GE Drive Systems

1501 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA 24153

MARK V GENERATOR SYNCHRONIZATION DESCRIPTION

1. GENERAL:
This document briefly describes the Generator Synchronization functions used
on the Mark V Turbine Control System.
2. HARDWARE:
The Mark V Generator Synchronization hardware is summarized in attached
sketch TMD900103. The breaker close coil is energized only if all three relays
25, 25P, and 25X are energized. The 2SP relay is a permissive function,
meaning that the Turbine has been started, reached complete sequence,breaker open,
etc. It is driven from three redundant controllers (R, S, T) with the result being
voted in a two out of three fashion. The sketch only shows one (i.e. R) of the three
controllers; the other two controllers are identical. The 25X relay is also
driven from the three redundant controllers and performs the "synch check"
function. The 25 relay is driven from three redundant protection boards
(X,Y,Z), independent from the three controllers. Only one of these protection
boards (X) is shown on the sketch. This relay is the last relay to close when
performing an autosynch operation and includes the breaker time anticipation
function.
The above description is for a TMR (triple module redundant system). When
applied to a "SIMPLEX" system, only one controller is supplied (R) ;
accordingly, the redundancy of three controllers on the "25X" and the
"25P"relays is lost, ie. <R> only controls these relays. However the "25"
check relay is still controlled from three redundant protection boards <X>,
<Y>, and <Z>.
Note from the sketch that normally open contact on the breaker is connected
to the hardware for measurement of the breaker closure time delay. This time
will be available for display and will be used for self adaptive adjustment of
the breaker time anticipation constant, and diagnostics.
3. CONTROL:
SYNCHRONIZING MODES:
There are three basic synchronizing modes. Traditionally, these modes were
selected from a Generator Panel mounted selector switch. On the Mark V
system, they may be selected either from external contacts or from a CRT screen
(option).
These modes are as follows:
(a) OFF: Breaker will not be closed by the Mark V control.
(b) MANUAL: Operator initiated breaker close, where the synch check relay
(25X) is still a permissive; The manual close may be initiation from either an
external contact (Generator panel, 52G/CS) or an internal soft Push Button
on a CRT screen; this is an option.
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GE Drive Systems

1501 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA 24153

Another option allows for a synchronizing lockout if the operator attempts

to close outside of the synch check relay range.
(c)

AUTO: the system will automatically match voltage and speed, and then close
the breaker at the appropriate time to hit top dead center on the synchroscope.
All three of the following functions must agree for this
closure to occur: 25X -- synch check relay
25 -- auto synch relay
25P -- synch sequencing
AUTO mode has a sub-mode, which is defined as "SYNCH MONITOR. It is
selectable, ON and OFF, from the GENSYNCH display on the CRT. When in this
mode, all of the automatic calculations and control functions, including voltage
and speed matching, are performed; however the breaker closure is inhibited. This
sub-mode of AUTO synch allows the operator to observe where the control
would close the breaker when the SYNCH MONITOR is switched to OFF. In
other words the SYNCH MONITOR selection inhibits the actual breaker closure,
allowing for observations on the performance of the system.

FUNCTIONS:
(a) Dead bus, generator voltage within limits , bus voltage is dead;
- - manual breaker closure, optional.
- - auto breaker closure, optional.
(b) speed matching with dual rates (fast and slow , based upon error,
to eliminate overshoot).
(c) voltage matching with dual rates (fast and slow via pulse width , based upon
error, to eliminate overshoot
(d) auto synch permissive include the following:
- under/over- voltage- for Gen;
- under/over voltage f o r Bus;
- under/over freq for Gen;
- under/over freq for Bus;
- difference voltage;
(e) breaker closure includes the following relay functions; their characteristics are
described elsewhere in this writeup:
25P -- synch permissive, i.e. complete sequence,
etc.
25X -- synch check, i.e. allowable window,
25 --auto synchronizing, precision synch.
(f) self adaptive adjustment of the breaker delay
constants, one for each breaker, up to limits; if the
limits are reached, a diagnostic alarm will be given.
4 - SYNCH CHECK (25X):
(a) functionally it is equivalent to the GXS check relay.
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GE Drive Systems

1501 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA 24153

(b) this function is performed based upon phase lock loop techniques in the
three controllers (R,S,T). It has a high degree of tolerance to noise and signal
distortion;
(c) it performs limit checks against adjustable constants (with appropriate security)
as follows:
-under voltage for Gen;
-under voltage for Bus;
-voltage error;
-frequency error (slip), max value of 0.33 hz,
typically set to 0.27 hz;
-phase error , max value of 30 degrees, typically set to 10 degrees;
(d) Arming logic to enable function;
(e) Bypass logic to provide for dead bus closure.
(f) A typical setting would provide a synch window as follows:
SLIP
+0.27 hz

PHASE
+10 deg

-10

-0.27 hz

5 - AUTOSYNCH (25) :
(a) This function is performed based upon zero voltage crossing techniques
on the three Protection modules ( X , Y , Z ).
It uses the same proven algorithms that were used on the Mark IV system,
with breaker delay time defined by two adjustable constants with logic selection
between the two values ( for two breaker applications) ;
(b) The calculations include phase, slip, acceleration, and anticipated time lead
to compensate for the breaker delay.
(c) Arming logic to enable the function, based upon system sequencing given in
the system documentation;
(d) Bypass logic to provide for deadbus or manual closure.
(e) Provides self-adaptive correction to the breaker close time up to certain limits;
if limit is reached, a diagnostic alarm is given;
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GE Drive Systems
(f)

1501 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA 24153

It provides projected synch window (same as Mark IV)

as follows:

