Protection Application Line Protection

Handbook
ABB Group - 1 -
Sep 16, 2017
 ABB Group - 2 -
Sep 16, 2017

Line protection
 Line protection
Electrical faults in the power system

Transmission lines 85%

Busbar 12%
Transformer/ Generator 3%

100%
ABB Group - 3 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Fault types
Transient faults
are common on transmission lines, approximately 80-85%
lightnings are the most common reason
can also be caused by birds, falling trees, swinging lines etc.
will disappear after a short dead interval

Persistent faults
can be caused by a broken conductor fallen down
can be a tree falling on a line
must be located and repaired before normal service
ABB Group - 4 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Fault types on double circuit lines
Simultaneous and Interline faults
L3 L1
On parallel line applications a problem
can occur with simultaneous faults. L1 L2
A full scheme relay is superior when the
L2 L3
protection is measuring two different fault
types at the same time.

Z<
~ L1- ~
N
ABB Group - 5 -

L2-
Sep 16, 2017

N
 ABB Group - 6 -
Sep 16, 2017

Line protection
 Line protection
MAIN REQUIREMENTS ON LINE
PROTECTION ARE:

SPEED
SENSITIVITY
SELECTIVITY
DEPENDABILITY
SECURITY
ABB Group - 7 -
Sep 16, 2017
 ABB Group - 8 -
Sep 16, 2017

Line protection
 Line protection
Measuring principles

Overcurrent protection

Differential protection

Phase comparison
Distance protection
Directional- wave protection
ABB Group - 9 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Overcurrent protection
Are normaly used in radial networks with system
voltage below 70 kV where relatively long
operating time is acceptable.
On transmission lines directional or undirectional
overcurrent relays are used as back-up
protections.

I>

I> I> I>

block
ABB Group - 10 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Dependent Time Overcurrent Relays

CHARACTERISTICS OF
DEPENDENT TIME OVERCURRENT RELAYS

100.0
Operate Time [s]

Long Time Inverse

10.0
Normal Inverse

1.0
Extremely Inverse Very Inverse

0.1
1 10 100
Current (multiple of setting)
ABB Group - 11 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Two or Three Phase Overcurrent Relays

Two phase overcurrent relays and one residual

overcurrent relay give complete protection on power
lines and cables
A third phase relay provides back-up protection
In case of a D/Y-connected transformer, the fault current
in one phase may be twice that in the other two phases
and it may be necessary to provide three phase
overcurrent relays
ABB Group - 12 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Directional Overcurrent Relays
Relays on radial lines do not need directional element

Directional elements are useful on parallel lines, on

looped lines, and in meshed networks
ABB Group - 13 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Directional Residual Overcurrent Relays

Reverse
operation

0.6 x3I0D

Upol
3I0D Forward -3U0
operation
3I0 >
= the characteristic angle of zero
ABB Group - 14 -

sequence source
impedance
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Directional Residual Overcurrent Relays

Residual voltage polarization requires a sensitive

directional element
Third harmonics in voltage must not cause incorrect
operation of the directional element
ABB Group - 15 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Pilot wire differential protection

Pilot wires can be in soil or on towers.

The resistance in the wires will limit the use on longer
lines. The use is mostly restricted to distances up to 10
km.
ABB Group - 16 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Digital differential communication
L1
L2
L3

DL1
DL1
Digital communication with
DL2
optical fibres or by DL2

multiplexed channels
DL3 DL3
ABB Group - 17 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Phase comparison
load Phase comparison relays
I I compare the angle
1 2 difference between the two
> >
currents at both ends of
the line.
I I The measured time for
1 2
zero crossing is
transmitted to the other
e end.
1
e Normally a start criteria is

2 I added to the phase angle
2
e e func requirement.
ABB Group - 18 -

I
1- 2 -tion 1
Sep 16, 2017

I
2
 Line protection
The principle of distance protection

ZK=Uk/
Ik

Uk Uk=0
metallic fault

Zk B
A
Ik
Z<
ABB Group - 19 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Fault resistance
L3 L1
multi-phase faults
L1 L2
consist only of arc resistance
L2 L3
earth faults
consist of arc and tower
footing resistance
Warringtons
formula
L= length of arc in
28707 x L meters
Rarc = 1.4
I Footing resistance
ABB Group - 20 -

