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ir

2013

SEL Protection and

Monitoring System
“A report submitted to the School of Engineering and Information Technology, Murdoch
University in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of
Engineering.”

Nicholas Kilburn
Supervisor:
A/Prof Graeme Cole

Associate Supervisor:
Dr Greg Crebbin

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Abstract
The protection of power distribution and transmission systems is a critical application in ensuring safe,
reliable and efficient supply of electricity to the consumers. The protection allows for the mitigation of
damage due to various network faults, preventing equipment damage and reducing downtime that can
often result.

Within the University there is a collection of digital protective relays manufactured by Schweitzer
Engineering Laboratories, where the functionality, requirements and operational knowledge of the
available devices remains largely unknown. Thus this thesis was tasked with drawing out this knowledge
and providing a means of demonstrating the functions of the available devices.

In order to develop this understanding the project was divided into several components; familiarisation,
investigation, Simulator development and operations testing.

The familiarisation and investigation components of the project allowed for acquisition of the required
level of knowledge about the devices to enable development of a suitable Simulation platform to
demonstrate the functional operations and applications of the available devices. This portion of the
project yielded the required details about the scope of the protective functionality, the mechanisms and
requirements to program this functionality and the operation requirements. This resulted in the
construction of a hardware based Simulation platform, provided through Lab-Volt equipment,
demonstrating the functional capability of the Transformer Protection Relay. The testing component
provided a mechanism to ensure that the simulation and relay would demonstrate the available
functionality as expected.

The simulation platform can be used to demonstrate the overcurrent and differential protection
functionality along with providing an operable insight into the relay monitoring and metering capabilities.
Hardware limitations prevented a truly realistic simulation being developed and tested, notably the low
fault levels and restricted fault types available. However the construction of this Simulator has
demonstrated the acquired knowledge of the relays and provided the groundwork to extend the Simulator
to incorporate further relays and protective functionality.

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Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements are given to the following for their assistance and guidance
throughout completion of this project:

Project Supervisor: Associate Professor Graeme Cole

(Lecturer, Murdoch University)

Associate Supervisor: Dr Greg Crebbin

(Lecturer, Murdoch University)

Mr Iafeta “Jeff” Laava,

Mr Will Stirling,

Mr John Boulton

(Technical Officers, Murdoch University)

And fellow thesis students, family and friends for their support, assistance
and patience throughout the project

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Contents
ABSTRACT ............................................................................................................................ I

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..................................................................................................... II

LIST OF FIGURES .............................................................................................................. VI

LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................... VII

LIST OF EQUATIONS ........................................................................................................ VII

1. PROJECT INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................1

1.1 BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 PURPOSE................................................................................................................................................. 2
1.3 OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................................ 3

2. PROTECTION RELAYS ................................................................................................... 4

2.1 PURPOSE................................................................................................................................................. 4
2.2 ANALOG RELAYS ..................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2.1 Electromechanical ........................................................................................................................ 4
2.2.2 Solid State ..................................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 DIGITAL RELAYS ..................................................................................................................................... 7
2.4 SCHWEITZER ENGINEERING LABORATORIES, INC.................................................................................... 9

3. RELAY FUNCTIONALITY ............................................................................................. 10

3.1 PROTECTION FUNCTIONALITY ............................................................................................................... 10

3.2 MONITORING FUNCTIONALITY .............................................................................................................. 12

4. SEL UNITS OVERVIEW.................................................................................................13

4.1 PRIMARY RELAYS .................................................................................................................................. 13

4.1.1 SEL-421: Protection Automation Control ................................................................................ 13
4.1.2 SEL-751A: Feeder Protection Relay .......................................................................................... 14
4.1.3 SEL-787: Transformer Protection Relay.................................................................................. 15
4.2 SECONDARY RELAYS ............................................................................................................................. 16
4.2.1 SEL-311L: Line Current Differential Protection and Automation.......................................... 16
4.2.2 SEL-351: Directional Overcurrent Relay ................................................................................. 16
4.2.3 SEL-387E: Current Differential and Voltage Protection Relay ............................................. 17
4.2.4 SEL-3351: System Computing Platform ................................................................................... 17
4.3 MODULARITY ........................................................................................................................................ 18

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5. ACSELERATOR QUICKSET .......................................................................................... 20

5.1 COMMAND WINDOW ............................................................................................................................. 21

5.2 SELOGIC............................................................................................................................................... 23
5.3 SETTINGS EDITOR .................................................................................................................................24
5.4 HMI ..................................................................................................................................................... 25

6. RELAY INVESTIGATION ............................................................................................. 27

6.1 FAMILIARIZATION ................................................................................................................................. 27

6.2 SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS ......................................................................................................................... 27
6.2.1 Compaq DAQ .............................................................................................................................. 27
6.2.2 Distance Protection ....................................................................................................................28
6.2.3 Differential Protection ...............................................................................................................29
6.2.4 The Relays .................................................................................................................................. 30
6.2.5 Switching Requirements ........................................................................................................... 30
6.2.6 Communications Functionality ................................................................................................ 30
6.2.7 Configuration Capabilities ........................................................................................................ 31

7. SUIMULATION PLATFORM DEVELOPMENT .............................................................. 33

7.1 LAB-VOLT ............................................................................................................................................. 33

7.1.1 Faultable Transformer Module ................................................................................................. 34
7.1.2 Transmission Grid ...................................................................................................................... 35
7.1.3 Universal Fault Module ............................................................................................................. 36
7.1.4 Control Relays ............................................................................................................................ 36
7.2 DESIGN ................................................................................................................................................. 37
7.3 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS.................................................................................................................... 40
7.3.1 Nominal CT Current ................................................................................................................... 41
7.3.2 Mismatched CT Ratios ............................................................................................................... 41
7.3.3 Lab-Volt Ratings ........................................................................................................................42
7.3.4 Type 68 Lockout Relay...............................................................................................................42
7.3.5 Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker .................................................................................................42
7.4 SEL-787 CONFIGURATION .................................................................................................................... 43
7.5 SIMULATION RESULTS .......................................................................................................................... 43
7.5.1 Overcurrent Protection ..............................................................................................................44
7.5.2 Differential Protection ............................................................................................................... 47

8. CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................. 50

9. RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................. 51

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9.1 LAB-VOLT EQUIPMENT ......................................................................................................................... 51

9.2 GENERAL HARDWARE ........................................................................................................................... 51
9.3 SEL RELAYS ......................................................................................................................................... 52
9.4 PROTECTION FUNCTIONALITY ............................................................................................................... 53
9.5 CDAQ POTENTIAL................................................................................................................................. 54

10. REFERENCES ........................................................................................................... 55

11. GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................ 57

12. APPENDICES ............................................................................................................ 58

12.1 ACSELERATOR QUICKSET MANUAL ......................................................................................................58

12.2 TRANSFORMER PROTECTION SIMULATION MANUAL .............................................................................58
12.3 SIMULATION EVENT DATA ....................................................................................................................58
12.3.1 Phase Overcurrent......................................................................................................................58
12.3.2 Negative-Sequence Overcurrent ............................................................................................... 59
12.3.3 Residual Overcurrent ................................................................................................................. 59
12.4 IMPORTANT RELAY SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................... 60
12.4.1 SEL-421 ...................................................................................................................................... 60
12.4.2 SEL-751A ..................................................................................................................................... 61
12.4.3 SEL-787 .......................................................................................................................................62
12.4.4 Secondary Relays ....................................................................................................................... 63

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List of Figures
Figure 1 - Designed Simulation Network ........................................................................................................... 1
Figure 2 - SEL Protection and Monitoring Rack ............................................................................................... 2
Figure 3 - Overcurrent Protection Relay [3] ...................................................................................................... 5
Figure 4 - Three-Phase Overcurrent Relay ........................................................................................................ 6
Figure 5 - Alternative Digital Protection Relay .................................................................................................. 9
Figure 6 - Primary Relays.................................................................................................................................. 13
Figure 7 - Secondary Relays .............................................................................................................................. 16
Figure 8 - 751A Relay Expandable Slot I/O ..................................................................................................... 18
Figure 9 - 311L Relay I/O .................................................................................................................................. 19
Figure 10 - AcSELerator Quickset Home ........................................................................................................ 20
Figure 11 - Communications Window .............................................................................................................. 21
Figure 12 - Terminal Commands Overview (751A) .......................................................................................... 22
Figure 13 - SELogic Equation Field .................................................................................................................. 23
Figure 14 - SELogic Editor Window ................................................................................................................. 23
Figure 15 - Settings Editor (787) .......................................................................................................................24
Figure 16 - HMI (751A Device Overview) ......................................................................................................... 25
Figure 17 - HMI Communications Impact .......................................................................................................26
Figure 18 - Free-Form Setting Example ........................................................................................................... 32
Figure 19 - Faultable Transformer Module ...................................................................................................... 34
Figure 20 - Transmission Grid Module ............................................................................................................ 35
Figure 21 - Universal Fault Module .................................................................................................................. 36
Figure 22 - Transformer Protection Simulation Line Diagram ...................................................................... 37
Figure 23 - Physical Control Relay Connection ...............................................................................................38
Figure 24 - SEL-787 I/O Connection Diagram ................................................................................................ 39
Figure 25 - Physical Transformer Protection Simulation System ................................................................. 40
Figure 26 – Fault event SEL-787 Front Panel .................................................................................................44
Figure 27 - Fault Event Summary ..................................................................................................................... 45
Figure 28 - Residual Trip Event Summary ......................................................................................................46
Figure 29 - Negative-Sequence Trip Event Summary ..................................................................................... 47
Figure 30 - Initial Differential Metering HMI ................................................................................................ 48
Figure 31 - Differential Event Summary ..........................................................................................................49

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List of Tables
Table 1 - Available ANSI/IEEE Protection Functions ..................................................................................... 10
Table 2 - Letter Variations .................................................................................................................................11
Table 3 - SEL non-ANSI/IEEE features ........................................................................................................... 12
Table 4 - TAPn Calculations ............................................................................................................................. 48

List of Equations
Equation 1 - Secondary Impedance Ratio [11] .................................................................................................28
Equation 2 - Secondary Impedance Calculation [11] .......................................................................................28
Equation 3 - Source Impedance Ratio [11] .......................................................................................................29
Equation 4 - Differential Element Configuration Equation [12] ....................................................................29

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1. Project Introduction
1.1 Background
Currently at Murdoch University within the Project Room of the Engineering and Energy Building, there
is a collection of various SEL protective relay devices that remained an unknown entity until semester 1
2012, when the ENG454 students began investigating the devices. At that point in time knowledge of how
these devices worked and what functionality they could provide was unknown, thus the ENG454 students
began investigations into the devices. As a part of this exercise the students collected and organized the
various instruction manuals, implemented an enclosure to securely mount the devices, installed the
required software on associated Computer and began developing a NI LabView cDAQ simulation system.
This system was to simulate a simple distribution network and a variety of different fault conditions to
demonstrate operation of the devices. The network illustrated in Figure 1 depicts the intended simulated
system, including the SEL units, as originally designed by Brenton Sherston and Simon Digby [1] in the
final stage of the ENG454 unit.

