Application Note
Application-oriented testing of line differential
protection end to end in the field using the
corresponding RelaySimTest template
Author
Jens Baumeister | jens.baumeister@omicron.at
Date
Feb. 10, 2015
Related OMICRON Product
CMC, RelaySimTest, CMGPS 588
Application Area
Line differential protection end to end testing
Keywords
RelaySimTest, system testing, line differential protection, end to end testing, GPS synchronization, PTP
Version
v1.1
Dokument-ID
ANS_14003_ENU
Abstract
Due to the increasing complexity of our electrical power systems, the need for highly selective protection is
increasingly being fulfilled by the use of line differential protection. To test such a protection system
thoroughly, a distributed end to end test with synchronized injection can be utilized.
This application note describes how this could be done in an easy and comfortable way using the OMICRON
RelaySimTest software. RelaySimTest offers simulation based system testing methods. To perform a test a
fault scenario is calculated based on the simulation of the power system network. The resulting voltages and
currents for the different relay locations can be used to test the correct behavior of the differential protection
system. For this reason RelaySimTest offers the possibility to control several distributed and time
synchronized CMC test sets.
© OMICRON
Page 1 of 22
General information
OMICRON electronics GmbH including all international branch offices is henceforth referred to as
OMICRON.
The product information, specifications, and technical data embodied in this application note represent the
technical status at the time of writing and are subject to change without prior notice.
We have done our best to ensure that the information given in this application note is useful, accurate and
entirely reliable. However, OMICRON does not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies which may be
present.
OMICRON translates this application note from the source language English into a number of other
languages. Any translation of this document is done for local requirements, and in the event of a dispute
between the English and a non-English version, the English version of this note shall govern.
All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction of any kind, for example, photocopying, microfilming,
optical character recognition and/or storage in electronic data processing systems, requires the explicit
consent of OMICRON. Reprinting, wholly or in part, is not permitted.
© OMICRON 2015. All rights reserved. This application note is a publication of OMICRON.
© OMICRON 2015
Page 2 of 22
Content
1
Safety instructions ................................................................................................................................4
1.1
2
3
4
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................5
2.1
General requirements .....................................................................................................................5
2.2
What this application note describes ..............................................................................................5
2.3
Line differential protection...............................................................................................................5
System under Test ................................................................................................................................7
3.1
Application example – Protected line .............................................................................................7
3.2
Settings of the System under Test menu in RelaySimTest ............................................................7
Test cases ..............................................................................................................................................9
4.1
Application example – Grid topology ..............................................................................................9
4.2
Suitable test cases ....................................................................................................................... 10
4.3
5
Requirements to use this application note ......................................................................................4
4.2.1
Test Case 1 - Charging and load current ........................................................................................ 11
4.2.2
Test Case 2 and 3 – Single infeed, fault on busbar ........................................................................ 12
4.2.3
Test Case 4 – Double Infeed, fault on line ...................................................................................... 12
4.2.4
Test Case 5 – Single infeed, fault on line........................................................................................ 12
Measurement and assessment ................................................................................................... 13
Test sets configuration ...................................................................................................................... 15
5.1
Test setup .................................................................................................................................... 15
5.2
The Test sets configuration in RelaySimTest and the Test Set Remote Agent .......................... 16
6
Performing the test ............................................................................................................................. 19
7
List of literature................................................................................................................................... 21
© OMICRON 2015
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1
Safety instructions
1.1 Requirements to use this application note
This application note may only be used in combination with the relevant product manuals which contain all
safety instructions. The user is fully responsibility for any application that makes use of OMICRON products.
Instructions are always characterized by a  symbol even if they are included to a safety instruction.
DANGER
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current if the respective
protective measures are not complied.
 Carefully read and understand the content of this application note as well as
the manuals of the involved systems before starting its practical application.
 Please contact OMICRON before you continue the process if you do not
understand the safety instructions, operating instructions, or parts of it.
 Follow each instruction mentioned there especially the safety instructions
since this is the only way to avoid danger that can occur when working at
high voltage or high current systems.
 Furthermore, only use the involved equipment according to its intended
purpose to guarantee a safe operation.