Gen Lag

The projected window is based upon the current phase, the current slip, and
the current acceleration. In addition, the Generator must currently be lagging
and have been lagging for the last 10 consecutive cycles; when the "trigger is
pulled , it will stay true for a minimum of 12 cycles to ensure that the
Breaker has adequate time to close.
(g) it will not allow the breaker to close with negative slip ; speed matching will
typically aim at something around +0.12 hz slip ( 8 second scope). The
synchronizing will be fast and may go before this speed is reached.
6. SYNCHRONIZATION DISPLAY:
There is a special CRT display to monitor and control generator synchronization.
It will include a set of critical system parameters common to all displays, as well
as display or provide easy access to the following:
(a) Dynamic Parameters:
Voltages:
Gen, Bus, Difference
Frequencies: Gen, Bus, Slip (difference)
Phase:
Diff angle, degrees
(b) Status Indication:
Mode: synch OFF, MANUAL, AUTO;
SYNCH Monitor: OFF, ON
Dead Bus;
Breaker: open/close;
Second Breaker if applicable: open/close;
Synch Permissive, L25P;
Auto Synch enabled;
Speed adjust, raise/lower;
Voltage adjust, raise/lower;
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GE Drive Systems

1501 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA 24153

(c) Synch Permissives:

Gen Voltage: OK/not OK;
Bus Voltage: OK/not OK;
Gen Freq:
OK/not OK;
Bus Freq:
OK/not OK;
Difference Volts: OK/not
OK;
Difference Freq:
OK/not
OK;
Phase: L25, OK/not
OK;
L25X, OK/not
OK;
(d) Limit constants:
upper and lower limits for the above permissives.
(e) Phase:

To be illustrated graphically.

(f) Breaker Performance:

-- The last close time for Breaker #1,in cycles;
-- The last close time for Breaker #2, in cycles;
-- The last three calculated values for phase before the
Last breaker closure;
-- Self adjusted, breaker time delay. Constants, for both
breakers ;
-- Diagnostics:
- slow synch relay,
- slow check relay,
- synch relay lockup,
- breaker #1 close time out of limits ,
- breaker #2 close time out of limits
- relay 25P trouble,
breaker closing voltage (125VDC) missing.
(g) Control Push Buttons:
Synch Monitor: ON, OFF;
Speed adjust: RAISE, LOWER;
Voltage adjust: RAISE, LOWER;
Optional:
Synch Mode Selection: OFF, MANUAL, AUTO;
Breaker Close Command (for manual synch mode).
7. DIAGNOSTICS:
Numerous signals are checked for agreement between the redundant controllers
and protection boards. Disagreements will be annunciated, allowing online repair.
Some diagnostics will also cause a synch lockout to activate, requiring a master
reset before the auto synch function can return to operation.
8. POWER:
All three Controllers and all three Protection boards have their own
independent power supply (total of six supplies). The final output relays are
powered from redundant 24VDC power (P24VR), derived from a high diode
select of the P24VDC power from the three protection boards. The PT's are used
for signals only; i.e. they are not used for power. PT burden is less than 1 VA.
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GE Drive Systems
9.

1501 Roanoke Blvd., Salem, VA 24153

CONTACT RATING:
The breaker closing output contact is rated to make and carry 10 amperes
at125 VDC. However it is only rated to interrupt 0.5 amperes at 125 VDC and
it is therefore a requirement to interrupt the breaker close coil with a series NC
auxiliary contact of the breaker itself.
TM Drummond
Jan 9, 1992

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GE Drive Systems

GENERATOR CONTROL PANEL

PROTECTION SCHEME OPTIONS

OMAR ZAMBRANO
POWER SYSTEMS ENGINEER
CARTER &CRAWLEY
&
MOHAMMED SALEH
SR. SYSTEMS ENGINEER
GE DRIVE SYSTEMS
OCTOBER, 1991

SUMMARY

This report serves as an introduction to the generator protection options.

It briefly describes the application and material required for each protection scheme.

This guide represents the protection options most commonly used for GE
gas turbines/stag generators. The guide is primarily concerned with the application of
relays and with the nomenclature used to represent them on the one-line diagrams.

GENERAL NOTES

1.

The basic generator control panel is 36" x 36" x 90". Adding options has
a tendency to fill up the spare space in this panel. If too many optional
relays are included one generator control panel will not be sufficient to
mount all relays. Options 4 breaker failure relays is especially prone to
this problem due to the presence of several Large relays.

2.

Those relays provided with a power supply failure alarm contact will have
that contact wired out to terminal boards points for connection to a
common alarm on the turbine control panel.

3.

The current state of art for the turbine control panel is the Mark V TCP.
The following write up is written with the Mark V in mind.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0

SYSTEM BACKUP DISTANCE PROTECTION (21)

2.0

SYSTEM OR GENERATOR EXCESSIVE VOLTS /HERTZ PROTECTION (24)

3.0

SYSTEM UNDER VOLTAGE PROTECTION (27)

4.0

BREAKER FAILURE PROTECTION (50/62BF, 62BF)

5.0

GENERATOR NEUTRAL OVERCURRENT PROTECTION (51GN)

6.0

VACUUM GENERATOR BREAKER PROTECTION (51)

7.0

SYSTEM OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION (59)

8.0

AUXILIARY SIGNAL TO SEQUENCE OF EVENTS RECORDER

9.0

VOLTAGE BALANCE PROTECTION (60)

10.0

SYSTEM GROUND PROTECTION (59BN)

11.0

DC TRIPPING BUS BLOWN FUSE PROTECTION (74)

12.0

OUT-OF-STEP PROTECTION (78)

13.0

SYSTEM FREQUENCY PROTECTION (81)

14.0 MAIN TRANSFORMER DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION (87T)

15.0 AUXILIARY POWER PROTECTION (50/51AT)51TN-2, 59CM, 63PTX)

16.0

INADAVERTENT ENERGIZATION PROTECTION

17.0

GENERATOR 100% STATOR GROUND PROTECTION (27GN/59G)

18.0

ADJUSTABLE DC REGULATOR (AUTO TRACKING)

