 / 50mS, 0.5J

High frequency interference Test = 2.5kV / 1MHz

Burst transient Test = 4kV / 2.5KHz, 15mS

ESD Test = 8kV

RFI Suppression Test = 10V/m, 27 - 500MHz, 1 Octave/ 3 min.

EMI Suppression Test = 10V/m

Mechanical Tests:

Shock = IEC 41B (CO) 38, Class 1

Vibration = IEC 41B (CO) 35, Class 1

Degree of Protection = Front - IP52

Rear - IP00

Weight = Approx. 2kg.

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9.7. Housing.

Throughout the MR series range a modular housing system has been employed, utilising the latest high
quality UK manufactured industry standard case components. This approach affords maximum
flexibility for both the relay scheme designer and the maintenance engineer. The relay modules are fully
withdrawable for ease of maintenance and where applicable incorporate automatic short-circuiting CT
connections to avoid dangerous open circuit CT overvoltages. A clear plastic front cover is provided for
inspection purposes.

MIRD-G units are supplied in standard height (179mm≅7in.) cases, complying with IEC 297 size 4U.

The rigid case wall is manufactured from a single sheet of hot dipped galvanised steel coated externally
with Plastisol PVC and internally with a low gloss alkyd paint finish. This construction technique
provides improved thermal transfer characteristics over plastic walled cases and combines exceptional
corrosion and flame resilience with good electromagnetic and electrostatic screening properties allowing
many relays to be freely situated in close proximity and hazardous environments. When the relay is
inserted a leaf spring along the top edge of the module makes contact with a solidly bonded nickel plated
steel strip on the interior of the case, providing excellent earth continuity. This strip is brought out at the
rear of the case, above the terminal block, where it forms a separate earthing terminal. A rigid front
mounting flange is provided allowing the entire range of standard cases to be flush mounted without
alteration. These flanges are also used to mount the relay inspection cover which is secured by
thumbscrews. Securely bonded channels can be provided on the top and bottom surfaces toward the rear
of the case allowing large rigid assemblies to be created by the use of joining strips located in these
channels.

This uniform but highly flexible housing system integrates excellent mechanical strength with good
electrical practice in industry standard sizes.

97 52 23.5
45
10 4 HOLES 4.4mm DIAMETER

OPTIONAL

168 159

PANEL CUT OUT FLUSH

MOUNTING FIXING DETAILS

Min
28
99
NOTE Minimum gap between vertical
PUSH BUTTON
PROJECTION 10mm spacing is required in order to
withdraw relay from the case above.

Clearance
OPTIONAL
25 min
32 212

177 157

103 178
Required to open case NOT SHOWN TO SCALE OPTIONAL SIZE 100 CASE

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9.8. Terminal Connection Details.

The rear terminal block accepts both pre-insulated screw and push-on blade type connectors which may
be used singly or in combination. Each terminal has 1 screw type and 2 blade type connectors.

Screw: Each connection uses a 4mm (M4) screw outlet and accepts standard L-
shaped ring type connectors designed for 4mm screws.

Blade: Each connection facilitates 2 pre-insulated push-on blades 4.8mm wide

0.8mm thick complying with BS5057.

Combinations: Each terminal will accept either;

2 ring type connectors
or 2 push-on blade type connectors
or 1 ring type connector & 1 push-on blade type connector

Earth

Each terminal
1 2
1 screw &
3 4
2 spade
5 6

7 8

9 10
11 12

13 14
15 16

17 18
19 20

21 22
23 24

25 26

27 28

MIRD-G
MIRD-T
Rear terminal block connections.

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9.9. Fine balance adjustment of CT’s.

In order to balance the CT characteristics, three potentiometers are provided, one for each of the three
phases.

To balance the CT’s, Transformer rated current should be passed through both CT’s (per phase) and the
following voltage measurements noted.

The diagram shows the normal voltage readings for a correctly wired and calibrated arrangement.

The following table indicates the connection faults, which may be determined by analysing the measured
voltages 1,2 &3.