I= the actual fault current in

Sep 16, 2017

A
 Line protection
The principle of distance protection
Power lines have impedances of size 0,3- 0,4 ohm/
km and normal angles of 80 - 85 degrees in a 50Hz
systems.
A B
ZL=R+jX

Z< Z<

The line impedance must be converted to secondary

values with the formula: VTsec xCTprim x
Zsec= Zprim
ABB Group - 21 -

VTprim CT sec
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
The principle of distance protection
Reach setting of zones
R/ X Relation
GFC (General Fault Criterion)
GFC

ZL ZL

Zb
ABB Group - 22 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
The principle of distance protection
t
t3
t2
t1
l
A B C

f f f
1 2 3

Z< Z< Z< Z<

t
t3
t2
t1
ABB Group - 23 -

l
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Requirements on Distance relay Zones
Zone-1
Must not overreach
Zone-2
Must overreach
Must co-ordinate with next section
Provides back-up for the next busbar
Provides back-up for the first part of next line
Zone-3
Can provide back-up for next line
Can provide back-up for next busbar
In feed of fault current at the remote busbar affects the effective
reach of the overreaching zones
ABB Group - 24 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Measuring loop for three- phase faults

The distance protection relays are always set

based on the phase impedance to the fault

Zs RL XL
IL1
UL1 IL
UL2 2
IL3
UL3

The measured impedance is equal to the

positive sequence impedance up to the fault
ABB Group - 25 -

location
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Measuring loop for two- phase faults
The distance protection relays are always set based on
the phase impedance to the fault

Zs RL XL
IL1
UL1-L2 IL2

The measured impedance is equal to the

positive sequence impedance up to the fault
ABB Group - 26 -

location
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Measuring loop for earth faults
The distance protection relays are always set based on
the phase impedance to the fault

Zs RL XL
IL1
UL1

IN RN XN

The measured Impedance is a function of

positive and zero sequence impedance
ABB Group - 27 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Measurement Loops
Fault Voltage Current
R-Earth VR IR + Kn 3I0
S-Earth VS IS + Kn 3I0
T-Earth VT IT + Kn 3I0
R-S VR - VS IR - IS
S-T VS - VT IS - IT
T-R VT - V R IT - IR
R-S-T Any phase-earth voltage Corresponding phase current
any phase-phase voltage Corresponding phase-phase current
R - S - T - Earth Any phase-earth voltage Corresponding phase current
any phase-phase voltage Corresponding phase-phase current
ABB Group - 28 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Isochrone Diagrams
XL/XM
1.0
0.9
0,8
Published isochrone diagrams
30 ms 40 ms
0.7
25 ms 35 ms
0.6
0.5 with maximum and minimum
0.4
0.3
20 ms
operate times, measured under
different system conditions for
0.2
0.1
XS/XM
different fault locations
0.0
0.2 0.5 1.0 5.0 10.0 50.0
Three phase fault maximum operate time
XL/XM
1.0
0.9
0,8
25 ms 30 ms
0.7
20 ms
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
15 ms
0.1
0.0 XS/XM
0.2 0.5 1.0 5.0 10.0 50.0
ABB Group - 29 -

Three phase fault minimum operate time

Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Distance protection on short lines
jX
Distance protection with mho
characteristic can not see an
average fault resistance

RF

XF R
ABB Group - 30 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Distance protection on short lines
jX
Distance protection with mho
characteristic can not see
average fault resistance
Cross polarization has no
significant effect

RF

XF R
ABB Group - 31 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Distance protection on short lines
jX
Quadrilateral characteristic
improves sensitivity for higher RF/XF
ratio
It still has some limitations:
the value of set RF/XF ratio is
limited to 5

RF

XF R
ABB Group - 32 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Distance protection on short lines
jX Overreaching permissive
schemes increase the
sensitivity
Weak infeed logic for very
high fault resistance
Independent underreaching
zone 1 gives additional
advantage
RF
XF R
ABB Group - 33 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
jX Distance protection on long lines
Load impedance limits the reach
in resistive direction
High value of RF/XF ratio is
generally not necessary
Circular (mho) characteristic
Has no strictly defined reach
in resistive direction
Needs limitations in resistive
direction (blinder)

