Generator Protection

Application Guide
About the Original Author

George Rockefeller is a private consultant. He has a BS in EE from Lehigh University; MS from

New Jersey Institute of Technology and a MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Rockefeller
is a Fellow of IEEE and Past Chairman of IEEE Power Systems Relaying Committee. He holds nine
U.S. Patents and is coauthor of Applied Protective Relaying (1st Edition). Mr. Rockefeller worked
for Westinghouse Electric Corporation for twenty-one years in application and system design of
protective relaying systems. He worked for Consolidated Edison Company for ten years as a System
Engineer. He has served as a private consultant since 1982.

Updates and additions performed by various Basler Electric Company employees.

This Guide contains a summary of information for the protection of various types of electrical
equipment. Neither Basler Electric Company nor anyone acting on its behalf makes any warranty or
representation, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained
herein, nor assumes any responsibility or liability for the use or consequences of use of any of this
information.

First printing April 1994

Revision E.2 August 2014
Generator Protection
Application Guide
Introduction This guide simplifies the process of
selecting relays by describing how to protect
This guide was developed to assist in the against each type of external and internal fault or
selection of relays and relay systems to protect abnormal condition. Then, suggestions are made
a generator. The purpose of each protective for what is considered to be minimum protection
element is described and related to one or more as a baseline. After establishing the baseline,
power system configurations. A large number of additional protection, as described in the section
relays and relay systems is available to protect on Integrated Application Examples, may be
for a wide variety of conditions. These provide added.
protection to the generator or prime mover
from damage. They also protect the external The subjects covered in this guide are as
power system or the processes it supplies. follows:
The basic principles offered here apply equally
to individual relays and to multifunction • Ground Fault (50/51-G/N, 27/59, 59N, 27-3N,
numeric packages. An example of the typical 87N)
configuration settings for a 2MW diesel genset • Phase Fault (51, 51V, 87)
using the Basler BE1-11g Generator Protection • Backup Remote Fault Detection (51V, 21)
System is included on pages 24-25. • Reverse Power (32)
• Loss of Field (40Q and 40Z)
The engineer must balance the expense • Thermal (49RTD)
of applying a particular relay or relay system • Fuse Loss (60)
against the consequences of losing a generator. • Overexcitation and Over/Undervoltage
The total loss of a generator may not be (24, 27/59)
catastrophic if it represents a small percentage • Inadvertent Energization (50/27)
of the investment in an installation. However, • Negative-sequence Current and Voltage
the impact on service reliability and upset to (46, 47)
loads supplied must be considered. Damage • Off-Frequency Operation (81O/U/ROC)
to and loss of product in continuous processes • Sync Check (25) and Auto Synchronizing (25A)
can represent the dominating concern rather • Out of Step (78OOS)
than the generator unit. Accordingly, there is • Selective and Sequential Tripping
no standard solution based on the MW rating. • Integrated Application Examples
However, it is rather expected that a 500 kW, • Application of BE1-11g Multifunction Relay
480 V, standby reciprocating engine will have System
less protection than a 400 MW base load steam • Typical Settings
turbine unit. One possible common dividing • Basler Electric Products for Protection
point is that the extra CTs needed for current
differential protection are less commonly seen The references listed on Page 27 provide
on generators less than 2 MVA, generators more background on this subject. These
rated less than 600 V and generators that are documents also contain Bibliographies for further
never paralleled to other generation. study.

1
Ground Fault Protection The generator differential function (87)
might be sufficiently sensitive to detect winding
The following information and examples ground faults with low-impedance grounding
cover three impedance levels of grounding: per Fig. 2. This would be the case if a solid
low-, medium- and high-impedance grounding. generator-terminal fault produces approximately
A low-impedance grounded generator is a 100% of rated current. The minimum pickup
generator that has zero or minimal impedance setting of the differential function (e.g., Basler
applied at the wye neutral point so that, BE1-11g, see Table 2) should be adjusted to
during a ground fault at the generator HV sense faults on as much of the winding as
terminals, ground current from the generator possible. However, settings below 10% of full
is approximately equal to three-phase fault load current (e.g., 0.4 A for 4 A full load current)
current. A medium-impedance grounded carry increased risk of misoperation because of
generator is a generator that has substantial transient CT saturation during external faults or
impedance applied at the wye neutral point so during step-up transformer energization. Lower
that, during a ground fault, a reduced but readily pickup settings are recommended only with
detectable level of ground current, typically high-quality CTs (e.g., C400) and a good CT
100-500 A, flows. A high-impedance grounded match (e.g., identical accuracy class and equal
generator is a generator with a large grounding burdens).
impedance so that, during a ground fault, a
nearly undetectable level of fault current flows,
making ground fault monitoring with voltage-
based (e.g., third-harmonic voltage monitoring
and fundamental frequency neutral-voltage-
shift monitoring) protection necessary. The
location of the grounding, generator neutral(s)
or transformer also influences the protection
approach.

The location of the ground fault within the

generator winding, as well as the grounding
impedance, determines the level of fault current.
Assuming that the generated voltage along
each segment of the winding is uniform, the
prefault line-ground voltage level is proportional
to the percent of winding between the fault
location and the generator neutral, VFG in Fig. 1.
Assuming an impedance grounded generator
where (Z0, SOURCE and ZN)>>ZWINDING, the current
level is directly proportional to the distance of
the point from the generator neutral [Fig. 1(a)],
so a fault 10% from neutral produces 10% of the
current that flows for a fault on the generator
terminals. While the current level drops towards
zero as the neutral is approached, the insulation FIGURE 1. EFFECTS OF FAULT LOCATION WITHIN
stress also drops, reducing the probability of a GENERATOR ON CURRENT LEVEL.
damaging fault near the neutral. If a generator
grounding impedance is low relative to the If 87 protection is provided per Fig. 2, a 51N
generator winding impedance or the system function (e.g., Basler relays per Table 2) backs
ground impedance is low, the fault current up the 87, as well as external relays. If an 87
decay will be non-linear. For I1 in Fig. 1, lower is not provided or is not sufficiently sensitive
fault voltage is offset by lower generator winding for ground faults, then the 87N provides the
resistance. An example is shown in Fig. 1(b). primary protection for the generator and the

2
51N backup. The advantage of the 87 and 87N generator. The transformer should produce
is they do not need to be delayed to coordinate a ground current of at least 50% of generator
with external protection; however, delay is rated current to provide about 95% or more
required for the 51N. One must be aware of the winding coverage.
effects of transient dc offset induced saturation
on CTs during transformer or load energization
with respect to the high-speed operation of
87 relays. Transient dc offset can induce CT
saturation for many cycles (likely not more than
10 cycles), which may cause false operation of
an 87 function and relay systems. This may be
addressed by the following:
• Not block loading the generator
• Avoiding sudden energization of large
transformers
• Providing substantially overrated CTs
• Adding a very small time delay to the 87 trip FIGURE 3. SYSTEM GROUNDED EXTERNALLY WITH
MULTIPLE GENERATORS.
circuit
• Reducing sensitivity of 87 setting.
Fig. 4 shows a unit-connected arrangement
(generator and step-up transformer directly
connected with no low-side breaker), using
high-impedance grounding. The grounding
resistor and voltage elements are connected
to the secondary of a distribution transformer.
The resistance is normally selected so that the
reflected primary resistance is approximately
equal to one-third of the single-phase line-to-
ground capacitive reactance of the generator,
FIGURE 2. GROUND-FAULT PROTECTION - GENERATOR bus and step-up transformer. This will limit fault
LOW-IMPEDANCE GROUNDING. current to 5-10 A primary. Sufficient resistor
damping prevents ratcheting up of the
The neutral CT should be selected to un-faulted phase voltages in the presence of
produce a secondary current of at least 5 A for a an intermittent ground. The low current level
solid generator terminal fault, providing sufficient minimizes the possibility of sufficient iron
current for a fault near the generator neutral. For damage to require re-stacking. Because of the
example, if a terminal fault produces low current level, the 87 will not operate for
1000 A in the generator neutral, the neutral CT single-phase ground faults.
ratio should not exceed 1000/5. For a fault 10%
from the neutral and assuming I1 is proportional
to percent winding from the neutral, the 51N
current will be 0.5 A, with a 1000/5 CT.

