Operation P846/EN OP/A11

MiCOM P846

OP

OPERATION

Date: 9th May 2008

Hardware Suffix: J
Software Version: 30
Connection Diagrams: 10P846xx (xx = 01 to 07)
 P846/EN OP/A11 Operation

MiCOM P846

OP
Operation P846/EN OP/A11

MiCOM P846 (OP) 5-1

CONTENTS

(OP) 5-

1. OPERATION OF INDIVIDUAL PROTECTION FUNCTIONS 3

1.1 Requirements for fast topology detection 3
1.2 The open-line detection problem 3
1.3 Principles of operation 5
1.3.1 Data acquisition 5
1.3.2 Kalman filtering stage 6
1.3.3 Preprocessing stage 7
1.3.4 Fuzzy-logic engine stage 8
1.3.4.1 Fuzzyfication of 10 selected decision features from the pre-processor 8
1.3.4.2 Fuzzy logic inference on the decision features, using sixteen rules or criteria 9
1.3.4.3 Crisp decision sent to the output 11
OP
1.4 Two out of three detection 11

2. OPERATION OF NON PROTECTION FUNCTIONS 12

2.1 Trip LED logic 12
2.2 Voltage transformer supervision (VTS) 12
2.2.1 Loss of one or two phase voltages 13
2.3 Loss of all three phase voltages under load conditions 13
2.3.1 Absence of three phase voltages upon line energization 13
2.4 CVT asymmetry detection 14
2.5 Pole dead logic 15
2.6 Circuit breaker state monitoring 16
2.6.1 Circuit breaker state monitoring features 16
2.7 Circuit breaker control 19
2.7.1 CB control using hotkeys 22
2.8 Control inputs 22
2.9 Changing setting groups 24
2.10 Real time clock synchronization via opto-inputs 24
 P846/EN OP/A11 Operation

(OP) 5-2 MiCOM P846

FIGURES

Figure 1: Configuration of a line in a HV/EHV substation 3

Figure 2: DLO processing logic 5
Figure 3: Principle of the self-tuned Kalman-filter with p harmonics and q non-harmonics spectral lines 6
Figure 4: Frequency response of the Kalman-filter used in the DLO 7
Figure 5: Graphical representation of the DLO’s fuzzy decision system 8
Figure 6: Fuzzification of two decision features 9
Figure 7: Operating conditions resulting in zero MW and Mvar at the sending end 9
Figure 8: DeltaP filter response to power flow reversal (left) and DeltaP filter response at breaker
opening (right) 10
Figure 9: Trip LED logic diagram 12
Figure 10: VTS Logic 14
Figure 11: Pole dead logic 16
Figure 12: Circuit breaker state monitoring 18
OP
Figure 13: Remote control of circuit breaker 19
Figure 14: Circuit breaker control 21
Figure 15: CB control hotkey menu 22
Operation P846/EN OP/A11

MiCOM P846 (OP) 5-3

1. OPERATION OF INDIVIDUAL PROTECTION FUNCTIONS

1.1 Requirements for fast topology detection

In the deregulated and market driven energy industry, modern power systems need to
operate closer to their design limits. System topology is becoming more complex because
new interconnections are being added to satisfy the deregulated flow of energy. Therefore,
efficient defense plans are more important than ever to provide a fast, secure and reliable
means of providing the power company with contingency plans for all eventualities, either on
their own system or their neighbors’ system.
Power systems are designed to withstand normal fault conditions and existing protection
relays are designed to handle such events. However, severe incidents involving cascaded
events such as multiple line outages require protection actions to preserve stability or to
avoid damaging expensive transmission equipment. Generally, such actions will result in
significant topology changes and create unbalances in the system. Remedial actions such as
generator tripping or load shedding will therefore be required. In this context, system
topology monitoring is a strategic function to consider for the design of a modern defense
plan. Its effectiveness will strongly impact upon the transfer capabilities of a stability limited
power system.

1.2 The open-line detection problem

The P846 open-line detector (DLO) is a device made for fast detection of the status (open or
closed) of a radial (no mid-tap) transmission line. OP

SUBSTATION
BUSBARS

LINE BREAKERS
D D
CT 1 CT 2

I CT1 I CT2

CT 3 SHUNT REACTOR

D
LINE
DISCONNECTOR I REACTOR
LINE
CVT

P4056ENa

Figure 1: Configuration of a line in a HV/EHV substation

 P846/EN OP/A11 Operation

(OP) 5-4 MiCOM P846

Figure 1 shows the typical configuration of a line in a HV/EHV substation with its capacitive
voltage transformer CVT and current transformers (CT1, CT2 for breakers and CT3 for shunt
reactor) that are connected to the DLO analog inputs (the shunt reactor current is needed to
avoid a false detection when the line disconnector is open while the line breakers are closed
in order to feed the shunt reactor. The line could then erroneously be considered as closed).
Performance requirements for the DLO in terms of reliability, security and speed are listed
below:

Reliability: The DLO must detect the open-close status of a line at both ends for the
following categories of phenomena:

− Line closing or opening at local end (with or without a shunt reactor connected)

− Line opening at remote end (with or without a shunt reactor connected) with line
charging current measured by the DLO

− Line closing at local end when already open at remote end. MW surge and line charging
measured by the DLO

− Line opening at both ends with 100% compensation with shunt reactors

− Line opening with residual CT current measured by the DLO

− Closing of a line at remote end with DLO measuring line voltage and shunt reactor
OP current
Security: False detections must be avoided in the following categories of phenomena:

− Low or very low power transfer on the monitored line

− Distortion on line voltages and currents during faults

− Fast variations in the line power flow

− Reversal of power flow direction

− Power oscillations

− Sub-synchronous resonances

− Presence of harmonics
Speed:

− The DLO must detect any change in the line status in 35 ms or less. This response time
includes the effects of the CTs magnetizing discharge currents, the DLO internal filters
and the delay of its output contacts.
Operation P846/EN OP/A11

