Applications - SIPROTEC - Complete - en (Part 1 of 4)
Applications - SIPROTEC - Complete - en (Part 1 of 4)
Applications - SIPROTEC - Complete - en (Part 1 of 4)
2005
Contents
Line Protection in Distributions Systems
Applications for
SIPROTEC Protection Relays
2005
Page
3
7
11
21
31
37
47
53
59
63
67
69
73
117
121
135
Transformer Protection
Protection of a Three-Winding Transformer
Protection of a Transformer with Tap Changer
Protection of an Autotransformer
143
153
159
Motor Protection
Protection of a Motor up to 200 kW
169
Generator Protection
Protection of a Medium-Sized Generator up to 5 MW
System Solutions for Protecting Medium and Large
Power Station Units
Protection of Medium-Sized and Large Generators
with SIPROTEC 7UM6
Unit Protection System for Pumped-Storage Power
Stations
179
187
193
207
Busbar Protection
Application of Low-Impedance 7SS601 Busbar
Differential Protection
Basic Busbar Protection by Reverse Interlocking
Siemens AG 2005
213
223
LSP2318.eps
Protection of Combined
Cable and Overhead Lines
LSP2689en.tif
>AR block
(FNo. 2703)
4.2.1 Version 1
4.2.2 Version 2
Fig. 5 Distance protection with zone Z1B and the instantaneous high-current tripping
The task of the instantaneous high-current element (instantaneous high-current switch-ontofault) is to perform tripping immediately and
without delay when a feeder is closed onto a
high-current short-circuit. It serves primarily as
fast-acting protection when connecting an
earthed feeder, but can also become effective
(settable) with every closing including autoreclosure. The connection of the line is reported
to the protection by the detection of the circuitbreaker position(parameter 1134).
In order to make use of the instantaneous highcurrent tripping, the function must have been enabled in the relay scope configuration. The value
of the short-circuit current which leads to pickup
of the instantaneous tripping function is set as
I>>> value (parameter 2404). The value must be
high enough to avoid the protection tripping
(whatever the circumstances) in the event of a line
overload or current increase e.g. as a result of a
brief interruption on a parallel line.
n 5. Summary:
By division into two distance protection zones
(Z1B and Z4), selection of the cable and overhead
line sections for double-end feeding in the event
of a fault is substantially simplified. In the practical application the auto-reclosure function can
only be performed restricted to the overhead line.
A fault in the cable section leads immediately to a
final TRIP command.
As shown, special requirements (such as selection
of the faulty line section) can be implemented
easily and at low cost with the CFC logic in the
SIPROTEC distance protection.
LSP2690en.tif
>AR block
(FNo. 2703)
n 1. Introduction
Liberalized energy markets are demanding new solutions for the operation of electrical systems. This
publication describes an application in which the
availability of power supply of a switchgear or plant
can be improved considerably by switching over
from a faulty to a redundant incoming supply. The
influence of external system faults is minimized decisively by fast disconnection of faulty system parts
and switchover from a faulty to a trouble-free infeed. These automation tasks can be accomplished
today with modern SIPROTEC protection relays
without the need for further equipment.
n 2. Influential variables of system availability
Power Qualitycovers all the properties of an
electrical power supply. Power quality can be further subdivided into voltage quality and system
reliabilityas shown in Fig. 2. The latter is closely
linked with an adequatepower supply and the
security of the supply. Only the system reliability
is looked at in detail below.
Power
Quality
System
Reliability
Voltage
Quality
LSP2587.tif
The reliability of an electrical system is determined by a number of factors. These include the
reliability of every single item of equipment, the
kind and method of connection of the equipment,
i.e. the system topology, the properties of the protection relays, the remote control equipment, the
dimensioning of the equipment, the method of
operation including troubleshooting, and the system load capacity. The most frequently applied
qualitative criterion in power system planning is
(n-1), with which a system can be checked for
sufficient redundancy.