Fig. 3 shows multiple generators with the

transformer providing the system grounding.
This arrangement applies if the generators
will not be operated with the transformer out
of service. The scheme will lack ground fault
protection before generator breakers are
closed. The transformer could serve a step-up
as well as a grounding transformer function.
An overcurrent function 51N or a differential
function 87 provides the protection for each

3
 Faults near the generator neutral can be
sensed with the 27-3N. When high-impedance
grounding is in use, a detectable level of third-
harmonic voltage usually exists at the generator
neutral, typically 1–5% of generator line-to-
neutral fundamental voltage. The level of third-
harmonic depends on generator design and
can be very low in some generators. A 2/3 pitch
machine will experience a notably reduced third-
harmonic voltage. The level of harmonic voltage
will likely decrease at lower excitation levels and
lower load levels. During ground faults near the
generator neutral, the third-harmonic voltage
in the generator neutral is shorted to ground,
causing the 27-3N to drop out (Fig. 6). It is
important that the 27-3N have high rejection of
FIGURE 4. UNIT-CONNECTED CASE WITH HIGH- fundamental frequency voltage.
IMPEDANCE GROUNDING.

Protection in Fig. 4 consists of a 59N

overvoltage element and a 27-3N third-harmonic
undervoltage element (see Table 2). As shown
in Fig. 5, a ground fault at the generator high-
voltage bushings elevates the un-faulted phase
line–to-ground voltages to a nominal 173% of
normal line to neutral voltages. Also, the neutral-
to-ground voltage will rise to normal phase-
ground voltage levels. The closer the ground FIGURE 6. GROUND FAULT NEAR GENERATOR NEUTRAL
fault is to the generator neutral, the less the REDUCES THIRD-HARMONIC VOLTAGE IN GENERATOR
neutral-to-ground voltage will be. One method to NEUTRAL, DROPPING OUT 27-3N.
sense this neutral shift is with the 59N protection
(Fig. 4) monitoring the generator neutral. The The 27-3N performs a valuable monitoring
59N will sense and protect the generator for function aside from its fault detection function; if
ground faults over about 95% of the generator the grounding system is shorted or opens, the
winding. The 59N (see Table 2) element should 27-3N drops out.
be selected so as to not respond to third-
harmonic voltage produced during normal The 59P phase overvoltage element in
operation. The 59N will not operate for faults Fig. 4 supervises the 27-3N so the 86 lockout
near the generator neutral because of the element can be reset when the generator is
reduced neutral shift during this type of fault. out of service; otherwise, the field could not be
applied. Once the field is applied and the 59P
operates, the 27-3N protection is enabled. The
59P element should be set for about 90% of
rated voltage. An “a” contact of the unit breaker
can be used instead of the 59P protection to
supervise 27-3N tripping. Blocking the 27-3N
until some level of forward power exists has also
been done. However, the use of a 59P element
FIGURE 5. NEUTRAL SHIFT DURING GROUND FAULT ON
allows the 27-3N to provide protection prior to
HIGH IMPEDANCE GROUNDED SYSTEM. synchronization (i.e., putting the unit online),
once the field has been applied.

4
 To provide 100% stator winding coverage voltage to the maximum continuous rating of
in high-impedance grounded generators, the the relay. If the relay is used for tripping, the
undervoltage (27-3N) and overvoltage (59N) secondary voltage could be as high as the
settings should overlap. For example, if a relay’s ten-second voltage rating. Tripping
generator-terminal fault produces 240 V, is recommended to minimize iron damage
60 Hz across the neutral voltage element (59N), for a winding fault as well as minimizing the
a 1V pickup setting (a fairly sensitive setting) possibility of a multi-phase fault.
would allow all but the last (1/240) • 100 =
0.416% of the winding to be covered by the Where wye-wye voltage transformers (VTs)
overvoltage function. If 20V third-harmonic is are connected to the machine terminals, the
developed across the relay prior to a fault, a secondary VT neutral should not be grounded
1 V third-harmonic dropout setting would to avoid operation of the 59N protection for a
provide dropout for a fault to (1/20) • 100 = 5% secondary ground fault. Instead, one of the
from the neutral. Setting the 59N pickup too phase leads should be grounded (i.e., "corner
low or the 27-3N dropout too low might result in ground"), leaving the neutral to float. This
operation of the ground detection system during connection eliminates any voltage across the
normal operating conditions. The third-harmonic 59N element for a secondary phase-to-ground
dropout level can be the hardest to properly fault. If the VT secondary neutral is grounded,
set, because this level depends on machine a phase-ground VT secondary fault pulls little
design, generator excitation and load levels. It current, so the secondary fuse sees little current
is advisable to measure third-harmonic voltages and does not operate. The fault appears to be a
at the generator neutral during unloaded and high impedance phase-to-ground fault as seen
loaded conditions prior to selecting a setting by the generator neutral-shift sensing protection
for the 27-3N dropout. In some generators, (59N), leading to a generator trip. Alternatively,
the third-harmonic at the neutral can become assume that the VT corner (e.g., phase A) has
almost unmeasurably low during low excitation been grounded. If phase B or C faults to ground,
and low load levels, requiring blocking the then the fault will appear as a phase-to-phase
27-3N tripping mode with a supervising 32 fault, which will pull high secondary currents and
underpower element when the generator is will clear the secondary fuse rapidly and prevent
running unloaded. 59N operation. A neutral-to-ground fault tends
to operate the 59N, but this is a low likelihood
There is also some level of third-harmonic event. An isolation VT is required if the generator
voltage present at the generator high voltage VTs would otherwise be galvanically connected
terminals. A somewhat predictable ratio of to a set of neutral-grounded VTs. Three wye
(V3RD-GEN.HV.TERM)/(V3RD-GEN.NEUTRAL) will exist under VTs should be applied where an iso-phase bus
all load conditions, though this ratio can change (phase conductors separately enclosed) is used
if loading induces changes in third-harmonic to protect against phase-to-phase faults on the
voltages. A ground fault at the generator generator terminals.
neutral will change this ratio, providing another
means to detect a generator ground fault. Two The 59N element in Fig. 4 is subject to
difficulties with this method are these: problems operation for a ground fault on the wye side
with developing a way to accurately sense of any power transformer connected to the
low third-harmonic voltages at the generator generator. This voltage is developed even
high-voltage terminals in the presence of though the generator connects to a delta
large fundamental-frequency voltages and winding because of the transformer inter-
problems with dealing with the changes in the winding capacitance. This coupling is so small
third-harmonic ratio under some operating that its effect can ordinarily be ignored; however,
conditions. this is not the case with the 59N application
because of the very high grounding resistance.
If the 59N protection is used only for The 59N overvoltage element time delay allows
alarming, the distribution transformer voltage the relay to override external-fault clearing.
ratio should be selected to limit the secondary