MiCOM P846 (OP) 5-5

1.3 Principles of operation

The DLO algorithm is made up of five major building blocks as shown on figure 2:

Figure 2: DLO processing logic OP

1.3.1 Data acquisition
The front end of the system is a data acquisition module, with 400 Hz anti-aliasing filters and
16 channels of sample and hold capture, running at a rate of 32 samples per cycle (at 60 Hz
nominal, this corresponds to 1920 samples per second) or 40 samples per cycle (at 50 Hz
nominal, this corresponds to 2000 samples per second). The data captured has a resolution
of 16 bits, four channels as voltage inputs, six channels for current inputs and three channels
being dedicated as voltage rail checks.
From there, phase voltages Va(t), Vb(t) and Vc(t) and currents Ia(t), Ib(t) and Ic(t) are
converted into orthogonal components Vα(t), Vβ(t) and Iα(t), Iβ(t) with the Clarke transform.
For a given three-phase signal set {fa(t), fb(t), fc(t)}, the corresponding Clarke components
{fα(t), fβ(t), f0(t)}, are computed as follows:

From the resulting orthogonal components is synthesized the instantaneous space-phasor

fs (t) = fα (t) + j fβ (t) which contains all the required information about the positive and
negative sequences of the fundamental and all the harmonic and inter-harmonic frequencies
present in the original signal set {fa(t), fb(t), fc(t)}.
It can therefore be used as an input for the next stage, the Kalman filter.
 P846/EN OP/A11 Operation

(OP) 5-6 MiCOM P846

1.3.2 Kalman filtering stage

The advantage and superiority of this filtering technique in the present application is its
capability to provide signal components at spectral frequencies other than the fundamental
and its harmonics. More specifically, its benefits are:
1. It is possible to make the Kalman filter self-tuned to the fundamental frequency without
any hardware modification.
2. The Kalman filter allows to filter pre-selected resonant non-harmonic frequencies. This
is beneficial in power networks characterized by non-harmonic phenomena such as
series-compensated transmission systems subject to sub-synchronous resonances.
3. It can provide the signal components at spectral frequencies other that the
fundamental and its harmonics. The Kalman filter has an effective built-in self-
diagnosis tool, making use of both the negative sequence component at fundamental
and the excess electromagnetic resonances that may transiently appear when a line is
opened at both ends.
The principle of the Kalman-filter based harmonic analyzer implemented in the DLO is shown
on figure 3. The incoming signal is filtered according to a model of the signal. A set of “p”
harmonic, “q” non-harmonic phasors and the dc component are generated at the output. In
the actual model used for the DLO, five harmonics (including the fundamental) and two non-
harmonics terms were incorporated. The resulting frequency response is shown on figure 4.

OP
X1 (k) = Xf (k)
System ωc(k) X2 (k) Harmonics
Fundamental Kalman-Filter X3 (k)
frequency
Based Xp (k)
Xdc (k)
Harmonic Y1 (k)
Z(k) Analyser Y2 (k) Non-harmonics
Y3 (k)
Incoming signal
Yq(k)
Residuals

P4087ENa

Figure 3: Principle of the self-tuned Kalman-filter with p harmonics and q

non-harmonics spectral lines
Operation P846/EN OP/A11

MiCOM P846 (OP) 5-7

Figure 4: Frequency response of the Kalman-filter used in the DLO OP

The fundamental positive and negative sequence voltage and current phasors and the DC
components are the signals that are transferred from the Kalman filter to the next stage of
the algorithm, the preprocessor.

1.3.3 Preprocessing stage

A significant amount of the algorithm engineering is contained in this stage. The main
variables computed by the pre-processor MW, MVar, KA and KV are simply the classical
positive sequence active power, reactive power, line current and bus voltage, acquired using
a single cycle response Kalman Filter. The other variables, derived from the main ones, are
computed with various FIR (finite impulse response) filters, peak detectors, averaging
functions, slope detection and delta detection algorithms. The output of the preprocessor is a
set of ten variables to be processed by the fuzzy-logic engine.
For convenience, all variables are converted to per unit quantities using the two following
base parameters specified in the relay settings:
Vbase: Base voltage equal to the rated line to line voltage
Pbase: Base power equal to the line surge impedance loading (SIL)
Besides these ten variables, the pre-processor generates two additional signals to handle
fault and start-up conditions. Under these conditions, the positive sequence quantities used
in the pre-processor are not consistent, due to hard signal distortion as in faulty conditions or
severe switching transients (open-line energization). These two special conditions can be
recognized and the corresponding signals modified to ensure their physical continuity and
consistency.
The fault detector provides the fault signal which is a pulse of duration equal to that of the
actual fault. It is used to improve the reliability and security of the relay. Indeed, the
prolonged fault signal allows the blocking to zero of some decisional variables during the
fault. The overall behaviour of the detector is to provide a pulse of duration equal to that of
the actual fault or magnitude discontinuity superimposed on the positive sequence voltage.
For the time period that this indicator is active, three pre-processor variables are inhibited
and blocked to their default values.
 P846/EN OP/A11 Operation

(OP) 5-8 MiCOM P846

1.3.4 Fuzzy-logic engine stage

Although fast and reliable relaying algorithms can be achieved by applying conventional
Boolean logic, conflicts may arise in doubtful cases. For instance, during line energization at
no-load, CVT (Capacitive Voltage Transformers) induced electro-magnetic transients may
suggest that the active power is not zero (line closed) while the line is actually open.
Experience has demonstrated that such a conflict can be more easily resolved using multi-
criteria fuzzy Logic based approach which results in the following interesting properties:

• Tripping decision is based on several criteria with weighting factors.