19.0

CONSTANT SETTABLE DROOP OPTION

20.0

BREAKER OR LOCKOUT COIL MONITOR (74)

21.0

DUAL TRIP COIL BREAKER

22.0

LINE BREAKER SYNCHRONIZING (83LBSX)

23.0

SECOND GENERATOR LOCKOUT RELAY (86G2)

24.0

TURBINE STARTUP AND SHUTDOWN SEQUENCE

25.0

REFERENCES

1.0

SYSTEM BACKUP DISTANCE PROTECTION

This protection scheme is designed to protect the generator from faults in the
adjacent system which are not cleared by the first line relays. It is used in lieu of
51V (system phase fault over current relays with -voltage restraint).
21 is the IEEE Power System Device Number [1] for a relay protecting the
generator with its function based on excessive increase or decrease of circuit
admittance. The level of increase or decrease is adjustable by the customer.
The distance relays are typically used instead of over current with voltage restraint
when the lines leaving the station bus have distance or pilot relay protection
schemes and the generator ties the station bus through a step-up transformer.
The relays commonly employed for this option are 3 single-phase 12CEB51B2A
with a timer 21Y and a delta-wye AUX PT bank. The CEB relays have an
adjustable Mho unit with a 3.0 - 30.0 ohms range and an adjustable offset unit
with a 0.0 - 4.0 ohms range. The maximum torque angle is a factory
setting of 75 degrees.
Another optional relay is also available for this function, although
less commonly used. This 12SLY92A is a three phase solid-state relay
with built in phase shifting of 30 degrees. The SLY relay has an adjustable
mho unit with a 0.75-30.0 ohms range.

The positive sequence angle is 75 degrees.

The timer (21Y), which is used, is 12SAM206A1A.It has two timing units and
three targets. The time delay range is 0.03 - 99.0 seconds.
FIGURE 1.1 illustrates the one line details for this option when
using CEB relays. Figure 1.2 illustrates the one-line details for
this option when using a SLY relay.

2.0

SYSTEMS AND/OR GENERATOR EXCESSIVEVOLTS/HERTZ PROTECTION

The excessive volts/hertz protection is designed to prevent over excitation of the
generator and/or the system, Excessive magnetic flux causes overheating of cores
and surrounding metallic components.
The system device function number published by the IEEE is 24 [1]. If the relay is
protecting the generator (when connected to the generator PT's) as shown in figure
2.1, the function number is 24G. If the relay is looking to both the generator (when
it is on line only) and to the station bus transformers, the function number is 24B,
and it is connected to the bus PT's, as shown in figure 2.2.
GE Generator Engineering recommends dual-level protection. One level should be
adjusted to trip in 2 seconds or less when volts/hertz exceeds 1.18 p.u. The other
level should be adjusted to trip when volts/hertz reaches 1.10 p.u. At this level and
up to 1.18 p.u. a trip of 45.0 seconds is recommended, unless a shorter time is
required to protect the step-up transformer.
One approach to achieve the dual level protection is to utilize a BASLER BE1-24
relay in conjunction with an AGASTAT timer. An illustration of the use of the
external AGASTAT timer and the BE1-24relay instantaneous option to meet the
2 second requirement for volts/Hertz exceeding 1.18 p.u. is shown in figures 2.1
and 2.2.

At levels between 1.10 and 1.18 p.u., the inverse time characteristic curve of
the relay is utilized.

Where a single level volts/hertz relay is acceptable the GE STV11A5A relay

can be used. The STV has an operating range of 15-72 hertz, a pickup
range 1.8 - 2.5 volts/Hertz1, and a time delay of 2.0 - 60.0 seconds. See
figure 2.3.

1
Note:

1.0 pu Volts per Hertz on typical 13.8KV 60HZ system with 14.4KV/120
Volts PTs corresponds to 13.8KV x (120) / 14.4KV / 60HZ -1.9 volts/hertz.
i.e. pu range is .95 to 1.3 pu volts per hertz on this system.

SYS

3.0

SYSTEM UNDER VOLTAGE PROTECTION

Under voltage conditions can be present in a system due to faults to ground, sudden
energization of a considerable load onto a loaded system, primary and backup regulator
failure, and when running up or coasting to a stop.
HGA relays (27B-1, 2) are used with the turbine panel synchronizing scheme to provide
additional inputs to help determine whether the generator can be synchronized to a live
or dead station bus. The turbine panel logic alarms when under voltage conditions are
present after the breaker has closed.
If additional under voltage protection is desired, the relay commonly used is
12IAV54E1A, which has an adjustable dropout, range of 55.0 - 140.0 volts. The IEEE
function number is 27 [1]. Figure 3.1 shows the application to detect station bus under
voltage conditions.

4.0

BREAKER FAILURE PROTECTION

With the advent of extra high voltage systems (345-765 KV), local breaker failure
schemes have become more common. For effective local protection there must be
at least two protective systems which are fed relatively independently. For breaker
failure protection schemes, however, only one protective system is required even
though the protection is initiated by both the primary and the secondary relaying
systems.
There are two commonly used schemes for breaker failure protection. The simplest
and most economical is one using a 12SAM202 (0.03 - 99 seconds) timer in
conjunction with a HEA lockout relay 86BF (6 N.O. and 8 N.C. contacts).The
timer initiation is done by using an auxiliary high speed (8 ms pickup & dropout)
12NGA15AG1 relay in parallel with the breaker trip coil as shown in figure 4.1. A
contact from this aux relay initiates the timer 62BF. If the generator breaker remains
closed at the end of the time out period, the SAM timer (62BF) trips the lockout
relay 86BF. Contacts from this lockout are brought out to terminal boards for
customer use in tripping his associated breakers. 86BF also trips the turbine.
The second scheme is more secure in that it checks for current flow through the
generator breaker. A static breaker backup relay 12SBC23BlD (50/62BF) is used
for timing (50 - 500 msec) and detecting

current flow (0.5 - 5.0 AMPS) preset for a default value o f 100 msec and 0.5 amps.
Under normal conditions as soon as the generator main relaying see a fault, the
generator breaker should trip. To initiate the breaker failure backup cycle, an aux NGA
relay is added in parallel with the breaker trip coil as shown in figure 4.2. If the generator
breaker remains closed and/or the (configurable) level current detectors sense a current,
then theSBC23 r e l a y starts timing. At the end of that time period the SBC23 operates
a HEA lockout relay (6 N.O. and 8 N.C. contacts) 86BF. 86BF trips the turbine and all
customer associated breakers. Figure 4.3 shows a logic diagram, which explains the
SBC23 operation.