5
 The Basler BE1-11 family of multifunction and the tendency will be for all generators to
relays with voltage inputs, including the trip. The 51N relay, when connected to a flux
BE1-11g, features the required neutral summation CT, will provide selective tripping
overvoltage (59N), undervoltage (27-3N) and if at least three generators are in service. In
phase overvoltage (59P) units. The single this case, the faulted generator 51N protection
function BE1-59N can also be used as the 59 will then see more current than the other 51N
element is tuned to 60 Hz and the optional elements. The proper 51N will operate before
undervoltage 27-3N element detects the third- the others because of the inverse characteristic
harmonic voltage. A separate 59 phase must be of the relays. Use of the flux summation CT is
installed to block 27-3N operation when the unit limited to those cases where the CT window can
is offline. accommodate the three cables. Fault currents
are relatively low, so care must be exercised
Fig. 4 also shows a 51GN element as a in selecting an appropriate nominal relay
second way to detect a stator ground fault. current level (e.g., 5 A vs. 1 A) and CT ratio. For
The use of a 51GN in addition to the 59N and example, with a 30 A fault level and a 50 to
27-3N is readily justified because the most likely 5 A CT, a 1 A nominal 51N with a pickup of
fault is a stator ground fault. An undetected 0.1 A might be used. With two generators, each
stator ground fault would be catastrophic, contributing 10 A to a terminal fault in a third
eventually resulting in a multi-phase fault with generator, the faulted-generator 51N function
high current flow, which persists until the field sees 2•10/(50/5) = 2 A. Then the relay protects
flux decays (e.g., for 1–4s). The CT shown down to ([0.1]/2) • 100 = 5% from the neutral.
in Fig. 4 could be replaced with a CT in the
secondary of the distribution transformer, When feeder cables are connected to the
allowing use of a CT with a lower voltage generator bus, the additional capacitance
rating. However, the 51GN element would then dictates a much lower level of grounding
be inoperative if the distribution transformer resistance than achieved with a unit-connected
primary becomes shorted. The CT ratio for the case. A lower resistance is required to minimize
secondary-connected configuration should transient overvoltages during an arcing fault.
provide for a relay current about equal to the
generator neutral current (i.e., 5:5 CT). In either
position, the relay pickup should be above the
harmonic current flow during normal operation.
(Typically harmonic current will be less than
1A but the relay can be set lower if the relay
filters harmonic currents and responds only to
fundamental currents.) Assuming a maximum
fault current of 8 A primary in the neutral and
a relay set to pick up at 1 A primary, 88% of
the stator winding is covered. As with the
59N element, the 51GN delay will allow it to
override clearing of a high-side ground fault. An
instantaneous overcurrent element can also be
FIGURE 7. 59N PROTECTION OPERATION WITH MULTIPLE
employed, set at about three times the time- UNITS WILL NOT BE SELECTIVE; 51N PROTECTION
overcurrent element pickup, although it might PROVIDES SELECTIVE PROTECTION IF AT LEAST THREE
not coordinate with primary VT fuses that are GENERATORS ARE IN SERVICE.
connected to the generator terminals.
The BE1-11g neutral differential (87N),
Multiple generators, per Fig. 7, can be neutral directional (67N), or neutral overcurrent
high-impedance grounded, but 59N protection (51N) can be used to detect ground faults
will not be selective. A ground fault anywhere in either solidly or low-impedance grounded
on the generation bus or on the separate generators as shown in Figure 8. The 51N is
generators will be seen by all 59N elements, typically set to 10% of available ground fault

6
current and must be coordinated with other with external devices. Because the 51 function
system ground fault protections. The 67N operates for external faults, it is not generator-
complements the operation of the 51N, and is zone selective. It will operate for abnormal
set to trip for ground fault current flowing toward external operating conditions such as remote
the generator and has a shorter time delay. faults that are not properly cleared by remote
The 87N element detects the difference current breakers. The 51 pickup should be set at
between the calculated neutral current (3I0) about 175% of rated current to override swings
and the measured ground current (IG). The 87N because of a slow-clearing external fault, the
is more commonly found on generators that starting of a large motor or the reacceleration
already have CTs required for phase differential current of a group of motors. Energization of a
relaying. The 87N will typically operate for transformer might also subject the generator to
ground faults as low as 50% of the phase higher-than-rated current flow.
fault current in these applications. Whichever
approach is used, an effort should be made to
select relay settings to trip for faults as low as
10% of maximum ground fault current levels.
During external phase faults, considerable
87N operating current can occur when there is
dissimilar saturation of the phase CTs caused
by high ac current or transient dc offset effects,
while the generator neutral current is still zero,
assuming balanced conductor impedances to
the fault. The transient monitor feature of the
BE1-11g, 87N, has an adjustable time delay
setting to ride through possible transient CT
saturation caused by these high fault current,
two phase to ground external faults.

FIGURE 9. PHASE-OVERCURRENT PROTECTION (51) MUST

BE DELAYED TO COORDINATE WITH EXTERNAL RELAYS.

Fig. 10 shows an example of generator

current decays for a three-phase fault and a
phase-to-phase fault. For a three-phase fault,
the fault current decays below the pickup level
of the 51 element in approximately one second.
If the delay of the 51 can be selectively set to
operate before the current drops to pickup, the
relay will provide three-phase fault protection.
The current does not decay as fast for a
phase-to-phase or a phase-to-ground fault
and, thereby, allows the 51 function more time
to trip before current drops below pickup.
Fig. 10 assumes no voltage regulator boosting,
FIGURE 8. GROUND FAULT PROTECTION WITH 87N, 67N
although the excitation system response time
AND 51N.
is unlikely to provide significant fault current
boosting in the first second of the fault. It also
Phase-Fault Protection assumes no voltage regulator dropout because
of loss of excitation power during the fault. If
Fig. 9 shows a simple method of detecting the generator is loaded prior to the fault, pre-
phase faults, but clearing is delayed, because fault load current and the associated higher
the 51 function must be delayed to coordinate excitation levels will provide the fault with a

7
higher level of current than indicated by the of higher current contribution from the external
Fig. 10 curves. An estimate of the net fault source; however, the generator is unprotected
current of a pre-loaded generator is a should a fault occur with the breaker open or
superposition of load current and fault current prior to synchronizing.
without pre-loading. For example, assuming a
pre-fault 1 pu rated load at 30 degree lag, at Voltage-restrained or voltage-controlled
one second the three-phase fault value would time-overcurrent elements (51VR, 51VC) can
be 2.4 times rated, rather than 1.75 times rated be used as shown in Fig. 11 to remove any
(1@30° + 1.75@90° = 2.4@69°). Under these concerns about the ability to operate before the
circumstances, the 51 function has more time to generator current drops too low. The voltage
operate before current decays below pickup. feature allows the relays to be set below rated
current. The Basler BE1-11g multifunction
overcurrent generator protection relay, as well
as single function relays such as the
BE1-51/27R voltage-restrained relay, approach
causes the pickup to decrease with decreasing
voltage. For example, the relay might be set
for about 175% of generator rated current with
rated voltage applied; at 25% voltage the relay
picks up at 25% of the relay setting (1.75 • 0.25
= 0.44 times rated).

The Basler BE1-11g multifunction generator

protection relay, as well as a single function
relays such as the BE1-51/27C voltage-
controlled relay, inhibit operation of the
overcurrent element until the voltage drops
below a preset voltage. It should be set to
function below about 80% of rated voltage with
a current pickup of about 50% of generator
rated. Because the voltage-controlled type
has a fixed pickup, it can be more readily
coordinated with external relays than can the
FIGURE 10. GENERATOR FAULT CURRENT DECAY
EXAMPLE FOR THREE-PHASE AND PHASE-PHASE FAULTS
voltage-restrained type. The voltage-controlled
AT GENERATOR TERMINALS - WITH NO REGULATOR type is recommended because it is easier to
BOOSTING OR DROPOUT DURING FAULT AND NO coordinate. However, the voltage-restrained
PREFAULT LOAD. type will be less susceptible to operation on
swings or motor starting conditions that depress
Fig. 9 shows the CTs on the neutral side the voltage below the voltage-controlled
of the generator. This location allows the relay undervoltage unit dropout point.
to sense internal generator faults but does
not sense fault current entering the generator
from the external system. Placing the CT on
the system side of the generator introduces
a problem of the relay not seeing a generator
internal fault when the main breaker is open
and when running the generator isolated from
other generation or the utility. If an external
source contributes more current than does the
generator, using CTs on the generator terminals,
rather than neutral-side CTs, will increase 51
protection sensitivity to internal faults because