• Uncertainty with respect to signals and settings is modeled quantitatively

• Delay of tripping initiation depends on the amount or inflow of information related to

relaying signals, and through them, to the disturbance analyzed by the protection.
A sample general structure of the fuzzy–logic engine is shown in Figure 5. It consists of three
main steps:
1. Fuzzyfication of 10 selected decision features from the pre-processor
2. Fuzzy logic inference on these features, using sixteen rules or criteria
3. Crisp decision sent to the output

1.3.4.1 Fuzzyfication of 10 selected decision features from the pre-processor

OP
Fuzzification is a necessary step prior to a fuzzy-logic based reasoning system. It consists in
transforming the crisp variables provided by the pre-processor into categories easily
described by linguistic spellings from the common language such as “Normal”, “Small,
“Large”, “Very Large”.
Figure 6 illustrates this fuzzification process for two typical variables, the Active Power and
the DeltaP. The first feature is defined as "SMALL" when its crisp value is below a given
threshold θL while the DeltaP feature is defined as "LARGE" for crisp values higher that θH.

P4089ENa

Figure 5: Graphical representation of the DLO’s fuzzy decision system

Operation P846/EN OP/A11

MiCOM P846 (OP) 5-9

Figure 6: Fuzzification of two decision features

1.3.4.2 Fuzzy logic inference on the decision features, using sixteen rules or criteria
OP
The inference engine contains 16 rules unevenly divided into 11 rules for detecting the open-
line status under various circumstances (’Open’ rules), and 5 rules for detecting the closed-
line status (’Closed’ rules). In each category, the rules can be further classified in terms of
steady-state and transient rules.
Steady state behaviour:
The physical process behind opening a disconnected line is not so different from a closed
line at a zero active power transfer. Therefore, it is important to access, by theoretical
computations, to what happens to critical measured variables such as the voltage and
reactive power when the active power, transmitted by a connected line, vanishes. In
analysing the classical ABCD line model in terms of the sending and receiving end variables
such as active power, reactive power and voltage, it can be shown that by varying the
voltages and power angle at either end, the power quantities can be eliminated at both ends
of the line. Figure 7 shows that, for a given line length, an operating point can be found so
that, as seen from the sending end, both active and reactive powers vanishes.

Figure 7: Operating conditions resulting in zero MW and Mvar at the sending end
 P846/EN OP/A11 Operation

(OP) 5-10 MiCOM P846

Fortunately, even though this critical operating point is feasible, it is very sensitive for short
lines (30 km), the typical sensitivities being 45% per degree of angle shift and 25% Mvar per
unit of voltage ratio. The above considerations suggest therefore that even though the critical
operating point is feasible, it is difficult to achieve and even more difficult to sustain in
steady-state. Generally, the critical point will be matched transiently, and then the relatively
large sensitivity of the Power-angle and/or Power-voltage around this point will force the
power system to quickly exit the point. However, the greater the available accuracy in
measuring the current and power, the lower the transit time will be through this small singular
domain.
Transient behaviour:
As was mentioned earlier, there are a number of variables that are calculated during the
preprocessing stage and one of the most important ones at the core of the DLO is a
∆-filter, which bears a physical meaning during a line disconnect process. It roughly
corresponds to the rate of change of the positive sequence active power over a suitable time
window. The behavior of DeltaP, where P is the active power, is illustrated in figure 8 for two
different situations:

• The power transfer is ramping from a positive direction to a negative direction, thus
passing by zero in a manner that may mislead a crude open-line detector. At 4s, the
power ramp crosses zero and DeltaP reaches a maximum value 30ms later.
Interestingly, while the maximum value of DeltaP varies from 0.02 to 0.4 as the ramp
slope is increased from 0.5 p.u./min to 60 p.u./min, this maximum is reached nearly at
the same time, i.e. about two cycles after zero-crossing.
OP
• At various power transfer levels ranging from 1% to 100% of the SIL, the line is suddenly
opened. DeltaP then increases sharply from its zero-steady-state value to its maximum
value close to 1. Whatever the prior power transfer level is, the later value is reached
about 2.5 cycles after the switching.
From these empirical observations, it clearly appears that opening a line suddenly with a
breaker results in "large" maximum values of DeltaP, while power transfer reversal through
slow ramps results in comparatively low maximum values. The threshold to discriminate
between these two situations is about 0.5 and the time needed before an unambiguous
decision is about 2 cycles.
This principle is used for transmission lines in general. However, for the specific case of tie-
lines that are subject to fast power reductions due to breaker switching of major lines in their
neighborhood or fast ramping of dc/dc conversion equipment, the DLO provides a 'Tie-Line
factor' in its settings (refer to paragraph 1.2.1 of Settings section of this manual) to reduce
the sensitivity of the ∆-filters and to avoid spurious open line detection of such tie-lines.

Figure 8: DeltaP filter response to power flow reversal (left) and DeltaP filter
response at breaker opening (right)
Operation P846/EN OP/A11

MiCOM P846 (OP) 5-11

A special setting is provided to take into account

The fuzzy rules operate according to physical principles. For example, we may define with
fuzzy variables "Active power" and "DeltaP" presented in figure 6 the following rules:
A steady state rule for security: If (Active Power is not SMALL) than Line is CLOSED
A transient rule for reliability: If (DeltaP is LARGE) than line is being OPENED
All the rules for detecting (quickly or slowly) the close to open switching action of the line
breaker relies on a ∆-filter principle just described. In addition, when the line is opened at the
remote end, the ∆-filter is combined with a so-called ’Line Charging’ threshold to assert the
situation. Steady-state ’off’ rules heavily rely on two concepts: steady-state indicators (with
redundancy) and the short-term memory of the line the past status.
The consistency of the voltage signals are reflected in the excess negative sequence voltage
and the excess sub-synchronous voltage, which are expressed in fraction of the positive
sequence voltage magnitude. These variables are used in two complementary rules and in
order to rapidly detect the open line condition while the line is still discharging into shunt
elements at both ends, with or without sub-synchronous resonance in the bus voltage.
The decision system is built in such a way that closing the line suddenly will be signalled up
to 4 cycles after the 3-cycle active power crosses the 1.5% threshold, while an open-line
condition is detected with a variable time lag, ranging from 25 to 40 ms for power transfer
higher than 1.5%. For lower power transfer (i.e. < 1.5%), the time response is degraded but
remains in the 50ms-range. Additionally, when it is locked in a closed state and the line is
actually closed, the relay remains in that state with a 100%-level of security i.e. whatever the OP
specified faults on parallel lines, switching transients, power ramps, power transfer direction,
etc.