In both schemes, the aux NGA (94BFI) relay will stay picked up until the fault is cleared
and the main relays are reset. The four current detectors in the SBC23 relay should be
set for 67% or less than the minimum fault current for which the breaker failure
protection must operate. It should be recognized that the function of the current detector
is to establish whether or not current is flowing in the associated circuit breaker. In this
sense, the most sensitive setting is desirable.
See also section 6.0

5.0

GENERATOR NEUTRAL OVERCURRENT PROTECTION

This relay is designed to detect generator ground faults when the generator
neutral is connected to ground through an optional resistor. Very inverse time
relays are best applied on systems where the magnitude of the short circuit
current flowing through any given relay is dependent primary upon the relative
location of the fault with respect to the relay as opposed to the system generating
capacity.
The single phase relay commonly used for this protection scheme is a time over
currentnon-directional 12IFCS3A2A with a very inverse time characteristic and a
current range of 0.5 - 4.0 amperes. Its application is shown in figure 5.1. The
IEEE power function number is 51GN[1].

6. 0

VACUUM GENERATOR BREAKER PROTECTION

This protection scheme is intended for use with vacuum circuit breakers such as
furnished in the POWER/VAC metalclad switchgear. The relay commonly used
on this option is a 125VC, which is designed to detect current flow due to
inadequate vacuum and subsequent insulation breakdown in the circuit breaker.
When the breaker opens (either manually or by relay action) and current
continues to conduct through the vacuum bottle(s), zero sequence current will
flow through the residual of Y connected current transformers above the breaker
as shown in figure 6.1. An 'A' contact of the circuit breaker is wired in parallel with
the input of the SVC relay for proper operation. The relay operates when the
breaker opens and zero sequence currents above the pickup level exist longer
than the normal clearing time of the breaker. The relay picks up at a current
value greater than 150 milliamps RMS.
The IEEE device function number for an AC over current relay is 51 [1].

7.0

SYSTEM OVERVOLTAGE PROTECTION

This protection is designed to monitor over voltage conditions in the system.

Other applications with over voltage relays are common, such as ground fault
detection.

The relay commonly used is a frequency compensated single-phase induction

disk12IFV71BD1A with an independently adjustable instantaneous unit. The
IFV71BD1A allows more flexibility than the IFV71AD1A, which does not have the
instantaneous pickup unit. In addition, an Agastat timer is used as illustrated in
Figure 7.1. The IEEE function number device is 59 [1]. The instantaneous unit of
the relay operates the timer 59Y (0. 5 - 15 .0 seconds). This timer is set for a
default of 2 seconds. The output of the timer is connected in parallel with the
target and seal in unit of relay 59.

10

8.0

AUXILIARY SIGNALS TO SEQUENCE OF EVENTS RECORDER

A widely used option is an extra signal from all tripping relays to the sequence of
events recorder. The current input (1.0 Amps.) trip relay commonly used is an EMAX CTX-2 as shown in figure 8.1. The relay coil is rated 10 amps DC
continuous:

The CTX -2 Contact Time Extender provides a long (1-3 second) output contact
closure for an instantaneous (greater than 2 msec) input current. The output
contact closes within 5 milliseconds after the input. The output contacts are rated
to withstand 125 VDC. , 0.5 Amp resistive; therefore, the CTX-2 aux relay cannot
be used in a trip function.

If the main relay function is not to trip a lockout relay, but an auxiliary relay (i.e.
HFA. NGA or AR type) an extra resistors added to the circuit in order to pull
enough current (more than 1 Amp.) to trigger the CTX-2 relay as shown in figure
8.2.

11

9.0

VOLTAGE BALANCE PROTECTION

This protection scheme is designed t o prevent the misoperation of protective

relays and/or regulator in the event of PT signal loss. Relay 12CFVB11B1A is
commonly used for this option and figure 9.1 illustrates the one line diagram
details.
In the event a potential transformer fuse is blown or the PT voltage is lost for any
reason, the excitation AC regulator and certain relays can operate incorrectly.
When a bus PT fuse is blown, relays 51V-1, 51V-2, 51V-3 and 40 are locked out
by the A' contacts of relay 60. When a generator PT fuse is blown, the excitation
system is transferred to manual/DC regulator by the 'B' contacts of relay 60. The
relay is operational only when the generator breaker is closed.
Both set of contacts (A and 'B') are monitored by the turbine control panel. If the
60 relay indicates a blown fuse in the bus PT side, the turbine panel will alarm. In
the event the 60 relay indicates a blown fuse on the generator side, the turbine
panel forces the excitation system to DC regulator mode until the master reset on
the turbine panel is activated. This lockout feature prevents the excitation from
oscillating between AC & DC regulators in the event of an intermittent PT signal.

12

10.0

SYSTEM GROUND PROTECTION

This protection scheme is designed to protect the system (station bus) from faults
to ground. The synchronous generator is connected through a breaker to a stepup transformer. The low voltage side of this transformer is usually connected in a
delta configuration to the station bus at 13.8 KV. If one phase of the system
should connect to ground, virtually no fault current would flow. However voltage
reference in the delta connection will be fixed at the ground fault location thus
causing the voltage vectors to be shifted. One set of PT's connected in a Wye Broken Delta configuration, in conjunction with an overvoltage 12IFV51DD2A
relay, are used to detect such a fault. The voltage across the open delta
secondary under normal non fault conditions is approximately zero while under
ground fault conditions it can be as high as three times the line to ground voltage.
The relay is rated 208 VAC continuous and pickup is adjustable between 14.5 65.0 volts. The function device nomenclature is 59BN [1].