Measurement Point Measured voltages Possible Errors

1 (1L - 0) 0.55 V Correct Connection
2 (2L - 0) 0.55 V
3 (1L - 2L) 1.10 V
1 (1L - 0) 0.55 V Reversed CT
2 (2L - 0) 0.55 V S1 and S2 reversed
3 (1L - 2L) 0
1 (1L - 0) 0.55 V CT’s cross connected i.e.
2 (2L - 0) 0.55 V one CT from L1
3 (1L - 2L) 0.55 V one CT from L2 etc.
1 (1L - 0) 0.55 V CT’s cross connected or phase error
2 (2L - 0) 0.55 V introduced (error in interposing CT’s
3 (1L - 2L) 0.95 V if fitted)
This measurement and calibration must be carried out for all three phases.

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9.10. Test Trip.

It is possible to trip the relay by following the procedure below.

1] Pass current through the CT’s (magnitude in excess of the set value Id1), by current
injection or by loading the transformer.

2] Short one of the phase measuring sockets to relay ground. Ensure that the phase used is
passing current in excess of Id1. The relay will trip in approximately 100ms.

9.11. Relay testing and commissioning.

The test instructions below help to verify the protection relay performance before or during
commissioning of the protection system. To avoid relay damage and to ensure a correct relay operation,
be sure that:

• The auxiliary power supply rating corresponds to the auxiliary voltage on site.
• The rated voltage correspond to the plant data on site
• The voltage transformer circuits are connected to the relay correctly
• All control and measuring circuits as well as the output relay circuits are connected correctly.

9.11.1. Power on.

NOTE! Prior to switching on the auxiliary power supply, be sure that the auxiliary supply voltage
corresponds with the rated data on the type plate.

When the auxiliary supply is switched on please observe that the LED "ON" is alight.

9.11.2. Checking the set values.

Due to a check of the DIP switch values the actual thresholds can be established. The setting values can
be corrected, if necessary, by means of the DIP switches.

9.11.3. Secondary injection test.

Test equipment
• Ammeter, class 1 or better.
• Auxiliary voltage supply source corresponding with the rated auxiliary voltage of the relay.
• Single phase AC supply (adjustable from 0 - 1xIN)
• Timer for measuring trip delays
• Switching device.
• Test leads and tools

NOTE! Before conducting secondary tests, assure that the relay does not cause unwanted tripping
(danger of blackouts).

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9.11.3.1. Checking of the pickup and dropout value.

When checking the pickup value for Id1, the analogue input signals of the single phase test current have
to be fed to the relay via terminals 17 and 18.

When testing the pickup value, the alternating test current must be initially lower that the set pickup
value for Id1. Then the current can be increased until the relay picks up. The value that is read from the
ammeter may not deviate by more than ±2% of Id1.

The tripping values Id1 for the other current inputs can then be checked accordingly.

9.11.3.2. Checking the trip delay.

For checking the tripping time a timer is connected to the contact of the trip relay. The timer has to be
started simultaneously with connection of the test current and must be stopped when the relay trips.

9.11.4. Primary Injection Test.

Generally, a primary injection test could be carried out in the similar manner as the secondary injection
test above. Since the cost and potential hazards are very high for such a test, primary injection tests are
usually limited to very important protective relays in power systems.

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10. Order Form

Transformer Differential Protection Relay

QUANTITY MIRD

Generator G

Rated Current, 1A 1
5A 5

Sat Option SAT

*Aux Voltage 24V L

110V H

Housing, 19" Rack A

Flush Mounting D

Reset, Self Reset Trip Contacts, SR

manual reset for LED indicators
Manual Reset Trip Contacts MR
and LED indicators

* Range 16-60V ac, 16-80V dc for 24V device

50-270V ac, 70-230Vdc for 110V devic

Non-standard voltages
available on request

PBSI Ltd Trading as

P&B ENGINEERING
Belle Vue Works,
Boundary Street,
Manchester.
M12 5NG.

Tel: 0161- 230-6363

Fax: 0161-230-6464
All information subject to change without notice
Publication number ISSUE 2

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