1.3.4.3 Crisp decision sent to the output

The last step in figure 6 called defuzzyfication consists in converting the evaluation results of
the 16 criteria into a single decision. Each criteria states that the line is open or closed with a
given probability and defuzzyfication really aims at reconciling all partial decisions using an
aggregation procedure.

1.4 Two out of three detection

In normal operation, the DLO is made to detect an open line when all three phases of the
line breaker are opened. The detection is essentially based on the complete loss of active
power on the line. However, it may happen that a circuit breaker fails to open its three
phases leaving one of them still closed. In the context of SPS (Special Protection Systems)
using topology detection to trigger remedial actions, the loss of two out of three phases of a
transmission line is a significant event that may require similar action as a complete loss of a
line. For this reason, a mechanism has been incorporated in the DLO to detect this kind of
circuit breaker failure.
The 2 out of 3 detection is a separate block that does not require the DLO fuzzy variables
and rules. It is based on the detection of asymmetrical currents that prevail during such
conditions. Its response time is typically 40ms. As for the DLO main output, the 2 out of 3 is
an internal signal available for the PSL. (Programmable Scheme Logic).
 P846/EN OP/A11 Operation

(OP) 5-12 MiCOM P846

2. OPERATION OF NON PROTECTION FUNCTIONS

2.1 Trip LED logic

As previously mentioned in section 1.1, the DLO is made for monitoring the status of a
transmission line. Upon detection of an open line, the DLO will close its Output contact R3
and will keep it open when the line is closed. As required by the application, a Programmable
Scheme Logic (PSL) may also be used to process this output towards auxiliary LEDs or
output contacts.
Being essentially a monitoring relay, the DLO is not subject to trip or close the line breaker in
its normal operation. However, it may be useful to manually control the breaker directly from
the relay. The trip LED logic provides the indication during these operations.
The trip LED can be reset when the flags for the last event are displayed. These are
displayed automatically after a trip occurs, or can be selected in the fault record menu. The
reset of trip LED and the fault records is performed by pressing the ( ) key once the fault
record has been read.
Setting "Sys.Fn.Links" (SYSTEM DATA Column) to logic "1" sets the trip LED to automatic
reset. Resetting will occur when the circuit is treclosd and the "Any Pole Dead" signal (DDB
358) has been reset for three seconds. Resetting however, will be prevented if the "Any
start" signal is active after the breaker closes.

OP Tr3Ph (Any Trip) S

Q Trip LED
Reset (Command) R
Reset (Logic Input)

SETTING: ENABLE 3s
1
& 0
SELF RESET DISABLE

Any Pole Dead

Any Start
P2129ENa

Figure 9: Trip LED logic diagram

2.2 Voltage transformer supervision (VTS)

The voltage transformer supervision (VTS) feature is used to detect failure of the ac voltage
inputs to the relay. This may be caused by internal voltage transformer faults, overloading, or
faults on the interconnecting wiring to relays. This usually results in one or more VT fuses
blowing. Following a failure of the ac voltage input there would be a misrepresentation of the
phase voltages on the power system, as measured by the relay, which may result in
maloperation.
The VTS logic in the relay is designed to detect the voltage failure, and automatically adjust
the configuration of protection elements whose stability would otherwise be compromised. A
time-delayed alarm output is also available. There are three main aspects to consider
regarding the failure of the VT supply. These are defined below:
1. Loss of one or two phase voltages
2. Loss of all three phase voltages under load conditions
3. Absence of three phase voltages upon line energization
Operation P846/EN OP/A11

MiCOM P846 (OP) 5-13

2.2.1 Loss of one or two phase voltages

The VTS feature within the relay operates on detection of negative phase sequence (nps)
voltage without the presence of negative phase sequence current. This gives operation for
the loss of one or two phase voltages. Stability of the VTS function is assured during system
fault conditions, by the presence of nps current. The use of negative sequence quantities
ensures correct operation even where three-limb or ‘V’ connected VT’s are used.
Negative Sequence VTS Element:
The negative sequence thresholds used by the element are V2 = 10V and I2 = 0.05 to 0.5In
settable (defaulted to 0.05In).

2.3 Loss of all three phase voltages under load conditions

Under the loss of all three phase voltages to the relay, there will be no negative phase
sequence quantities present to operate the VTS function. However, under such
circumstances, a collapse of the three phase voltages will occur. If this is detected without a
corresponding change in any of the phase current signals (which would be indicative of a
fault), then a VTS condition will be raised. In practice, the relay detects the presence of
superimposed current signals, which are changes in the current applied to the relay. These
signals are generated by comparison of the present value of the current with that exactly one
cycle previously. Under normal load conditions, the value of superimposed current should
therefore be zero. Under a fault condition a superimposed current signal will be generated
which will prevent operation of the VTS. OP
The phase voltage level detectors are fixed and will drop off at 10V and pickup at 30V. The
sensitivity of the superimposed current elements is fixed at 0.1In.