13

The "Norm" for this option is to change the bus PT'S from 2 PT'S open delta to
three PT's connected Y-Y. The normal metering and relaying are connected to
the secondary of the Y and a set of auxiliary PT's are supplied and mounted in
the generator control panel in conjunction with the 59BN relay as shown in figure
10.1. As required, an additional single phase AUX PT is added in the generator
control panel for synchronizing circuit isolation.

A 60 ohm resistor is placed on the secondary of broken delta to keep ferroresonance down.

Alternately (more external hardware) the normal 2 bus PT'S connected

open delta are left as is and an additional set of 3 PT'S connected Y
broken delta are added in the GAC or customer equipment. See Fig. 10.2.

14

11.0

DC TRIPPING BUS BLOWN FUSE PROTECTION

This protection scheme is designed to increase the reliability of DC tripping

busses which provide power t o main protection relays, such as lockout circuits.
The intention of this function is to alert the operator when the DC voltage to the
tripping bus is lost. This loss of DC can be a result of either a blown fuse or
incoming DC source failure/low level.

Each lockout tripping circuit is fused independently in the generator control panel.
If the fuse of a particular tripping bus is blown, the associated protective relays
operate but cannot trip the lockout relay.

The relay commonly used is a 12HGA11J52 which drops out at approximately

100 VDC. If battery voltage level is a concern then a 12NGV17C1 is
recommended. This relay has an adjustable dropout voltage of 100-140VDC.
The IEEE function number is 7 4 [1].

15

12.0

OUT-OF-STEP PROTECTION

Generator per unit reactances have steadily increased over the years,
and inertia constants have decreased as machine ratings have increased. This,
in turn, has reduced critical clearing times and increased the need for out-of-step
relaying for modern generators. Viewed from the terminals of a large modern
machine, the OHMS will, in general, fall within the machine or within the unit
transformer when the machine is out of step with the system.

This protection scheme is designed to isolate the machine from the system after
swings from which the synchronous generator cannot recover.

Loss of excitation relay (40) provides a measure of out-of-step protection and will
operate if the swing OHMS fall inside the relay characteristic circle. On the other
hand, if the swing is stable (the generator recovers from it) and falls inside the
relay circle, it is desirable that relay 40 does not operate.

If swing OHMS pass through the unit transformer, out of step detection may not
be possible with either a loss of excitation or an impedance distance relay. Thus,
it is advisable t o add angle impedance relaying at the terminals of the machine
to detect out-of-step conditions when the swing locus passes through the
machine or step-up transformer,

16

A combination of an impedance relay 12CEX57E1A and a mho relay

12GSY51A1A is commonly used [3]. A second relay available is a modular
positive sequence out-of-step type 120ST1100,

The CEX- GSY relays combination utilizes an impedance measuring unit and
logic circuitry to evaluate the progressive change in impedance as would occur
during a loss of synchronism and to initiate tripping when the angle between
generator and system voltages is 90 degrees or less. Switching at this angle (90
degrees or less) is generally recommended in order to minimize the duty on the
circuit breaker. When properly applied this scheme is capable of initiating tripping
during the first half slip cycle of a loss of synchronism condition. Since this
condition is essentially a balanced three phase phenomenon, the relay units
used in this scheme are, and only need be, single phase devices. Figure 12.1
shows the one line diagram details for this scheme.

The OST relay is a microprocessor based positive sequence static distance relay
designed to provide tripping and out-of -step blocking protection. Since the OST
relay measures positive sequence impedance as seen at the relay location, there
is less chance of setting up blocking for non-swing conditions than there is for the
conventional CEX and GSY combinations, which measure phase impedance
only.

17

Typical non-swing conditions that may cause fault impedance to vary greatly are
close-in single-phase-to-ground faults on series compensated lines where gap
flashing and capacitor reinsertion occurs. Figure 12.2 illustrates the suggested
one line diagram connections for this scheme.

If this option is purchased the customer is responsible for calculating and setting
the relay.

18

13.0

SYSTEM FREQUENCY PROTECTION

The new family of solid-state relays SFF200 is recommended for system

frequency protection. This relay can be preset to detect either under or over
frequency conditions. Relay SFF204 can detect either one of the two conditions
according to what predetermined value the relay is being set for. This relay has 4
independent settings and timers with four isolated targets which pickup on time
delay. The general device number function is 81. The connections are shown in
figure 13.1.

19

14.0

MAIN TRANSFORMER DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION

Transformer differential relays are highly selective zone protective relays. The
relays used in gas turbine application have both a percentage and a harmonic
restraint coil. The percentage restraint permits accurate discrimination between
internal and external faults at high current. The harmonic restraint enables the
relays to differentiate between normal transformer magnetizing inrush current
and fault current.

This option is commonly used with two sets of CT's which connect three single
phase differential relays 12STD15C3A (2 restraint coils) and a lockout relay
12HEAV36X2 (6 N.O. and 8 N.C. contacts) as shown in figure 14.1. One set of
CT's is usually connected on the high side of the main step up transformer. The
second set of CT's is connected below the generator breaker.

20

For the case where the auxiliary transformers are fed from the high side of the
generator breaker as depicted in fig 14.3. The recommended approach is to
ignore this feed relative to the 87T protective scheme. IE. Don't add a 3rd set of
CTS. The function of the 3rd set of CTS is t o perfectly measure all the currents
leaving and entering the protective zone. For normal conditions the current to the
aux transformers is so small compared to the other currents, it has no effect on
the 87T relay. For faults on the feed to the aux transformers or inside the aux
transformer, currents will be of larger magnitude. Without the 3rd set of CTS this
fault current will register as a significant difference between the current entering
and leaving the protective zones as measured by the existing two sets of CTS
and cause the 87T relay t o operate. The 87T/867 relay inturn trips the 52G and
line breakers isolating the fault: just what we want to happen.