8
 FIGURE 12. FLUX SUMMATION PROTECTION (50)
PROVIDES SENSITIVE, HIGH-SPEED, SELECTIVE
DIFFERENTIAL PROTECTION (87).

The 87 function of the BE1-11g relay in

Fig. 13A is connected to respond to phase
differential currents from two sets of CTs.
In some applications it might include a unit
differential that includes the step-up transformer.
In contrast to a 51 or 51V function that monitors
only one CT, the 87 element responds to both
the generator and external contributions to
a generator fault. Because of the differential
connection, the relay is immune, except for
transient CT saturation effects, to operation
FIGURE 11. VOLTAGE-RESTRAINED OR VOLTAGE- because of generator load flow or external
CONTROLLED TIME-OVERCURRENT PHASE FAULT faults and, therefore, can provide sensitive,
PROTECTION. high-speed protection. While the CTs must be
of the same ratio, these CTs do not need to
Fig. 12 eliminates concerns about the be matched in performance, but the minimum
decay rate of the generator current by using pickup of the 87 element must be raised as the
an instantaneous overcurrent protection (50) degree of performance mismatch increases.
on a flux summation CT, where the CT window See the BE1-11g instruction manual for specifics
can accommodate cable from both sides of on settings. A pickup of 0.4 A for the 87 element
the generator. The relay does not respond to is representative of a recommended setting for
generator load current nor to external fault a moderate mismatch in CT quality and burden.
conditions. The instantaneous overcurrent relay Fig. 13A also shows 51V elements to back up
(50) acts as a phase differential function (87) the 87 and external relays and breakers.
and provides high-speed sensitive protection.
This approach allows for high sensitivity. For The BE1-11g is recommended for generator
instance, it would be feasible to sense fault differential protection. In the case of overall
currents as low as 1-5% of generator full-load differential protection that includes step-up
current. It is common to use 50/5 CTs and transformer, generator breaker and other
to use 1 A nominal relaying. A low CT ratio associated equipment, the BE1-CDS240 is
introduces critical saturation concerns (e.g., recommended.
a 5,000 A primary fault might attempt to drive
a 500 A secondary current on a 50/5 CT). The
CT burden must be low to prevent saturation of
the CT during internal faults that tend to highly
overdrive the CT secondary.

9
 time-overcurrent (51) element should be at 1.5
times the maximum split-phase current. The
time delay should be set to prevent operation
on CT transient error currents during external
faults. The instantaneous (50) pickup should be
set approximately at seven times the minimum
pickup of the time-overcurrent (51). Fig. 14
shows the split-phase relaying scheme.

FIGURE 13A. 87 PROVIDES SENSITIVE, HIGH-SPEED

COVERAGE; 51V PROVIDES BACK-UP FOR 87 AND FOR
EXTERNAL RELAYS.

FIGURE 14. SPLIT-PHASE RELAYING SCHEME USING

SINGLE WINDOW CTs. (Reference IEEE Std. C37.102-2006)

In instances where stator winding

configurations do not allow the application of
split-phase protection, a neutral overvoltage
(59N) can be used to detect a turn-to-turn
fault by using three VTs connected in wye on
the primary side and the primary ground lead
tied to the generator neutral. The secondary is
connected in broken delta with an overvoltage
function connected across the open end to
FIGURE 13B. TYPICAL PROTECTION FOR A LARGE
GENERATOR. (INCLUDES OVERALL DIFFERENTIAL ZONE
measure 3V0 as shown in Fig. 15.
87O)
With the primary ground lead tied to the
As the 87 does not detect turn-to-turn faults, generator neutral, the 59N is insensitive to stator
the split-phase relaying scheme can be used to ground faults but will operate for turn-to-turn
detect this condition. This scheme requires the faults which increase the 3V0 voltage above low
stator windings to be split into two equal groups normal levels. The 59N is tuned to fundamental
and the currents of each group are compared frequency (60Hz) voltage. The cable from the
(Fig. 14). The scheme typically utilizes a time- neutral of the VT to the generator neutral must
overcurrent (51) or instantaneous overcurrent be insulated for the system line-to-ground
(50) function for each phase to detect the voltage.
unbalance current. The relays should generally
be set above any normal unbalanced current The Basler BE1-11g multifunction relay with
but below the unbalanced current caused by voltage element can be used for this protection
a single-turn fault. The minimum pickup of the by utilizing the auxiliary overvoltage (59X)
element.

10
 FIGURE 17. IMPEDANCE RELAY, LOOKING FOR REMOTE
FIGURE 15. TURN-TO-TURN FAULT PROTECTION USING
LINE FAULTS.
BE1-11g.

Reverse Power Protection

Another way to detect external faults is with
impedance relaying (21). Impedance relaying
The reverse-power element (32) in Fig. 18
divides voltage by current on a complex number
senses real power flow into the generator, which
plane (Z = V/I using phasor math) (Figs. 16
occurs if the generator loses its prime mover
and 17). Such relaying is inherently faster than
input. Because the generator is not faulted, CTs
time-overcurrent relaying. In the most common
on either side of the generator provide the same
format of impedance relaying, the tripping zone
measured current.
is the area covered by a "mho" circle on the R-X
plane that has a diameter from the origin (the
CT, VT location) to some remote set point on the
R-X plane. If the fault impedance is within the
zone, the relay will trip. Multiple zones can be
used, with delays on all zones as appropriate
for coordinating with line relays. Impedance
relaying is highly directional. In Fig. 16, however,
because the CT is on the neutral rather than
at the VT, the relay will see faults in both the
generator and in the remote system. The Basler
BE1-11g is equipped with this protection. Refer
to IEEE Standard 37.102.2006 for settings FIGURE 18. ANTI-MOTORING (32), LOSS-OF-FIELD (40),
information and a setting example. PROTECTION.

In a steam turbine, the low-pressure blades
will overheat with the lack of steam flow. Diesel
and gas turbine units draw large amounts of
motoring power with possible mechanical
problems. In the case of diesels, the hazard
of a fire and/or explosion may occur because
of unburned fuel. Therefore, anti-motoring
FIGURE 16. IMPEDANCE RELAY, LOOKING FOR protection is recommended whenever the unit
GENERATOR AND REMOTE LINE FAULTS. might be connected to a source of motoring
power. Where a non-electrical type of protection
is in use, as can be the case with a steam
turbine unit, the 32 function provides a way of
supervising this condition to prevent opening
the generator breaker before the prime mover
has shut down. Delay should be set for about

11
5-30 seconds to provide enough time for the
controls to pick up load upon synchronizing
when the generator is initially slower than the
system.

Motoring can occur with large reactive

power flow. Fig. 19 illustrates a generator
producing load at 0.8PF. When the prime mover
is lost, power reverses to motoring levels (10%
in this case). However, the excitation system
maintains constant var levels, causing the power
factor to drop to 0.08PF.

Numeric relays are better than single-

function relays at responding to lower power
factors. The BE1-11g numeric relay system will
detect generator motoring at power factors as
FIGURE 20. REVERSE-POWER FUNCTION 32-1 PREVENTS
low as 0.025 or 88.6 degrees. LOAD REJECTION BEFORE PRIME MOVER SHUTDOWN
FOR SELECTED TRIPS; FUNCTION 32-2 OPERATES
IF MOTORING IS NOT ACCOMPANIED BY AN 86NE
OPERATION.

