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Microprocessor Based Relay

Digital protective relays use microprocessors to analyze voltage, current, and other power system measurements to detect electrical faults. They sample input signals, extract fundamental frequency data using Fourier transforms, and apply protection algorithms and logic to determine whether fault conditions require tripping a circuit breaker. Compared to electromechanical and solid-state relays, digital relays offer advanced configurable protection logic, communication capabilities, parameter setting, event recording, and metering functions from a remote location.

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Haseeb Ahmed
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1K views

Microprocessor Based Relay

Digital protective relays use microprocessors to analyze voltage, current, and other power system measurements to detect electrical faults. They sample input signals, extract fundamental frequency data using Fourier transforms, and apply protection algorithms and logic to determine whether fault conditions require tripping a circuit breaker. Compared to electromechanical and solid-state relays, digital relays offer advanced configurable protection logic, communication capabilities, parameter setting, event recording, and metering functions from a remote location.

Uploaded by

Haseeb Ahmed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MICROPROCESSOR BASED RELAY

In utility and industrial electric power transmission and distribution systems, a digital
protective relay is a computer-based system with software-based
[1]
protection algorithms for the detection of electrical faults. Such relays are also termed
as microprocessor type protective relays. They are functional replacements for electro-
mechanical protective relays and may include many protection functions in one unit, as
well as providing metering, communication, and self-test functions.

Description and definition


The digital protective relay is a protective relay that uses a microprocessor to analyze
power system voltages, currents or other process quantities for the purpose of detection
of faults in an electric power system or industrial process system. A digital protective relay
may also be called a "numeric protective relay".
Input processing[edit]
Low voltage and low current signals (i.e., at the secondary of a voltage
transformers and current transformers) are brought into a low pass filter that
removes frequency content above about 1/3 of the frequency. The AC signal is then
sampled by the relay's analog to digital converter from 4 to 64 (varies by relay) samples
per power system cycle. As a minimum, magnitude of the incoming quantity, commonly
using Fourier transform concepts (RMS and some form of averaging) would be used in a
simple relay function. More advanced analysis can be used to determine phase
angles, power, reactive power, impedance, waveform distortion, and
other complex quantities.
The sampled data is then passed through a low pass filter that numerically removes the
frequency content that is above the fundamental frequency of interest (i.e., nominal
system frequency), and uses Fourier transform algorithms to extract the fundamental
frequency magnitude and angle.
Logic processing[edit]
The relay analyzes the resultant A/D converter outputs to determine if action is required
under its protection algorithm(s). Protection algorithms are a set of logic equations in part
designed by the protection engineer, and in part designed by the relay manufacturer. The
relay is capable of applying advanced logic. It is capable of analyzing whether the relay
should trip or restrain from tripping based on parameters set by the user, compared
against many functions of its analogue inputs, relay contact inputs, timing and order of
event sequences.
If a fault condition is detected, output contacts operate to trip the associated circuit
breaker(s).
Parameter setting[edit]
The logic is user-configurable and can vary from simply changing front panel switches or
moving of circuit board jumpers to accessing the relay's internal parameter setting
webpage via communications link on another computer hundreds of kilometres away.
The relay may have an extensive collection of settings, beyond what can be entered via
front panel knobs and dials, and these settings are transferred to the relay via an interface
with a PC (personal computer), and this same PC interface may be used to collect event
reports from the relay.
Event recording[edit]
In some relays, a short history of the entire sampled data is kept for oscillographic records.
The event recording would include some means for the user to see the timing of key logic
decisions, relay I/O (input/output) changes, and see, in an oscillographic fashion, at least
the fundamental component of the incoming analogue parameters.
Data display[edit]
Digital/numerical relays provide a front panel display, or display on a terminal through a
communication interface. This is used to display relay settings and real-time
current/voltage values, etc.
More complex digital relays will have metering and communication protocol ports,
allowing the relay to become an element in a SCADA system. Communication ports may
include RS232/RS485 or Ethernet (copper or fibre-optic). Communication languages
may include Modbus, DNP3 or IEC61850 protocols.

Comparison with other types

By contrast, an electromechanical protective relay converts the voltages and currents to


magnetic and electric forces and torques that press against spring tensions in the relay.
The tension of the spring and taps on the electromagnetic coils in the relay are the main
processes by which a user sets such a relay.
In a solid-state relay, the incoming voltage and current wave-forms are monitored by
analog circuits, not recorded or digitized. The analog values are compared to settings
made by the user via potentiometers in the relay, and in some case, taps on transformers.
In some solid-state relays, a simple microprocessor does some of the relay logic, but the
logic is fixed and simple. For instance, in some time overcurrent solid state relays, the
incoming AC current is first converted into a small signal AC value, then the AC is fed into
a rectifier and filter that converts the AC to a DC value proportionate to the AC waveform.
An op-amp and comparator is used to create a DC that rises when a trip point is reached.
Then a relatively simple microprocessor does a slow speed A/D conversion of the DC
signal, integrates the results to create the time-overcurrent curve response, and trips
when the integration rises above a set-point. Though this relay has a microprocessor, it
lacks the attributes of a digital/numeric relay, and hence the term "microprocessor relay"
is not a clear term.

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