Figure 1 - Designed Simulation Network

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Following the completion of ENG454 in semester 1 2012, the final simulation remained incomplete and
most of the required knowledge regarding the functionality of the SEL devices remained unknown or
improperly defined. The current state of the SEL Protection and Monitoring System is illustrated in
Figure 2, showing all the relays mounted in their enclosure and the associated PC with required
AcSELerator Quickset software installed in the Project Room. Not visible is the cDAQ, power supplies and
I/O terminals, which are accessible from the rear of the retrofitted IP network server rack.

Figure 2 - SEL Protection and Monitoring Rack

1.2 Purpose
The SEL devices are intended for protection of high voltage distribution networks and all equipment
types, including transformers, bus bars, feeders etc. As such, they offer a wide variety of different
protection functionalities which, in some cases are quite complicated. Having a limited knowledge of the
functionality and the requirements (wiring, programing and commissioning) to achieve this functionality
makes the development of a suitable distribution protection simulation difficult and nearly impossible to
achieve.

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1.3 Objectives
The Primary Objective of this project is to continue on from the works conducted in ENG454 to develop a
comprehensive understanding of the SEL devices to allow development of a suitable simulation platform
to demonstrate the functionality that the SEL protection devices are capable of providing. This is to be
achieved through the following steps:

 Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the available SEL protection equipment, including

functionality, programing requirements, physical hardware, wiring and power requirements and
any other necessities for successful operation.
 Develop/improve a suitable simulation platform, be it LabView or physical hardware based, of a
basic power distribution system that can demonstrate the operational functionality of the
available SEL protection relays.
 Produce documentation that details the processes required to design, program and operate
simulations that demonstrate desired functionalities.

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2. Protection Relays
2.1 Purpose
The protection of power distribution systems is and always has been a critical element in maintaining a
stable network for power generation, transmission and consumption. Protection Relays allow the integrity
of the distribution equipment, such as transformers, generators and transmission lines to be maintained
to a high operational standard, improving supply and reliability and achieving almost 100% availability of
electrical power to consumers. Protective Relays provide protection from fault events by opening circuit
breakers, which isolate the equipment from the fault; the relay will also trip the circuit breakers if the
equipment is the cause of the fault thereby protecting the network from damage. The relays constantly
monitor the necessary network elements, including Current and Voltage, and occasionally temperature or
harmonics among others. The implementation of these relays depends upon the protection function and
the equipment that needs to be protected. The relays measure the network elements (current and voltage)
through step-down CT’s and VT’s and their operations are based upon the secondary magnitude, which
allows the relays to be of a manageable size and achieve the quickest possible operating time. The relays
will trip the circuit breakers when the monitored elements reach a pre-set value indicative of a potential
fault event, thus protecting the equipment from the damages that could result if the fault persists.

2.2 Analog Relays

2.2.1 Electromechanical
Traditionally Protective relays are an analog type electromechanical device designed to measure and
calculate network nominal operation conditions and to trip circuit breakers, thereby disconnecting the
network, when a fault is detected. These electromechanical relays have well defined and selectable
operation parameters based upon the protection function to which the relay belongs. These relays operate
directly from the current and voltage signals being supplied and converting these into electric or magnetic
forces/torques, via electromagnetic coils, which acts against internal springs to open the relays. The
configuration of these relays is conducted by adjusting the tension of the spring and/or taping of the
electromagnetic coils thus changing the trip characteristic of the relay. Mechanical relays in general have
developed a reputation of being highly accurate, dependable and reliable [2]. Figure 3 shows an example
of a traditional electromechanical protection relay as installed in its electrical cabinet; this particular relay
is an overcurrent protection relay (type 50), used in this instance to protect local generators. The black
blocks below and above the relays are test points that allow isolation of the relays from the equipment for
testing. This prevents the test from interrupting supply to the consumers.

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Figure 3 - Overcurrent Protection Relay [3]

The vast majority of available electromechanical relays available can be classified under the following
types, based upon the mechanism responsible for opening/closing the relay contactors:

 Attracted Armature
 Induction
 Moving Coil
 Motor Operated
 Thermal

All of these types have their advantages and disadvantages such as inherent operation delays or simple
and accurate configuration and operation. The type selection generally is based on needs of the
application. The type depicted in Figure 3 is an induction disc, where current flowing through a set of
electromagnetic coils induces a current on the rotatable disc. When this induced current produces a force
exceeding that applied by the opposing spring tension, the disc will rotate, causing the relay contactors to
open. One advantage of the induction disc mechanism is that a higher fault level results in a higher coil
current thus causing faster disc rotation. In this instance, as with most of the other types of
electromechanical relays, the relay switching would be driven by the signals being supplied from the CT or
VT. The induction disc relay type is one of the most popular and widely used electromechanical relays
because of its short operating time, reliability and ability to be applied in almost any form of protective
function (voltage, current, frequency, power etc.) [2].

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Electromechanical relays are generally limited in functionality and operational scope, and are designed
specifically for the protection function desired. This means that to monitor more than one function on one
component of the network, multiple relay units are required to achieve the desired suite of protective
functionality. Figure 3 offers an example where each phase and neutral requires its own individual
electromechanical relay for protection. This often means that the protection relays are housed in large
standalone cabinets dedicated specifically for each relay, or set of relays for the application.

2.2.2 Solid State

Solid State protection relays are an alternative analog based system that has recently seen some increased
implementation [2]. These relays are just as capable as the electromechanical equivalents with a fraction
of the footprint and an ability to be more than single phase/single contact relays. SSR’s utilize the electric
principles of MOSFETs to operate and thus have no moving parts, yielding some fairly significant
advantages including: faster operation time, lower burden, longer lifespan, bounce less operation, lower
electrical noise and improved sensitivity to operational environment impacts (vibration, humidity etc.).
However the following disadvantages also exist, which prevents their widespread adoption: influenced by
transient events causing undesired operation, and having a high resistance when closed, which generates
heat and results in a non-linear voltage/current characteristic, which impacts performance. Figure 4
below is an example of a Solid-State protective relay, available as part of the Lab-Volt Protective relaying
system. The three CT inputs are shown at the top, potentiometers for setting trip level and time delay are
in the middle, and at the bottom are the relay contactor outputs with the auxiliary power supply
connections.

Figure 4 - Three-Phase Overcurrent Relay

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2.3 Digital Relays

Digital relays, unlike mechanical relays, use microprocessor technology to detect and respond to trip
conditions. Like other forms of protection relays, digital relays measure the secondary elements but
convert these to a digital form for the microcontroller to process and respond in the event of a fault.

Being a digital based fault calculation process digital relays emulate the protection functionality and are
thus able to emulate multiple protection functions through the one unit. As an example a base overcurrent
protection digital relay with only CT inputs could also be used to emulate negative sequence protection,
earth fault protection, breaker failure protection and thermal overload, through appropriate programing.
This means that one digital relay has the potential to replace any number of electromechanical relays,
saving space and cost. Because of this the digital relays are designed or created to meet the needs of a
certain application (e.g. transformer protection, feeder protection) and not the protective function type
required.

The transition from electromechanical to microcontroller technology has allowed for the inclusion of
modern communications related technologies, thereby improving the monitoring, operability, and control
and network integration of protection relays. Some of the extra features include:

 The introduction of communications and SCADA – the primary source for most of the following
features, allowing remote and local interactions of other relays, users and control systems.
 GPS integration – allowing accurate timekeeping
 Synchronized Measurements (Synchrophasor) – synchronized measurements based on the GPS
clock, which improves fault event monitoring and reporting.
 Automation – the ability to automate functions within the relay and other devices as part of the
protection system; for example to signal other protection relays to open respective breakers.
 HMI – allows for remote and local monitoring of relay specific values, statuses and events history
along with providing a means of manual control over the relay controls.
 Reporting – event report generation containing critical event data, measurements, statuses etc.
 Self-testing – internal checks for failure of relay systems from internal memory to I/O contacts in
element inputs.
 Alarming – automated alerts to faults, relay failures or undesirable operation conditions.

Besides the improvements in functional operation and availability the microcontroller systems provide
more generalized advantages to digital relays including:

 Increased accuracy, reliability and a reduced expense per functionality [4].

 Smaller size and significant reduction in cabinet space per protection function.

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 Modular layout and upgradability that allow for easy replacement or expansion as functional
demand increases or changes over time.
 Software interactions providing a gateway for programing, monitoring and control.
 Smaller burden on the CT’s or VT’s when compared to electromechanical relays, as digital relays
do not use the signal from the signal transformer secondary to drive the internal tripping circuits,
thus reducing the applied load.