Loss-of-Field Protection

Loss of excitation can, to some extent, be

sensed within the excitation system itself by
monitoring for loss of field voltage or current.
For generators that are paralleled to a power
system, the preferred method is to monitor for
loss of field at the generator terminals. When
FIGURE 19. EXAMPLE OF HIGH VAR/LOW PF FLOW a generator loses excitation power, it appears
to the system as an inductive load, and the
Fig. 20 shows the use of two reverse-power machine begins to absorb a large amount of
functions: 32-1 and 32-2. The 32-1 function vars. Loss of field can be detected by monitoring
supervises the generator tripping of devices for var flow (40Q) or apparent impedance (40Z)
that can wait until the unit begins to motor. Over at the generator terminals.
speeding on large steam-turbine units can be
prevented by delaying main and field breaker The power diagram (P-Q plane) of Fig.
tripping until motoring occurs for non-electrical 21 shows the Basler BE1-11g (40Q element)
and selected electrical conditions (e.g., loss- with a representative setting, a representative
of-field and over temperature). Function 32-1 generator thermal capability curve and an
should be delayed approximately 3 seconds, example of the trajectory following a loss of
while element 32-2 should be delayed by excitation. The first quadrant of the diagram
approximately 20 seconds. Time delay is based applies for lagging power factor operation
on generator response during generator power (generator supplies vars). The trajectory starts
swings. Function 32-2 trips directly for cases at point A and moves into the leading power
of motoring that were not initiated by a lockout factor zone (4th quadrant) and can readily
protection 86NE — e.g., governor controls exceed the thermal capability of the unit. A trip
malfunction. delay of about 0.2-0.3 seconds is recommended
to prevent unwanted operation because of
other transient conditions. A second high-
speed trip zone might be included for severe
underexcitation conditions.

12
 power and then draws reactive power upon
loss of excitation, the reactive swings can
significantly depress the voltage. In addition,
the voltage will oscillate and adversely impact
sensitive loads. If the unit is large compared
to the external reactive sources, it can result in
system instability.

Thermal Protection

Fig. 23 shows the Basler BE1-11g with a

remote RTD module connected to a resistance
FIGURE 21. FOR LOSS OF FIELD, THE POWER TRAJECTORY temperature detector embedded in a stator
MOVES FROM POINT A INTO THE FOURTH QUADRANT. slot. The remote RTD module shown is
communicating with the BE1-11g via RS485. The
When impedance based relaying, such RTDs can be either two- or three-wire. The
as the 40Z element in the BE1-11g, is used to BE1-11g has user settings for a variety of RTD
sense loss of excitation, the trip zone is typically types. The relay communicates with the remote
a mho circle centered about the X axis, offset RTD module over RS485 or Ethernet, providing
from the R axis by X'd/2 and the lower edge the RTD's information to the BE1-11g relay.
offset from the R axis by 1.1 • Xd. Two zones
are used: a high-speed zone and a time-delayed
zone.

FIGURE 23. STATOR TEMPERATURE PROTECTION.

Loss of VT Detection

Two methods used to detect loss of VTs are

voltage balance between two VTs and voltage-
FIGURE 22. LOSS OF EXCITATION USING IMPEDANCE
current comparison logic.
RELAY.

Fig. 24 shows the use of two sets of VTs on

With complete loss of excitation, the unit will
the generator terminals with the 60FL (Basler
eventually operate as an induction generator
BE1-60) comparing the output of the two VTs.
with a positive slip. Because the unit is running
One set supplies the voltage regulator, the other,
above synchronous speed, excessive currents
the relays. If the potential decreases or is lost
can flow in the rotor, resulting in overheating of
from VT No. 1, the BE1-60 disables the voltage
elements not designed for such conditions. This
regulator; if source No. 2 fails, the BE1-60
heating cannot be detected by thermal element
blocks relay tripping of the 21, 27, 59N and 47.
49, which is used to detect stator overloads.
In some applications the 25, 32 and 40 elements
are also blocked. Overexcitation protection (24),
Rotor thermal capability also can be
phase overvoltage (59) and frequency relaying
exceeded for a partial reduction in excitation
(81) do not need to be blocked because loss
because of an operator error or regulator
of potential leads toward nonoperation of these
malfunction. If a unit initially generates reactive
functions.

13
 Overexcitation and Over/Under Voltage
Protection

Overexcitation can occur because of higher

than rated voltage, or rated or lower voltage
at less than rated frequency. For a given flux
level, the voltage output of a machine will be
proportional to frequency. Because maximum
flux level is designed for normal frequency and
voltage, when a machine is at reduced speed,
maximum voltage is proportionately reduced. A
volts/hertz function (24) responds to excitation
level as it affects thermal stress to the generator
(and to any transformer tied to that generator).
IEEE C50.13 specifies that a generator should
continuously withstand 105% of rated excitation
at full load.
FIGURE 24. VARIOUS VOLTAGE PROTECTION ELEMENTS.
VOLTAGE-BALANCE ELEMENT (60) DETECTS POTENTIAL
With the unit offline and with voltage
SUPPLY FAILURE.
regulator control at reduced frequency, the
generator can be overexcited if the regulator
Another means of detecting fuse loss is by
does not include an overexcitation limiter.
comparing voltage and current (Fig. 25). The
Overexcitation can also occur, particularly with
60FL element of the Basler BE1-11g detects
the unit offline, if the regulator is out of service
fuse loss and loss of potential by using voltage
or defective. If voltage-balance supervision
and current thresholds that are expressed
(60) is not provided and a fuse blows on the
as a percentage of the nominal voltage and
regulator ac potential input, the regulator would
current values. In a single-phase or two-phase
cause overexcitation. Loss of ac potential may
fuse loss, voltage imbalance exists without the
also fool the operator into developing excessive
corresponding current imbalance that would
excitation. The 24 function can protect only
exist during an actual fault. In a three-phase
for overexcitation resulting from an erroneous
fuse loss, complete voltage loss occurs without
voltage indication if the 24 function is connected
the corresponding three-phase current flow
to an ac potential source different than that used
that would occur during a fault. To prevent a
for the regulator.
60FL from being declared during loss of station
power, it might be necessary to allow a three-
Fig. 26 shows the relation of the Basler
phase 60FL to be declared only when some low
BE1-11g multifunction overcurrent relay with
level of load current exists.
voltage element inverse-squared characteristics
and an example of a generator and transformer
withstand capability. Generator and transformer
manufacturers should supply the specific
capabilities of these units.

FIGURE 25. LOSS OF FUSE DETECTION, 60FL, ALTERNATE

METHOD.

14
 nominal, islanding is declared and either the
generator is tripped or the point of common
coupling with the utility is opened.

Inadvertent Energization Protection

Inadvertent energization can result from a

breaker interrupter flashover or a breaker close
initiation while the unit is at standstill or at low
speed. The rapid acceleration can do extensive
FIGURE 26. COMBINED GENERATOR/TRANSFORMER damage, particularly if the generator is not
OVEREXCITATION PROTECTION USING BOTH THE INVERSE promptly deenergized. While relays applied for
SQUARED AND DEFINITE TIME TRIPPING. EQUIPMENT other purposes may eventually respond, they
WITHSTAND CURVES ARE EXAMPLES ONLY. are not generally considered dependable for
responding to such an energization.
Phase over (59) and under (27) voltage
protection also acts as a backup for excitation Undervoltage supervised overcurrent
system problems. Undervoltage protection also (50/27) or frequency supervised overcurrent
acts as fault detection protection, because faults (50/81) protection can be used to provide
tend to depress voltage. inadvertent energization protection. Figs. 27
and 28 show these two methods of detecting
Off-Frequency Operation the energization of a machine at standstill or
at a speed significantly lower than rated. This
Diesel engines can be safely operated off situation could be caused by single-phase
normal frequency, and minimal protection is energization because of breaker-interrupter
required. Turbine controls generally provide flashover or three-phase energization because
protection for off frequency conditions, but of breaker closure. The unit, without excitation,
relaying should be provided to protect the will accelerate as an induction motor with
turbine and generator during control system excessive current flow in the rotor. Both Fig. 27
failure. Often, frequency relays are applied with and 28 schemes will function properly with the
steam-turbine units, particularly to minimize VT fuses at the generator terminal removed.
turbine blade fatiguing. IEEE C37.106, Ref. 3 With the generator offline, safety requirements
specifically addresses abnormal frequency might dictate the removal of these VT fuses. In
operation and shows typical frequency the case of Fig. 27, the overcurrent protection
operating limits specified by various generator is enabled by undervoltage units and works as
manufacturers. The simplest relay application long as 60FL logic does not block the trip path.
would be a single underfrequency stage, In Fig. 28 the potential is taken from bus VTs,
but a multiple stage and multiple set point rather than unit VTs, so the scheme will function
arrangement is advantageous. Each set point even if the VT fuses are removed during unit
can be set to recognize either overfrequency or maintenance.
underfrequency. Eight frequency set points are
available in the BE1-11g. In Fig. 27 the terminal voltage will be
zero prior to energization, so the 27 and 81U
Another common need for frequency function contacts will be closed to energize
relaying is detecting generation that has the timer (62). The instantaneous overcurrent
become isolated from the larger utility system element (50) trip circuit is established
grid. When a generator is connected to the after timer 62 operates. Upon inadvertent
utility, generator frequency is held tightly to generator energization, the undervoltage and
system frequency. Upon islanding, the generator underfrequency element contacts can open
frequency varies considerably as the governor because of the sudden application of nominal
works to adjust generator power output to local voltage and frequency, but the delayed dropout
loads. If the generator frequency varies from of 62 allows function 50 to initiate tripping. The