R
ABB Group - 34 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Communication equipment
Power line carrier (PLC) equipment is based on a
capacitive connection of signals with frequency in
range 50- 500 kHz on the power line.
Radio link is a good and reliable communication
equiment, but is rarely used due to the high cost.
Optical fibres have the advantage to be insensitive
to noise and can transmit a huge amount of
information.
ABB Group - 35 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Permissive communication schemes
Communication signal carrier send (CS) is sent to remote end when
the fault is detected in forward direction. Tripping is achieved when
the commmunication signal carrier receive (CR) is received and the
local relay has detected a forward fault.
In a permissive underreaching scheme the communication signal is
sent from a zone that underreaches the remote end.
In a permissive overreaching scheme the communication signal is
sent from a zone that overreaches the remote end.
A B

Z< Z<

Carrier send CS = Z< forward, under or

ABB Group - 36 -

overreach
Sep 16, 2017

Trip = ZM1 + ZM2 (t2 + CR) + ZM3 x t3

 Line protection
Permissive Underreach Distance Protection
ABB Group - 37 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Permissive Overreach Distance Protection
ABB Group - 38 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Blocking communication schemes
Communication signal (CS) is sent to remote end when the fault
is detected in the reverse direction. Tripping is achieved when
this blocking signal is not received within a time T0 (20-40 ms)
and the local relay has detected a fault in the forward direction.

A B

Z< Z<

Carrier send CS = Z< reverse zone

Trip = ZM1 + ZM2 (t2 + CR x T0) + ZM3 x t3
ABB Group - 39 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Blocking Overreach Distance Protection
ABB Group - 40 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Remote faults
Due to current contribution If2 and If3 in substation B, the
distance protection in station A will measure a higher
impedance than the "true" impedance to the fault.
The relay will thus underreach and this means in practice it
can be diffcult to get a remote back-up.

A B If
ZL If
1 2
If If=If1+If2+If
Um ZF
3 3

Z<
ABB Group - 41 -

Um= If1 x ZL+ (If1+If2+If3) x ZF

Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Double end infeed

I1 I Load
I2

U1 U2
UF RF

UF = RF ( I1 + I2 )
RF ( I1 + I2 )
RF1=
I1
ABB Group - 42 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Measuring error at high resistive earth fault on
a line with double end infeed
X

Rf Load import

ZL
Rf Load export

R
ABB Group - 43 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zero- sequence mutual coupling on parallel
lines
ZL

~ ZOM ~
ZL

~ ~
ABB Group - 44 -

ZA < ZA< ZB< ZB<

Sep 16, 2017

overreaching underreaching
 Line protection
Parallel line out of service and earthed at
both ends

KOM ZOM / ZOL

Z = - ZL
1 + KO

= - 0.23 ZL
ABB Group - 45 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Parallel line in Service

D
KOM
ZL
Z = 1 + KO
= 0.38 ZL
ABB Group - 46 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Distance relay settings for parallel lines

The influence of zero sequence coupling can be

compensated in two different ways

Different K factor for different Zones within same group setting

parameters
Different groups of setting parameters for different operating
conditions
ABB Group - 47 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Switch On To Fault (SOTF)
When energizing a power line onto a forgotten earthing
no measuring voltage will be available and the
directional measuring can thus not operate correctly.
A special SOTF function is thus provided. Different principles
can be used, from one phase current to undirectional
impedance measuring.

SOTF conditon can either

be taken from the manual
closing signal activating the
U=0 (BC) input or it can be
Z< V detected internaly by a
logic.
ABB Group - 48 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Power Swing Blocking function
X

Power swing
locus

t = 40 ms
ABB Group - 49 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Stub protection function It is not possible for the
distance protection relay to
Bus A measure impedance when the
+ >Z
line disconnector is open. Not
to risk incorrect operation the
distance protection must be
blocked and a Stub protection
is released.
The Stub protection is a simple
current relay.

