Phase Fault Protection of Feeder

Phase faults in an incoming feeder can be detected and protected by a pack of 3

nos Over Current relay (50) and 1 no IDMT earth fault relay (51N). One IDMT
non-directional over current relay (51) is also provided.

Phase Fault Protection of Transformer

Phase faults in a transformer stator winding can cause thermal damage to

insulation, windings and the core. Primary protection for transformer phase-to-
phase faults is best provided by a differential relay (87T) used for unit
protection. Differential relaying will detect phase-to-phase faults, three-phase
faults, and double-phase-to-ground faults.
Figure 1: Single line diagram of first 1 MW PV power plant at Sadeipali,
Bolangir, Odisha evacuating power at 11 KV

Ground-Fault Protection

One of the main causes of ground faults is insulation failure. Depending on the
location of the fault, separate ground-fault protection is usually provided by
instantaneous over current relay (50N).

Backup protection for ground faults can be provided by an Inverse Definite Time
Over-current relay (device 51N) in conjunction with an Instantaneous Over
current relay (device 50N) applied at the generator neutral to detect zero
sequence unbalance current which flows during ground faults.

Abnormal Voltage Protection

Overvoltage may occur during a load rejection. The overvoltage relay (59) is
used to protect the PV generator from this condition. Three limits can be set
which are in the range of 110-135% with time range 0.05 to 2 sec. Similarly,
under voltage may occur due to sudden reactive power demand which can be
taken care of by under voltage relay (27). Under voltage range is 50-90%.

Under Frequency Protection

Overloading of a generator, perhaps due to loss of system generation and

insufficient load shedding, can lead to prolonged operation of the generator at
reduced frequencies. While load-shedding is the primary protection against
generator overloading, under frequency relays (81U) should be used to provide
additional protection. In addition to relays fuses are provided and fuse failure is
also protected by fuse failure protection (97).

Breaker Failure Protection

Backup protection must be provided for the case where a breaker fails to
operate when required to trip. This protection consists of a current detector, in
conjunction with a timer initiated by any of the protective relays in the
generator zone. The breaker failure relay (95) in association with trip coil
supervision will initiate tripping of the backup breakers.

Anti-Islanding Control and Protection

In Grid-tied mode of operation, when the output power of the inverter matches
with the total load on the grid, the failure of grid does not create any change in
voltage or frequency. The inverter continues to support the load. This condition
is not safe. It is mandatory for power exporting inverters to detect grid failure
and stop exporting power to the grid within 2 seconds.