However, as with many technological advances there are some disadvantages that need to be noted:

 Increased configuration complexity – the transition from analog to digital combined with the
consolidation of protective functions and addition of microcontroller functionality adds to the
programing configuration and development requirements compared to the adjustment of dials or
relay selection for the protection function.
 Relays require their own dedicated power source. The microcontrollers require a dedicated power
supply to maintain monitoring and protective functionality. If the relay loses power their
operational protection is lost.
 Significant transition process – significant time and cost is required to successfully migrate from
analog to digital relays, inclusive of relay cabinet refitting, updating required drawings and
configuration time.
 Inability to operate effectively or accurately as designed in harsh conditions, such as: high
temperatures, severe environmental conditions and in high EMI or RFI prone areas.

Some of these disadvantages are the main driving forces behind old mechanical relays being replaced by
newer non-digital models simply because there is not enough knowledge of digital relays to install,
configure and operate, or the installation environment won’t permit the installation of digital relays.
Evidence of this can be seen through the new installations of GE designed protection relays in Canada,
where 40% of these were still electromechanical based systems [4]. Figure 5 is an example of a digital
protection relay developed by an alternative competing company to SEL, as a point of comparison to
illustrate visually the differences in relay design and implementation and device operations.

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Figure 5 - Alternative Digital Protection Relay

2.4 Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is a company founded by Edmund O. Schweitzer in 1982; it is
based in Pullman Washington and was the first company to develop and manufacture digital protection
relays in 1984 [5]. To this date the company continues to develop embedded systems for control,
metering, monitoring and protection of power systems and remains one of the leaders in digital protection
relays as ranked by national (USA) and international utility companies [6]. SEL remains at the forefront
of innovation, as highlighted by the recent introductions of load-encroachment protection, the
standardization of Synchrophasor measurements in all digital relays, and the development of a secure and
highly reliable relay-to-relay communications protocol (SEL Mirrored Bits). As the title of this thesis may
suggest, SEL manufacture the digital protection relays that comprise the SEL Protection and Monitoring
System.

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3. Relay Functionality
The SEL Protection Relays provide a variety of protective functions with a specific means of identifying
said functionality. The protection function for all protection relays can identifiable by a number, which
indicates the function of the device and adheres to the ANSI Standard Device Numbers defined in the
ANSI/IEEE Standard C37.2 [7]. The use of letters allows quick identification of available protection
functions and provides a method for easy identification of the device and/or its function in physical
installations and any related single line diagrams, electrical wiring diagrams or even cable schedules. The
IEC document IEC 60617 Graphical Symbols for Diagrams defines the graphical symbol for each
particular function, which improves relay identification in any technical drawings [8].

3.1 Protection Functionality

The SEL Protection and Monitoring System Provides a variety of protective functionality and in some
cases requires specific functional interactions to properly operate and protect electric distribution
elements. Table 1 contains a list of all the ANSI/IEEE defined protection functions [9] that the SEL
Protection and Monitoring System currently provides, while Table 2 details the lettering variations where
the usage will indicate which specific measurement component the function will monitor for fault
detection, e.g. phase, negative-sequence, neutral etc.

Table 1 - Available ANSI/IEEE Protection Functions

ID Variants Name Description

21 Distance Relay Distance protection based on Line Impedances (mho relay
zoned protection)
24 Volts Per Hertz Protection from over excitation of a transformer, based upon
Relay nominal voltages and frequency
25 Synchronism Check Internal checks for synchronism of relay components
27 S Under voltage Protection against voltage sag or dropping network voltages
Relay within present bounds
32 Directional Power Two way protection against overload or reverse power
Relay
49 Thermal Relay Protection against abnormal temperatures
50 P,G,Q,N Overcurrent Relay Protection against abnormal high currents or fault
conditions
51 P,G,Q,N Time Overcurrent Time overcurrent protection, coordinated relays, TOC curve
Relay
52 AC Circuit Breaker AC circuit breaker opening contactors in a network.

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55 Power Factor Relay Protection against undesired power factor conditions

59 S,Q Overvoltage Relay Protection against high network voltages
67 AC Directional Protection against phase-to-phase short-circuits through
Overcurrent Relay comparison to voltage waveform patterns.
68 Blocking Relay Prevents tripping under certain conditions (e.g. Out-of-Step)
79 AC Reclosing Relay Auto reclosing relay for purposes of automatic reconnection
of network if fault clears, limitation of downtime
81 R,RF Frequency Relay Protection against undesirable frequencies
86 Lockout Relay Latching type relay, meaning constant control signals not
required
87 Differential Protection against a differing current between to
Protective Relay measurement points
50BF Circuit Breaker Protection against breaker failure by signalling upstream
Failure breakers to trip if main failure occurs
60LOP Loss of Potential Protection in the event of a dropout of local AC voltage
inputs where there is no corresponding changes in current
signals
REF Restricted Earth Protection against internal ground faults in wye
Fault transformers.
AFD Arc-Flash Detector Fault protection against internal switchgear arcing

Table 2 - Letter Variations

Variant Definition Extra details

P Phase Phase based protection
G Ground/Residual Type dependent upon CT/VT availability
Q Negative-Sequence Reverse Phase Rotation protection
N Neutral Neutral Current Detection, Similar to RCD protection principles
R Rate-of-change protection against frequency instability by initiating load shedding
RF Aurora Mitigation frequency based protection in detecting islanding
S Synchronism localized application of function 25

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3.2 Monitoring Functionality

There is an assortment of various monitoring, metering and relay protective functionality which are
common to all the relays available in the SEL Protection and Monitoring System. Table 3 lists the
common or standardised functions. All of these and others which are unique to specific relays are
configurable through the AcSELerator Quickset software package, from the relay’s front panel, or through
remote network communications based commands.

Table 3 - SEL non-ANSI/IEEE features

Name Details
Password Protection Prevention of unwanted operation or Configuration changes
Sequential Events Recorder Recording of operations of relay through internal word bit
assertion/desertion monitoring.
Various Communication Protocol Ability to communicate to a variety of varying devices
Support (Modbus, DNP3, TCP/IP etc.)
Mirrored Bits SEL Proprietary relay-to-relay communications protocol
Synchrophasor (PMU) Time synchronized measurements/monitoring
Remote and Local control switches Local and remote control of relay elements
Event Reports Reports detailing fault event specifics
Metering Real-time display of metered values with CT/VT
compensation
HMI PC based control and monitoring of relay functionality
Front Panel Interface Local Relay control and Status Monitoring

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4. SEL Units Overview

During the initial stages of the project it was found that amongst the relays there were units that shared
several functional capabilities, were easily replicated through appropriate programing or required
additional hardware to be effectively utilized. As a result the thesis focused on the following relays: 421,
751A and 787. All the relays have different power supply requirements, nominal CT ratings and I/O
switching characteristics, which are detailed in Appendix 12.4, product number and FID to allow
establishment of settings without reading directly from the relay, this process is detailed in Appendix 12.1.
All the monitoring functions detailed in Table 3 in section 3.2 Monitoring Functionality are as already
stated common to all the relays featured, both Primary and Secondary. The entirety of this chapter
contains details into the design of the relays and their associated functionalities.

4.1 Primary Relays

Figure 6 - Primary Relays

4.1.1 SEL-421: Protection Automation Control

The SEL-421 Protection Automation Control Relay is a three-slot rack mountable protection relay
designed for high speed transmission line protection; it is the top most relay shown in Figure 6 above.
This relay features single and three pole tripping with reclosing control, circuit breaker monitoring and
failure protection, series compensation logic and automation programing logic. The relay is capable of

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providing the following functions: 21, 25, 49, 50, 50BF, 51, 67, 68 and 79. To achieve this the relay
features two sets of three phase CT and VT inputs, 16 digital outputs and 15 digital inputs, and
communications is supplied via three 9 pin D-sub connectors, two fibre optic ports and an IRIG-B BNC
connector.

From the available digital I/O, 8 of the digital outputs (available in slot 1) offer NO or NC contacts while
the remaining 8 (available on slot 2) provide NO high speed interrupting outputs. The appropriate
configuration of the available inputs and outputs allow control and monitoring of attached circuit
breakers. The SEL-421 can be programed with two outputs, one to signal open commands and the other to
send close commands, while one input is used to monitor the status of the circuit breaker.

Monitoring functionality that is unique to the SEL-421 includes dual circuit breaker condition monitoring,
station battery monitoring, fault locator, transient overreach, load encroachment monitoring, oscilloscope
type monitoring and metering capabilities, and extensive user programed automation logic. The
automation logic is programed using SELogic equations to allow user required functionality to be
automatically enforced under the required conditions. This can include the communications based
tripping of other upstream relays, automatic report generation and transmission to a local database, or
the activation of external alarm outputs not normally tied to fault event conditions within the standard
relay configuration. With the use of SELogic to program the automation functions, the user can define any
number of conditions that would be required before the automation function can be activated. This can
include specific pickup levels and the current status of relay I/O or internal target or the contents of
communications from upstream/downstream relays (metering information, fault data or the status of
relay targets).

4.1.2 SEL-751A: Feeder Protection Relay

The SEL-751A Feeder Protection Relay is a six-slot I/O expandable protection relay, shown in the bottom
right of Figure 6. It is designed to provide current protection to distribution feeders and localized power
equipment. The relay provides the following functionality by default: 50, 51 and 81; while the following is
available through the installation of additional I/O cards: 25, 27, 32, 59, 60, 79, Arc Flash Detection and
RTD based protection. The default relay configuration provides 4 CT inputs, 2 inputs and 3 type C outputs
(NO/NC), two RJ45 connectors, one fibre optic port and two serial RS-232 connectors. There are two
expansion I/O cards installed providing 4 digital inputs, 4 digital outputs, 4 analog inputs and 4 analog
outputs, which results in a majority of the optional protective functions becoming available. The main
functional advantage of the 751A relay, within the three primary relays, is the existence of the Neutral CT
connection that allows direct measurement of neutral currents, thereby optimizing residual current
protection and detection of faults.