2.3.1 Absence of three phase voltages upon line energization

If a VT were inadvertently left isolated prior to line energization, incorrect operation of voltage
dependent elements could result. The previous VTS element detected three phase VT failure
by absence of all 3 phase voltages with no corresponding change in current. On line
energization there will, however, be a change in current (as a result of load or line charging
current for example). An alternative method of detecting 3 phase VT failure is therefore
required on line energization.
The absence of measured voltage on all 3 phases on line energization can be as a result of
2 conditions. The first is a 3 phase VT failure and the second is a close up three phase fault.
The first condition would require blocking of the voltage dependent function and the second
would require tripping. To differentiate between these 2 conditions an overcurrent level
detector (VTS Ι> Inhibit) is used which will prevent a VTS block from being issued if it
operates. This element should be set in excess of any non-fault based currents on line
energization (load, line charging current, transformer inrush current if applicable) but below
the level of current produced by a close up 3 phase fault. If the line is now closed where a 3
phases VT failure is present, the overcurrent detector will not operate and a VTS block will
be applied. Closing onto a three phase fault will result in operation of the overcurrent
detector and prevent a VTS block being applied. This logic will only be enabled during a live
line condition (as indicated by the relays pole dead logic) to prevent operation under dead
system conditions i.e. where no voltage will be present and the VTS Ι> Inhibit overcurrent
element will not be picked up.

Required to drive the VTS logic are a number of dedicated level detectors:
• IA>, IB>, IC> level detectors operate in less than 20 ms and their settings should be
greater than load current. This setting is specified as VTS I > Inhibit.

• I2> level detector operates on negative sequence current and has a user setting VTS
I2> Inhibit

• ΔIA>, ΔIB>, ΔIC> level detectors are operating on superimposed phase currents and
have a fixed setting of 10% nominal

• VA>, VB>, VC> level detectors are operating on phase voltages and have fixed setting:
 P846/EN OP/A11 Operation

(OP) 5-14 MiCOM P846

• Pickup level 30V (Vn 100/120V) or 120V (380/440V)

• Drop off level 10V (Vn 100/120V) or 40V (Vn 380/440V)

• V2> level detector operates on negative sequence voltage. It has a fixed setting of
10V/40V depending on VT ratio (100/120 or 380/440)

DDB All Poles Dead (359)

SET VTS1>
SET: VTS Time Delay
IA>
IB> 1 t
& S
IC>
0
Q
LD VA> 1 R 1
DDB VTS Slow Block (772)
LD VB> 1 &
LD VC>
&
V2>

SET: VTS I2>

1
& DDB VTS Fast Block (771)
DDB Any Pole Dead (358)
&
240ms

LD D IA> S
&
LD D IB>
1 Q
LD D IC>
R
SET: VTS Reset Mode Manual
&
SET: VTS Reset Mode Auto 1
DDB MCB/VTS (402)

SET: VTS Status Blocking

OP & 1
Indication VT
Fail Alarm

INTSIG Any Voltage

1 S
Dependent Function S
& Q
Q
R
R
20ms
&
0
INTSIG Accelerate Ind
&

Note: INTSIG Accelerate Ind = Signal from a fast tripping voltage dependent funtion P1111ENe

Figure 10: VTS Logic

The VTS Ι> Inhibit or VTS Ι2> Inhibit elements are used to override a VTS block in event of a
fault occurring on the system which could trigger the VTS logic. Once the VTS block has
been established, however, then it would be undesirable for subsequent system faults to
override the block. The VTS block will therefore be latched after a user settable time delay
‘VTS Time Delay’.
Once the signal has latched then two methods of resetting are available. The first is
manually via the front panel interface (or remote communications) provided the VTS
condition has been removed and secondly, when in ‘Auto’ mode, by the restoration of the 3
phase voltages above the phase level detector settings mentioned previously. A VTS
indication will be given after the VTS Time Delay has expired. In the case where the VTS is
set to indicate only the relay may potentially maloperate, depending on which protection
elements are enabled. In this case the VTS indication will be given prior to the VTS time
delay expiring if a trip signal is given.

2.4 CVT asymmetry detection

Capacitive voltage transformers are frequently used on EHV and UHV lines mainly because
of their lower cost compared with magnetic potential transformers. However, these pieces of
equipment are prone to degradation of their capacitive dividers and unbalances between the
three phase voltages may occur during the normal operation of the line.
Operation P846/EN OP/A11

MiCOM P846 (OP) 5-15

The DLO provides a mean to detect asymmetry of the CVT measurements and to output an
alarm when a settable threshold is exceeded. The asymmetry is detected with the following
index:

Vn
Asymmetry index: based on the positive and negative sequence voltages.
Vp + Vn
This function is activated in the 'CT AND VT RATIOS' column of the settings:
CVT Enable: Enabled or Disabled
CVT Threshold: 0% to 100%
As an example, the following set of phase voltages

Va = 0.9 p.u. ∠ 00
Vb = 1.0 p.u. ∠ 1200

Vc = 1.0 p.u. ∠ 2400

0.1/ 3
gives a stability index of = 3.3%
2.9 / 3 + 0.1/ 3
2.5 Pole dead logic
Pole dead logic is used by the relay to determine when the circuit breaker poles are open OP
(“pole dead”). A pole dead condition is determined by either monitoring the status of the
circuit breaker auxiliary contacts (52a or 52b) or by measuring the line currents and voltages.
The status of the circuit breaker is provided by the "CB State Monitoring" logic. If a "CB
Open" signal is given the relay will automatically initiate a pole dead condition regardless of
the current and voltage measurement. This is necessary so that a pole dead indication is still
given even when an upstream breaker is opened. In the event that the VT fails, a signal is
taken from the VTS logic (DDB 772 – Slow Block) to block the pole dead indications that
would be generated by the under voltage and undercurrent thresholds. The pole dead logic
diagram is shown in Figure 11.
 P846/EN OP/A11 Operation

(OP) 5-16 MiCOM P846

INTSIG Phase A Undercurrent Operation

20ms
INTSIG Phase A Undervoltage Operation
& t DDB Pole Dead A (355)
0 1

DDB CB Open A ph (775)

INTSIG Phase B Undercurrent Operation 20ms

INTSIG Phase B Undervoltage Operation

& t DDB Pole Dead B (356)
0 1

DDB CB Open B ph (776)

INTSIG Phase C Undercurrent Operation

20ms

INTSIG Phase C Undervoltage Operation

& t
0 1
DDB Pole Dead C (357)

DDB CB Open C ph (777)

OP 1
DDB Any Pole Dead (358)

DDB All Poles Dead (359)

DDB CB Open 3 ph (774) &

INTSIG VTS Slow Block P1112ENe

Figure 11: Pole dead logic

2.6 Circuit breaker state monitoring

The relay incorporates circuit breaker state monitoring, giving an indication of the position of
the circuit breaker, or, if the state is unknown, an alarm is raised.