25ms
line disc
open & trip

Bus B I STUB >

ABB Group - 50 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Permissive overreaching
Current reversal logic schemes can trip healthy line
without C.R.L
1 Fault occurs on line 1
Fault detection by protection A:1 B:1 and A:2
A: B: 2 Relay B:1 trips CB and sends carrier to A:1
~ 1 1 ~
Relay A:2 sees fault in forward direction and
sends carrier to B:2
A: B: 3 Fault cleared at B:1, current direction changed
2 2 on line 2
4 Carrier from A:2 and forward looking measuring
element in relay A:2 does not reset before relay
B:2 detects the fault in forward direction and trips,
A: B: also relay A:1 will trip when receiving carrier from
~ 1 1 ~
B:1
C.R.L allows slowly resetting
ABB Group - 51 -

A: B: communication equipment without

2 2
Sep 16, 2017

risking to tripping the healthy line.

 Line protection
Simultaneous faults
ABB Group - 52 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Weak end infeed
Weak end infeed is a condition which can occur on a transmission line, either when
the circuit breaker is open, so there is no current infeed from that line end, or when
the current infeed is low due to weak generation behind the protection.

CR CS
Z< (echo) Z<
t3 CS CR
t2
t1
CS = ZM2 l
CS (echo)=CR x low voltage x no start forward or
ABB Group - 53 -

reverse
Sep 16, 2017

TRIP = ZM1 + ZM2(CR + t2)

 Line protection
Series compensated system
jX B A B
X C =70%
X l =100%

100% F1
gape flashed

B
Consideration for line
A
distance protections
R
Correct direction
discrim-ination at voltage
70% gape not flashed reversal (negative fault
reactance)
variation in resulted line
ABB Group - 54 -

impedance
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Directional wave protection
The basic principle of directional wave protection is to observe the
polarities of the instantaneous change in voltage and current. Here by
one can determine the direction of a fault with respect to the location
of the measurement.
Tripping is achieved when both protections detects a fault in forward
direction.
I U Trip
A B + + 0
~ ~ - - 0
F
- + 1
+ - 1
ABB Group - 55 -
Sep 16, 2017
 CBIP manual on
Protection of Line Protection
Generators, generator
transformers and 220kV
and 400 kV networks
ABB Group - 56 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
1.1
1.1 400
400kV
kVLines
Lines

There should be two independent high speed main protection schemes

called Main-I and Main-II with at least one of them being carrier aided
non-switched three zone distance protection.

The other protection may be a phase segregated current differential

(this may require digital communication) phase comparison, directional
comparison type or a carrier aided non-switched distance protection.

If Main-I and Main-II are both distance protection schemes, then they
should be preferably of different types. They need not necessarily of
different make. Both should be suitable for single and three phase tripping
ABB Group - 57 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
In addition to above, following shall also be provided

i) Two stage over-voltage protection. However in such cases where

system has grown sufficiently or in case of short lines, utilities on their
discretion may decide not to provide this protection.

ii) Auto reclose relay suitable for 1 ph / 3 ph (with deadline charging and
synchro check facility) reclosure.

iii) Sensitive IDMT directional E/F relay

ABB Group - 58 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
1.2
1.2 220
220kV
kVLines
Lines

There should be at least one carrier aided non-switched three zone

distance protection scheme.

In addition to this another non-switched / switched distance scheme

or directional over current and earth fault relays should be provided
as back up.

Main protection should be suitable for single and three phase tripping.

Auto-reclose relay suitable for 1 ph / 3 ph reclosure shall be provided.

In case of both line protections being Distance Protections, IDMT type

E / F relay shall also be provided additionally.
ABB Group - 59 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
2.0
2.0SPECIAL
SPECIALCOMMENTS
COMMENTS

(i) If found necessary, at certain locations, out of step tripping relays shall be
provided for islanding the system during disturbances.

(ii) For short line application distance relays should have shaped characteristics
for ground faults and be used in permissive over reach mode with weak end
infeed logic. Further, if it is a double circuit line, current reversal should
also be available.

(iii) O/V relay for 400 kV lines shall be connected to trip concerned line breaker,
start LBB, block auto reclosure and send direct trip command.
ABB Group - 60 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
(iv) The directional earth fault relay recommended along with the distance relay
should be seen as a supplement to it and not as a back up. It helps to detect
very high resistance fault which distance relay cannot.