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4.1.3 SEL-787: Transformer Protection Relay

The SEL-787 Transformer Protection Relay is a six-slot I/O expandable protection relay, that is visible in
the bottom left of Figure 6. This relay offers current protection functionality targeted specifically for
transformers. The relay provides the following functionality by default: 50, 51, 87; and breaker failure
protection with the following available through the installation of expansion I/O cards: 50/51N, 24, 27,
32, 59, 60LOP, 81 and REF protection. The 787 that is available in the project room only offers the basic
default suite of protection as there are no expansion I/O cards installed.

The unique feature of the SEL-787 is the Transformer Through-Fault event monitor, which analyses the
network conditions during a fault ride-through event and reports back on the thermal operation of the
transformer during that fault, allowing ride-through damage mitigation procedures to occur. The
configuration for this is user definable by setting alarms and the transformers nominal impedance. The
monitor will activate for all non-internal faults, and monitor internal conditions using the measured line
currents and calculates thermal characteristics using the configured line-to-line voltage, transformer MVA
rating, CT ratios and the measured primary current to develop a thermal curve and check that the
transformer is not operating beyond the defined limits. The report would indicate if this is the case and
thus pickup levels would then need to be reduced to prevent thermal overload of the transformer.

The control of the attached circuit breakers operates similar to the other relays, the difference being the
control interaction of a Lockout Relay (86), a requirement of the application of transformer protection. A
Lockout Relay is similar in operation to a latching relay where a manual reset is required to reclose the
contactors. This is to prevent reconnection of the transformer in the even the transformer is internally
faulted or to protect against consecutive reconnection transients damaging the transformer if the fault is
still present. The manual reset enforces inspection and fault analysis before circuit breaker closure is
attempted, thereby ensuring it is safe to proceed with re-energizing the transformer.

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4.2 Secondary Relays

Figure 7 - Secondary Relays

4.2.1 SEL-311L: Line Current Differential Protection and Automation

The SEL-311L Line Current Differential Protection and Automation Relay is a three-slot rack mountable
protection relay designed for current differential protection of long distance transmission lines. This is
achieved through the integration of fibre optic communications to allow coordination and interaction with
another SEL-311L monitoring the breakers at the opposite end of the transmission line. Specific
protection functions provided include; 21, 25, 50, 51, 67, 79, 81 and 87L; and monitoring functionality
include: Breaker Wear monitoring, Battery monitor, Oscilloscope event recording and Fault Locator
capabilities. The majority of functionality available within the SEL-311L is also available through the
three primary relays to some extent. The exception is the communications based differential protection
capabilities. However a secondary unit would be required to properly demonstrate this functionality. The
SEL-311L is the second relay from the top shown in Figure 7.

4.2.2 SEL-351: Directional Overcurrent Relay

The SEL-351 Directional Overcurrent Relay, which is the top most relay shown in Figure 7, is a two-slot
rack mountable protection relay designed to protect against forward and reverse direction overcurrent.
This is achievable through monitoring the phase relationships of the sequence components of the AC
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system [10]. The main protective functionality provided by the SEL-351 relay includes; 25, 27, 32, 50,
50BF, 51, 59, 67, 79 and 81. Also available is a collection of monitoring functionality similar to that
available from the other relays. Again the majority of functionality available can be demonstrated using
the three primary relays.

4.2.3 SEL-387E: Current Differential and Voltage Protection Relay

The SEL-387E Current Differential and Voltage Protection Relay is a three-slot rack mountable protection
relay, the third relay shown in Figure 7, which provides localized current differential protection and a
variety of voltage based protection including over/under voltage and frequency monitoring. The relay
contains three sets of three-phase CT inputs to provide differential protection for 2 or 3-winding
transformers or other local network elements. There are 3 VT inputs and one neutral connector available
to enable the voltage based protection functions. The specific protection functions provided by the 387E
relay include; 24, 27, 50, 51, 59, 67G and 87, along with a variety of metering and monitoring functionality
and additional I/O to meet other application requirements. The majority of protective functionality on
offer is also provided in some form by the three primary relays with the exception of the 3-winding
transformer current protection.

4.2.4 SEL-3351: System Computing Platform

The SEL-3351 System Computing Platform is an Embedded PC running Windows XP that provides a
variety of monitoring advantages. It is the bottom most device shown in Figure 7. The 3351 relay has the
following features:

 16 9-pin D-sub connectors permitting up to 16 SEL relays to be simultaneously interconnected,

providing a common access point interface to each relay.
 The 3351 has its own display, keyboard and mouse connectors to locally monitor, configure or
control any relay connected on a local network or directly to the D-sub connectors.
 RJ45 Megabit network port allowing internet connectivity that permits a remote connection to
the device’s windows environment and thus to any connected relays.
 Two fibre optic ports for long distance system communications
 4 USB ports for connecting of external storage drives, keyboard and mouse.

These features benefit the system user, both local and remote, by providing a single point of access to all
the features and functionality of the connected relays within the protection system.

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4.3 Modularity
All relays available are rack mountable (with the technical exception of the 751A and 787 relays).
Expandable and/or modular layout allows easy replacement of devices, easy addition/removal of optional
functionality and devices can be upgraded when new functional sets or inputs are required. This is
achieved by the slot I/O card structure implemented by all the relays and is similar in concept and
operation to the expansion cards (graphics, networking etc.) found in the modern desktop PC. Figure 8, as
an example, shows the 751A relay with its I/O interconnects, with the rear panel removed showing the
internal slot card structure and internal connections.

Figure 8 - 751A Relay Expandable Slot I/O

The components in this particular relay include:

Slot A. Power supply and base digital I/O

Slot B. CPU and external communications interconnectors (serial, Ethernet, fibre optic)
Slot C. Digital I/O expansion, 4 inputs and 4 outputs
Slot D. Empty
Slot E. Analog I/O expansion, 4 inputs and 4 outputs
Slot Z. CT inputs, one for each phase and neutral measurement.

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The expansion I/O cards allow for additional functionality such as voltage monitoring, RTD monitoring,
expanded external alarming and control to become available to the relay. As a point of comparison the 787
relay uses the same I/O slot structure as the 751A relay, however, the available unit only has slots A, B and
Z occupied, meaning that only the basic current protection functionality and circuit breaker control are
available.

Figure 9 shows the Expandable I/O of the SEL-311L relay to provide a comparison between the two
different slot I/O systems. Like the 751A and 787, the I/O terminals can be removed and the relay
enclosure opened to allow removal and replacement of individual slot I/O cards. However, with this
system there is no room to install extra or optional functionality without sacrificing the default
capabilities.

Figure 9 - 311L Relay I/O

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5. AcSELerator Quickset
Chapter 5 address the AcSELerator Quickset PC application including its features capabilities and
importance in programing the SEL relays.

Figure 10 - AcSELerator Quickset Home

The software package AcSELerator Quickset is the primary mechanism for communication, programing,
monitoring, remote control and metering of the SEL relays as part of the Protection and Monitoring
System. The program is currently installed on the associated Windows 7 PC and on a USB Flash Drive
connected to the SEL-3351 to allow the device to communicate with the relays. Figure 10 illustrates the
initial start-up window where a new settings file can be created. Settings can be read from the connected
relays. Previously saved settings files can be opened from the local database. Any connected devices can
be managed (using port addresses, unique names, remote connection settings etc.) or communications
parameters can be modified by selecting any of the available options. All settings, control or
communications operations require an elevated operation security level, often level 2; this can either be
entered into the communications parameters, through the tools drop down menu, or entered upon each
initialisation of communications. The current common requisite passwords are included in Appendix 12.1.

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5.1 Command Window

Figure 11 - Communications Window

The command window is a terminal emulator allowing serial based text communications to occur between
the relay and PC. It provides mechanisms to modify specific settings, poll for relay metering/event data,
relay control and status monitoring. The command window will also display live communications when
other parts of the package are communicating with the relay (settings download, HMI etc.) Figure 11
illustrates the appearance of the communications window, showing the initial processes of connecting to
the SEL-751A relay by entering the appropriate access level and then gathering specific relay version
details to allow the settings editor to display the available functionality configurations.

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Figure 12 - Terminal Commands Overview (751A)

Figure 12 illustrates the command window after the input of the help command. Not shown is the
requisite procedure to reach level 2 access to enable usage of the visible commands among others
available. This shows the particular commands available to the SEL-751A relay that enables control,
monitoring or event report requests. The operations available through the communications window can
be utilised with another third party terminal or serial communications program. However the usage of
such programs would require extra background knowledge to establish communication and effectively
communicate with the relay.

One of the more useful commands, common to all relays, is the Summary command, which will display
the required data of the most recent fault recorded in the relays event history. This command provides the
ability to display the metering data at time of fault, indicating the system conditions and fault type that
has occurred. This command can also call older fault event data by using numeric numbers following the
summary command, e.g. summary 8 will display the 8th fault event summary recorded by the relay. For a
complete list of available commands, see the associated relay instruction manual, accessible through the
university or within the AcSELerator Quickset settings editor environment through the help tab.

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5.2 SELogic

Figure 13 - SELogic Equation Field

SELogic is the name given to the equation logic used to develop a large portion of the programing of the
SEL relays within the AcSELerator Quickset software package. It is a collection of programing functions
including Boolean logic, mathematical operations and triggering functions, which combine to allow a
simple and effective mechanism to program specific functional elements of the relays. The SELogic
equations can be directly entered into the field within the Settings editor (Figure 13) or through the
dedicated SELogic editor window (Figure 14), accessible by using the button to the right of the field.