 Existing national safety standards for accident prevention and
environmental protection may supplement the equipment’s manual.
Only experienced and competent professionals that are trained for working in high voltage or high current
environments may perform this application note. Additional the following qualifications are required:
•
authorized to work in environments of energy generation, transmission or distribution and familiar with
the approved operating practices in such environments.
•
familiar with the five safety rules.
•
good knowledge of OMICRON CMC test sets, RelaySimTest and CMGPS 588.
© OMICRON 2015
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2
Introduction
2.1 General requirements
Before you get started with this application note, read the “Getting Started” manual [1] of RelaySimTest.
Please make sure that you also have a good knowledge about the CMC test system.
2.2 What this application note describes
The application note describes the end to end relay tests of the RelaySimTest predefined line differential
protection template. Therefore it covers the following content of the test template.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Line differential protection (general information)
System under test
Test cases
Test sets configuration
The application note does not describe single end tests, wiring checks and parameter tests. To test the
protection thoroughly such tests are also recommended.
2.3 Line differential protection
A line differential protection system compares the current flowing into the protected area with the current
flowing out of the protected area. Under normal conditions there should be nearly no difference between this
currents. A high differential current (Idiff) indicates a fault on the line. The protection system should switch off
the line as fast as possible if a fault occurs.
Figure 1: Protection principle: no fault on the line (left); fault on the line (right)
Some effects like capacitive currents and measurement errors lead to a relatively small differential current
even if there is no fault. To prevent unwanted tripping due to these influences the protection system has to
be stabilized. For this reason many relays calculate a bias (or stabilization) current I bias. Depending on this a
relay operating characteristic defines which differential currents have to lead to a trip and which not.
© OMICRON 2015
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Figure 2: Example of a differential operating characteristic
The protected area is defined by the current transformer at the beginning and the end of the line. That
means a line differential protection system provides 100% selectivity for the line, but no back-up protection
for any other object. Faults outside of the protected area should not provoke a trip of the differential
protection system.
Figure 3: Protection principle - fault outside the protected area
Figure 4: Line differential protection system
Due to the fact that the line ends are distanced from each other, there has to be one relay on each end of
the line. For the comparison of the currents a communication between the ends is necessary. With this
communication the measured current values are transmitted to the relay at the remote end. This is often
realized by optical fiber. Two synchronized CMCs are necessary to test such a distributed system with two
ends (see chapter 5.1 ).
For more information about line differential protection see [2]
© OMICRON 2015
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3
System under Test
3.1 Application example – Protected line
The following figure shows the line with its line differential protection system that is used as example in the
RelaySimTest template.
A
CB A
3-pole
trip time = 50 ms
close time = 100 ms
Trip 110 V
Relay
A
Line Data
50 Hz
Solidly grounded system
110 kV
600 A
32,5 km
R‘ = 0.193 Ω/km
X‘ = 0.4 Ω/km
RN/R = 0.6
XN/X = 0.6
B
CB B
same as CB A
CL‘ = 0.0013 µF/km
CN‘ = 0.005 µF/km
CT A
600 A / 1 A
CT B
600 A / 1 A
communication connection
Trip 110 V
Relay
B
Figure 5: Application example - protected line (CT: current transformer, CB: circuit breaker)
The help menu of RelaySimTest shows the definition of CL and CN.
3.2 Settings of the System under Test menu in RelaySimTest
The parameter of the protected line, the protection concept and the substations with their bays and relays
according to the example (see chapter 3.1 ) are in the System under Test menu.
The number colors in Figure 6 correspond to the colors of Figure 5 to show where the different parameters
are defined.
Comments:
1. Protected line: The settings of this menu item use primary values. The menu item does not include the
definition of line capacitances. They are defined in the Model editor of the Test cases menu (see chapter
4.1 ).
2. Protection concept: The protection system uses telecommunication. 100% of the line length is
protected with a nominal trip time of 0 s to clear faults on the line.