2.6.1 Circuit breaker state monitoring features

MiCOM relays can be set to monitor normally open (52a) and normally closed (52b) auxiliary
contacts of the circuit breaker. Under healthy conditions, these contacts will be in opposite
states. Should both sets of contacts be open, this would indicate one of the following
conditions:

− Auxiliary contacts / wiring defective

− Circuit Breaker (CB) is defective

− CB is in isolated position
Operation P846/EN OP/A11

MiCOM P846 (OP) 5-17

Should both sets of contacts be closed, only one of the following two conditions would apply:

− Auxiliary contacts / wiring defective

− Circuit Breaker (CB) is defective

If any of the above conditions exist, an alarm will be issued after a 5s time delay. A normally
open / normally closed output contact can be assigned to this function via the programmable
scheme logic (PSL). The time delay is set to avoid unwanted operation during normal
switching duties.
In the CB CONTROL column of the relay menu there is a setting called ‘CB Status Input’.
This cell can be set at one of the following four options:

None
52A 3 pole
52B 3 pole
52A & 52B 3 pole
52A 1 pole
52B 1 pole
52A & 52B 1 pole

Selection of the inputs used for CB status is user definable in the CB Status Input cell under
the CB control menu. The inputs used to determine the circuit breakers status can be either
52a and/or 52b contacts for single or three pole and for one circuit breaker or for two circuit
breakers in the case of the P846. OP
Where ‘None’ is selected no CB status will be available. This will directly affect any function
within the relay that requires this signal, for example CB control, auto-reclose, etc. Where
only 52A is used on its own then the relay will assume a 52B signal from the absence of the
52A signal. Circuit breaker status information will be available in this case but no
discrepancy alarm will be available. The above is also true where only a 52B is used. If
both 52A and 52B are used then status information will be available and in addition a
discrepancy alarm will be possible, according to the following table. 52A and 52B inputs are
assigned to relay opto-isolated inputs via the PSL.

Auxiliary Contact Position CB State Detected Action

52A 52B
Open Closed Breaker Open Circuit breaker healthy
Closed Open Breaker Closed Circuit breaker healthy
Closed Closed CB Failure Alarm raised if the condition
persists for greater than 5s
Open Open State Unknown Alarm raised if the condition
persists for greater than 5s

Table 1.
Where single pole tripping is used (available on certain relays only) then an open breaker
condition will only be given if all three phases indicate and open condition. Similarly for a
closed breaker condition indication that all three phases are closed must be given. For
single pole tripping applications 52A-a, 52A-b and 52A-c and/or 52B-a, 52B-b and 52B-c
inputs should be used.
In the case of the P846 two circuit breakers are monitored. If inputs relevant to each of the
circuit breaker’s (CB1 and CB2) are available to the relay via the opto isolated inputs it will
be able to determine the state of each circuit breaker.
 P846/EN OP/A11 Operation

(OP) 5-18 MiCOM P846

None
SET:
CB Status 52A 3 pole
Input
52B 3 pole
Both 52A &
52B 3 pole

&

DDB CB Closed 3ph (778)

& 1

&
Mapped in PSL
Opto Input 1
DDB CB Aux 3ph
(52-A) (280) &

XOR DDB CB Open 3ph (774)

Mapped in PSL & 1
Opto Input 2 DDB CB Aux 3ph
(52-B) (284) &
DDB CB Status Alarm (269)
5s
& 1 0

None
SET: &
CB Status 52A 1 pole
Input
52B 1 pole DDB CB Closed A ph (779)
& 1
Both 52A &
52B 1 pole

&
Mapped in PSL
Opto Input 3 DDB CB Aux A
(52-A) (281) &

XOR DDB CB Open A ph (775)

OP Mapped in PSL
Opto Input 4 DDB CB Aux A
& 1

(52-B) (285) &

&

&

DDB CB Closed B ph (780)

& 1

&
Mapped in PSL
Opto Input 5 DDB CB Aux B
(52-A) (282) &

XOR DDB CB Open B ph (776)

Mapped in PSL & 1
Opto Input 6 DDB CB Aux B
(52-B) (286) &

&

&

DDB CB Closed C ph (781)

& 1

&
Mapped in PSL
Opto Input 7 DDB CB Aux C
(52-A) (283) &

XOR DDB CB Open C ph (777)

Mapped in PSL & 1
Opto Input 8 DDB CB Aux C
(52-B) (287) &

&

P1116ENb

Figure 12: Circuit breaker state monitoring

Operation P846/EN OP/A11

MiCOM P846 (OP) 5-19

2.7 Circuit breaker control

The relay includes the following options for control of a single circuit breaker:

• Local tripping and closing, via the relay menu or hotkeys

• Local tripping and closing, via relay opto-isolated inputs

• Remote tripping and closing, using the relay communications

It is recommended that separate relay output contacts are allocated for remote circuit
breaker control and protection tripping. This enables the control outputs to be selected via a
local/remote selector switch as shown in Figure 13. Where this feature is not required the
same output contact(s) can be used for both protection and remote tripping.