15
use of a 60FL function or two 27 elements on
separate VT circuits avoids tripping for a VT fuse
failure. Alternatively, a fuse loss detection or
voltage-balance element (60FL) could be used
in conjunction with a single 27 function to block
tripping.
FIGURE 28. The directional overcurrent element
of the BE1-11f inadvertent energization (IE).

Negative-Sequence Protection

Negative-sequence stator currents, caused

by fault or load unbalance, induce double-
frequency currents into the rotor that can
eventually overheat elements not designed to be
subjected to such currents. Series unbalances,
such as untransposed transmission lines,
produce some negative-sequence current (I2)
flow. The most serious series unbalance is an
open phase, such as an open breaker pole.
ANSI C50.13-1977 specifies a continuous
I2 withstand of 5 to 10% of rated current,
depending upon the size and design of the
generator. These values can be exceeded with
an open phase on a heavily-loaded generator.
The Basler BE1-11g relay protects against this
condition, providing negative-sequence inverse-
time protection shaped to match the short-time
withstand capability of the generator should a
FIGURE 27. INADVERTENT ENERGIZATION PROTECTION protracted fault occur. This is an unlikely event,
USING INSTANTANEOUS OVERCURRENT FUNCTION (50).
because other fault sensing relaying tends to
clear faults faster, even if primary protection fails.
In Fig. 27 the five second pickup delay
on timer 62 prevents tripping for external Fig. 29 shows the 46 function connection.
disturbances that allow dropout of the 27 CTs on either side of the generator can be used,
protection. The 27 protection should be set because the relay protects for events external
at 85% voltage (below the operating level to the generator. The Basler BE1-46N alarm
under emergency conditions). The Fig. 28 unit will alert the operator to the existence of a
scheme could be employed where protection dangerous condition.
independent of the plant is desired. In this case,
the BE1-11f relay system would be placed in
the switchyard rather than in the control room.
While directional overcurrent (67) should be
delayed to ride through synchronizing surges,
it can still provide fast tripping for generator
faults, because the 67 functions need not be
coordinated with external protection. Fig. 28
shows the operating one line for the BE1-11f
FIGURE 29. NEGATIVE-SEQUENCE CURRENT ELEMENT
relay system using the directional overcurrent (46) PROTECTS AGAINST ROTOR OVERHEATING DUE TO A
element (67). SERIES UNBALANCE OR PROTRACTED EXTERNAL FAULT.
NEGATIVE SEQUENCE VOLTAGE ELEMENT (47) (LESS
COMMONLY APPLIED) ALSO RESPONDS.

16
 Negative sequence voltage (47) protection,
while not as commonly used, is another means
to sense system imbalance as well as, in some
situations, a misconnection of the generator to a
system to which it is being paralleled.

Out-of-Step Protection

Out-of-step, or pole slipping, is the loss

of synchronism of a generator relative to the
system. Typically, this condition is caused by an
external, slow clearing three-phase fault allowing
the machine to accelerate and slip poles.
Under this condition, there is high current and
mechanical forces on the generator windings FIGURE 30. OUT OF STEP PROTECTION (78OOS)
and high levels of transient shaft torques. Out-
of-step (78OOS) protection uses impedance Selective Tripping and Sequential Tripping
techniques to sense this condition. The relay
sees an apparent load impedance swing as Some generators selectively trip the prime
impedance moves from Zone 1 to Zone 2 mover, the field and the generator breaker,
(Fig. 30). The moving impedance is identified depending on the type of fault that is detected.
as a swing rather than a fault so fault detection For instance, if the generator is protected by a
relaying may be blocked. The time it takes for 51V and an 87, and only the 51V trips, it might
the load impedance to traverse from Zone 1 be assumed that the fault is external to the
to Zone 2 is used to decide if an out-of-step generator and, therefore, the 51V only trips
condition exists. the generator breaker and rapidly pulls back
the excitation governor and prime mover set
Out-of-step (78) protection should be points. However, if there is no 87, the 51V trips
provided on any generator if the electrical the entire unit. Associated with this concept is
center of the swing passes through the region sequential tripping used for orderly shutdown.
from the high-voltage terminals of the step-up To prevent overspeeding a generator during
transformer down into the generator. It should shutdown, it is sometimes a practice to trip the
also be provided if the electrical center is out in prime mover first and trip the main breaker and
the system and the system relays are blocked field only after a reverse power (32) element
or not capable of detecting the out-of-step verifies the prime mover has stopped providing
condition. torque to the generator.

The use of a single blinder scheme can be Synchronism Check and Auto Synchronizing
implemented in the BE1-11g to minimize the
probability of tripping on recoverable swings. Before connecting a generator to the power
system, it is important that the generator and
The need for 78OOS protection must be system frequency, voltage magnitude and
determined by a system stability study which is phase angle be in alignment, referred to as
typically conducted by the utility to which the synchronism checking (25). Typical parameters
generator is connected. Utility interconnection are shown in Fig. 31. Typical applications call
agreements and power pool agreements may for no more than 6 RPM error, 2% voltage
affect the need for this protection. magnitude difference and no more than 10°
phase angle error before closing the breaker.
The Basler BE1-11g can perform the sync check
function.

17
 Auto synchronizing (25A) refers to a Integrated Application Examples
system to automatically bring a generator
into synchronism with the power system. It Figs. 32 through 36 show examples of
involves sending voltage and speed raise and protection packages.
lower commands to the voltage regulator and
prime mover governor. When the system is in Fig. 32 represents bare-minimum protection,
synchronism, the autosync element is designed with only overcurrent protection. Generators
to send a close command in advance of the with such minimum protection are uncommon in
zero-phase angle error point to compensate this era of microprocessor-based multifunction
for breaker close delays. Typically, the 25 relays. Such protection would likely be seen
function, which usually is set to supervise the only on very small (< 50 kVA) generators used
25A and manual sync function, is set with wider for standby power that is never paralleled with
parameters than the 25A to coordinate with the the utility grid or other generators. It might
actions of the 25A. The auto-synchronization appear to be a disadvantage to use CTs on the
feature is available in the Basler BE1-11g as an neutral side as shown, because the relays might
option. When using the 25A element in the operate faster with CTs on the terminal side. The
BE1-11g, a BE1-25 relay can be used for sync increase in speed would be the result of a larger
check. current contribution from external sources.
However, if the CTs are located on the terminal
side of the generator, there will be no protection
prior to putting the machine online. This is not
recommended, because a generator with an
internal fault could be destroyed when the field
is applied.

FIGURE 32. EXAMPLE OF BARE-MINIMUM PROTECTION

(LOW-IMPEDANCE GROUNDING).