3. Bay A and B: This menu contains the trip and close time of the circuit breaker (CB). With this
information the binary outputs of the CMC could simulate the behavior of the CB. However the test
template doesn’t use this feature. Furthermore the Bay menu item contains the sub menu Instrument
transformers that includes the CT direction setting (see Figure 7).
4. Relay A and B: This menu item contains the test voltage and current limits. Relay manuals specify a
voltage and a current that does not cause damage to the relay. The limits of RelaySimTest should be
adapted to the current and voltage limits of the relay manual. Nevertheless it is important to do breaks
between the tests to ensure that the relays are not stressed too much!
© OMICRON 2015
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Figure 6: System under test menu
Figure 7: Instrument transformers menu
© OMICRON 2015
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4
Test cases
Figure 8 shows the Test cases menu. It contains the tests with their corresponding grid topology (1), test
scenarios (2) and test steps (3). The next three chapter describe these menus referring to the test template
of the application note.
Figure 8: Test cases menu
4.1 Application example – Grid topology
The protected line of the application example is part of the grid that is shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9: Grid topology
© OMICRON 2015
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4.2 Suitable test cases
This chapter describes the test scenarios of the RelaySimTest template. They are realized in the
corresponding Design test scenario menu (see Figure 8 number 2). Figure 10 gives an overview of the
different test cases, while the chapters 4.2.1 to 4.2.4 describe them in detail. In all test cases the relay trip
command of relay A and B is observed. Chapter 4.3 describes how the measurement and assessment is
realized.
Figure 10: Suitable test cases (1: charging and load current, 2 and 3: fault on busbar, 4: fault on the protected line, 5: fault on the line
with small differential currents)
To keep the template simple, it uses only the following fault types:
>
>
>
L1-N
L2-L3
L1-L2-L3
All test cases with faults include these’ fault types. Depending on the relays under test, on the relay’s
parameter and on the grid where the protection system is used, it can be necessary to add more fault types.
The initial state of a fault is inactive to get transients in the beginning. The fault of test case 5 is an
exception, because high transient currents are not wanted for this test (see chapter 4.2.4 ).
Figure 11: Example for a fault with Initial state "Inactive"
© OMICRON 2015
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The nominal trip time of the differential protection is 0 s, therefore the simulation time after a fault or
switching event is at least 0.5 s. Hence the protection system has enough time to show its reaction on the
event.
Sometimes the behavior of the protection system depends on the prefault condition. For example it might be
different if there is a load current during the prefault state. However for this example this distinction is not
considered.
Some of the following test cases are used to test the protection system with particularly high currents (Test
case 2 to 4) and one is used to test it with particularly small currents (Test case 5). This is realized by using
certain fault conditions like a certain fault location, inception angle or fault resistance. For example the fault
resistance RF is set to 0 Ω in test cases where the fault currents should be high. However the impedances of
the infeeds are not changed. In a real grid these impedances vary due to the different grid topologies that
are used. For this reason those test cases which should lead to high currents can be further improved by
using the minimum infeed impedances of the real grid. On the other hand test cases which should lead to
small currents can be improved by using the maximum infeed impedances.
A Siemens 7SD610 relay system was used to test the RelaySimTest template that belongs to this
application note. For more information about this relay see number [4] of the bibliography.
4.2.1 Test Case 1 - Charging and load current
This test case should show that the differential protection does not trip, if the charging current of the line
capacitances flows and if a load current flows through the protected area.
>
First, the line is switched off – CBs on both sites are open.
Figure 12: Test case 1
>
Afterwards CB A is closed, while CB B remains open.
→ Due to the line capacitances a charging current flows.
The differential protection system measures this current as differential current, but it should not trip, because
there is no fault on the line.
>
>
After 0.5 s CB B is closed too.
The phase angle of infeed 2 is varied in 5 test steps between -20 and +20°, while the phase
angle of infeed 1 stays at 0°.
→ A load current flows due to the different phase angles of infeed 1 and 2. This current flows
through the protected line. There is no differential current (except the charging and
magnetization current). Therefore the differential protection is not allowed to trip.
© OMICRON 2015
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4.2.2 Test Case 2 and 3 – Single infeed, fault on busbar
These test cases should show that the differential protection does not trip, if a fault occurs outside of the
protected area.