It requires that the system must be able to survive
failure of any item of equipment without impermissible restriction of its function. The (n-1) criterion is a pragmatic and easy-to-handle basis for
decision but has the disadvantage that the supply
reliability cannot be quantified. Frequency, duration and scope of interruptions in the supply are
not measured, with the result that it is not possible
(for example) to distinguish between different
(n-1)-safe system variants in terms of reliability.
Quantitative methods of system reliability analysis
allow further evaluation of planning and operating variants supplementary to the qualitative
methods. The supply quality is quantified by suitable parameters and thus enables a comparative
assessment of different (n-1) reliable planning and
operation variants (for example). This allows a
specific estimate of the costs and benefits of individual solutions in system planning and operation.
2.
Overlap switchover
Both circuit-breakers are actuated almost
simultaneously
Rapid switchover
Circuit-breaker 1 is opened and circuit-breaker 2
closed as long as the voltage is below U motor
rundown behavior is taken into account
Slow switchover
Motors must have run down, or else be switched
back on as from a certain residual voltage, the
reason being high start-up current of the motor
groups; this possibility should be rare.
3.2 Description
The desired configuration can be selected as nor mal operationwith the preselector switch S100.
The selected circuit-breaker remains defined as
normally OPEN. This open circuit-breaker is
considered as a backup in the event of a fault
which can then supply the faulty, disconnected
busbar section with energy again. Each circuitbreaker operates autarchically and is controlled by
one single multifunction relay.
c)
If the disconnector is closed in the troublefree incoming feeder and the parallel supply is
released (2 releases), the circuit-breaker is
closed, either at synchronicity or if there is no
voltage on the busbar. Disconnection of the
faulty incoming feeder and switch-in of the
substitute incoming feeder can be coordinated by the timer T1 (overlap time).
By setting the post-fault time with timer T2,
the maximum permissible time interval is
specified which may pass between connection
and the last satisfied synchronization condition.
LSP2586.tif
n 4. Summary
Multifunction relays which also assume control
and protection duties for the switchgear or plant
are highly attractive due to their greater flexibility.
There is considerable interest in solutions for protection against outages that would otherwise bring
whole factories to a standstill. Therefore this solution has the potential for use in both the low and
the medium-voltage sector.
Automatic switchover based exclusively on
SIPROTEC 4 relays represents an attractive alternative to existing products in terms of both investment volume and engineering effort. The necessary functions are available. The integrated logic
can be used to great advantage for the parameterization (by means of a CFC logic editor) of automatic switchover in the relays.
10
11
ANSI
NI
t=
0.14
Tp
( I / I p )0 . 02 1
8.9341
t=
+ 0.17966 D
2 . 0938
1
(I / Ip )
VI
t=
13.5
Tp
(I / Ip ) 1
3.922
t=
+ 0.0982 ) D
2
(I / Ip ) 1
EI
t=
80
Tp
( I / I p )2 1
5.64
t=
+ 0.02434 D
2
(I / Ip ) 1
LI
t=
120
Tp
(I / Ip ) 1
5.6143
t=
+ 2.18592 D
(I / Ip ) 1
t
Tp
I
Ip
= Tripping time
= Setting value of the time multiplier
= Fault current
= Setting value of the current
Fig. 3
Definite and
inverse-time
characteristics
12
13
Setting range
Setting
Ip = 0.1 4 A
Tp = 0.05 3.2 s
Ip = 1.8 A
Tp = 0.05 s
Ip_mi = 2.3 kA
Is_mi = 15.8 kA
Ip_ma = 7.8 kA
Is_ma = 18.2 kA
Band 1
Fig. 7 Time-grading
diagram, inverse-time NI
15
Setting range
Setting
Ip = 0.1 4 A
Tp = 0.05 3.2 s
Ip = 1.8 A
Tp = 0.15 s
Ip_mi = 2.3 kA
Is_mi = 15.8 kA
Ip_ma = 7.8 kA
Is_ma = 18.2 kA
Band 1
Fig. 8 Time-grading
diagram, inverse-time VI
16
Setting range
Setting
Ip = 0.1 4 A
Tp = 0.05 3.2 s
Ip = 1.8 A
Tp = 0.45 s
Ip_mi = 2.3 kA
Is_mi = 15.8 kA
Ip_ma = 7.8 kA
Is_ma = 18.2 kA
Band 1