(v) HVDC Systems connected to AC networks with low short circuit levels can
influence AC line protections in its vicinity. This aspect needs to be looked
into on case to case basis.
ABB Group - 61 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
3.0
3.0 SETTING
SETTINGCRITERIA
CRITERIA

3.1
3.1 Reach
Reachsettings
settingsofofdistance
distanceprotection
protection

(i) Zone-I: to be set to cover 80-85% of protected line length

(ii) Zone II: to be set to cover minimum 120% of length of principle

line section. However, in case of D/C lines 150% coverage must be
provided to take care of, under reaching due to mutual coupling
effect but, care is to be taken that it does not reach into next lower
voltage level.
ABB Group - 62 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
(iii) Zone-III:

For 400kV lines Zone-III to be set to cover 120% of principle section

plus adjacent longest section subject to a reach restriction so that it
does not reach into next lower voltage level.

For 220 kV lines, Zone-III reach may be provided to cover adjacent

longest section if there is no provision of LBB or all protection are
connected to single DC source at remote end substation.

(iv) Resistive reach should be set to give maximum coverage subject to

check of possibility against load point encroachment considering
minimum expected voltage and maximum load. Attention has to be
given to any limitations indicated by manufacturer in respect of
resistive setting vis-a-vis reactance setting.
ABB Group - 63 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
3.2
3.2 Time
Timesetting
settingofofdistance
distanceprotection
protection

A Zone-II timing of 0.3 second is recommended. If a long line is follow-

ed by a short line, then a higher setting may be adopted on long line to
avoid indiscriminate tripping through Zone-II operation on both lines.

Zone-III timer should be set so as to provide discrimination with the

operating time of relays provided in subsequent sections with which Zone-
III reach of relay being set overlaps.
ABB Group - 64 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
3.3
3.3 OO/ /VVProtection
Protection

3.3.1
Low set voltage may be set at 110% with a typical time delay of 5
seconds.

A time grading of 1 second may be provided between relays of

different lines at a station.

Longest time delay should be checked with expected operating time

of overfluxing relay of the transformer to ensure disconnection of
line before tripping of transformer.

3.3.2

High set stage may be set at 150% with a time delay of 100 m second.
ABB Group - 65 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
3.4
3.4 Power
PowerSwing
SwingBlocking
BlockingFunction
FunctionAssociated
Associatedwith
withDistance
DistanceRelays
Relays
Decisions pertaining to allowing which Zone to trip and which to block
should be taken based on system studies on case to case basis.
ABB Group - 66 -
Sep 16, 2017
 CBIP manual on Reliable
fault Clearance and Back- Lines and Cables
UP Protection for EHV and
UHV Transmission
Network
ABB Group - 67 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Lines and Cables
Transmission line protection is the most
complex of all the protections in terms of
the challenges it poses. In the above
paragraphs many of these aspects
connected with line and cable protection
and some recommendations have been
brought out and these should be
considered. Few of these are brought out
below.
ABB Group - 68 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Lines and Cables
Section 5.5 gives details of main attributes
and limitations of various main protections.
When applying any of the main protections
these should be fully examined and
understood.
The decision to provide Main-2 protection
and effective back-up protection should not
be merely based on voltage level but on
how important the circuit is .The costs of
reduced supply capacity or total loss of
supply must be considered in relation to the
ABB Group - 69 -

cost of providing effective protective

Sep 16, 2017

system
 Line protection
Lines and Cables
Directional ground protection should be applied
as main protection for high resistance faults
wherever it is felt that Main protections
applied do not cover the high resistance
faults adequately.
When unit protections are used, Phase-
segregated unit protection based on current
measurement is the best option, when it is
economically and technically feasible
Cables do not withstand fault currents for
long periods of time. Unit protection should
be used as main protection and distance
ABB Group - 70 -

protection shall be used as Main2

Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Lines and Cables
For details concerning protection of
complex transmission lines reference
may be made to CIGRE WG 34.04 report
titled Application guide on protection of
complex transmission network
configurations.
Use of correct line parameters is
important for proper setting of protective
relays. Calculated values of overhead line
electrical parameters ought be verified by
field-testing and this information then be
ABB Group - 71 -

used for relay setting.

Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Lines and Cables
Setting guidelines are given for double
circuit lines. These shall be followed.
Detailed explanations of these can be
found in the CIGRE document mentioned
above.
Section 5.6 gives how distance relay is
applied as circuit local back-up, remote
back-up, substation local back-up.
Guidelines given here for setting the
relays shall be followed. This section also
gives some guidelines for setting of over
ABB Group - 72 -

current and ground over current relays.

Sep 16, 2017

These too should be considered

 Line protection
Lines and Cables
It is desirable that system studies are
conducted using computer-aided tools to
assess the security of protection by
finding out trajectory of impedance in
various zones of distance relay under
abnormal or emergency system condition
on case-to-case basis. When transmission
circuits are provided with duplicate main
protection there may be a case for not
applying Zone-3 remote back-up
protection for reasons of security. Such
cases may emerge from such studies
ABB Group - 73 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Lines and Cables
The potential loss of system generation or
the potential challenges to nuclear plant
safety systems may be factors which will
dictate the longest acceptable clearance
times for transmission circuit faults in the
vicinity of a power station. This should be
kept in mind while designing protection
system close to these locations.
ABB Group - 74 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Lines and Cables
Provision of independent Main1 and Main2
protection is important to ensure
clearance of all faults in the shortest
possible time. As per the current practice
this is followed for all lines at 765kV,
400kV level and in some cases for lines at
220 kV level. No change is proposed in this
practice. . Reference may be made to CBIP
Manual No. 274 Protection of Generators,
Transformers and 220kV and 400kV
Networks, which gives details of current
ABB Group - 75 -

practices being followed.

Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Lines and Cables
With growing interconnections fast fault
clearance in 220 kV lines is becoming
important to avoid grid disturbances.
Therefore it is recommended that for all
220kV lines too Main 1 and Main 2 protections
be provided.
For 132 kV lines it is felt that provision of one
Main protection and directional over current
and earth fault protection as back-up
protection is adequate. However if in any
given part of the 132kV network, failure of
fault clearance by primary protection is going
to create wide spread disturbance and
consequences of such disturbances are too
ABB Group - 76 -

costly, provision of Main 2 protection should

Sep 16, 2017

be considered here too

 Line protection
Lines and Cables
If only one main protection is used, the
back-up protection should be provided in
a separate hard ware unit.
Distance relays have inherent features
for providing back-up protection. When a
distance protection is provided as Main
protection the Zone 2 element of the
distance relay provides circuit local
back-up, the Zone-3 element provides
remote back-up and reverse reach
element of Zone 4 provides substation
ABB Group - 77 -

local back-up
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Lines and Cables
In case a line differential/phase
comparison/directional comparison
protection is used they do not have inherent
features to provide back-up protection.
Therefore it is recommended that they
should preferably be provided with
additional elements that can provide back-
up protection. Usually these features are
achieved by supplementing the unit
protections with additional impedance
elements.
ABB Group - 78 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Lines and Cables
It is felt that for transmission overhead line
a non segregated type phase comparison
protection may not provide the correct
practical solution to protection problem
due to several technical reasons. Though
segregated type phase comparison
protection overcomes these limitations,
the overall cost may be too high
ABB Group - 79 -
Sep 16, 2017
 CBIP manual on Reliable
fault Clearance and Back- Communication
UP Protection for EHV and Systems
UHV Transmission
Network
ABB Group - 80 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Physical Links