+ ve

Protection
trip

Trip
Remote 0
control trip Close

Remote
control close OP

Local
Remote

Trip Close

– ve
P0123ENa

Figure 13: Remote control of circuit breaker

A manual trip will be permitted provided that the circuit breaker is initially closed. Likewise, a
close command can only be issued if the CB is initially open. To confirm these states it will
be necessary to use the breaker 52A and/or 52B contacts (the different selection options are
given from the ‘CB Status Input’). If no CB auxiliary contacts are available then this cell
should be set to None. Under these circumstances no CB control (manual or auto) will be
possible.
Once a CB Close command is initiated the output contact can be set to operate following a
user defined time delay (‘Man. Close Delay’). This would give personnel time to move safely
away from the circuit breaker following the close command. This time delay will apply to all
manual CB Close commands.
The length of the trip or close control pulse can be set via the ‘Trip Pulse Time’ and ‘Close
Pulse Time’ settings respectively. These should be set long enough to ensure the breaker
has completed its open or close cycle before the pulse has elapsed.
Note that the manual trip and close commands are found in the SYSTEM DATA
column and the hotkey menu.
If an attempt to close the breaker is being made, and a protection trip signal is generated,
the protection trip command overrides the close command.
 P846/EN OP/A11 Operation

(OP) 5-20 MiCOM P846

For a manual reclosure there is a CB Healthy check if required. This facility accepts an input
to one of the relays opto-isolators to indicate that the breaker is capable of closing (circuit
breaker energy for example). A user settable time delay is included "CB Healthy Time" for
manual closure with this check. If the CB does not indicate a healthy condition in this time
period following a close command then the relay will lockout and alarm.
The "Reset Lockout by" setting, "CB Close/User interface" in "CB CONTROL" (0709) is used
to enable/disable reset of lockout automatically from a manual close after the manual close
time "Man. Close Rst. Dly.".
If the CB fails to respond to the control command (indicated by no change in the state of CB
Status inputs) a "CB Failed to Trip" or "CB Failed to Close" alarm will be generated after the
relevant trip or close pulses have expired. These alarms can be viewed on the relay LCD
display, remotely via the relay communications, or can be assigned to operate output
contacts for annunciation using the relays programmable scheme logic (PSL).
The CB Control logic is illustrated in Figure 14.

OP
Operation P846/EN OP/A11

MiCOM P846 (OP) 5-21

Disable
SET:
CB Control by
Local

Remote

Local & remote

Opto

Local & Opto

1
Remote & Opto
Enable opto initiated
CB trip and close
Local & Remote & Opto

DDB Control Trip (698)

COMMAND: UI Trip Reset

Dominant
Latch SET: Trip Pulsed output latched in UI
1 Pulse Time
& S t INTSIG CB Failed
Q 0 & to Trip
R
DDB Trip CB (403)
&

DDB Close CB (404)

&
DDB Close in Prog (702)

SET: Man
COMMAND: UI Close 1 Close Relay DDB Control Close (699)
& S t
Q 0 SET: Close
R & Pulse Time Pulsed output latched in UI
S t
Reset
Dominant Q 0 INTSIG:
Latch R & CB Failed to Close
Reset
Dominant
Latch

DDB Reset Close Dly (407)

DDB Any 3 Pole Trip (487)

1 1 OP
DDB Control Trip (698) 1

DDB External Trip 3ph (492)

DDB Any Trip A (488)

DDB External Trip A (493)

DDB Any Trip B (489)

1
DDB External Trip B (494)

DDB Any Trip C (490)

DDB External Trip C (495)

DDB CB open 3ph (774)

1

DDB CB Open A ph (775)

DDB CB Open B ph (776)

&
DDB CB Open C ph (777)

DDB CB closed 3ph (778)

1

DDB CB Closed A ph (779)

DDB CB Closed B ph (780)

1

DDB CB Closed C ph (781)

1
SET: CB Healthy Time
t
DDB CB Healthy (400) & 0
INTSIG:
Control CB Unhealthy

SET: Check Sync Time

t INTSIG:
& 0 Control No Check Synch

P1117ENd

Figure 14: Circuit breaker control

 P846/EN OP/A11 Operation

(OP) 5-22 MiCOM P846

2.7.1 CB control using hotkeys

The hotkeys allow direct access to the manual trip and close commands without the need to
enter the SYSTEM DATA column. IF <<TRIP>> or <<CLOSE>> is selected the user is
prompted to confirm the execution of the relevant command. If a trip is executed a screen
with the CB status will be displayed once the command has been completed. If a close is
executed a screen with a timing bar will appear while the command is being executed. This
screen has the option to cancel or restart the close procedure. The timer used is taken from
the manual close delay timer setting in the CB Control menu. When the command has been
executed, a screen confirming the present status of the circuit breaker is displayed. The
user is then prompted to select the next appropriate command or exit – this will return to the
default relay screen.
If no keys are pressed for a period of 25 seconds while waiting for the command
confirmation, the relay will revert to showing the CB Status. If no key presses are made for a
period of 25 seconds while displaying the CB status screen, the relay will revert to the default
relay screen. Figure 15 shows the hotkey menu associated with CB control functionality.
To avoid accidental operation of the trip and close functionality, the hotkey CB control
commands will be disabled for 10 seconds after exiting the hotkey menu.

Default Display

MiCOM
P846

OP HOTKEY CB CTRL

Hotkey Menu

CB Closed CB Open

<CB STATUS> EXECUTE <CB STATUS> EXECUTE EXECUTE CLOSE

CLOSED CB TRIP OPEN CB CLOSE 30 SECS

TRIP EXIT CONFIRM CANCEL EXIT CLOSE CANCEL CONFIRM CANCEL RESTART

P2246ENc

Figure 15: CB control hotkey menu

2.8 Control inputs

The control inputs function as software switches that can be set or reset either locally or
remotely. These inputs can be used to trigger any function that they are connected to as
part of the PSL. There are three setting columns associated with the control inputs that are:
“CONTROL INPUTS”, “CTRL. I/P CONFIG.” and “CTRL. I/P LABELS”. The function of these
columns is described below:

Menu Text Default Setting Setting Range Step Size

CONTROL INPUTS
Ctrl I/P Status 00000000000000000000000000000000
Control Input 1 No Operation No Operation, Set, Reset
Control Input 2 to 32 No Operation No Operation, Set, Reset
Operation P846/EN OP/A11

MiCOM P846 (OP) 5-23

The Control Input commands can be found in the ‘Control Input’ menu. In the ‘Ctrl. Ι/P
status’ menu cell there is a 32 bit word which represent the 32 control input commands. The
status of the 32 control inputs can be read from this 32-bit word. The 32 control inputs can
also be set and reset from this cell by setting a 1 to set or 0 to reset a particular control input.
Alternatively, each of the 32 Control Inputs can be set and reset using the individual menu
setting cells ‘Control Input 1, 2, 3’ etc. The Control Inputs are available through the relay
menu as described above and also via the rear communications.
In the programmable scheme logic editor 32 Control Input signals, DDB 800 – 831, which
can be set to a logic 1 or On state, as described above, are available to perform control
functions defined by the user.