Fig. 33 shows the suggested minimum

protection with low-resistance grounding. It
includes differential protection, which provides
fast, selective response, but differential
protection becomes less common as generator
size decreases below 2 MVA, on 480 V and
less units and on generators that are never
paralleled with other generation. The differential
FIGURE 31. SYNCHRONIZING PARAMETERS: SLIP,
ADVANCE ANGLE, AND BREAKER CLOSING TIME. element responds to fault contributions from
both the generator and the external system.
While the differential element is fast, the slow
decay of the generator field will cause the
generator to continue feeding current into a
fault. However, fast relay operation will interrupt

18
the external source contribution, which might elements. Rather, a shorted CT or defective
be greater than the generator contribution. Fast connection will unbalance the differential circuit
disconnection from the external source allows and cause the 87 to trip. Independent CTs
prompt restoration of normal voltage to loads could be used to provide improved back-up
and can reduce damage and cost of repairs. protection, although this seems to be a minimal
advantage. However, a separate CT is used for
the 51N function that provides protection for the
most likely type of fault.

The reverse power function (32) in Fig. 33

protects the prime mover against forces from a
motored generator and could provide important
protection for the external system if the motoring
power significantly reduces voltage or overloads
equipment. Likewise, the loss-of-field protection
(40) has dual protection benefits against rotor
overheating and against depressed system
voltage because of excessive generator reactive
absorption. Thermal relay (49) protects against
FIGURE 33. SUGGESTED MINIMUM PROTECTION EXAMPLE
(LOW-IMPEDANCE GROUNDING).
stator overheating because of protracted
heavy reactive power demands and loss of
The differential element (87) can protect for generator cooling. Even if the excitation system
ground faults, depending upon the grounding is equipped with a maximum excitation limiter, a
impedance. The 51N function in Fig. 33 provides failure of the voltage regulator or a faulty manual
back-up protection for the 87 or will be the control could cause excessive reactive power
primary protection if the differential protection output. Frequency relaying (81O/U) protects the
(87) is not sufficiently sensitive to the ground generator from off nominal frequency operation
current level. and senses generator islanding. The under and
overvoltage function (27/59) detects excitation
The 51V voltage-controlled or voltage- system problems and some protracted fault
restrained time overcurrent protection in Fig. 33 conditions.
is shown on the CT on the high-voltage/system
side of the generator. This allows the relay to Fig. 34 shows minimum basic protection for
see system contributions to a generator fault. It a medium-impedance grounded generator. It
provides back-up for the differential element (87) differs from Fig. 33 only in the use of a ground
and for external relays and breakers. Because differential element (87N, part of BE1-11g). This
it is monitoring CTs on the system side of the protection provides faster clearing of ground
generator, it will not provide back-up coverage faults where the grounding impedance is too
prior to having the unit online. If there is no high to sense ground faults with the phase
external source, no 87, or if it is desired that differential function (87). The function compares
the 51V provides generator protection while the ground current seen at the generator high-
breaker is open, connect the 51V to the neutral- voltage terminals to ground current at the
side CTs. generator neutral. The 51N element provides
back-up for the ground differential (87N) and
Fig. 33 shows three relays sharing the same for external faults, using the current polarizing
CTs with a differential element. This is practical mode. The polarizing winding measures the
with solid-state and numeric relays, because neutral current.
the low burden will not significantly degrade
the quality of differential relay protection. The
common CT is not a likely point of failure of all
connected relaying. A CT wiring error or CT
short is unlikely to disable both the 87 and 51V

19
 and detects a shorted or open connection
in the generator ground connection or in the
distribution transformer secondary circuit.

Fig. 36 shows the application of additional

elements for extended protection: overexcitation
element (24), negative-sequence overcurrent
and overvoltage element (46 and 47), ground
overcurrent protection (51GN), voltage-balance
relay (60), field-ground function (64F), frequency
element (81) and the 27/50/62 element
combination for inadvertent energization
protection. Element 51GN provides a second
FIGURE 34. SUGGESTED MINIMUM PROTECTION EXAMPLE
(MEDIUM-IMPEDANCE GROUNDED).
method to detect stator ground faults or faults in
the generator connections or faults in the delta
Fig. 35 shows minimum basic protection for transformer windings. Differential protection 87T
a high-impedance grounded generator. It differs and sudden pressure element 63 protect the
from Fig. 33 only in the ground relay protection unit step-up transformer. Element 51N provides
and the method of grounding. The voltage units backup for external ground faults and for faults
59N/27-3N provide the ground only protection, in the high-voltage transformer windings and
because the ground fault current is too small leads. This function may also respond to an
for phase differential protection (87) operation. open phase condition or a breaker-interrupter
The 59N element will not be selective if other flashover that energizes the generator. The
generators are in parallel, because all the 59N 51N function will be very slow for the flashover
elements will see a ground fault and operate case, because it must be set to coordinate with
nominally at the same time. If three-phase external relays and is a last-resort backup for
ground Y-Y VTs were applied in Fig. 35, the 27 external faults.
and 59 could provide additional ground fault
protection, and an additional generator terminal
59N ground-shift protection could be applied.

FIGURE 35. SUGGESTED MINIMUM PROTECTION EXAMPLE

(HIGH-IMPEDANCE GROUNDING).

The Basler BE1-11g includes a third- FIGURE 36. WYE-CONNECTED VTS, APPROPRIATE WITH AN
harmonic undervoltage function (27-3N) that ISOLATED-PHASE BUS.
provides supervision of the grounding system,
protects for faults near the generator neutral

20
Application of Numeric Programmable Relays BE1-11g applied to generator protection.
Because of logic complexity, full details are not
Numeric programmable relays contain many shown. Details of these applications can be
of the functions discussed in this guideline in a found in the respective instruction manuals.
single package. Figs. 37 and 38 show the

FIGURE 37. Low Z Grounded Generator with Sequential Trip and Sync Check (J-Case).

21
FIGURE 38. High Impedance Grounded Generator Protection with Sequential Trip One-Line (J-Case).

22
Typical Settings and Relays Table 3 lists typical Basler relays applicable
to generator protection. There are two classes
Table 1a and 1b is an example of the typical of relays presented in Table 3; the classic
specifications supplied by the manufacturer single function "utility grade" (i.e., tested to
and/or designer. These data are used to derive IEEE C37.90 standards) BE1-XXX relays and
typical settings for use as a starting point in the the multifunction utility grade relays. Additional
setting determination procedure. The proper information on each relay is available on the
settings are heavily influenced by the specifics Basler Electric web site, www.basler.com.
of each application. Typical settings also are
used as an aid in selecting the range where a
choice is available.
Table 2 lists the functions discussed herein
as applied to a 2 MW diesel generator set in
configuration software BESTCOMSPlus® for the
BE1-11g Generator Protection System.

Table 1a – Generator Nameplate Data(1)

Prime Mover Diesel Engine
RPM 1800
Frequency 60 Hz
kW 2000
kVA 2500
Power Factor 0.8
Line Voltage 480
Rated Current 3007
Phases 3
Connection Series Star
No. of Leads 3 Phase & 3 Neutral
Poles 4
Generator Pitch 0.6667
Exciter Source Permanent Magnet
Excitation Volts 43.66
Excitation Amps 3.3
Table 1b – CT & VT Ratios (1)

CTR 1200:5
VTR 4:1

(1)
Any power system and measurement parameters including nameplate data, CT or VT ratios should be configured when using
digital relays prior to modifying protection settings and making them active. To follow the example, please visit
www.basler.com to download configuration software BESTCOMSPlus. See instruction manual for the BE1-11g Generator
Protection System (publication 9424200994) for additional details.