Pilot wire links

Power line carrier links
Radio links
Fibre optic links
ABB Group - 81 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Communication Systems
Security of a teleprotection system can go down if
the communication channel is not of high security. In
most cases power line carrier (PLC) is widely used.
As brought out earlier Fiber optic is superior to PLC
and is quite versatile. Therefore it is recommended
that wherever possible Main-I protection should be
equipped with the best of teleprotection equipment,
for example Fiber Optic communication using OPGW
ABB Group - 82 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Communication Systems
Especially for lines and cables it is also very
important that Main-I protection and Main-2
protections cover part of the protected equipment
zone, independent of the communication channel, to
provide fast opening of the local circuit-breaker. Thus
use of a non unit protection like distance relay as
one of the main protection,is a must.This action is
very useful to accomplish system stability, though,
generally, time of clearance will be greater under
some conditions (one end open).
ABB Group - 83 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Communication Systems
In this chapter some important aspects connected
with the communication system and some
recommendations have been brought out and these
should be considered. Few of these are brought out
below.
It is recommended that redundant channels should
be provided for very important lines at 132 and 220
kV level and for all lines at 400kV and 765 kV
utilizing PLCC channels for teleprotection.
ABB Group - 84 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Communication Systems
Utilities should measure dependability and security
of each teleprotection equipment and keep a record.
This may be valuable information to monitor the
performance of the telecommunication equipment
and the data can be used in taking decisions
regarding maintenance, retrofitting and
modernization.
ABB Group - 85 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Communication Systems
While planning a carrier system it is recommended
that, the signal-to-noise ratio ( SNR) is calculated
considering the noise level for the various system
voltages, weather conditions, line attenuation at the
operating carrier frequencies. If the calculated SNR
is not adequate the output power of the carrier set
may have to be increased. For long power lines this
check is particularly important.
ABB Group - 86 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Communication Systems
In case of short transmission lines, when distance
protections are applied, the permissive overreaching
schemes are advantageous for detection of high
resistance faults and are therefore to be used.

On case-to-case basis, utilities should consider using

echo signals in the protection systems, as, for
example, week end in feed tripping logic
ABB Group - 87 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Communication Systems
Inter-phase or phase-to-phase coupling provides
success probability up to 92%. Though the cost of this
is more compared to phase to ground coupling cost, it
is strongly recommended to use this mode of phase-
to-phase coupling or inter circuit coupling when fault
clearance time is critical. Therefore the following are
recommended wherever carrier protection is used.
Phase -to- phase coupling for 765 kV and 400kV
lines.
Phase - to- Phase coupling or inter circuit coupling
for 220 kV and 132 kV lines.
ABB Group - 88 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Setting of Protections
(distance relays)
ABB Group - 89 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-1

Offers instantaneous circuit-local back-up

protection for nearby faults, but not for the entire
transmission circuit from both terminals.
Set to under reach protected circuit to ensure
external security
In case of parallel circuit may be necessary to
increase degree of under reach
For multi circuit lines reach reduces further due to
in feeds
ABB Group - 90 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-2
Zone-2 Reach Setting Criteria
Should overreach all terminals of the protected circuit
by an acceptable margin (typically 20% of highest
impedance seen) for all fault conditions and for all
intended modes of system operation.
As far as possible, should be less than Zone-1
coverage of all adjacent lines, to minimize the
required Zone-2 time delay setting.

ABB Group - 91 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-2 reach setting
ABB Group - 92 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-2
Zone-2 time Setting Criteria
Must be set to coordinate with clearance of adjacent circuit faults,
within reach, by the intended main protection or by breaker fail
protection
t z 2 tMA tCB t z 2reset ts
tZ2 = Required Zone-2 time delay
tMA = Operating time of slowest adjacent circuit main protection
or Circuit Local back-up for faults within Zone-2 reach
tCB = Associated adjacent circuit breaker clearance time
tZ2reset= Resetting time of Zone-2 impedance element with load
ABB Group - 93 -

current Present
Sep 16, 2017

tS = Safety margin for tolerance (e.g. 100ms)

 Line protection
Zone-2

Effect of parallel lines

Where common impedance settings exist
for phase and ground fault impedance
elements, or where independent residual
compensation settings are not available
for each zone of protection the phase
fault Zone-2 reach will unavoidably be
extended in order to satisfy ground fault
reach requirements.
This can create Zone-2 back-up co-
ordination difficulties, particularly where
ABB Group - 94 -

adjacent sections or transmission circuit

Sep 16, 2017

are of unequal length

 Line protection
Zone-2

Multi terminal circuits

The primary Zone-2 setting criterion must be
met with allowance for the highest apparent
impedance seen for a fault at any remote
circuit terminal.

