Application Guide Volume I AG2000-11

Applying the SEL-321 Relay on

Series-Compensated Systems
Joseph B. Mooney and George E. Alexander

INTRODUCTION
Series capacitors are used on transmission systems to increase load capacity, improve system
stability, improve load division on parallel paths, and reduce losses. While series capacitors have
a beneficial effect on system performance, they introduce additional problems that must be
correctly handled by protective relays. The typical problems faced by the relays have been
addressed in many publications [1, 2, & 3]. This Guide will provide a brief review of the relaying
problems associated with series capacitors, and will then concentrate on how the SEL-321 Relay
may be set to accommodate the addition of series capacitors.

PROBLEM AREAS

Voltage Reversals

Consider the simple system shown in Figure 1. For a fault on Line 1, the voltage drop seen by the
relays at R on both Line 1 and 2 may be capacitive. The capacitive voltage will be opposite that
caused by the normal drop in an inductive transmission system. This reversal of the voltage
phase angle can affect the operation of both the distance and the directional elements in a relay.
The capacitive voltage drop may cause the distance relay on Line 1 to “see” the fault as an
external fault and thereby block tripping. On Line 2, the relay at R may see the external fault as
an internal fault, and trip incorrectly. The directional elements can experience similar difficulties
in determining whether the fault is forward or reverse.
The effects of a voltage reversal on the distance elements can be mitigated by the use of positive-
sequence voltage with memory to polarize the distance elements, as is done in the SEL-321
Relay. The security of the relay may be further enhanced by the addition of SELOGIC® control
equations that add logic to extend the blocking if the fault first appears to be external to the relay.
This logic is described in a later section.
The performance of the negative-sequence directional elements for voltage reversal conditions is
improved by selecting the impedance thresholds, Z2F and Z2R, such that the negative-sequence
directional elements will properly determine the fault direction even if the negative-sequence
voltage reverses. The proper settings are discussed in a later section.

SCHWEITZER ENGINEERING LABORATORIES

2350 NE Hopkins Court A Pullman, WA A 99163-5603 A USA
Phone: (509) 332-1890 A Fax: (509) 332-7990
E-mail: info@selinc.com A Internet: www.selinc.com
 R FAULT S
Relay

XC1
LINE 1

ZSR ZSS
Relay
XC2
LINE 2

Relay Relay

Figure 1: Example of Voltage Reversal

Effects of Non-Fundamental Frequencies

When series capacitors are added to a power system, non-fundamental frequency transients are
introduced into the currents and voltages during a fault on the system. The series combination of
capacitance and inductance establishes a resonant circuit. The natural frequency of this
combination will typically be less than the nominal system frequency, and will vary based on the
total amount of series compensation in the system. The effect of the low frequency transient is
most pronounced when there is a series capacitor between the relay potential source and the fault
location. The effects may be mitigated if the series capacitor protective devices operate. The
general effect of the low frequency transient is to cause the impedance seen by the relay to vary
with time. The impedance will “spiral” on the R-X diagram rather than appear as a fixed
impedance. Depending on the locus of the varying impedance, a Zone 1 distance relay may have
a transient overreach, an overreaching Zone 2 distance relay may have a transient underreach, or
a directional element may lose directionality. Special settings must be employed in order to
prevent misoperations of the Zone 1 or directional elements. The settings required for the
SEL-321 Relay elements are discussed in a later section.
The series capacitor protection may also introduce non-fundamental transients. Many series
capacitors use a triggered gap to bypass the capacitor bank to prevent damage caused by
overvoltage. The operation of these gaps produces a high frequency transient. Because this
transient is a high-frequency, it is effectively eliminated by the combination of the analog anti-
aliasing filtering and the digital filtering in the SEL-321 Relay. The series capacitor protection
may also include metal oxide varistors (MOVs). When the voltage across the capacitor exceeds
the MOV protective level, the effect of the MOV is to parallel the series capacitor with a non-
linear impedance. This produces non-sinusoidal waveforms. The MOV will change the nature of
the low frequency transient, but will not completely eliminate it.
The effects of the digital filtering are discussed in [6]. In general, the filtering effectively
removes the higher frequency components, but is less effective on the low frequencies.

2 SEL Application Guide 2000-11 Date Code 20001109

SEL-321 RELAY SETTING GUIDELINES

Negative-Sequence Directional Elements

A. Uncompensated Systems

In uncompensated systems, the negative-sequence directional element impedance thresholds, Z2F

and Z2R, are determined based on the line and source impedances. The setting calculation may
be simplified by assuming that the sources are infinite (ZS = 0).

