OVERCURRENT PROTECTION FOR

PHASE AND EARTH FAULTS

 9.1 INTRODUCTION
 Protection against excess current was the earliest
protection system to evolve.
 The graded overcurrent system, a discriminative
fault protection, has been developed.
 This should not be confused with ‘overload’
protection, which operate in a time related in
some degree to the thermal capability of the
element to be protected.
 Overcurrent protection is directed to the
clearance of faults.
 9.2 CO-ORDINATION PROCEDURE
 Correct overcurrent relay application requires knowledge of the fault
current that can flow in each part of the network.
 The data required for a relay setting study are:
1) A one-line diagram of the power system, including the type and rating of the
protection devices and their associated current transformers.
2) The impedances in ohms, per cent or per unit, of all elements (Tr., G, ..).
3) The maximum and minimum values of short circuit currents at each bus.
4) The maximum load current through protection devices.
5) The starting current requirements of motors and locked rotor/stalling times
of induction motors.
6) The transformer inrush, thermal withstands and damage characteristics.
7) Decrement curves of the fault current supplied by the generators
8) Performance curves of the current transformers
 CO-ORDINATION PROCEDURE
 The relay settings are first determined to give the shortest
operating times at maximum fault levels and then checked
to be satisfactory at the minimum fault current.
 It is advisable to plot the curves of relays and other
protection devices (fuses, ..), which operate in series, on a
common scale.
 The basic rules for relay co-ordination are stated as follows:
1) Whenever possible, use relays with the same operating
characteristic in series with each other
2) Make sure that the relay farthest from the source has current
settings equal to or less than the relays behind it.
 9.3 PRINCIPLES OF TIME/CURRENT
GRADING
Relay coordination is achieved by using either
time or overcurrent, or a combination of both.
The common aim of all three methods is to
give correct discrimination. That is to say, each
one must isolate only the faulty section of the
power system network, leaving the rest of the
system undisturbed
9.3.1 Discrimination by Time
 Concept: an appropriate time setting is given to each relays to ensure that the breaker nearest to the fault
opens first. A simple radial distribution system is shown in Figure 9.1.
 Definite-time overcurrent protection relay is provided at B, C, D and E at the in-feed end of each section. It
is described as an ‘independent definite-time delay relay’, since its operating time does not depend on the
fault current level.
 The relay at B is set at the shortest time delay which allow the fuse to blow for a fault at A on the
secondary side of the transformer. The relay at C has a time delay setting equal to t1 seconds, and similarly
for the relays at D and E.
 If a fault occurs at F, the relay at B will operate in t seconds and the subsequent operation of the CB at B
will clear the fault before the relays at C, D and E reach their operating time. The time interval t1 between
each relay time setting must be long enough to ensure that the upstream relays do not operate before the
CB at the fault location has cleared the fault.
 Disadvantage of time discrimination: the longest fault clearance time occurs for faults closest to the
source, where the fault level (MVA) is highest.
9.3.2 Discrimination by Current
 Discrimination by current relies on the fault current varies with the position of the fault depend on the impedance of the faulted path.
 From the Figure : for a fault at F1, the system short-circuits current is given by:
𝑉 11 𝑘𝑉 2 112
𝐼= = = 8800 𝐴, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑍𝑠 = = = 0.485
𝑍𝑠 + 𝑍𝑙1 3 ∗ 0.485 + 0.24 𝑀𝑉𝐴𝑠𝑐 250
 So, a relay at C set at 8800A to protect the cable between C & B. However, there are two practical points that affect this method of co-
ordination:
A. It is not practical to distinguish faults between F1 and F2, since the distance between them only a few meters, where the change in fault current of approximately 0.1%.
B. In practice, the source fault level varies between (250 to 130)MVA. At lower level the fault current not exceed 6800A. So, a relay set at 8800A would not protect any part.
Thus, Discrimination by current is not a practical for correct grading between CB C and B.