23
 Table 2 - Typical Settings(1)
IEEE No. Fig. Function Typical Settings and Remarks BE1-11g BESTCOMSPlus® Settings(2)
24 24, Overexcitation PU: 1.2 • V/ Hz; Time Delay: 60 s; Definite Time Timer 1 PU: 2.40;
26 Alarm PU: 1.1 • V/ Hz; Alarm delay: 6 s Timer 1 Time Delay: 60000;
Alarm Pickup: 2.20;
Alarm Time Delay: 6000
25 24, Synchronism Check Max Slip: 6 RPM; Max phase angle error: 10°; Voltage Diff: 2; Slip Angle: 10;
31 Max V error: 2.5% V Slip Freq: 0.10
32 18, Reverse Power PU: turbine 1% of rated; 15 s; 32-1 element mode: Total Power;
20 (one stage) PU: Reciprocating engine: 10% of rated; 5 s PU: 83; Time Delay: 5000;
Direction: Reverse; Over Under: Over
32-1 20 Reverse Power PU: same as 32; 3 s 32-2 element same as 32-1 with
Nonelectrical Trip Time Delay: 3000
Supervision
40 18, Loss-of-field (VAR Level 1 PU: 25% VA rating; Delay: 0.2 s; PU: 625.5;
21 Flow Approach) Level 2 PU: 40% VA rating: 0.1 s Time Delay: 200
46 29 Negative-Sequence I PU: 10% I; K = 10 51-1 element mode: I2;
Overcurrent Source: CT Circuit 1 (stator output);
PU: 0.500; Time Dial: 10;
Curve: 46 – K Factor
49 23 Stator Temperature Lower: 95°C; Upper: 105°C 49RTD-1(3) element mode: Under;
(RTD) Source: RTD Group 1; PU(4): 95;
Time Delay: 0; Voting: 1
49RTD-2(3) element mode: Over;
Source: RTD Group 1; PU(4): 105;
Time Delay: 0; Voting: 1
50/27 IE 27 Inadvertent 50: 10% I 50-1 element mode: 3 Phase;
Energization 27: 85% V (81: Similar) Source: CT Circuit 1 (stator output);
Overcurrent with 27, PU: 0.500; Time Delay: 0
81 Supervision 27P-1 element mode: One of Three;
PU: 58.9 Vpn; Inhibit Level: 0.0 Vpn;
Timing Mode: Definite Timing;
Time Delay: 0
81-1 element mode: Under;
Source: Phase VT; PU: 51;
Time Delay: 0; Voltage Inhibit: 0.0 Vpn(5)
50/51N 2 Stator Ground PU: 10% I; Curve E1; TD4; Inst 100% I. 51-2 element mode: IG; Source: IG1;
Overcurrent (Low-, Higher PU if required to coordinate with load. PU: 0.500; Time Dial: 4.00; Curve: E1
Med.-Z Gnd, Neutral No higher than 25% I 50-2 element mode: IG;
CT or Flux Summation Source: IG1; PU 5.010;
CT) Time Delay: 0
51VR 11 Voltage Restrained PU: 175% I; Curve: V1; TD: 4. 51-3 element mode: 3 Phase;
Overcurrent Zero Restraint Voltage: 100% V Source: CT Circuit 1 (stator output);
PU: 8.26; Time Dial: 4.00; Curve: V1;
Voltage Restraint Mode: Restraint;
Threshold: 69 Vpn
(1)
See Figure 39 for a screenshot of the BE1-11g Protection Summary tab. See Figure 40 for a screenshot of the BE1-11g 87 Phase Differential
settings screen.
(2)
Only settings as applied to the example specifications provided in Table 1 are shown in this column. Settings appearing in BESTCOMSPlus but not
shown here, are unchanged from their default values except in the case of the 49 element where the source and voting settings depend on prior
RTD module configuration. Numbered elements may be different on relay models with the IEC 61850 option.
(3)
Requires RTD module and additional configuration before these settings become enabled. Voting may be changed depending on the number of
RTDs in each configured group. Source name reflects default labeling. See BE1-11g instruction manual for more information.
(4)
BESTCOMSPlus defaults thermal settings in terms of degrees Fahrenheit. If settings are in terms of degrees Celsius, as in this example, the display
units should be changed to metric in “Settings Explorer>General Settings>Display Units” before making settings active.

24
 Table 2 continued - Typical Settings(1)
IEEE No. Fig. Function Typical Settings and Remarks BE1-11g BESTCOMSPlus® Settings(2)
81 24 Over/underfrequency Generator protection: 57 Hz, 62Hz, 0.5 s; 81-2 element mode: Under; PU: 57;
Island detection: 59 Hz, 61Hz, 0.1 s Time Delay: 500; Voltage Inhibit: 0.0;
81-3 element mode: Over; PU: 62;
Time Delay: 500; Voltage Inhibit: 0.0;
81-4 element mode: Under; PU: 59;
Time Delay: 100; Voltage Inhibit: 0.0;
81-5 element mode: Over; PU: 61;
Time Delay: 100; Voltage Inhibit: 0.0
87G 13A Generator Phase BE1-87G: 0.4A; 87 element mode: Percent Differential;
Differential BE1-11g: Min PU: 0.1 • tap; Minimum Rest. PU: 0.10;
Tap: I; Slope: 15% Slope Mode: Maximum
Restraint Slope 1: 15; Time Delay: 0
87N 8 Generator Ground BE1-11g: Min PU: 0.1 • tap; Slope 15%; 87N element mode: Enabled; Iop
Differential Time delay: 0.1s; choose low tap Minimum: 1.5A; Time Delay: 50 ms;
BE1-67N: current polarization; time: 0.25A; Overcorrection Coefficient: 1.2; CT Flip:
Curve: VI; TD: 2; Instantaneous: disconnect No; CT Source: CT2, IG2; Transient
Time Delay: 100 ms
(5)
Elements that compose 50/27 IE must be further configured in BESTlogic™Plus. Consult the BE1-11g instruction manual for more information on
using BESTlogicPlus.

25
FIGURE 39. BE1-11g PROTECTION SUMMARY TAB IN BESTCOMSPlus.

FIGURE 40. BE1-11g 87 PHASE DIFFERENTIAL SETTINGS SCREEN IN BESTCOMSPlus.

26
 Table 3 – Basler Electric Relay Application Matrix
IEEE Number Single Function Multifunction (1)
BE1- X=Included ◊=Optional
BE1-851 BE1-11f BE1-CDS BE1-11g
21 X
24 24 X X X
25 25 ◊ X
25A 25A X
27 27 X X X
27/50IE 50/51B, 50, 27 X X
27/59 27/59 X X
32 32R, 32O/U X X
40 40Q X
46 46N X X X X
47 47N X X X
49 49 X
50/51G (2)
50/51B, 51 X ◊ X X
50/51N (3)
X X X
50/87 50/51B, 50 X X X X
51P 50/51B, 51 X X X X
51VC 51/27C X X X
51VR 51/27R X X X
59P 59 X X X
59N, 27-3N, 59P 59N ◊ (4) X
60FL 60 X X X
64 64F
67IE 67 X X
81 51O/U X X X
87G 87G X
87N 67N ◊ ◊ X
87UD 87T X X
(1)
Not all functions in relays are shown. Relays also may include multiple set points and setting groups.
(2)
50/51G - Indicates a relay that monitors a ground CT source.
(3)
50/51N - Indicates a relay that calculates residual (3I0) from phase currents.
(4)
BE1-11g and BE1-11f have standard capability to calculate 3V0 from wye-connected phase CTs. VAUX input is
optional for BE1-11f .

Bibliography
1. IEEE C37.101, IEEE Guide for Generator Ground Protection
2. IEEE C37.102, IEEE Guide for AC Generator Protection
3. IEEE C37.106, IEEE Guide for Abnormal Frequency Protection for Generating Plants
4. J. Lewis Blackburn, “Protective Relaying: Principles and Applications”, 2nd Edition, Marcel Dekker,
Inc., 1998.
5. S. Horowitz and A. Phadke, “Power System Relaying”, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1992.

27
Revision E.1 March 2014