>
>
In test case 2 a fault occurs on busbar A.
Only infeed 2 is modeled, it will feed the fault current that flows through the protected line.
Figure 13: Test case 2
>
>
>
In test case 3 a fault occurs on busbar B.
Only infeed 1 is modeled to feed the fault current.
The fault inception angle of both test cases is 0° to get high transients.
→ The fault current flows through the protected line. It differs between test case 2 and 3 due to the
different source impedances of infeed 1 and 2. There is no differential current (except the load
current). Therefore the differential protection is not allowed to trip.
4.2.3 Test Case 4 – Double Infeed, fault on line
This test case should show that a fault on the protected line leads to a trip of the differential protection.
The height of the fault current depends on the fault location. Hence the fault is placed on different Fault
locations.
>
>
Fault locations: 0%, 50%, 100% of the protected line.
The fault inception angle is 0° to get high transients.
Figure 14: Test case 4
→ A fault on the protected line leads to a differential current. Therefore the protection system has to
trip.
4.2.4 Test Case 5 – Single infeed, fault on line
This test case represents a fault on the line that is characterized by a particularly small differential current.
© OMICRON 2015
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>
>
>
Only infeed 2 is modeled to get a small differential current.
Infeed 2 is chosen, because it has a higher source impedance compared to infeed 1.
The fault is placed at the beginning of the line (fault location 0% of the protected line) to have a
high impedance from the system feeding the fault to its location (infeed 2, 100% of the protected
line).
Figure 15: Test case 5
>
>
A fault resistance of 5 Ohm is used to reduce the fault current. (Number [3] of the bibliography
shows how to estimate an arc resistance for a 110 kV grid.)
The initial state of the fault is “Active” to suppress transients.
→ The fault has to lead to a trip, because there is a fault inside of the protected area even if the
fault current is small.
4.3 Measurement and assessment
The Define measurements menu of the Test steps tab (see Figure 8 number 3) defines the start and stop
event for the trip time measurements.
>
>
>
>
The “start measuring event” is the beginning of a fault, if the fault has to lead to a trip.
The “start measuring event” is the beginning of the simulation (0s) for tests where the relays are
not allowed to trip.
In both cases the trip command is observed. Therefore the moment when the trip signal
becomes active is the “stop measuring event”.
The trip time is measured for relay A and B.
Figure 16: Measurement
© OMICRON 2015
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The Set assessment condition menu (next to the Define measurements menu) defines the assessment of
the test steps. For test points where the relays have to trip the option “Automatically obtain min/max time
grading set in System under test” is active to use the time assessment of the menu Protection concept
(see Figure 6 number 2). For those test points where the relay are not allowed to trip the option “No stop
event occurs” is the assessment condition.
Figure 17: Automatically obtain min/max
© OMICRON 2015
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5
Test sets configuration
5.1 Test setup
Due to the distribution of the protection system an end to end test of a line differential protection system with
two ends requires two CMCs. RelaySimTest offers the possibility to control both CMCs with one main
application via internet. For this reason two computers with internet access are necessary – one at the local
and one at the remote end. The local PC runs the RelaySimTest main application, the remote PC just a
proxy application which takes care of network connection issues and announces the test device to the
controlling software application at the other end. This proxy application is the OMICRON Test Set Remote
Agent. How to configure RelaySimTest and the Test Set Remote Agent for such an application is described
in the next chapter. Figure 18 illustrates the end to end test setup.
To perform a test the main application of RelaySimTest on the local PC calculates a fault scenario based on
the simulation of the power system network. It calculates the voltages and currents not only for its own end
but also for the remote end. The results are used for the end to end test where the main application controls
the local and the remote CMC.
To perform an end to end test for a line differential protection system synchronized injection of test currents
is necessary. The synchronization ensures that both test sets – the local and the remote one – start the test
at the same time. This is very important since any inaccuracy can result in an unwanted differential current
and thus in an unexpected relay behavior. For this reason RelaySimTest supports the use of CMGPS 588
an antenna-integrated GPS controlled time reference to synchronize the starting point of a CMC test
process. Each end needs its own CMGPS 588 (see Figure 18). It delivers a time signal using PTP (Precision
Time Protocol). For more information about PTP see [5].