R S
ZSR ZL ZSS

Relay Relay

Figure 2: Uncompensated System

For the system of Figure 2, the suggested impedance settings are:

ZL
Z2F =
2
0 .5
Z2R = Z 2F +
Irated
where:
ZL is the positive-sequence impedance of the line
Irated is the rated current of the SEL-321 Relay (1 or 5 amperes)
A forward fault will be declared if the calculated Z2 is less than Z2F, a reverse fault will be
declared if the calculated Z2 is greater than Z2R. Additional details of the design and operation
of the negative-sequence directional elements are contained in [1, 4, & 5]. The location of the
relay potential source does not affect the setting of the directional element for the uncompensated
line case.

B. Mid-Line Series Compensation

The addition of the series capacitor changes the apparent impedance of the transmission line, as
long as the capacitor is in service. If the fault current is below the level of the series capacitor
protective device, the capacitor will remain in service during fault conditions. The setting of Z2F
and Z2R must be suitable for this condition. As described in [1, 4, & 5], for a forward fault the
value of Z2 calculated by the relay is determined by the source behind the relay. For the system
shown in Figure 3, there is no capacitor behind the relay. For a reverse fault, the value of Z2
calculated by the relay is determined by the remote source and the line impedance. Thus, the
effect of the series capacitor must be included in determining the proper settings for the
directional element. Proper coordination must also be maintained between the forward and
reverse directional elements.

Date Code 20001109 SEL Application Guide 2000-11 3

 R S
ZL XC ZL
ZSR 2 2 ZSS

Relay Relay

Figure 3: Mid-Line Series Capacitor

For the system of Figure 3, the suggested impedance settings are:

(ZL − X C )
Z2 F =
2
0 .5
Z2 R = Z 2F +
Irated
where:
XC is the positive-sequence impedance of the series capacitor.
The negative-sequence directional elements at Stations R and S will have the same Z2F and Z2R
impedance settings. The impedance settings will be the same whether the relay potential is
supplied from the line or bus side of the circuit breaker.

C. Compensation at One End of Line

1. Bus-Side Potential

Figure 4 shows a line with the series capacitor located at one end of the line and with the relay
potentials supplied from the bus-side of the series capacitor. The relay potential may be supplied
from VTs on the bus, or from VTs located between the circuit breaker and the series capacitor.

R S
XC ZL
ZSR ZSS

Relay Relay

Figure 4: Series Capacitor at One End, Bus-Side Potential

The relay settings will be the same for this case as for the case of Figure 3 with mid-line
compensation. For the system of Figure 4, the suggested impedance settings are:

(ZL − X C )
Z2 F =
2
0 .5
Z2 R = Z 2F +
Irated

4 SEL Application Guide 2000-11 Date Code 20001109

 The negative-sequence directional elements at Stations R and S will have the same impedance
settings.

2. Line-Side Potential

Figure 5 shows a line with the series capacitor located at one end of the line and with the relay
potentials supplied from the line-side of the series capacitor. This is the common location when
the CCVTs are also used to couple a power line carrier set to the line.

R S
XC ZL
ZSR ZSS

Relay Relay

Figure 5: Series Capacitor at One End, Line-Side Potential

Because the potential for the relay at R is supplied from the line side of the series capacitor, the
capacitor impedance must be considered as part of the source impedance behind the relay at R. If
the magnitude of XC is greater than the magnitude of ZSR, a voltage reversal could occur for
faults in the forward direction. This could cause the relay to select the improper direction for the
fault. In order to prevent this, the Z2F setting at R must be greater than the capacitive impedance
X C.
For the relay at R in the system of Figure 5, the suggested impedance settings are:

(ZL − X C )
Z2F = + XC
2
0 .5
Z2R = Z2 F +
Irated
For the relay at S in the system of Figure 5, the suggested impedance settings are:

(ZL − X C )
Z2 F =
2
0 .5
Z2 R = Z 2F +
Irated
Note that the negative-sequence directional elements at Stations R and S will have different Z2F
and Z2R impedance settings for this case.

D. Compensation at Both Ends of Line

1. Bus-Side Potential

Figure 6 shows a line with the series capacitor located at one end of the line and with the relay
potentials supplied from the bus side of the series capacitor. The relay potential may be supplied
from VTs on the bus, or from VTs located between the circuit breaker and the series capacitor.
The impedances of the two capacitors may be different.