Figure 14 - SELogic Editor Window

Both Figure 13 and Figure 14 illustrate the SELogic equation for the Unlatch Trip relay word (ULTRIP)
target of the SEL-751A relay, where the SELogic equation will remain true as long as the targets for
function 51 time overcurrent protection elements remain false and the status of the breaker remains
closed (52A). The moment either one of those relay word targets becomes true the Unlatch Trip target
will become false while the related Trip target should become true, indicative of the presence of a fault.

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5.3 Settings Editor

Figure 15 - Settings Editor (787)

The Settings editor is the most important component of the AcSELerator Quickset software package as it
provides the mechanism to allow easy programing and configuration of the connected relay. Once the
connection has been established to the relay the settings editor will open and allow configuration of relay
words that relate to available functionality. Figure 15 illustrates the settings editor for the SEL-787 relay
with the group 1 set 1 configuration collection of relay settings open. This window configures the CT,
transformer configuration and MVA and nominal line-to-line settings for the primary and secondary of
the connected transformer. The settings editor will display the available setting ranges or options next to
the field to allow for easy identification and programing of the field and the associated configuration
restraints. An example is the CTR1 field in Figure 15, where the indication suggests that the possible
setting for the CT ratio is between 1 and 5000. Also visible is the inability to modify some relay word
elements, e.g. CTRN1 (Neutral CT ratio), as the functionality that the relay word refers to is unavailable
with the current version of the 787 relay. The settings editor will have a different overall left column
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structure based upon the connected relay and associated available functionality and configuration
options.

5.4 HMI

Figure 16 - HMI (751A Device Overview)

AcSELerator Quickset also offers a HMI window allowing display of all necessary relay elements and
variables as well as allowing control of the relays I/O and functionality. The example illustrated in Figure
16 contains the device overview window for the SEL-751A relay. The HMI can be accessed as long as the
relay remains connected and can be accessed via a locally connected PC or remote connection. However
operation of the HMI will consume the communication resource, which will cause any automated
communications to be impossible. Figure 17 contains a command window snapshot illustrating the
continual serial communications during HMI operations. The screen shot shows the data transmission of
metering data to operate the HMI Phasors Window.

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Figure 17 - HMI Communications Impact

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6. Relay Investigation
The relay investigation process was a significant component of the overall thesis as was the achievement
of the final simulation outcomes. This process yielded all the necessary details regarding the relays, the
means to program and the capabilities available through accurate configuration, the details of which have
been covered previously. However this process also yielded some significant discoveries, some which
prevent many of the functionalities being demonstrated, while one in particular changed the direction of
the project, most notably the change from a full Lab View, cDAQ based simulation to a completely
hardware based simulation.

6.1 Familiarization
The first component of the investigation was familiarisation. This involved simply exploring the system
and attempting to replicate and understand the previous works conducted.

One significant aspect to this was recreating the LabView program previously developed, which was the
direct result of the program utilising an additional toolkit, the Electrical Power Design suite, as a trial
version. The initial program was working towards simulating the network shown in Figure 1, featuring a
HMI window detailing the relay connections and their metering data as simulated by the cDAQ. This
program was designed to simulate the network elements and replicate the circuit breaker status. However
the attached relay (SEL-421) had not been programed to respond to faults and the LabView program was
not configured to introduce network faults. This investigation yielded significant inroads into how the
relays monitor the network elements and allow control of the associated circuit breakers. At this stage the
program would simulate network conditions and simulate the operation of the circuit breakers. This
simulation was to be removed from the final simulation platform following the significant discovery
detailed in section 6.2 Significant Findings.

The remaining aspect of this stage of the project involved the detailed study of the relays and software
manuals in conjunction with the appropriate relay/software exploration, which determined a majority of
the power, wiring and programing requirements and procedures to allow development of a successful
protection simulation.

6.2 Significant Findings

6.2.1 Compaq DAQ
The first and most significant finding is that the minimum CT pickup setting within the available relays is
0.1A or higher, a significant increase on the maximum possible current output by the cDAQ card of 20mA.
This discovery caused the cDAQ LAbView based simulation to becoming infeasible as a means to
demonstrate the protective functionality of the relays, given that the majority of protective functionality

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provided is based upon the CT secondary current being measured. This had a significant impact on the
project due to the significant amount of time that had elapsed before this fact was confirmed through
careful analysis of all the relays documentation and configuration settings. This discovery lead to a
significant change in the direction of the project, resulting in the need to acquire and develop a hardware
based simulation. The resulting hardware investigations would uncover the existence of the Protective
Relaying Lab-Volt Training system and the associated available components within the University. The
details of this system are identified and explored in Section 7 Simulation Development.

Later investigations have identified a potential application for the cDAQ system, this being alarming and
remote control functionality, where the relay has additional digital, or even analog, I/O that is able to
being programmatically tied to an alarm, Relay Word or target to externally indicate the status of relay
conditions, elements or protection functions which aren’t displayed on the front panel.

6.2.2 Distance Protection

There is a collection of functionality that requires specific hardware to enable proper and effective
simulation development. The notable function is the distance protection offered by the SEL-421 relay. The
protection function utilises the known impedances of the source, line and load in order to determine
which zone of protection the fault occurs and apply the required tripping response. This function uses the
impedance as a secondary value to determine the zone of operation for protection. The secondary
impedances are calculated through the following equations: Equation 1 will determine the impedance
ratio then Equation 2 will convert the known primary impedance into the equivalent secondary
impedance.

Equation 1 - Secondary Impedance Ratio [11]

Where:

 CTR = Current Transformer Ratio

 PTR = Potential Transformer Ratio (Voltage)

Equation 2 - Secondary Impedance Calculation [11]

The zones can then be configured through multiplying the secondary impedance by the desired distance
percentage (reach). The reach determines which tripping scheme and operation mode will operate based
upon the measured impedance at the time of the fault.

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One other calculation that needs to be made for distance protection is that of the Source Impedance Ratio
(SIR), which will determine if CVT transient detection is required. This is to prevent the instantaneous or
underreaching protection zone being tripped through an external fault. Equation 3 illustrates the
calculation to determine the SIR; if this calculation results in a value less than five then the CVT detection
can be disabled.

Equation 3 - Source Impedance Ratio [11]

| |
| |

More details about these calculations and configuration options can be obtained from the SEL-421
Applications Handbook as supplied with the relay. The Applications Handbook contains a variety of
example configuration steps to develop a variety of different protection functions that the SEL-421 is
capable of providing. The examples provided can be used to assist the development of simulations using
the SEL-421 relay or similar protection functionality provided by the other available relays within the SEL
Protection and Monitoring system.

6.2.3 Differential Protection

The configuration of the differential protection elements of the SEL-787 relay can be both a pain free or
painful process, depending on the network components. The relay has input fields for the transformer
rated MVA, primary and secondary winding configuration, CT ratio and nominal voltages which are used
to calculate the current in terms of Current Tap (TAPn), as shown in Equation 4 and utilised in the
configuration for transformer differential current protection.

Equation 4 - Differential Element Configuration Equation [12]

Where:

 ( ) √ ( )

 - - ( )


If these elements are correctly entered in the configuration window then this equation is automatically
calculated, accounting for any current imbalance that would occur from a phase shift within the
transformer, thus allowing pickup levels and other configuration elements to be entered without the
development of errors, which can make this process pain free assuming these values are realistic.
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Problems with this process arise when these configuration elements are set to abnormally low MVA, line
voltages and CT ratios, causing large configuration errors for the differential elements so that the nominal
voltage input fields become inaccessible and the MVA field reverts to its off state. If the MVA field is set to
off, this calculation can be done manually and the differential element configuration process will then
need to be completed by the user adjusting each field to satisfy the various limitations imposed by the
relay. If this process is completed correctly then the differential protection elements can be enabled
without causing undesirable trip conditions. This process has pickup elements which are set in multiples
of TAP, which if the system is ideally configured (balance CT ratios) then this pickup level could remain at
the lower end of the configuration range improving operation response times.

6.2.4 The Relays

Some specific aspects of the relays suggest that the system is composed of a collection of spares or
outdated devices. Facts such as the varying power supply requirements, the apparent manufacturing dates
and the indication that some devices have been replaced, updated or superseded, support this theory. The
serial numbers of the relays tend to indicate the date of manufacture with the oldest relay originating
from 2007. The datasheets available from the SEL website and list of available relays suggest that a
couple of the older relays have undergone significant updates: notably the SEL-351 is now referred to as a
Protection System [13], while others, such as the SEL-3351 no longer exist in the product catalogue,
although this could be attributed to the impending phase-out of Windows XP via Microsoft [14].

6.2.5 Switching Requirements

For some of the relays the I/O switching pickup levels can be configured within AcSELerator Quickset to
suit the magnitude of the voltage source being supplied to the relay or to meet the requirements of the
device receiving the outputs. The SEL-421 is an example of this where the cDAQ was capable of reading
and driving the digital I/O, in the initial simulation system, and can be used to interface the external
control or alarming capabilities as addressed in section 6.2.1 Compaq DAQ. Other relays such as the SEL-
787 and SEL-751A, where these switching pickup levels are indicated on the relay I/O tag and related to
the power supply; the 787 has 110 V AC power supply with 125 V DC switching specs, while the 751A has a
24V DC supply with 24V specs. The on/off levels of both of these specs can be seen in Appendix 12.4,
which contains the important relay specifications. This means that for both these systems the digital
inputs can’t be triggered by the low voltage output that the cDAQ currently provides.

