Functions

2.9 Differential Protection and Its Protected Objects

2.9 Differential Protection and Its Protected Objects

The numerical current differential protection of the 7UM62 is a high speed selective short-circuit protection
for generators, motors and transformers. The individual application can be configured, which ensures
optimum matching to the protected object.
The protected zone is selectively limited by the CTs at its ends.

2.9.1 Differential Protection (ANSI 87G/87M/87T)

The processing of the measured values depends on the way the differential protection is used. This section
discusses first the differential protection function in general, regardless of the type of protected object. A
singlephase system is referred to. Then particularities of individual protected objects are treated.

2.9.1.1 Functional Description

Basic Principle
Differential protection systems operate according to the principle of current comparison and are therefore also
known as current balance protection systems. They utilize the fact that in a healthy protected object the
current leaving the protected object is the same as that which entered it (current Ιp, dotted in the following
figure).
The secondary windings of current transformers CT1 and CT2, which have the same transformation ratio, may
be so connected that a closed circuit is formed. If now a measuring element M is connected at the electrical
balance point, it reveals the current difference. Under undisturbed conditions (e.g. on-load operation) no
current flows in the measuring element. In the event of a fault in the protected object, the summation current
Ιp1+ Ιp2 flows on the primary side. The currents on the secondary side Ι1and Ι2 flow as a summation current
Ι1+Ι2 through the measuring element M. As a result, the simple circuit shown in the following figure ensures a
reliable tripping of the protection if the fault current flowing into the protected zone (limited by the current
transformer) during a fault is high enough for the measuring element M to respond.

[grundprinzip-differentialschutz-020827-ho, 1, en_GB]

Figure 2-31 Basic Principle of Differential Protection (Single-Phase Representation) (Ιpx = primary current, Ιx
= secondary current)

Current Stabilization
When an external fault causes heavy currents to flow through the protected zone, differences in the magnetic
characteristics of the current transformers CT1 and CT2 under conditions of saturation may cause a significant
current to flow through the element M, which can cause a tripping. To prevent the protection from such over-
functioning, a stabilizing current is imposed.
The stabilizing quantity is derived from the arithmetical sum of the absolute values of |Ι1| + |Ι2|. The following
definitions apply:
a tripping or differential current
Ιdiff = |Ι1 + Ι2|

100 SIPROTEC 4, 7UM62, Manual

C53000-G1176-C149-C, Edition 08.2018
 Functions
2.9 Differential Protection and Its Protected Objects

and the stabilizing or restraint current

Ιstab = |Ι1| + |Ι2|

Ιdiff derived from the fundamental frequency current and produces the tripping effect, Ιstab counteracts this
effect.
To further illustrate the effect, let´s look at three important operating conditions with ideal and adepted meas-
urement quantities:

[stromdefinitionen-020827-ho, 1, en_GB]

Figure 2-32 Definitions of Currents

• Through-flowing current under undisturbed conditions or external fault: Ι2 reverts its direction, i.e.
changes sign, i.e. Ι2 = –Ι1; also |Ι2| = |Ι1|
Ιdiff = |Ι1 + Ι2| = |Ι1 – Ι1| = 0
Ιstab = |Ι1|+ |Ι2| = |Ι1| + |Ι1| = 2 · |Ι1|
No tripping value (Ιdiff); stabilisation (Ιstab) corresponds to twice the through-flowing current.

• Internal short-circuit, e.g. fed with equal currents each side:

In this case: Ι2 = Ι1; also |Ι2| = |Ι1|
Ιdiff = |Ι1+ Ι2| = |Ι1 + Ι1| = 2 · |Ι1|
Ιstab = |Ι1|+ |Ι2| = |Ι1| + |Ι1| = 2 · |Ι1|
Tripping value (Ιdiff) and stabilising value (Ιstab) are equal and correspond to the total fault current.

• Internal short-circuit, fed from one side only:

In this case: Ι2 = 0
Ιdiff = |Ι1 + Ι2| = |Ι1 – 0| = |Ι1|
Ιstab = |Ι1|+ |Ι2| = |Ι1| + 0 = |Ι1|
Tripping value (Ιdiff) and stabilising value (Ιstab) are equal and correspond to the one-sided fault current.

This result shows that for the internal fault under ideal conditions Ιdiff = Ιstab. Consequently, the characteristic
of internal faults is a straight line with a upward slope of 45° (dot-and-dash line in the following figure).

SIPROTEC 4, 7UM62, Manual 101

C53000-G1176-C149-C, Edition 08.2018