Date Code 20001109 SEL Application Guide 2000-11 5

 R S
XCR ZL XCS
ZSR ZSS

Relay Relay

Figure 6: Series Capacitor at Both Ends, Bus-Side Potential

For the system of Figure 6, the suggested impedance settings are:

[ Z L − (X CR + X CS )]
Z2F =
2
0.5
Z2R = Z2 F +
Irated
The negative-sequence directional elements at Stations R and S will have the same impedance
settings.

2. Line-Side Potential

Figure 7 shows a line with the series capacitors located at each end of the line and with the relay
potentials supplied from the line-side of the series capacitor. This is the common location when
the CCVTs are also used to couple a power line carrier set to the line.

R S
XCR ZL XCS
ZSR ZSS

Relay Relay

Figure 7: Series Capacitor at Both Ends, Line-Side Potential

For the relay at R in the system of Figure 7, the suggested impedance settings are:

[ Z L − (X CR + X CS )]
Z2 F = + X CR
2
0.5
Z2 R = Z2 F +
Irated
For the relay at S in the system of Figure 7, the suggested impedance settings are:

[ Z L − (X CR + X CS )]
Z2 F = + X CS
2
0.5
Z2 R = Z2 F +
Irated

6 SEL Application Guide 2000-11 Date Code 20001109

 Note that the negative-sequence directional elements at Stations R and S may have different
impedance settings if the capacitor impedances are not the same.

E. 50QF, 50QR, and a2 Settings

The minimum suggested setting for 50QF is 1.0 A (3I2) for relays rated 5 A, or 0.2 A (3I2) for
relays rated 1 A. If greater sensitivity is desired, the user should consult the factory.
The suggested maximum setting for 50QR is 0.5 A (3I2) for relays rated 5 Amperes, or 0.1 A (3I2)
for relays rated 1 Ampere.
The compensation factor a2 should be set to the larger of:

a 2 = 0.15
OR
50QF
a2 =
3 ⋅ I LOAD

where:
50QF is the setting of the local 50QF element.
ILOAD is the maximum value of load current in secondary amperes.

Zone 1 Distance Elements

When a Zone 1 distance element is applied on a series-compensated system, it is critical to the

overall security of the protection that the Zone 1 distance element does not operate for any faults
outside the protected line. As noted previously, the low-frequency transients that may occur on
series-compensated systems cause an overreach of the Zone 1 elements. Proper setting of the
SEL-321 Zone 1 elements includes not only the reach setting of the elements, but also the pickup
setting of the overcurrent supervision elements.
The settings required for the Zone 1 distance elements are determined by the location of the series
capacitor, the capacitor and line impedances, the type of capacitor protection, and the protective
level of the capacitor protection.

A. Mid-Line Series Compensation

Consider the system shown in Figure 3. The series capacitor is considered to be “in front of the
relay” when it is between the relay potential location and the remote source. Thus, the Zone 1
elements at both R and S must be set to accommodate a series capacitor.

1. Spark-Gap Protection

When the series capacitor is protected by a triggered spark gap, the following settings are
suggested:

Z1 = 0.80 ⋅ ( Z L − X C )
50PP1 = 1.20 ⋅ 3 ⋅ I GF
50L1 = 1.20 ⋅ I GF

Date Code 20001109 SEL Application Guide 2000-11 7

 where:
IGF is the Gap Flashing Current in secondary amperes.

2. MOV Protection

When the series capacitor is protected by an MOV, the following settings are suggested:

Z1 = 0.50 ⋅ ( Z L − X C )
50PP1 = 1.20 ⋅ 3 ⋅ I CL
50L1 = 1.20 ⋅ I CL

where:
ICL is the MOV Conduction Level Current in secondary A.

B. Compensation at One End of Line

1. Bus-Side Potential

Consider the system depicted in Figure 4. The series capacitor is “in front of” both relays. The
distance element settings will be the same as for the mid-line series capacitor given in the
previous example.

2. Line-Side Potential

Consider the system depicted in Figure 5. The potential for the relay at R is supplied from the
line side of the series capacitor. For this case, the series capacitor impedance does not affect the
reach setting for the Zone 1 distance elements at R. The following settings are suggested for the
relay at R:

Z1 = 0.80 ⋅ Z L
50PP1 = 1.0 (Minimum setting)
50L1 = 0.5
The settings for the distance elements at S will be the same as for the mid-line capacitor location.