6.2.6 Communications Functionality

There are communication functionalities that either cannot be demonstrated due to lacking necessary
hardware. The biggest impact of this is seen in the SEL-311L which uses communications to allow
operation of the line current differential protection functionality. This requires fibre optic hardware and
an identical 311L relay to communicate with and allow the protective functionality to be demonstrated in

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the context of long distance transmission line protection. There are target elements within the relay that
become true in the absence of a paired 311L relay, impacting the behaviour of the relay often resulting in
false trip events due to the lacking incoming differential metering communications.

The disappearance of the required relay-to-relay 9 pin D-sub cable and time constraints prevented the
testing of the Mirrored Bits communications integration of the SEL-3351 and other relay-to-relay
communications, a functionality that would be highly beneficial in integration of a variety of local
substation based relays for total protection and automated tripping protection. Again the absence of fibre
optics prevents the high speed operation capabilities that some of the relays can provide through
communications.

6.2.7 Configuration Capabilities

Besides the ability to configure the protection elements of the relays there are other beneficial
configurable components of the relays.

6.2.7.1 Front Panel

On the SEL-421, 751A and 787, the front panel items (buttons, indicators and controls) are user
configurable, allowing the buttons to control whatever relay functionality the user requires while the
indicators can be changed to indicate the status of any required elements (targets). As an example the
Open (Trip) button on any for the relays could be re-configured to directly control the status of the Trip
target element rather than control the status of the circuit breakers. Of these three relays, the SEL-421
and 787 allow the labelling of the buttons and indicators to be changed to reflect the function or element
being controlled or monitored, while the SEL-751A labels are not removable or changeable.

For the remaining relays (351, 311L and 387E) only the indicators are changeable, the pushbuttons
available provide a mechanism to navigate the operations available through the front panel display, where
various relay functionality can be controlled, modified or monitored.

6.2.7.2 Automation
The automation logic is a separate set of logic equations, up to 1000 lines of code, fully user
programmable and not functionally tied to any particular function within the relays. The automation logic
also exists separately to any variables and math functions available within the relay. The programing of
the automation logic is entirely up to the user with respect to the interfacing of relay words, metering
data, the status of I/O words and any communications received. The programming is free-form, where the
intended target of the equation or function is user definable and can be a math variable or operable relay
target. The relay uses Aliases to allow this free form logic to be associated directly to relay word bits
without modifying the traditional functionality of the associated relay word bit. Figure 18 illustrates an
example of the free-form programing which is typical of that used to program the automation logic. The

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example shows the configuration for the interlocking of the functionality associated with several of the
front panel pushbuttons.

Figure 18 - Free-Form Setting Example

6.2.7.3 Variables
All the relays without automation (free-form based) logic have the ability to configure a selection of
variables and other functional logic bits and equations for various purposes including metering data
communications, alarming and functional interlocking. These variables include latching bits, counters,
timers and variables and math variables.

 Latching bits, as the name suggests is a collection of bit set and reset logic which can be
configured to latch the associated bit when the configured SELogic equation is true. An example is
the indication of momentary alarm conditions having existed and requiring interaction to reset
without impacting the status original alarm relay word.
 The timers and variables can be programed to be time based from a given input trigger, where
pickup time and dropout time can be configured.
 The counters can be used to develop user defined count events where the user can program the
count up and count down triggers, reset trigger, initial value and value output location. An
example where counters are utilised is the breaker wear monitor functionality, where the
operation of the breaker will trigger a count up event. This number can then be compared to
operation limit variable to alert to when the life cycle of the breaker has been reached. The
counters can be programed to monitor a wide variety of relay words/targets to indicate the
occurrences of status changes.
 Math variables allow for the storage of real non-Boolean type data, mostly required for metering
data. This can be utilised to allow metering data to be communicated over networking or to
display data that the HMI or communications reports wouldn’t normally generate.

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7. Simulation Development
The simulation development phase of the project where hardware was compiled and designed to
demonstrate the available functionalities of the SEL protection Relays. This chapter focuses on the
significant pieces of hardware and the uncovered design considerations necessary to produce the final
simulation platform.

The final simulation platform was restricted to transformer protection using the SEL-787 Transformer
Protection Relay. This restriction was the result of limited hardware availability and time restrictions
caused by the early cDAQ simulation focus. Original simulation design considerations included the
acquisition and construction of a custom made set of components to allow a suitable simulation to be
developed. To fulfil this task, a three-phase variac, single phase variac and a 1kW rated resistor were
acquired from within the university for initial testing purposes. However shortly after this, the testing
process was simplified through the acquisition of a collection of various pieces of Lab-Volt equipment.

7.1 Lab-Volt
The process of simulation development was streamlined with the discovery of the Lab-Volt Protective
Relaying Training system available within the university. The units available include the Universal Fault
Module, Faultable Transformers, Transmission Grid A, Control Relays and a collection of CT and VT
modules along with two interconnection modules, their associated patch cables and essential power
supply units.

The use of this Lab-Volt equipment had not been explored in any of the previous units, resulting in a small
period of operational investigation to ascertain correct limits, procedures and capabilities each module
required/provided. This process proved fairly straight forward through front panel, interior and
specification analysis, leading to a period of operational guess and check testing to ensure that total
operational functionality had been acquired. The majority of the process was conducted with a multimeter
to check for continuity, voltage or resistance to confirm operational understandings.

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7.1.1 Faultable Transformer Module

The Faultable Transformer Module, shown in Figure 19, contains three isolation transformers, one per
phase, with a variety of input and output terminals, current measurement terminals, and a collection of
fault inducing switches or input connectors to induce a variety of faults. The input terminals in the fault
section of the module allow the second transformer (T2) to being faulted by an external source to allow
introduction of short-circuits with a resistive element included.

Figure 19 - Faultable Transformer Module

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7.1.2 Transmission Grid

The Transmission Grid Module offers a collection of three-phase contactors which can be controlled
remotely via the available control relays or through the on board switches. The three phase contactors
provide a simulation mechanism for representing the circuit breakers that would usually be controlled by
the protection relay. Figure 20 shows the module that is currently available, where the control relay
interface visible in the bottom left corner. The control relays are able to control the status of the three
phase contactors through these inputs by energising the individual contactor coils.

Figure 20 - Transmission Grid Module

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7.1.3 Universal Fault Module

The Universal fault module contains an AC powered Pushbutton which activates a collection of internal
contacts and time delayed contacts which enable the introduction of various fault elements dependent
upon the usage of the output connectors. Figure 21 illustrates the universal fault module which consists of
three sections. The first is the powered switch and the associated activated contact coils and time-delayed
coils. The second is the collection of control relay contactors and power relay contactors. The third section
contains a collection of resistive outputs to provide a variety of short circuit current conditions. This
module allows the introduction of various network level (external) faults which can be applied to any
component of the simulation network.

Figure 21 - Universal Fault Module

7.1.4 Control Relays

The control relay modules are a collection of latching, non-latching and time-delayed SPDT and DPDT
relays with interconnectors to drive the coil and interface with the contact outputs. All of the available
control relays are of type C with NO and NC switching terminals. Also included is a dedicated DC power
supply to provide sufficient voltage to energise or de-energise the relay coils through a switching external
interface such as the output contacts of the protective relays or suitably rated switches.

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7.2 Design
Once the operational functionality of the Lab-Volt modules was established and the requirements of each
component were established, the development of the final simulation system became a simple process.
There is an experiment manual supplied with the protective relaying training system which describes a
collection of example experiments. These provide a structured process for development, implementation
and operable testing of the included experiments, which helped in the development of the final
transformer protection simulation. Figure 22 illustrates the final developed simulation layout as adapted
from the transformer differential protection example experiment from the experiment’s student manual
[15]. The major modifications include the introduction of a secondary side three-phase contactor and the
removal of the associated Lab-Volt supplied SSR protective relays. The SSR Relays are replaced by the
SEL-787 and interfaced to the three phase contactors through the latching control relays. The interface of
the control relays and CTs with the SEL-787 is achieved through the use of the interconnection panel
modules and the associated patch cables. This minimised clustering cables running between the Lab-Volt
system and the 787 relay connections. The process and methods for this simulation development and
operation can be viewed in the user manual available in Appendix 12.2.

Figure 22 - Transformer Protection Simulation Line Diagram

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The interconnection diagram shown in the bottom half of Figure 22 illustrates the connection of the SEL-
787 relay to the control relays through the interconnection panel, which in term interfaces to the
transmission grid three-phase contactors. The layout of the control relays is directly indicative of that
required to properly establish the latching functionality. The physical connection of the single line
diagram can be seen in Figure 23 below, where the output of the relay contactors (connection across
interconnectors A and B) will momentarily energise the relay coil causing CRn-C to close resulting in the
coil staying energised (the result of directly connecting A to C) until the reset button is triggered. CRn-A
and CRn-B provide the normal relay contact outputs to control the status of the three-phase contactors
and report the status back to the SEL-787 inputs for monitoring.

A C

Figure 23 - Physical Control Relay Connection

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Figure 24 - SEL-787 I/O Connection Diagram

Figure 24 illustrates the connections via the interconnection panel to the SEL-787 relay I/O connectors,
where connections A05 to A08 are the output terminals, responsible for latching the control relays, and
A9 to A12 provide the inputs for status monitoring. Figure 25 displays the complete Transformer
Protection Simulation as developed using the Lab-Volt equipment, visually identifying the configuration
and connections, including the interfacing of the control relays and eventual connection to the SEL-787
relay through the interconnection panel.

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Figure 25 - Physical Transformer Protection Simulation System

7.3 Design Considerations

Throughout the design and testing of the transmission protection simulation system there were several
issues that needed to be considered, that could limit the operational levels of the simulation and the
variety of testing that could be conducted.