Alternatively, the third set of CTS can be added as shown in Fig 14.3. This has
the effect of preventing the 87T relay from operating for faults on the aux
transformer side of the 3rd set of CTS. This actually is a reduction of protection
but possibly is justifiable depending on the auxiliary transformer low side
configuration and protection scheme.

21

There is also a three restraint single phase optional 87T relay (12STD16C3A)
which can be supplied when a 3 restraint (versus 2 restraint) relay is required. As
this relay is more expensive than the 2 restraint relay, it is not normally
recommended but is shown in Fig. 14.2 for reference only. Separate restraints are
justifiable only to prevent misoperation under transformer current inrush
conditions where significant inrush is seen by each of the CTS present. The
auxiliary transformers being small compared to everything else renders the aux
transformer CTS current insignificant.

22

15.0

AUXILIARY POWER PROTECTION

This protection scheme is designed to protect the auxiliary transformer and/or the
cranking motor. The auxiliary power protective devices should trip a lockout relay
that in turn clears the fault. A commonly used lockout relay HEA (6 N.O. and 8
N.C.) is shown in figure 15.1.

Three single phase time overcurrent relays 12IFC53B1A with a very inverse time
characteristic are commonly used to protect the station transformers, bus, and
cables against phase overcurrent. These relays have an instantaneous unit
range of 6.0 - 150.0 Amps and an inverse time pickup tap range of 1.0 - 12.0
amperes. The function device number is 50/51AT4-1, 2,3.
The auxiliary power transformer is protected against ground faults and on the
larger transformers (optional) protected with fault pressure relays for oil filled
(over temperature for dry type). Faults to ground are detected by connecting one
single phase time overcurrent relay 12IFC53A1A in the secondary side of the CT
detecting currents flowing to ground as shown in figure 15.1. This relay has a
1.0 - 12.0 ampere tap range. The IEEE faction device number is 51TN-2. The
fault pressure relay installed in the transformer (63PT-2) provides the signal to an
auxiliary target relay 12HAA16B2F (63PT-2X) which trips the aux power
transformer lockout relay ((86T-4) as shown in figure 15.1.

23

Alternatively, if there is already another transformer lockout relay for the main
step up transformer that can be used in lieu o f 86T-4.

An optional set of three single phase time overcurreat relays 12IFC53B1A are
used to protect the auxiliary power transformer against phase overcurrent as
shown in figure 15.1. The function device number is 50/51AT2-1, 2,3.

The cranking -motor transformer similarly is protected against ground faults and
fault pressure conditions. Faults to ground are detected by connecting one single
phase overvoltage relay 12IFV51DD1A in the secondary side of the neutral
grounding transformer as shown in figure 15.1. This l20 volts rated relay has a
pickup range of 9.5 - 42.0 volts. The function device number is 59CM. The fault
pressure relay installed in the transformer (63PT-1) provides the signal to an
auxiliary target relay 12HAA16B2F (63PT-1X) which trips the aux power lockout
relay (86T-4) as shown in figure 15.1.

In the event a fault happens in either the aux power transformer or the cranking
motor. 86T-4 will open the generator breaker and other associated line breakers
as well as send an alarm contact to the turbine control panel.

24

The exact protection scheme recommended is, of course, dependent on the bus
feed arrangement and type for the 2 transformers i.e. as shown, independent
feed, etc.

25

16.0

INADVERTENT ENERGIZATION PROTECTION

This protection scheme protects against inadvertent breaker closure while the
unit is at standstill, running up or down in speed.

The turbine control panel standard relay 52GTX provides a form of accidental
energization protection as described in section 24.0.
This protection is felt to be adequate but if additional protection is sought the
following is recommended. IEEE generator protection working group has studied
the different possible techniques to protect against an inadvertent energization.
The frequency supervised is recommended.
One three phase instantaneous overcurrent relay 12CHC12A2A is
supervised by two over frequency 12SFF201A1A relays with built in time
delay on pickup.

When the generator is at standstill prior to field energization, the overfrequency

relay arms the overcurrent relay for tripping in the event the breaker is closed.
During normal start-up with field voltage applied and the unit at speed, the over
frequency relay disarms the overcurrent relay, allowing the unit to be
synchronized.

26

An additional lockout 86RE is needed to allow 86G fuses to be removed while

the unit is shut down. A 12CFVB11B1A voltage balance relay 60-2 is also added
to prevent misoperation when the fuses on the generator PT's are blown. Details
of one line connection are illustrated in Figure 16.1.
This protection scheme requires PT's in addition to the single PT supplied as
normal. Two sets of three-phase sensing PT's are required on the generator side
of the 52G breaker.
The trip contacts from the 86RE should trip customer upstream high voltage
breakers since the generator breaker trip coil may be disabled (i.e. fuses
removed during maintenance).
Figure 16.2 shows the DC circuit for the above. Note that the IEEE paper (2)
shows a separate timer (62). The scheme shown in figure 16.2 utilizes the timer
internal to the 81 relay to give functionally equivalent protection. This reduces the
number of relays used, thus minimizing failure possibilities.

27

17.0

GENERATOR 100% STATOR GROUND PROTECTION

The IFV relay (59GN) supplied as a standard on gas turbine jobs provides
detection of generator ground faults for approximately 95% of the generator
stator windings. The 5% portion of the winding not protected is that part with the
least electrical stress, i.e. that portion that sees 0 to 5% of the nominal generator
voltage. Experience has proved this protection (59GN) is adequate. However, if
desired one means of detecting faults on the remaining 5% of stator windings
that are near the generator neutral is by monitoring the third harmonic voltage on
the generator neutral. The ABB relay ITE-27GN is an undervoltage relay that is
sensitive to the third harmonic voltage. When a fault occurs near or at the
generator neutral the relay will drop out since the third harmonic voltage will fall
below its pickup point. To prevent false trips from occurring when the generator
excitation is off, 27GN is supervised by a voltage relay (ITE-59G) that is
connected across the generator PTs. This scheme is shown in figure 17.1.