C. Compensation at Both Ends of Line

1. Bus-Side Potential

Consider the system shown in Figure 6. The Zone 1 distance elements at both R and S must be
set to accommodate two series capacitors.

a. Spark-Gap Protection

When the series capacitor is protected by a triggered spark gap, the following settings are
suggested:

8 SEL Application Guide 2000-11 Date Code 20001109

 Z1 = 0.80 ⋅ [ Z L − (X CR + X CS )]
50PP1 = 1.20 ⋅ 3 ⋅ I GF
50L1 = 1.20 ⋅ I GF

where:
IGF is the higher of the two Gap Flashing Currents in secondary amperes.

b. MOV Protection

When the series capacitor is protected by an MOV, the following settings are suggested:

Z1 = 0.50 ⋅ [ Z L − (X CR + X CS )]
50PP1 = 1.20 ⋅ 3 ⋅ I CL
50L1 = 1.20 ⋅ I CL

where:
ICL is the higher of the two MOV Conduction Level Currents in secondary amperes.

2. Line-Side Potential

Consider the system shown in Figure 7. The Zone 1 distance elements at both R and S must be
set to accommodate one series capacitor. Thus, the settings for this case are the same as when the
capacitor is in the middle of the line.

D. Capacitors External to the Protected Line

Consider the system of Figure 8. There are no series capacitors in front of the distance elements
in the relay at R. Therefore the Zone 1 distance elements at R will be set as described for
Compensation at One End with Line-Side Potential. However, there are two capacitors, C1 and
C2, in front of the distance elements in the relay at S.

R S
XC2 XC1 ZL
ZSR ZSS

Relay Relay

INFEED
Figure 8: External Series Capacitor

If the infeed at bus R is sufficient to ensure that capacitor current through C2 will always be
greater than its protective current, then the Zone 1 distance elements at S may be set as if there
were only the internal series capacitor, C1. However, if there is not enough infeed, then the
settings for the Zone 1 distance elements at S must be set on the basis of two series capacitors.
The suggested settings for this case are:

Date Code 20001109 SEL Application Guide 2000-11 9

1. Spark-Gap Protection

When the series capacitor is protected by a triggered spark gap, the following settings are
suggested:

Z1 = 0.80 ⋅ [ Z L − (X C1 + X C 2 )]
50PP1 = 1.20 ⋅ 3 ⋅ I GF
50L1 = 1.20 ⋅ I GF

where:
IGF is the higher of the two Gap Flashing Currents in secondary amperes.

2. MOV Protection

When the series capacitor is protected by an MOV, the following settings are suggested:

Z1 = 0.50 ⋅ [ Z L − (X C1 + X C 2 )]
50PP1 = 1.20 ⋅ 3 ⋅ I CL
50L1 = 1.20 ⋅ I CL

where:
ICL is the higher of the two MOV Conduction Level Currents in secondary amperes.

Pilot Distance Elements

In general, the series capacitors have little effect on the settings used for the overreaching pilot
distance elements. In some cases, the low-frequency transients introduced by the addition of the
series capacitors may cause the overreaching elements to momentarily drop out. This could delay
tripping, but will not cause a misoperation. If MOV protection is used on the series capacitor,
conduction of the MOVs may cause the fault to appear more resistive than if triggered gaps are
used to protect the series capacitor. For these reasons, it is suggested that the reach of the pilot
zone distance elements be increased beyond that normally used on uncompensated systems. A
minimum reach of 150 percent of the positive-sequence line impedance is suggested.

Reverse Zone 3

It is suggested that reversed Zone 3 distance elements be used for all applications on series
compensated systems. This will permit the use of transient blocking within the relay logic to
prevent misoperations caused by voltage reversals that might occur on some external faults. The
reach of the reverse Zone 3 must coordinate with the reach of the pilot Zone 2 at the remote end
of the line.
The suggested reach for bus-side potential location is:

Z3 = 1.25 ⋅ [Z2 − (Z L − X CT )]

10 SEL Application Guide 2000-11 Date Code 20001109

 where:
Z2 is the Zone 2 reach setting at the remote line terminal
ZL is the positive-sequence line impedance
XCT is the total series capacitor impedance.
The suggested reach for line-side potential location is:

Z3 = 1.25 ⋅ [Z2 − (Z L − X C1 )]

where:
XC1 is the impedance of the series capacitor at the remote line end.