Fig. 9 Time-grading
diagram, inverse-time EI
17
Setting range
Setting
Ip = 0.1 4 A
Tp = 0.05 3.2 s
Ip = 1.8 A
Tp = 0.05 s
Ip_mi = 2.3 kA
Is_mi = 15.8 kA
Ip_ma = 7.8 kA
Is_ma = 18.2 kA
Band 1
Fig. 10
Time-grading diagram,
very inverse, with
setting like normal
inverse
18
Setting range
Setting
Ip = 0.1 4 A
Tp = 0.05 3.2 s
Ip = 1.8 A
Tp = 0.05 s
Ip_mi = 2.3 kA
Is_mi = 15.8 kA
Ip_ma = 7.8 kA
Is_ma = 18.2 kA
Band 1
Fig. 11
Time-grading diagram,
extremely inverse, with
setting like normal inverse
19
Ip x IN
Tp (s)
Characteristics
1.8
0.05
1.8
0.15
1.8
0.45
Table 2
Conclusion
The steeper the slope of the characteristic the
lower the tripping time with maximum fault
current. The safe grading time from the HV
HRC characteristic becomes smaller. The coordination shown here of the protection devices is
only part of the power system and must be
adapted to the concept of the overall power system with all protection relays.
Note:
In this example there was no setting of I>>, because the inverse-time characteristics themselves
trip in the 0.2 s range in the event of the maximum or minimum 20 kV side fault.
7. Summary
This application example demonstrates the engineering effort necessary to achieve a selective time
grading.
Real power systems are more complex and equipped with various protection relays. Whatever the
circumstances, it is necessary to know the operating mode of the power system (parallel, generator,
meshing, spur lines etc) as well as to calculate the
rated and short-circuit currents. It is worth the effort for the protection engineer because the objective is to lose only the faulty part of the power system.
SIGRADE software effectively supports grading
calculations. Power system planning and time
grading calculation is also offered by Siemens.
8. References
Gnther Seip: Elektrische Installationstechnik
Siemens: Manual for Totally Integrated Power
Catalog HG12: HV HRC Fuses
Ip = 1.8
Ip = 1.8
Tp = 0.05
Tp = 0.05
See Fig. 10
See Fig. 11
Table 3
20
Medium-Voltage Protection
with Auto-Reclosure and
Control
n 1. Introduction
An important protection criterion in mediumvoltage applications is overcurrent-time protection. Hardware redundancy can be dispensed with
in favor of lower-cost solutions, thanks to numerical technology and the high reliability of the
SIPROTEC 4 protection relays. The SIPROTEC 4
protection relays also allow functions which go
beyond the basic scope of protection:
n
n
n
Unbalanced load (negative-sequence) protection, motor protection functions, circuitbreaker failure protection,...
Other voltage-dependent protection functions
such as voltage protection, directional
overcurrent protection
Auto-reclosure
Control, including interlocking
Integration in a control system
R_HA25-328.tif
n 2. Protection concept
2.1 Overcurrent-time protection
The task of overcurrent-time protection is to detect
the feeder currents, in order to initiate tripping by
the circuit-breaker in the event of overcurrent. Selectivity is achieved here by current grading or time
grading. The phase currents IL1, IL2 and IL3 and the
earth current IE serve as measuring variables here.
(Non-directional) overcurrent-time protection is
used in medium-voltage power systems with
single-end infeed or as backup protection in
high-voltage applications.
21
Time
Here a protection relay initiates tripping immediately or with an adjustable delay time. Since
the power system fault is usually detected by a
number of protection relays in the power
system, the protection relay with the shortest
delay time initiates tripping. The delay times in
the individual protection relays are defined such
that the short-circuit is cleared by the protection relay closest to the fault.
Current
Another grading criterion may be the magnitude of the short-circuit current itself. Since the
size of the short-circuit current cannot be determined exactly in pure line or cable systems, this
method is used for grading of transformers. The
transformer limits the short-circuit current resulting in different magnitudes of short-circuit
current on the high and low-voltage side.