28

18.0

ADJUSTABLE DC REGULATOR (AUTO TRACKING)

On virtually all gas turbine excitation systems there are two different regulators;
the AC or AUTO and the DC or MANUAL regulator. (The exception to this rule is
the exciter supplied with two AC regulators, no DC, as in the rotating exciter SVR
system III).
The AC is the main regulator and it is used once the turbine has reached
operational speed. The AC regulator monitors terminal voltage and other optional
parameters (i.e. URAL) to regulate the generator excitation.
The following applies specifically to the static potential source excitation system.
The DC regulator is used during initial excitation energization when the turbinegenerator set is running up, as a backup in the event of AC regulator failure, and
when the turbine-generator set is coasting down. The standard DC regulator
uses a non-operator adjustable potentiometer to setup the reference point.
There is an optional DC regulator available, which is operator adjustable. This
adjustable regulator typically tracks the auto regulator with a 30 second time
delay. In the event of an AC regulator failing high, the excitation system will
transfer to the DC regulator within 15 seconds and alert the operator. The DC
regulator will thus be positioned at a level prior to the AC regulator failure.

29

As part of the auto tracking DC regulator Option, the generator control panel has
three devices added: 43SR/CS, 90R6/CS and TVM. 43SR/CS allows the
operator to transfer between the two regulators. A contact from this switch is also
sent to the turbine control panel for alarm. Note that if the DC regulator is
selected via the selector switch 43SR/CS, the closing of the generator breaker is
inhibited. (This is done to assure during test, primarily, and during normal
operation that the exciter doesn't overexcite based on the DC Manual Reg on line
setting as the breaker is closed.)
90R6/CS is a switch allowing operator control of the DC regulator. The Transfer
Voltmeter (TVM) is a meter that is driven by a current or voltage from the
excitation system. This current or voltage is proportional to the error between the
AC and DC regulators. By monitoring the TVM the operator can transfer between
DC & AC regulators without causing any system disturbance.
The rotating exciter, brushless, gas turbine excitation is basically the same as the
above described static potential source system. There are some basic minor
deviations.

30

For Example: on black start units that require excitation below 90% speed, the
unit is started on the AC Regulator (which contains a constant volts per hertz
function).

31

19.0

CONSTANT SETTABLE DROOP OPTION

When the Gas Turbine fuel to power ratio can change significantly a different
means of "Load reference" must be used.The reference used then is the turbine
Megawatt load via Transducers mounted in the GCP.
Three 1 element transducers are commonly used on this option. One 1
element watt/var transducer (96GG-1R) in lieu of the standard 2 element watt/var
transducer (96GG-1) and two 1 element watt transducers (96GW-1S and
96GW-1T) are added in the generator control panel. Gas turbine constant
settable droop governor option requires redundant watts transducers. Figure 19.1
shows the connections and nomenclature.
Application:
The main purpose of the system is to provide power feedback to speed
governing control in place of the conventional fuel command feedback so as to
make the droop setting constant even when fuel heating value varies. There are
other cases when this function should also be supplied.

32

Two Shaft Generator drives

(Variable hp shaft speed varies fuel flow)
Steam Injection, for Power Augmentation
(Steam augmentation varies power)
Dual Gas manifold fuel systems
(With widely different heating values)
Bleed Heat systems added t o Dry low NOx I
(Required to moderate load transients with switching bleed on/off)

33

20.00 BREAKER OR LOCKOUT TRIP COIL MONITOR

Monitoring of trip coil circuit integrity is of sufficient concern to some customers

to warrant the installation of an auxiliary relay and indicating lights for the
lockout relays and generator breaker.
A high impedance relay (Potter-Brumfield model number KRP11DG125VDC) is
placed in series with the trip coil to be monitored. This relay drops out if either
the power source fails (i.e. a fuse blows) or circuit integrity to the trip coil is
interrupted. A visual indication is also supplied via white indication light (ET-16
type assembly) mounted on the front of the generator control panel. The contacts
from the monitoring relay can go to either the Turbine control panel or customer
DCS for alarm. See Figure 20.1.

34

21.0

BREAKER DUAL CROSS TRIPPING

Dual tripping coils can (as an option) be supplied on generator breakers.

There are several different schemes to take advantage of the trip coil
redundancy. Described here is one of those techniques.
To take full advantage of the redundant breaker coils, two separate DC sources
should feed the trip coil circuits. The separation of sources is normally via
separate fusing. If the customer has a battery independent of the unit battery
than this source can be utilized. A high speed low pickup voltage auxiliary relay
(12HGA14F52) is placed in parallel with each trip coil,
Contacts from the relay in trip coil A circuit are used to cross trip coil B and
vice versa as shown in figure 21.1. These auxiliary relays are located in the
generator control panel. The trip contacts to the redundant trip coils can be
duplicated where practical (i.e. lockouts) and/or the customer may opt to trip one
coil with backup relays.

35

22.0

LINE BREAKER SYNCHRONIZING

Ref FIG 22.1 The "norm is to provide synchronization only across the
generator breaker (52G). If the generator and power system became
isolated via the line breaker (52L) opening normal practice is to :
(1) Trip 526
(2) Manually close 52L without need to synchronize
(3) Synchronize across open 52G. Where interruption to the customers load
as shown in Fig. 22.1 cannot be tolerated even momentarily, this normal
practice is unacceptable. Synchronization must be provided across the line
breaker 52L.
The turbine control panel offers the auto line breaker synchronizing as a
standard option. Manual line breaker synchronizing could also be
implemented as a nonstandard option and it is available only by special
customer request.