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7.3.1 Nominal CT Current

The first consideration was that the nominal CT input of the SEL-787 relay is only 1A. From the
specifications this meant that the steady state current signals being measured could not exceed 19.2A and
would be unmeasurable below 0.02A (assuming a X/R ratio equal to 40), while the continuous current
could be no larger than 15A to prevent thermal impacts upon the relay and the maximum current rating
under momentary fault conditions is 100A. It is common practise to select the CT ratios that will result in
a secondary current that is as close as possible to the nominal rating of the relay [12], which provides a
suitable overhead in the event of severe fault. With the low simulation current and the selection of CTs
available through Lab-Volt, none of these limitations would be exceeded. However, this did contribute to
the simulation being run at 50% of the total possible Voltage to keep nominal currents as close as possible
to 1A secondary. The limitations imposed by the nominal CT input will need to be further considered
during development of the standalone system, particularly if the power delivery of the standalone system
is significantly higher than that of the current Lab-Volt system.

7.3.2 Mismatched CT Ratios

The Lab-Volt protective relaying training system provides two Current Transformer modules, one which
contains 6 0.5:5 ratio CTs (designated Module A) while the second contains 3 1:5 ratio CTs and 3 2.5:5
CTs (designated Module B). Initial operative testing with the Module a CTs yielded some unexpected
results: one of the CTs was failing to scale the input current according to the rated ratio, unlike the
remaining 5 CTs. Upon further investigation it was found that that particular CT was internally shorted
causing the undesirable measurement results. As result of this the CT module B was to be used for all
remaining tests while a replacement CT for Module A was acquired. The use of Module B would cause a
mismatch in CT ratios for the application of differential protection. The mismatch would be partially
reduced by the use of a Delta-Wye three-phase transformer configuration however slight this
improvement may become. The configuration procedure for the differential protection elements would
help to account for this difference and allow differential protection to be appropriately simulated. The
mismatch in CT ratios between primary and secondary would not have a significant impact upon
overcurrent protection elements as each is configurable separately.

One issue associated with the step-up CT ratios results from a programing limitation in the SEL-787 relay
configuration, where the lowest CT ratio configurable is 1:1, meaning that the relay is incapable of scaling
the measured currents to the precise Lab-Volt system currents. There is an advantage with this
configuration which is the fault currents of the simulation are exaggerated permitting the relay to easily
detect the smaller fault currents that the Lab-Volt system generates in the current configuration.

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7.3.3 Lab-Volt Ratings

The second consideration was the current ratings of the Lab-Volt equipment, particularly the resistive
load modules used. Where 0.35A was the maximum possible measured from the primary side of the
transformer. During initial system testing a multimeter was connected in series with one phase of the load
to monitor and ensure safe operation conditions. This resulted in the simulation being operated at 50%
max voltage, which would keep the load current below the limit imposed by the resistive load. The current
ratings of the other lab-Volt modules were also monitored, but at this operating limit there were no
associated overcurrent issues.

In an attempt to overcome the limitations imposed by the resistive load, a three-phase four-pole squirrel-
cage induction motor already installed in the Lab-Volt rack was connected in place of the resistors, which
resulted in a new current limit of 0.46A. Despite this increased current limit there was a noticeable
drawback in the overall protective operation. While normal overcurrent protection functionality would
operate normally after reconfiguration, the same could not be established for the differential current
protection elements. With differential protection enabled and appropriate configuration of the higher
operation current available, both primary and secondary caused undesirable differential trip events under
nominal system operational conditions, which were caused by the non-ideal CTs and natural current
differential of the Delta-Wye transformer used. The higher operational current available through using
the motor causes a greater current differential across the transformer which is further exaggerated by the
CTs, preventing easy configuration of the differential protection element. With the knowledge that the
resistive load provides a more suitable operating condition resulted in the motor being removed as an
alternative solution.

7.3.4 Type 68 Lockout Relay

The absence of a required type 68 lockout relay for the SEL-787 was another design consideration. To
account for this absence, the latching relays were utilised whereby the pushbutton provided would replace
the reset operations the SEL-787 would normally control. The main reason this was the case was the pulse
output nature of the 787, where the relay would not maintain a constant output throughout the
occurrence of a fault/trip condition.

7.3.5 Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker

The existence of the earth leakage circuit breaker on the three phase power supply within the room was a
significant operations consideration. The presence of this circuit breaker would prevent ground fault
simulations from being conducted, due to the low pickup current of 30mA. The existence of this device
was confirmed by initiating a ground fault on the Faultable Transformer module, which caused the three
phase power supply to trip off by tripping the earth leakage circuit breaker. The low operating pickup

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current of this circuit breaker prevents the 787 relay from detecting any kind of fault where reasonable
pickup settings are configured.

7.4 SEL-787 Configuration

The configuration process for the SEL-787 relay included the following steps (full details of this process
can be found in Appendix 12.2, Transformer Protection Simulation Manual):

 Disabling all conflicting or unnecessary functionality, including most monitoring including the
Through Fault feature.
 Configuring the primary and secondary CT connections and CT ratios
 Running a normal non-relay protected simulation to obtain the nominal current and differential
element data, to develop appropriate pickup levels and configuring the elements and enabling the
protection functionality.
 Associating the outputs and inputs to control and monitor the individual control relay/three-
phase contactor status.
 Modifying the trip and close logic to respond to the protection targets (e.g. 51P1 phase
overcurrent, 51Q1 negative-sequence overcurrent).

7.5 Simulation Results

For the purposes of testing the simulation, a variety of faults were introduced, including internal
transformer winding short-circuits, external short-circuits, line-to-line faults (at the transformer
terminals, load and power supply), single phase load removal and power supply control variations to
induce a differential fault. And for each different configuration, settings for pickup levels, detection modes
(phase, residual and negative-sequence), time-overcurrent protection and programmed time delays were
all configured, both individually and as a combination, to observe any functional differences or benefits in
the responses of the relay. For all the simulations, operations under nominal conditions were first carried
out. This involved enabling the relay without any entangled protection functions and using the HMI and
command window to read the nominal current metered variables. The configuration of the CTs being 1:1
in the relay meant that the displayed metering data was identical to the currents being measured, slightly
simplifying the configuration process.

For the purposes of testing a couple of ground fault tests were conducted to confirm that it would be
impossible for the relay to properly respond due to the existence of the earth leakage circuit breaker on
the three-phase power supply. This fault was initiated first on the transformer to ground and then using
the Universal fault module, while the relay was configured to respond as quickly as by through minimising
any response delay elements. In both cases the three-phase power was disconnected before the relay had a
chance to respond, and the breaker required resetting before simulations could resume.

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7.5.1 Overcurrent Protection

7.5.1.1 Phase
For the Phase overcurrent protection simulations, the associated elements were the only ones to be
enabled and were configured for instantaneous operation (type 50). For these simulations the pickup
settings were set to 10% higher than the nominal current for both the primary and secondary to ensure
Lab-Volt equipment (resistive load module) wasn’t exposed to high currents for a prolonged period. The
low fault levels produced during testing also justified the use of a small margin. However, ideally margins
in the range of 50% are often desirable to prevent low level tripping due to network fluctuations.

For the majority of the faults induced (line-to-line, winding short circuit, phase load removal) the
response resulted in the primary side contactors being tripped. This is evident by the front panel display
of the SEL-787, as shown in Figure 26, after a transformer winding short-circuit fault event was
introduced. The one exception to this was the introduction of an overcurrent event through an increase in
the power supply voltage, where despite the relay response indicating initial fault being detected on the
primary winding CTs, both contactors were tripped as analysis of the fault event summary showed both
primary and secondary currents had exceeded pickup levels causing the relay to trip both primary and
secondary contactors.

Figure 26 – Fault event SEL-787 Front Panel

Figure 27 contains the fault event summary as displayed through the Communications window after the
use of the sum command showing that only one phase metering element has exceeded pickup settings
enough to generate a trip condition. The use of the summary command produces specific fault
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information, which includes: the target relay ID; time and date; the type of fault event; responding relay
targets (I/O); and the metering data at the time of fault. It should be noted that this report indicates the
network frequency; however, without the ability to measure the network voltages at the time of the fault,
this is only an indication of the expected frequency. There is an alternative command called EVENT,
which will provide various snapshots of metering data and control status leading up to and following the
fault event. Further examples can be observed in Appendix 12.3.

Figure 27 - Fault Event Summary

7.5.1.2 Residual
For the application of the residual overcurrent protection function, only winding two was configurable,
the use of a delta configuration on the primary side prevents the detection of any residual currents
available. This residual current protection function is derived directly from the three phase current
metering data due to the absence of a neutral CT metering input on the relay. Analysing the IGW2
metering element at nominal current yielded a residual current of less than the minimum configurable
setting (0.1A), thus the residual pickup setting was set to this value. Throughout simulations the phase
overcurrent elements remained configured to replicate normal operational configurations. Figure 27
illustrates that in phase overcurrent trip events, the residual element (IGW2) is still below the minimum
pickup setting.

During simulation, testing the residual element only responded to the removal of one phase of the load.
This is because under these circumstances there was no introduction of overcurrent conditions on both
the primary and secondary windings. Figure 28 contains the event summary for the residual fault trip
event, showing that the residual metering element IGW2 has exceeded the configured pickup setting while
not causing phase overcurrent conditions to result due to the removal of a single phase of the load.

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Figure 28 - Residual Trip Event Summary

7.5.1.3 Negative Sequence Overcurrent Protection

The relay provides negative-sequence overcurrent protection, which is best suited in the detection of and
protection from line-to-line faults. “Because negative-sequence overcurrent elements do not respond to
balanced loads, they can be set to operate faster and more sensitively than phase overcurrent elements
for phase-to-phase faults on distribution systems. Like ground overcurrent elements, negative-sequence
overcurrent elements can be set below load levels [16].” To test and confirm this, phase overcurrent
elements remained configured as previously while the pickup settings for the negative-sequence elements
were set to the minimum possible 0.1A. The usage of this is justified after analysis of the phasor overview
HMI window, confirmed negative sequence elements to be 0A (or below minimum pickup) during
nominal conditions.