This behavior is utilized to achieve selectivity in
tripping, as is attained in time grading.
t=
Extremely inverse
t=
135
.
T
(I I p ) 1 p
80
(I I )
Long inverse
t=
Tp
120
T
(I I p ) 1 p
Fig. 2
2-stage definite-time
overcurrent characteristic
(I>>, I>)
22
23
Example:
Transformer in the infeed of a busbar with the following data:
SNT = 4 MVA
Uk = 10 %
UN1 = 33 kV
UN2 = 11 kV
Dy 5
earthed
250 MVA
24
LSP2682.tif
LSP2683.tif
LSP2684.tif
25
LSP2686.tif
LSP2561en.tif
LSP2687.tif
26
LSP2564.tif
n 4. Further functions
As already described in Chapter 2, a number of
additional functions can be configured in the
SIPROTEC 4 relays. Apart from further protection functions, these also include control tasks for
the feeder. All SIPROTEC 4 relays (e.g. 7SJ61 and
7SJ62) have 4 freely assignable function keys F1 to
F4 which simplify frequently required operations.
These function keys can take the user directly to
the display window for measured values, or to
fault event logs for example. If the relay is also to
be used for feeder control, these keys can be used
for controlling the circuit-breaker. The key F1
then selects the ON command for example, key F2
the OFF command and key F3 executes the selected command (two-stage command output).
LSP2299.eps
LSP2565.tif
LSP2316.eps
27
n 5. Connection examples
5.1 Current and voltage transformers
Connection of the protection relays to the
switchgear depends on the number of switching
objects (circuit-breakers, disconnectors) and current and voltage transformers. Normally at least
three current transformers are available per feeder
which are connected to the protection relay as follows.
In some systems, also the earth current is measured by a core-balance current transformer. This
can be connected to the protection relay separately. A core-balance current transformer achieves greater accuracy (sensitivity) for low earth
currents.
28
LEDs
LED1
LED2
LED3
LED4
LED5
LED6
LED7
TRIP command
PICKUP L1
PICKUP L2
PICKUP L3
PICKUP E
MV monitoring
Not used
n 6. Summary
SIPROTEC 4 protection relays are suitable for almost any application due to their modular hardware structure and the flexible scope of functions.
A suitable relay with the necessary scope can be
selected in line with requirements. Factory parameterization is oriented to typical applications
and can often be adopted with only small modifications. In the parameter setting with DIGSI, all
unnecessary parameters are hidden so that clarity
is much improved.
LSP2688.tif
The assignment can be changed and the protection parameters set conveniently with the
DIGSI 4 operating program. The parameterizat- ion data can then be saved and copied
conveniently as a basis for further feeders.
29
30
Differential Protection of
Cables up to 12 km via
Pilot Wires
(Relay Type: 7SD600)
n 2. Protection concept
The 7SD600 digital differential protection relay
provides short-circuit protection for cables and
overhead lines in power supply systems, independent of the system star-point configuration. It
works according to the conventional 2-conductors
principle. Here, the phase currents at the two lineends are with the help of summation current
transformers added up to one summation current. These are then transformed by voltage dividers into proportional voltages, which are fed with
reversed polarity to two pilot wires. The resultant
voltage difference finally produces a current,
which represents the determinant tripping magnitude for both relays. Because of its rigorous local
selectivity (the protection range is limited by current transformers at both ends of the line), differential protection is generally applied as an
instantaneous main protection since no other
protection can disconnect the line more quickly
and selectively.
2.1 Differential protection (ANSI 87L)
2.1.1 Principle and current transformer
connection
The differential protection function of the 7SD600
recognizes short-circuits in the protection range
by comparing the summation currents detected at
both ends of the line. In order to do this, the secondary phase currents from the primary current
transformers are fed with variable weighting
(number of windings) into the summation current transformer which combines them to produce a summation current.