The Zone-2 reach setting may reach very high

percentage of the circuit impedance between
the closest terminals. The reach may need to
be further enhanced to address under reach
for ground faults when protecting parallel
ABB Group - 95 -

multi-terminal circuits.
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-2 in multi-terminal lines
ABB Group - 96 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-2

Load encroachment
One problem with mho impedance elements is
that the fault resistance coverage varies with
the forward reach setting. When applying Zone-
1 elements to short lines, fault resistance
coverage may be insufficient. It can also be
disadvantage for Zone2 elements to be set
with unusually high forward reach setting in
relation to the minimum load impedance. It
may be possible for the minimum load
impedance to encroach upon the Zone-2
operating region.
ABB Group - 97 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-2 load encroachment
ABB Group - 98 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-3 Remote back-up
General
Usually set to provide remote back-up
protection for adjacent sections of a
transmission circuit.
May have independently adjustable forward
and reverse reach setting
Usually forward reach provides remote back-
up protection.
With duplicate main protection, there may be
a case for not applying Zone-3 remote back-up
protection at all.
In case of long 400kV lines it may be desirable
either to reduce the reach or to block 3 rd zone
ABB Group - 99 -

of distance relay for reasons of security.

Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-3 remote back-up
Reach setting
Zone 3 should overreach the remote terminal of
the longest adjacent line by an acceptable margin
(typically 20% of highest impedance seen) for all
fault conditions and in feed conditions associated
with all intended modes of system operation
Zone-3 reach should be less than the Zone-2
protection coverage of the shortest adjacent
transmission circuit and it should not see through
power transformers into distribution systems, in
order to minimize the required zone-3 time delay
setting.
ABB Group - 100 -

Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-3 remote back-up
Time setting
Must be set to co-ordinate with clearance of faults by
adjacent circuit-local back-up protection. Zone-2 distance
protection or time delayed over current protection
The following formula would be the basis for determining
the minimum acceptable Zone-3 time setting:
t z 3 t MA tCB t z 3reset t s
Where:
tZ3 = Required Zone-3 time delay
tMA = Operating time of slowest adjacent circuit local
back-up protection
tCB = Associated adjacent circuit breaker clearance
time
tZ3reset = Resetting time of Zone-3 impedance element
with load current present
ABB Group - 101 -

tS = Safety margin for tolerance (e.g. 100ms)

Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-3 remote back-up
Consideration of mutual coupling
As for Zone-2 protection the under
reaching effect of zero sequence mutual
coupling for remote ground faults must
also be considered.
Such consideration is quite complex,
since there may well be differences in
the levels of mutual coupling for the
protected circuit and any number of
adjacent circuits.
In addition, some circuit sections may be
ABB Group - 102 -

multi-circuit while other sections may not

be.
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-3 remote back-up
Considerations for intervening fault currents
The under reaching effects are encountered in
relation to adjacent circuit impedance, when
applying Zone-3 remote back-up protection.
These under-reaching effects are particularly
difficult to address, since they are variable
according to the type of fault.
Ground faults can invoke additional zero
sequence current in feed from transformers
with grounded star-connected primary
windings and other delta-connected windings.
ABB Group - 103 -

Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-3 remote back-up
Zone-3 load impedance encroachment
Encroachment due to the minimum load impedance under
expected modes of system operation and the minimum
impedance that might be sustained for seconds or minutes
during abnormal or emergency system situations.
Use of blinders in case of Mho type of elements or by use
of polygon type impedance elements.
In case of long 400kV transmission lines it may be
desirable to limit the reach of Zone-3 for reasons of
security. In such cases, if the adjacent station has bus bar
protection and breaker failure protection, Zone-3 can be
dispensed with.

ESKOM (South Africa) have a practice of not using third

zone impedance protection in long line applications . They
ABB Group - 104 -

use enhanced local breaker back-up .

Sep 16, 2017

 Line protection
Effect of in feeds on Zone-3
ABB Group - 105 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-3 load encroachment
ABB Group - 106 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone-3 coordination
ABB Group - 107 -
Sep 16, 2017
 Line protection
Zone- 4 substation local back-up
An additional zone of reverse-looking
protection (e.g. Zone-4) to offer substation-
local back-up protection.
The Zone-4 reverse reach must adequately
cover expected levels of apparent bus bar
fault resistance, when allowing for multiple
in feeds from other circuits.
Sometimes when separate reverse looking
element is not available the above is
achieved by offset reach of Zone-3 of
ABB Group - 108 -

distance relay.
Sep 16, 2017
 ABB Group - 109 -
Sep 16, 2017

Line protection