To implement the auto line breaker synchronizing option, two Westinghouse

SG type relays are used to provide sufficient number of form c" contacts to
switch PT and Breaker closing control circuits between the generator and line
breaker. In addition, an isolation PT and a voltmeter are added in the
incoming line PT signal as shown in figure 22.1. The SG relays as well as the
isolation PT and voltmeter are installed in the generator control panel.

Note that only the line side PTS are switched. The customer must provide
the phase angle correcting PTS in the event a step up transformer exists
between the line and generator breakers.

36

The turbine control panel monitors the status of both the generator and line
breakers and has the functionality to allow the operator to select the line breaker
to become the breaker being synchronized. It will attempt to synchronize the line
breaker only when the generator breaker is closed and the line breaker is open.
To implement the manual line breaker synchronizing the operator needs to be
capable of closing the line breaker from the generator control panel; therefore, an
extra breaker control switch and the respective indicating lights are added in the
generator control panel or alternatively turbine panel display.
Care must be taken to insure ground loops and phase to ground
interconnections do not exist. Phase B of the synchronizing bus PT is tied to
Phase B of the generator PT is the generator control panel. It is also grounded
at either the GAC or the generator control panel. The customer must ensure
the synchronizing PT signal supplied is isolated from ground. An isolation PT
can also be supplied in the generator control panel upon request.

37

23.0

SECOND GENERATOR LOCKOUT RELAY

On units where the gas turbine exhaust gases are used for a process it may not
be desirable to shut down the turbine for all those electrical faults that are
traditionally turbine shutdowns. Two lockout relays are usually supplied on this
option as shown in figure 23.1, one for non turbine shutdowns and one for faults
where the turbine must be shutdown.
Lockout 86G-1 trips the generator breaker, the turbine, and the excitation
system. This lockout is tripped by either one of the two functions 87G or 59GN.
The reasoning behind this is that if a differential or stator ground fault occurs the
structural integrity of the generator may have been compromised and continued
operation will potentially lead to more devastating results.
The second lockout relay 86G-2 trips the generator breaker and excitation,
and alarms at the turbine control panel. The turbine is left running at full speed no
load to feed the process. This lockout is tripped by either 40, 51V, 59EX or other
electrical fault monitoring relays.
The turbine control panel logic monitors this lockout. When the lockout is reset
the turbine controller logic is configured to re-initiate electrical operation of the
turbine generator set. (i.e. flash the field, set up excitation regulators, etc.).

38

24.0

TURBINE START-UP AND SHUTDOWN SEQUENCE

Whenever applying any of the protective relaying it is very important to keep in

mind what the turbine control panel and excitation system are doing. The
Turbine Control panel has a standard sequence for initiating excitation, auto
synchronizing, etc. The sequence that is described below is for a 6001 turbine
with a 6A3 generator and bus fed excitation. The logic for the other frame sizes
is virtually identical. (The logic for the rotating brushless exciter will be similar
except field flashing is not required and for low speed operation it would startup
on auto regulator with a volts per hertz limit function.)

The first electrical sequence initiated by the turbine control panel is flashing.
(Field flashing is connecting an external DC source to the generator field winding
temporarily to build up DC field winding current). Field flashing is initiated by the
turbine control panel relay 41FX, which is dependent on the speed relay 14HF.
Field flashing is activated at 95% speed for 15 seconds on a standard unit. On a
black start option unit flashing takes place at 50% speed for 15 seconds. At the
end of the 15 seconds of field flashing the excitation power supply feed is
transferred from a house source to the unit PPT via transfer relay 83VR-1X.
Provided the unit is at operating speed (complete sequence) the turbine
control panel initiates excitation DC to AC regulator transfer via relay 83SrX at
this time.

39

A short time later auto synchronizing is initiated in the turbine control panel. Auto
synchronizing is initiated if the following permissive are met/received:

1. Bus and Generator voltages above a predetermined level (via. software

constant).
2. CCP Bus under voltage relay contact permissive from 27B-1,2.
3. Verification of GCP autosynch selection of switch 43S/CS, If remote is
selected, 43S/CS position has no effect.
4, If the voltage matching option is enabled, the turbine control panel circuits will
match the generator voltage to the bus voltage prior to synchronizing.

The above assumes latest state of the art Mark V turbine control panel.

40

Immediately upon the generator breaker closing the turbine panel acts to raise the load
set point to assure some positive flow of power to prevent the inadvertent operation of
the reverse power relay. When the operator gives the unit a shutdown signal, the turbine
control panel will proceed to reduce the Watt and var loads to zero. Should the operator
interfere by activating the excitation manual raise/lower hand switch, the turbine control
panel will stop adjusting vars. The turbine control panel senses this reverse power via
transducer 96CG-1 and opens 52G once the watts reach a certain negative value
(Software constant). The reverse power (32) relay in the GCP serves as a less sensitive
backup.

As a backup, should the turbine controller load counter reach minimum and 52G has not
opened, the turbine controller will open the breaker via relay 52GTX. This relay is also
kept energized at speeds below 95%, thus acting as a simple accidental energization
protection.

The excitation system AC regulator counter is preset when the generator breaker is
open and speed is below 14HF via relay 90RB, which picks up 94Z-1 and 94Z-2 in the
excitation system.

41

25.0

REFERENCES
[1].

IEEE STANDARD ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM DEVICE FUNCTION

NUMBERS. ANSI/IEEE C37.2-1987.

[2].

AC GENERATOR IEEE PROTECTION GROUP. Guide For AC

Generator Protection. ANSI/IEEE C37.102-1987. 88SM. Paper 526-6.

[3].

J. BERDY. Out-of-Step Protection For Generators. Electric

Utility Systems Engineering Department. General Electric
Company. Schenectady, New York.

42