LSP2001.eps
n 1. Introduction
Line differential protection systems make it possible to protect cables or overhead lines selectively
and as fast as possible in the event of a shortcircuit. The application domain of the SIPROTEC
7SD600 described here is predominantly in the
medium-voltage sector if either the tripping times
of graded overcurrent-time protection relays become too great, or if distance protection relays are
no longer able to guarantee the desired selectivity.
31
L1-L2-L3 (sym.)
W/ 3
I1 for IM = 20 mA
1.0
1 x IN
L1-L2
1.15
0.87 x IN
L2-L3
0.58
1.73 x IN
L3-L1
0.58
1.73 x IN
L1-E
2.89
0.35 x IN
L2-E
1.73
0.58 x IN
L3-E
2.31
0.43 x IN
The selected summation current transformer connection must be implemented identically at both
ends of the line to avoid false tripping.
32
Fig. 5 Restraint characteristic of the differential protection drawn with a default of IDiff> = 1.0 IN Line
IDiff
= |I1 + I2|
IRestraint = |I1| + |I2|
= Current at local line end, positive flowing into line
I1
= Current at remote end, positive flowing into line
I2
IN Line = Line rated current
33
The 7SD600 is notable for its few setting parameters, which allow it to be configured quickly and
easily. Pilot-wire monitoring is the only function
that can be activated (or deactivated) under
Scope of the device, provided the relay has been
ordered with this option. This must be activated.
3.1 System /line data
The parameters defined by the primary equipment
are set under the system/line dataheading (see
Fig. 7). These include network frequency, current
transformer ratio and minimum circuit-breaker
activation time in the event of protective tripping.
In order to better match the differential protection characteristic, the protection parameters are
referred to the line rated current; this must be input at this point and must imperatively be the
same in both relays. As already described above,
the resistance of the pilot-wire connection is required for correct calculation of the current value
at the remote end. This can be calculated either
from the pilot-wire connection data sheets or can
be measured within the context of commissioning
by the relay itself in accordance with the instructions in the manual. This value must subsequently
be entered here. Finally, the lock-out function can
be switched either on or off at this point. The activated lock-out function requires an acknowledgement of the TRIP command via the acknowledgement button on the relay or by the setting of a
binary input, e.g. by using an external switch.
34
LSP2746.tif
IC = 3.63 10-6 UN fN CB s
IC
UN
fN
C B
s
LSP2658en.tif
35
LSP2659en.tif
LSP2660en.tif
LSP2692.tif
36
n 4. Summary
Undelayed and at the same time rigorously selective protection of cables and lines reduces the
consequences of unavoidable power system disturbances. For one this means protection of the
equipment, and secondly a contribution to a maximized level of supply security.
A differential protection system consisting of two
SIPROTEC 7SD600 relays and the associated
summation current transformers offers comprehensive protection of cables and overhead lines.
Extensive additional functions allow trouble-free
connection of the relays and integration into complex power system protection grading.
The default settings of the relay are selected in
such a way, that the user only has to configure the
known cable and primary transformer data. Many
of the preset values can be taken over with no
problem and thus substantially reduce effort involved in parameterization and setting.
Differential Protection of
Cables via Fiber Optics
(Relay Type: 7SD610)
n
n
n
n
n
LSP2638.tif
n 1. Introduction
The ever higher load imposed on primary equipment requires it to be protected in a selective
manner and fast fault clearing in case of a shortcircuit, in order to minimize possible consequential damage resulting from faults. For overhead
lines and cables this requirement is met by line
differential protection relays.
A full example of how to set SIPROTEC 4 7SD610
protection relays for a power cable in the distribution network is described, in addition to notes on
design.
n 2. Protection concept
The 7SD610 numerical differential protection relay is a modern short-circuit protection relay for
cables and overhead lines in power supply system.
Due to rigorous local selectivity the protected
zone is limited at both ends of the line section
power system topology and voltage levels play no
role. Furthermore, the star-point conditioning of
the current network is of no significance as current comparison takes place per phase and thus
variable weightings for different faults as they
occurred in the conventional summation current
transformer differential protection process are
nowadays unimportant. Due to its selectivity, the
differential protection is generally set as an undelayed, instantaneous main protection since no
other protection can disconnect the line more
quickly and selectively.