Figure 18: Scheme of an end to end test
© OMICRON 2015
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5.2 The Test sets configuration in RelaySimTest and the Test Set Remote
Agent
This chapter expects that the test set up according to chapter 5.1 is already done:
>
>
>
>
>
The local PC is running RelaySimTest, the remote PC the Test Set Remote Agent.
Both have Internet access.
The wiring between the CMCs and the relays is already done.
The local and the remote CMC are already switched on and synchronized via CMGPS 588.
If the connections between the CMCs and the PCs are done by Ethernet, it has to be ensured
that both CMCs are associated to the local PC.
The Test sets configuration menu (local PC) defines the CMCs and their configuration used for the tests.
At first the test template includes two general CMCs as shown in Figure 19. The label on the left site of the
CMC icon shows that the first CMC belongs to substation A and the second one to substation B.
Figure 19: Test sets configuration menu of RelaySimTest (local PC)
After a click on the “Choose test set” button on the right site of the CMC icon, a new window opens and
offers the CMC that is connected to the local PC. A click on the local CMC selects it.
Figure 20: Local CMC is selected
The Test Set Remote Agent on the remote PC has to open an Internet session before RelaySimTest can
control the remote CMC. The upper part of the Test Set Remote Agent shows the remote CMC. If the correct
CMC is not already selected, it has to be chosen by using the “Change test set” button.
© OMICRON 2015
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A click on “Grant remote access” announces the remote CMC on an Internet server. After a short time the
Test Set Remote Agent displays a session ID for the Internet session. The software offers also the possibility
to use a session password, but this is optional.
Figure 21: Test set remote agent (remote PC)
© OMICRON 2015
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A click on “Connect to remote test set” in the Test sets configuration menu of RelaySimTest (local PC)
opens a window to enter the session ID from the remote end (see Figure 22).
Figure 22: Connect to remote test set (local PC)
Afterwards RelaySimTest displays both CMCs – the local and the remote one. Figure 23 illustrates this. The
test sets are ready for time synchronized injection due to the use of CMGPS 588. The green clock icon next
to the CMC icons indicate that.
Figure 23: Local and remote CMC connected to RelaySimTest
The Getting Started manual of RelaySimTest [1] describes how the wiring between the CMCs and the relays can be
configured in the Test sets configuration menu.
© OMICRON 2015
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6
Performing the test
Before a test is started it is strongly recommended to do a wiring check.
The execute buttons start the tests. There are different execute buttons - “Execute all” and “Execute
selected”. What they mean depends on the menu where they are:
>
>
If a test case is open a click on the “Execute selected” button executes only the selected test
step. A click on the “Execute all” button runs all test steps of the test case sequentially (see
Figure 25).
In contrast to this in the Test Manager menu the “Execute selected” button runs all selected test
cases, while “Execute all” runs all test cases (see Figure 25).
Figure 24: “Execute selected” and “Execute all” button for a certain test case.
Especially after tests with high currents it is meaningful to interrupt the test sequence with the Stop button.
This ensures breaks between the tests to avoid too much stress for the relays.
© OMICRON 2015
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Figure 25: “Execute selected” and “Execute all” button in the test manager menu.
© OMICRON 2015
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7
List of literature
[1] Getting Started with RelaySimTest; OMICRON electronics GmbH; 2014
[2] “Numerical Differential Protection: Principles and Applications”; second edition; Gerhard Ziegler;
Publicis MCD; 2012
[3] “Digitaler Distanzschutz: Grundlagen und Anwendungen”; second edition; Gerhard Ziegler;
Publicis MCD; 2008 (English version is also available)
[4] „SIPROTEC Differential Protection 7SD610 V4.6“, SIEMENS
[5] “Implementation and Transition Concepts for IEEE 1588 Precision Timing in IEC 61850
Substation Environments”; B. Baumgartner, C. Riesch, M. Rudigier; OMICRON electronics
GmbH
© OMICRON 2015
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