 For a fault at F4, the system short-circuits current is given by:
𝑉 11 𝑘𝑉 2 112
𝐼= = = 2200 𝐴, 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑍𝑇 = 𝑍 = 0.07 ∗
𝑍𝑠 + 𝑍𝑙1 + 𝑍𝑙2 + 𝑍𝑇 3 ∗ 0.485 + 0.24 + 0.04 + 2.12 𝑀𝑉𝐴 4
 So, a relay at B set at 2200A plus a safety margin(20% for relay errors and 10% for system impedance variations) equal 1.3 x 2200A= 2860A,
would not operate for a fault at F4 which discriminate with the relay at A.,. Now, assuming a fault at F3, at the end of the 11kV cable feeding
the 4MVA transformer, the short-circuit current is given by:
𝑉 11 𝑘𝑉 2 112
𝐼= = = 8300 𝐴, 𝑖𝑓 𝑍𝑠 = = = 0.485
𝑍𝑠 + 𝑍𝑙1 + 𝑍𝑙2 3 ∗ 0.485 + 0.24 + 0.04 𝑀𝑉𝐴𝑠𝑐 250
𝑉 11 𝑘𝑉 2 112
𝐼= = = 5250 𝐴, 𝑖𝑓 𝑍𝑠 = = = 0.93
𝑍𝑠 + 𝑍𝑙1 + 𝑍𝑙2 3 ∗ 0.93 + 0.24 + 0.04 𝑀𝑉𝐴𝑠𝑐 130
In other words, for either value of source level, the relay at B would operate correctly for faults any where on the 11kV cable feeding the
transformer.
9.3.3 Discrimination by both Time and
Current
 The two methods have disadvantage:
 Time discrimination, the more severe faults are cleared in
the longest delay time near source.
 Current discrimination, can be applied only where there
is appreciable impedance between the two CBs
concerned.
 Because of these limitations, inverse time overcurrent
relay has evolved where the operation time is inversely
proportional to the fault current level.
 Figure 9.3 illustrates the characteristics of two relays
given different current/time settings.
 For a large variation in fault current between the two
ends, faster operating times can be achieved by the
relays nearest to the source, where the fault level is
the highest.
 The disadvantages of grading by time or current alone
are overcome.
 Selection of overcurrent relay characteristics:
 Select of the correct characteristic for each relay,
 Choice of the relay current settings,
 Define the grading margins and hence time settings of
the relays are determined.
 9.4 STANDARD IDMT OVERCURRENT
RELAYS
 IEC 60255 defines No. of standard characteristics of IDMT
relays to facilitate coordination with other protection
devices used in the network:
• Standard Inverse (SI).
• Very Inverse (VI).
• Extremely Inverse (EI).
• Definite Time (DT).
 The mathematical descriptions of the curves are given in
the Table.
 The digital relays have discrete values of TMS in small
steps while, electromechanical relay has continuous
adjustment.
 Overcurrent relays are fitted with a high-set
instantaneous element. In most cases, use of the
standard SI curve proves satisfactory, if not, use of the VI
or EI curves may help to resolve the problem.
 Digital relays are used, other characteristics may be
provided, including the possibility of user-definable
Long time IEC-EI IEC-VI IEC-SI
curves.
standard earth
fault
𝑡 𝑡 𝑡 𝑡
120 80 13.5 0.14
= 𝑇𝑀𝑆 = 𝑇𝑀𝑆 2 = 𝑇𝑀𝑆 = 𝑇𝑀𝑆
𝑃𝑆𝑀 − 1 (𝑃𝑆𝑀) −1 (𝑃𝑆𝑀) − 1 (𝑃𝑆𝑀)0.02 −
 9.5 COMBINED I.D.M.T. &
INSTANTANEOUS OC RELAYS
 A high-set instantaneous element can be
used where the source impedance is smaller
than the protected circuit impedance.
 Advantages of high set instantaneous
element:
1) reduce the operating time by the shaded
area below the 'discriminating curves'. The
reduced operating time minimize damage
at the fault location.
2) Grading between relays that has the
instantaneous element is carried out at
instantaneous elements setting not at max.
fault level that can reduce the TMS. For
example R2 is graded with R3 at 500A
instead of 1100A, allowing relay R2 to be
set with a TMS of 0.15 instead of 0.2 while
maintaining a grading margin is 0.4s.
Similarly, R1 with R2at 1400A instead of
2300A.
 9.5.1 Transient Overreach
 Overreach: A relay operates for a fault that lies beyond its protected
zone.
 Instantaneous element settings should not operate for faults
beyond the protected zone. Short circuit current has a d.c. offset in
the current wave may be greater than the relay pick-up value and
cause it to operate even though the steady state r.m.s. value of the
fault may be less than the relay setting. This phenomenon is called
transient overreach, and is defined as: % 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ
𝐼1 −𝐼2
= ∗ 100% , where: I1= r.m.s steady-state relay pick-up current
𝐼2
& I2= steady state r.m.s. current which when fully offset causes relay
pick-up.
 If instantaneous element is applied to power transformers, setting
must be set above the maximum through fault current across LV
terminals, in order to maintain discrimination with the relays on the
LV side.
9.6 VERY INVERSE (VI) OVERCURRENT
RELAYS
 Very inverse overcurrent relays are
suitable in case of a substantial
reduction of fault current as the
distance from the power source
increases (fault impedance
increases). This permits the use of
the same TMS for several relays in
series.