37
In order to ensure reliable operation of the differential protection system, the current transformers
deployed must comply with the following
requirements:
n
1st condition:
When the maximum short-circuit current is
flowing through, current transformers may not
be saturated in steady state.
I
n' Kd max
I N prim
2nd condition:
The operating overcurrent factor n' must be at
least 30 or a saturation-free time t'AL of min
period is ensured
n' 30 or t'AL period
3rd condition:
Maximum mutual ratio of the current transformer primary rated currents at the ends of the
object to be protected
I prim max
8
I prim min
38
n 3. Setting example:
As an example, the settings of the 7SD610 relays
are described, such as are intended to protect a
20 kV single-core XLPE cable of type N2XS(F)2Y
1x120RM/16 with a length of 9.5 km. The cable
rated current is 317 A, on side 1 a new 400 A/1 A,
10P10, 5 VA current transformer is used, and an
existing 300 A/5 A, 10P20, 30 VA current transformer is located at the remote end. The maximum short-circuit current flowing through is
12.7 kA.
39
n = 44.6
and for transformer 2
n = 97.1.
These values must now be greater than or equal
to the required overcurrent factors in order to be
able to transmit the maximum through-flowing
short-circuit current at a level of 12.7 kA in a
saturation-free manner.
PN + Pi
P'+ Pi
Equation 1
n
n
PN
Pi
P
Equation 2
If Ri (the transformers secondary winding inner
resistance) is unknown, the estimation of
Pi = 20 % PN is a good approximation. To arrive
at the actually connected burdens, all burdens
connected to the transformer core must be added.
In this example, it is assumed that only the burdens of the protection relay (0.05 VA for relay
rated current of 1 A, 0.3 VA for relay rated current of 5 A) and the incoming feeder cable load
are concerned.
2 Cu l Line
aLine
Equation 3
PLine
Cu
lLine
aLine
40
LSP2661.tif
It is clear from equation 2, that with a secondary-side transformer rated current of 5 A, an incoming feeder cable load 25 times higher appears
than for 1 A.
LSP2662.tif
Next, three parameters must be set. These characterize the current transformer in terms of its characteristic progression and also define differential
protection sensitivity.
Transformer Standard
class
5P
1.0 %
60 min
5%
1.50
1)
3.0 %
10.0 %
3.0 %
10 %
1.50
1)
5.0 %
15.0 %
0.5 %
30 min
10 %
1.50
1)
1.0 %
15.0 %
IEC 60044-1
10P
TPX
IEC 60044-1
Transformation Angle
Address 254
TPY
1.0 %
30 min
10 %
1.50
1)
3.0 %
15.0 %
TPZ
1.0 %
180 min
18 min
10 %
(only I )
1.50
1)
6.0 %
20.0 %
TPS
IEC 60044-1
BS: Class X
1.50
1)
3.0 %
10.0 %
C100 to
C800
ANSI
1.50
1)
5.0 %
15.0 %
41
LSP2663.tif
42
IC = 3.63 10-6 UN fN CB s
IC
UN
fN
C B
s
LSP2664.tif
43
LSP2666.tif
Under the concept of "differential protection topologythe relays must now be assigned the iden tification number n. This differential protection
system consists of two 7SD610 relays. One of the
two relays must be set as relay 1, the other as
relay 2. The difference lies in that the absolute
chronology management of the system conforms
to relay 1. Relay 2 adjusts itself accordingly and
consequently the time data of both relays is always
comparable. Since both the relays could also be
linked to each other via a digital communication
network in which more than one differential protection system is communicating, each relay can
in addition have a relay identification number assigned to it. This may only be used once in the
communication network. Both these addresses
must be set identically in both relays. In our example of a direct fiber-optic link, no adaptation of
the identification numbers is necessary.