Menu Text Default Setting Setting Range Step Size

CTRL. I/P CONFIG.
Hotkey Enabled 11111111111111111111111111111111
Control Input 1 Latched Latched, Pulsed
SET/RESET, IN/OUT,
Ctrl Command 1 SET/RESET
ENABLED/DISABLED, ON/OFF
Control Input 2 to 32 Latched Latched, Pulsed
SET/RESET, IN/OUT,
Ctrl Command 2 to 32 SET/RESET
ENABLED/DISABLED, ON/OFF
OP
Menu Text Default Setting Setting Range Step Size
CTRL. I/P LABELS
Control Input 1 Control Input 1 16 character text
Control Input 2 to 32 Control Input 2 to 32 16 character text

The “CTRL. I/P CONFIG.” column has several functions one of which allows the user to
configure the control inputs as either ‘latched’ or ‘pulsed’. A latched control input will remain
in the set state until a reset command is given, either by the menu or the serial
communications. A pulsed control input, however, will remain energized for 10ms after the
set command is given and will then reset automatically (i.e. no reset command required).
In addition to the latched/pulsed option this column also allows the control inputs to be
individually assigned to the “Hotkey” menu by setting ‘1’ in the appropriate bit in the “Hotkey
Enabled” cell. The hotkey menu allows the control inputs to be set, reset or pulsed without
the need to enter the “CONTROL INPUTS” column. The “Ctrl. Command” cell also allows
the SET/RESET text, displayed in the hotkey menu, to be changed to something more
suitable for the application of an individual control input, such as “ON/OFF”, “IN/OUT” etc.
The “CTRL. I/P LABELS” column makes it possible to change the text associated with each
individual control input. This text will be displayed when a control input is accessed by the
hotkey menu, or it can be displayed in the PSL.

Note: With the exception of pulsed operation, the status of the control inputs
is stored in battery backed memory. In the event that the auxiliary
supply is interrupted the status of all the inputs will be recorded.
Following the restoration of the auxiliary supply the status of the
control inputs, prior to supply failure, will be reinstated. If the battery
is missing or flat the control inputs will set to logic 0 once the auxiliary
supply is restored.
 P846/EN OP/A11 Operation

(OP) 5-24 MiCOM P846

2.9 Changing setting groups

The setting groups can be changed either via opto inputs or via a menu selection. In the
Configuration column if ‘Setting Group – select via optos’ is selected then optos 1 and 2,
which are dedicated for setting group selection, can be used to select the setting group as
shown in the table below. If ‘Setting Group – select via menu’ is selected then in the
Configuration column the ‘Active Settings – Group 1/2/3/4’ can be used to select the setting
group. If this option is used then opto inputs 1 and 2 can be used for other functions in the
programmable scheme logic.

OPTO 1 OPTO 2 Selected Setting Group

0 0 1
1 0 2
0 1 3
1 1 4

Note: Setting groups comprise both Settings and Programmable Scheme

Logic. Each is independent per group – not shared as common. The
settings are generated in the Settings and Records application within
OP MiCOM S1, or can be applied directly from the relay front panel menu.
The programmable scheme logic can only be set using the PSL Editor
application within MiCOM S1, generating files with extension “.psl”. It
is essential that where the installation needs application-specific PSL,
that the appropriate .psl file is downloaded (sent) to the relay, for each
and every setting group that will be used. If the user fails to download
the required .psl file to any setting group that may be brought into
service, then factory default PSL will still be resident. This may have
severe operational and safety consequences.

2.10 Real time clock synchronization via opto-inputs

In modern protective schemes it is often desirable to synchronize the relays real time clock
so that events from different relays can be placed in chronological order. This can be done
using the IRIG-B input, if fitted, or via the communication interface connected to the
substation control system. In addition to these methods the P846 offers the facility to
synchronize via an opto-input by routing it in PSL to DDB 475 (Time Sync.). Pulsing this
input will result in the real time clock snapping to the nearest minute. The recommended
pulse duration is 20ms to be repeated no more than once per minute. An example of the
time sync. function is shown below:

Time of “Sync. Pulse” Corrected Time

19:47:00 to 19:47:29 19:47:00
19:47:30 to 19:47:59 19:48:00

Note: The above assumes a time format of hh:mm:ss

Operation P846/EN OP/A11

MiCOM P846 (OP) 5-25

To avoid the event buffer from being filled with unnecessary time sync. events, it is possible
to ignore any event that is generated by the time sync. opto input. This can be done by
applying the following settings:

Menu Text Value

RECORD CONTROL
Opto Input Event Enabled
Protection Event Enabled
DDB 63 – 32 (Opto Inputs) Set “Time Sync.” associated opto to 0

To improve the recognition time of the time sync. opto input by approximately 10ms, the opto
input filtering could be disabled. This is achieved by setting the appropriate bit to 0 in the
“Opto Filter Cntl.” cell (OPTO CONFIG. column). Disabling the filtering may make the opto
input more susceptible to induced noise. Fortunately the effects of induced noise can be
minimized by using the methods described in section 1.2.3.3 of Firmware Design (P846/EN
FD) section.

OP
 P846/EN OP/A11 Operation

(OP) 5-26 MiCOM P846

OP