Scheme Logic

When the SEL-321 Relay is applied on series-compensated systems, the Zone 3 elements should
be set as reverse blocking elements. The particular scheme logic used will depend on the type of
channel available as well as on the protection philosophy of the particular utility implementing
the scheme. The Permissive Overreaching Transfer Trip (POTT) and Directional Comparison
Unblocking (DCUB) schemes are well suited for use on series-compensated systems.
Additional logic is suggested to improve the security of the relay against misoperations caused by
any voltage reversals that might occur on a series-compensated system. Voltage reversals will
not affect the performance of the SEL-321 Relay for normal faults because of the design of the
polarizing voltage. However, on faults that are cleared very slowly, such as would occur for a
breaker failure or a time-delayed trip, the fault may last longer than the polarizing circuit
memory. Suggested logic is shown in Figure 9.
67N3

67Q3

Z3G
67N2
TXPU
67Q2 X XT
Z1G SUPERVISE 67N2,
TXPU
67Q2, Z2G AND Z1G
Z2G

3PO

M1P
M2P TYPU
Y YT
SUPERVISE M1P & M2P
M3P TYDO

Figure 9: Voltage Reversal Transient Blocking Logic

Date Code 20001109 SEL Application Guide 2000-11 11

 Suggested SELOGIC control equations:
Y = !3PO*!M2P*!M1P*M3P
V = !3PO*!67N2*!67Q2*!Z2G*!Z1G
X = 67N3*V +67Q3*V +Z3G*V
MTU = M1P*!YT+Z1G*!XT*!YT
MTCS = M2P*!YT+Z2G*!XT*!YT+67N2*!XT*!YT+67Q2*!XT*!YT
TYDO and TXDO provide time-delayed blocking of the trip elements in the event that they
operate for an external fault after a voltage reversal.

MODEL POWER SYSTEM TESTING

The setting procedures discussed in the previous sections are the result of numerous Model Power
System tests of the SEL-321 Relay on series-compensated lines. As a result of this extensive
testing, the setting procedures described in this Application Guide will ensure secure performance
when the SEL-321 Relay is applied on series-compensated systems without the need for Model
Power System Testing. However, because of the critical nature of series compensated lines,
many utilities include some form of Model Power System testing with every new application.

REFERENCES
[1] Joe Mooney, Daqing Hou, Charlie Henville, and Frank Plumtre, “Computer-Based Relay
Models Simplify Relay-Application Studies,” 20th Annual Western Protective Relay
Conference, Spokane, Washington, October 19-21, 1993.
[2] Walt Elmore and F. Anderson, “Overview of Series-Compensated Line Protection
Philosophies,” 17th Annual Western Protective Relay Conference, Spokane, Washington,
October 1990.
[3] George Alexander, Joe Andrichak, Stanley Wilkinson, and Steve Rowe, “Series-
Compensated Line Protection - A Practical Evaluation,” 15th Annual Western Protective
Relay Conference, Spokane, Washington, October 1988.
th
[4] Joe Mooney and Jackie Peer, “Application Guidelines for Ground Fault Protection,” 24
Annual Western Protective Relay Conference, Spokane, Washington, October21-23, 1997.
st
[5] Jeff Roberts and Armando Guzman, “Directional Element Design and Evaluation,” 21
Annual Western Protective Relay Conference, Spokane, Washington, October 18-20, 1994.
th
[6] E. O. Schweitzer, III and Daqing Hou, “Filtering for Protective Relays,” 47 Annual Georgia
Tech Protective Relaying Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, April 28-30, 1993.

12 SEL Application Guide 2000-11 Date Code 20001109

FACTORY ASSISTANCE
The employee-owners of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc. are dedicated to making
electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical.
We appreciate your interest in SEL products, and we are committed to making sure you are
satisfied. If you have any questions, please contact us at:
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
2350 NE Hopkins Court
Pullman, WA USA 99163-5603
Tel: (509) 332-1890
Fax: (509) 332-7990
We guarantee prompt, courteous, and professional service.
We appreciate receiving any comments and suggestions about new products or product
improvements that would help us make your job easier.

All brand or product names appearing in this document are the trademark or registered trademark of their respective holders.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, SELOGIC, Connectorized, and Job Done are registered trademarks of Schweitzer Engineering
Laboratories.
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Date Code 20001109 SEL Application Guide 2000-11 13