44
th k I N
dt th
I max
IN
LSP2668.tif
LSP2667.tif
The settings in the Power system data 2(differential protection function, R2R interfaces, instantaneous switch-onto-fault and overload) are identical for both relays and need not be changed. The
definite-time overcurrent-time function settings
are dependent on power system topology and
must therefore be checked. If the relays are connected to a substation control system or RTU, the
respective relay addresses must be checked.
45
n 4. Connection example
Generally, connection of three phase current
transformers to the 7SD610 in Holmgreen circuit
is recommended in accordance with Fig. 12. This
allows the differential protection to work with the
three directly measured phase currents. For other
protection functions (e.g. definite-time
overcurrent-time protection), an earth current
summated from the three phase currents is available. If there are higher demands for the accuracy
of the earth current, a core-balance current transformer can also be connected to the 7SD610 IE input (Fig. 13). In this case the modified transformation ratio for this input must be entered via parameter 221 in Power system data 1
transformer data.
n 5. Summary
The instantaneous and at the same time selective
protection of cables and lines reduces the consequences of unavoidable power system disturbances. For one this means protection of equipment,
secondly it contributes to maximizing supply
security.
A differential protection system consisting of two
SIPROTEC 7SD610 relays provides comprehensive safeguarding of cables and overhead lines.
Built-in emergency and backup protection functions as well as extensive additional facilities
allow problem-free connection of the relay and
integration in complex power system protection
grading schemes, without the need for any
additional equipment.
The preset values on the relay are selected in such
a way that the user only has to set the known cable
and primary transformer data. Many of the preset
values can be taken over without difficulty, thereby reducing the effort involved in parameterization and setting.
46
Thermal Overload
Protection of Cables
LSP2299-eps
n 1. Introduction
Failure of underground cables can be costly and
time consuming to repair. Protection systems are
designed to protect cables from the high current
levels present under fault conditions. However,
the temperature rise due to extended overload
conditions is just as likely to cause cable failure. As
the trend in power system operations is to utilize
equipment as close to operating limits as possible,
the importance of protecting equipment against
thermal overloads becomes more critical.
d
+ = I2
dt
with = =
max
BUIS085.eps
Thermal overload protection calculates the temperature of the conductor based on specific conductor data and the current present in the circuit,
and is used to protect conductors from damage
due to extended overloads. In this application example thermal overload protection of underground cables only is described.
Fig. 1
max
op = amb + max 1 e
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Fig. 2 shows the operating temperature of the cable as a function of time and overload. With no
load, the conductor is at its ambient temperature.
If an overload equivalent to the maximum rated
current is added at some time, the temperature of
the cable will approach max following the exponential
t
1e .
The conductor temperature due to a current overload, starting from no-load conditions, has the
same characteristic as shown in Fig. 2, with max
becoming op, and IMAX becoming ILoad. However,
when the conductor already has some load present, the characteristic of the operating temperature changes. The conductor will heat up the cable
to some steady state temperature. When an overload is added, the final temperature of the cable is
calculated as if the cable was at normal operating
temperature. However, the starting point of the
second (overload) characteristic will coincide with
the steady state temperature of the normal load.
This is illustrated in Fig. 3.
12.47 kV
500 MCM shielded
copper cable
Conductor temperature: 90 C
Ambient temperature:
20 C
Configuration:
3 circuits duct bank
From conductor tables, the ampacity for 90 C
copper conductor at 20 ambient temperature
with 3 circuits in duct bank is 360 amps. The
emergency overload operating temperature for
90 C-cable is 130 C. From Table 1, at 20 C am bient temperature, the ampacity rating factor is
1.18.
Therefore,
360 A x 1.18 = 424.8 A maximum continuous current
n 3. Calculation of settings
There are two required settings for thermal overload protection, the k factor, and the thermal time
constant . is specific to the properties of the cable. The k factor relates the maximum continuous
current rating of the cable to the relay.
3.1 Maximum continuous current of cable
The maximum continuous current rating of the
cable is used in determining the k factor setting,
and may be used in determining the setting for .
This current depends on the cross-section, insulating material, cable design, and conductor configuration. Cable manufacturers may specify the
maximum continuous current rating of their cable. If the rating is not available, it is possible to
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