 Figure 9.7 provides a comparison of
the SI and VI curves for a relay. The
VI provides faster operation for the
same reduction in current
compared to the SI curve. This
enables the tripping time at source
can be minimised
 9.7 EXTREMELY INVERSE (EI)
OVERCURRENT RELAYS
 The operation time is approximately inversely
proportional to the square of the applied
1
current (𝑡α 𝐼2).
 It suitable for the distribution feeder that is
subjected to peak currents on switching in.
 It has long operating time at normal peak load
values of current, so it is suitable for grading
with fuses. Figure 9.8 shows the EI C/Cs gives a
satisfactory grading margin, but use of the VI
or SI C/Cs does not.
 Another application of this relay is in
conjunction with autoreclosers in low voltage
distribution circuits which is set to operate
before the fuse blows. If the fault persists, the
auto-recloser locks itself in the closed position
after one opening and the fuse blows to
isolate the fault
 9.8 OTHER RELAY CHARACTERISTICS
 User definable curves may be provided on digital
relays. The general principle is that the user enters a
series of current/time co-ordinates. this feature used in
special cases if none of the standard tripping
characteristics is suitable. However, grading of
upstream protection may become more difficult, and it
is necessary to ensure that the curve is properly
documented, along with the reasons for use.
 Digital relays may also include predefined logic
schemes utilising digital (relay) I/O provided in the
relay to implement standard schemes such as CB
failure and trip circuit supervision.
 9.9 INDEPENDENT (DEFINITE) TIME
OVERCURRENT RELAYS
 Overcurrent relays are also provided
with definite time c/cs which provide
a suitable coordinating for several
relays in series in situations the
system fault current varies very
widely, as there is no change in time
with the variation of fault current.
 The figure contains the time/current
c/cs and I.D.M.T. c/cs.
 Advantage of this combination: has
lower operating times by the inverse
relay at the higher values of fault
current, whereas has lower operating
times by definite time relay at the
lower current values.
 Vertical lines T1, T2, T3, and T4
indicate the reduction in operating
times achieved by the inverse relay at
high fault levels.
 9.10 RELAY CURRENT SETTING
• The main function of overcurrent protection is to isolate primary
system faults and not to provide overload protection
• The minimum operating current, or the current setting of the
overcurrent relay:
– should not operate for the maximum load current.
– Should operate for a current equal or greater to the minimum
expected fault current.
• In general, 𝐼𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 > 𝐼𝑀𝑎𝑥.𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡
• Since all relays have hysteresis in their current settings, the setting
must be sufficiently high to allow the relay to reset when the rated
pickup
current of the circuit is being carried. 𝐻𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠 =
drop off
≅ 0.95 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑦𝑠
• Thus, 𝐼𝑠𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 ≥ 1.05 ∗ 𝐼𝑀𝑎𝑥.𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡
 9.11 RELAY TIME GRADING MARGIN
• The time interval required between the operation of two adjacent relays
in order to achieve correct discrimination is called the grading margin.
• The grading margin depends on a number of factors:
i. The interrupting time of the circuit breaker.
ii. relay timing errors
iii. the overshoot time of the relay
iv. CT errors
v. Final margin on completion of operation.
• Factors (ii) and (iii) depend on the relay technology used – an
electromechanical relay, for instance, will have a larger overshoot time
than a numerical relay.
• Grading is initially carried out for the max. fault level at the relaying point,
but a check is also made that the required grading margin exists for all
current levels between relay pick-up current and maximum fault level.
• 9.11.1 Circuit Breaker Interrupting Time
The CB interrupting the fault must interrupted the current before the discriminating relay
energies. The CB time depends on the type of CB and the fault current.
• 9.11.2 Relay Timing Error
IEC 60255 denotes that all relays have errors in their timing compared to the ideal C/CS which
determines the maximum timing error of the relay.
• 9.11.3 Overshoot
Relay operation may continue due stored energy(kinetic energy in the induction disc; capacitor
energy in static relay). The overshoot time: the difference between the operating time of a relay at
a specified input current and the maximum duration of input current reduced below threshold
value.
• 9.11.4 CT Errors
The CT secondary current is not an identical scaled of the primary current due to the excitation
current. This leads to errors in the time operation of relays. CT errors are not relevant when
definite-time delay overcurrent relays are being considered.
• 9.11.5 Final Margin
Safety margin is required to ensure that relay operation does not occur.
• 9.11.6 Overall Accuracy
The overall limits of accuracy according to IEC 60255-4 for an IDMT relay with standard inverse
characteristic are shown in Figure 9.10.