Switchgear & Protection

Muhammad Asad Rahman

Lecturer, Dept. of EEE, CUET

http://asad31.webs.com

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NUMERICAL RELAYS
(Digital / Microprocessor based Relay)

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 Numerical Relays

Numerical relay is the relay in which the measured AC

quantities are sequentially sampled and converted into numerical
data that is mathematically and/or logically processed to make
trip decisions.

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Numerical Relays

This is actually the digital relay as a unit for which

manufacturers has developed standardized hardware, which can
be used in conjunction with suitably developed software to meet
variety of production requirements and applications. This relay
may have multifunction features.

Typically 12 to 32 samples per fundamental power system

cycle of input quantities are used depending on the particular
relay design. From these samples numerical relays calculates
root-mean-square values of the input quantities by using different
type of digital filters. These RMS values are then typically
processed by different protective functions (i.e. phase and ground
over-current).

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 FEATURES
Compact design and lower cost due to integration of many
functions into one relay
High availability even with less maintenance due to integral
self-monitoring
No drift (aging) of measuring characteristics due to fully
numerical processing
High measuring accuracy due to digital filtering and
optimized measuring algorithms
Many integrated add-on functions, for example, for load-
monitoring and event/fault recording
Local operation keypad and display designed to modern
ergonomic criteria (Menu-driven human interfaces)
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FEATURES
Easy and secure read-out of information via serial interfaces
with a PC, locally or remotely
Communication with Substation Automation System
Low power consumption
Easy modification to tripping characteristics, either changes in
conventional setting or shaping of entirely new block/trip regions,
could be made by updating software from a remote computer
terminal

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 Basic Structure or Components
A digital relay can be thought of as
comprising three fundamental
subsystems:
i. a signal conditioning subsystem
ii. a conversion subsystem
iii. a digital processing relay
subsystems

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Hardware
Digital relay comprises both hardware and software. The
hardware is described briefly here.
CPU: responsible for processing the protection algorithms
including digital filtering
Memory: made up of two memory components:
RAM (random access memory) which has various functions,
including retaining the incoming data which is input to the CPU and
is necessary for storing information during the compilation of the
protection algorithm.
ROM (read only memory) which is used for storing programs
permanently.

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 Hardware
Input module: the analogue signals from the substation are captured
and stepped down through CTs and PTs and sent to the relay unit which
has the following parts:
Analogue filters: These are active low pass filters that eliminate any
background noise which has been induced in the line. The output of the
filter is given to the sample and hold (S/H) circuit.
S/H: An S/H circuit, which has sample mode and hold mode, is used to
keep the instantaneous value of the rapidly varying analog signal constant
during the conversion period.
Multiplexer and Analog to Digital (A/D) converter: The CPU accepts
signals in digital form. An A/D converter is used to convert analog signals
into digital forms. If more than one analog quantity is to be converted into
digital form by using one A/D converter, analog multiplexers are used to
select any one analog quantity at a time for A/D conversion.

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Hardware
Output Module: conditions the CPU response signals and sends
them to the external elements which they control, e.g. auxiliary
relay unit. It is made up of a digital output which generates a
pulse as a response signal, and a signal conditioner which
amplifiers (after D/A conversion) and isolates that pulse.
Digital Input/Communication Module: contains series and
parallel ports to permit the interconnection of the protection
relays with the control and communication systems of the
substation.

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 Numerical/Digital Relay as a Unit

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Software
Figure shows the flow chart for the software of a typical
digital relay.
The software (and algorithm used) is influenced by two
major factors:
i. Operating principles and performance required
ii. Digital filtering
The first factor greatly affects the determination of the
sampling frequency, type of hardware structure and
the data input hardware.
Sub harmonics, as well as high harmonic components in
the input data can cause false tripping , failure to trip
and variation of protective relay performance. The
second factor handles these problems.
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 Algorithms
Different types of algorithms have been developed for digital
protection applications and these may be broadly classified as
follows:
a) Sinusoidal waveform-based algorithms
Sample and first derivatives
First and second derivatives
Two sample techniques
Three-sample techniques

b) Fourier and Walsh-based techniques

c) Least-square methods
d) Solution of the differential equations of a protected-system
Model
e) Traveling-wave-based methods
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Operating Algorithm of a
Digital time-Overcurrent Relay
1) The current signal i(n) is filtered.
2) An appropriate algorithm derives a
variable proportional to the amplitude
of current.
3) The condition for operation is
checked, i.e. whether the variable
proportional to the amplitude exceeds
the setting.
4) If condition in (3) is true, the timing
unit is excited. The delay depends on
the time/current characteristics chosen
for the particular device.
5) The relay trips as soon as the time
condition of (4) is fulfilled.
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 METERING AND RECORDING
Metering and Monitoring
The following power system data is an
example of what is measured
continuously and displayed on the
LCD, on the relay fascia, at the local
PC, and the remote PC when connected.
- Voltage
(phase, phase to phase, symmetrical
components)
- Currents
(phase, phase to phase, symmetrical
components)
- Active power and reactive power
- Frequency

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METERING AND RECORDING

Event Record
Events recorded are as follows.
- Tripping operations
- Alarms
- Change of state of binary inputs/outputs
- Change of relay setting
- Failure detected by automatic supervision
- Other events defined by user

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 METERING AND RECORDING
Fault Record
A relay trip initiates fault recording. The
fault record is available on the relay
fascia LCD and at a local or remote PC.

Fault records include the following data:

- Date and time of trip operation.
- Operating phase.
- Protection scheme responsible for trip.
- Measured current data.

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Comparison

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 Application Example

Figure shows a typical substation with NPR in an electrical distribution system

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Application Example

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 Application Example

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SUMMARY

Following topics have been covered:

An introduction to Numerical Relay

Features of Numerical Relay
Basic structure of Numerical Relay
Concept of hardware & software used for Numerical Relay
Comparison among different types of relay
Various application examples about Numerical Relay

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 The End

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