During simulation, testing the negative-sequence overcurrent protection elements responded to the
introduction of line-to-line and phase load removal faults while the phase overcurrent element responded
to the transformer winding short-circuit fault event, confirming the ideas presented by Edmund
Schweitzer [16] as mentioned previously and confirming a successful simulation configuration. Figure 29
illustrates the event summary for the negative-sequence (50Q) trip event and provides verification (the
event being identified as Wdg1 50Q Trip) that the desired response was obtained during a line-to-line
fault. This summary doesn’t contain the metered negative-sequence component; however it does give an
indication that both contactors would be tripped and shows the variations in primary and secondary
phase currents at the time of the fault.

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Figure 29 - Negative-Sequence Trip Event Summary

The negative-sequence protection response to phase load removal prevents the residual current
protection elements from responding. This has been tested and confirmed by configuring the residual
component during the previous negative-sequence fault simulations.

7.5.2 Differential Protection

The simulation of differential protection required some “cheating” to allow for the configuration elements
to be configured without generating errors. The calculation of the TAPn (Per-Unit value) element was
required to be completed manually as described in section 6.2.3 Differential Protection. However with the
variables entered to identically match those of the simulation the results were significantly outside the
permissible configuration range (0.1-6.20 TAP). To overcome this issue the CT ratios used in the
calculations were increased (by a factor of 10) to reduce the final calculation of TAPn to an acceptable
level. At this point the O87P element (Restrained Element Operating Current PU as a multiple of TAP)
was set to the maximum and the differential protection functionality was disabled to allow operation and
obtain the nominal differential metering data through the Differential HMI window. At this point it was
found that even with the modified calculations the differential metering values showed that the system
was operating beyond a configurable level; the O87P element has a configuration range of 0.1-1 PU while
the measured data reported 1.32 or higher PU, as shown in Figure 30.

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Figure 30 - Initial Differential Metering HMI

To account for this, the TAPn values were doubled (keeping the result within permissible bounds) and this
resulted in both operate and restraint metered values being within protective configurable bounds,
reducing these values below 0.68. As such, the O87P element was thus configured to 0.7 and the
differential protection elements were enabled. Table 4 - TAPn Calculations shows the TAPn calculations
and adjusted calculations that were made to reach the successful configuration of the Differential
protection elements. The left most section contains the calculations with the real settings for the CT ratios
while the middle contains the increased CT ratio calculation and the final section shows the resultant
doubling of the configuration to allow operable configuration.

Table 4 - TAPn Calculations

Original Calculation CT Correction Calculation Final Adjustments

Variable Primary D Secondary Y Primary D Secondary Y Primary D Secondary Y
TAPn 23.80952381 15.19342814 2.380952381 1.519342814 4.761904762 3.038685627
MVA 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
VWDG 0.21 0.19 0.21 0.19
CTRn 1 1 10 10
C 1.732050808 1 1.732050808 1

Throughout the initial tests the phase overcurrent elements remained enabled and configured from
previous simulations, to again provide a realistic operating simulation, despite reducing the means to
allow development of differential trip event. Under these conditions the differential elements would assert
when the power supply was increased and the transformer windings were shorted. The remaining faults
resulted in phase overcurrent faults. Figure 31 contains the event summary for the increase in power
supply induced fault, showing both the primary and secondary currents increasing, which caused an
increase in the differential elements being measured. This change can be observed in the event report
generated through the use of the command EVE DIFn (n being the required phase 1, 2 or 3), which has
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the same result as the EVENT but includes the differential metering data for the numbered element set.
An example of this output can be observed in Appendix 12.3.

Figure 31 - Differential Event Summary

There were occasions during differential configuration where the initial configuration of the CT ratio
alone was enough to generate errors when attempting to download new settings regardless of whether the
differential elements are enabled or not. The cause of this is the existence of the automatic calculation
function associated with the configuration of the differential elements combined with the relays inability
to ignore disabled elements during settings download. Even when the differential functionality is disabled
the auto calculation still computes and with the non-ideal simulation configuration the eroded calculation
for TAPn is still generated causing the initial errors. The solution is to enable the differential functionality
to permit changing of the configuration then reduce the TAPn elements to acceptable bounds and adjust
any other elements that will result in the generation of configuration errors. Once that is completed,
disable the differential functionality then initiate the download process. This should now complete
without error allowing operable testing to begin. The issue with the existence of the auto calculation is
that every time changes to the CT configuration are made (CT ratio, nominal voltage (if available) and CT
connection) the calculation will compute causing download errors. The errors produced are exaggerated
by the inability to change the nominal line voltage settings, which are disabled the moment a change to
the MVA setting is made, resulting in auto calculations always being erroneous. Even in the event that
manual calculation settings are entered, the nominal line voltage fields are disabled, preventing these
from being adjusted for future calculations.

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8. Conclusion
The development of a comprehensive understanding of the SEL protective relays available within
Murdoch University was the primary focus of this project, as this would enable development of a
simulation to demonstrate the capabilities and functionality of associated devices. Throughout of the
project various details and knowledge about the various collective relays have been acquired, which
includes their scope of operational functionality, their individual requirements and the means and
methods to program them. The use of this acquired knowledge was then used to successfully develop an
operational simulation for transformer protection through the use of available Lab-Volt equipment and
the SEL-787 Transformer Protection Relay. The incorporation of the Lab-Volt equipment in the final
simulation allowed for successful demonstration of the SEL-787’s current based protection functionality
and provides the groundwork necessary to allow further development of Lab-Volt based simulations for
voltage, frequency, power and other current based protective functions that the remaining relays are
capable of providing.

Despite the development of a successful simulation, further hardware acquisition, investigations and
functional testing is required in order to develop appropriate simulations for the remaining relays that
comprise the SEL Protection and Monitoring System. The completion of these tasks would allow
demonstration of the vast extent of protective functionality and its incorporation into a comprehensive
distribution protection simulation.

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9. Recommendations
Following completion of this project there are several recommendations that can be made for future
project work and overall system improvement.

9.1 Lab-Volt Equipment

1. Acquisition of a Faultable Transmission Line module (not currently available within the
university) from Lab-Volt to allow development of a series of simulations for transmission line,
feeder, directional, distance and power protection functions. This module simulates the
impedance (which is a known value) of a transmission line and provides a means to introduce
faults midway along the simulated line. The line and feeder protection functions can be simulated
in a similar manner to the transformer protection system already developed. The known
impedance of the module combined with an addition of voltage monitoring will allow the
simulation of power based protection. And with the addition of the Source Impedance module
(already available within the university) distance and direction protection can be effectively
simulated. Like the Faultable Transmission Line module, the Source Impedance module has a
known value, which when configured correctly can permit the distance and direction protection
functions to be configured to produce a suitable simulation platform. By using the Lab-Volt
Protective Relaying Training system, a simulation can be constructed to an extent that the
understanding of the operational capability of SEL functionalities can be determined and
demonstrated, like the Transformer Protection Simulation. One suggestion though is to develop
the simulation function by function separately; the conflicts that can arise when combining
operational functionality can result in undesirable operations or unexpected results.

9.2 General Hardware

2. Investigate the possible removal of the three-phase power supply earth-leakage circuit breaker or
using an alternative power source without this protection. The existence of this circuit breaker
prevented the operational analysis of the relay during any form of fault to ground. This limited the
ability to completely explore the SEL-787’s protective capabilities in a wide range of faults and the
configurations required to adequately and simultaneously protect against a variety of different
fault conditions. Once this is completed, the transformer protection simulation system can be
upgraded to include ground.
3. An improvement to the simulation can result from the acquisition of a more capable, higher rated
load bank (resistive and reactive) providing a greater operational capability. Doing so will allow
for higher fault levels to be developed during simulations, allowing better demonstration of the
operable functionalities that the relays can provide. Currently, the resistive load module available

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with the Lab-Volt system resulted in a fairly heavy operating restriction on the final simulation in
terms of limiting the variety and magnitude of faults being introduced.
4. Acquire a collection of better rated hardware (transformer, contactors, relays etc.) to develop a
higher powered and standalone system which can replicate the functionality provided through the
Lab-Volt system whilst doing so at higher power ratings. This will allow a more realistic and self-
contained simulation to be developed and improve the overall operation of the simulation and its
protection capabilities.
5. Acquire a wider range of CTs with various ratios to help develop a more ideal simulation that is
particularly beneficial to differential protection. In differential protection it is desirable to have
CTs that result in identical secondary currents to allow easy and ideal configuration and operation
of differential protection. The current mismatched CTs result in a differential protection system
that under nominal operation has a significant difference in currents between the primary and
secondary windings once the relay measures the currents. The calculations account for a variety of
factors but can’t eliminate the impact of mismatched CT ratios.
6. Acquisition of a non-isolation type faultable transformer will improve simulation relevance an
applicable demonstration. The isolation type transformer used in the Faultable Transformer
module has a turn’s ratio of 1:1, resulting in un-realistic simulation circumstances and preventing
a differential current across the transformer under fault conditions. This is why the Delta-wye
configuration has been used, so that there is a natural adjustment in voltage and current seen
between the primary and secondary windings. The use of a transformer with a non-isolating type
turns ratio will help to improve the demonstration of differential protection. The fact that the
simulations conducted were at similar voltages primary and secondary added to the
complications experienced during the configuration of the differential elements.

9.3 SEL Relays

7. Further investigate the operable functional capabilities and develop appropriate simulations of
the SEL-421 and 751A, the completion of which will allow for an understanding of the majority of
protective functionality the SEL Protection and Monitoring System provides. Paying particular
attention to the voltage and power based protective functionality of the SEL-421, features that
haven’t been deeply assessed during the transformer protection simulation, resultant of the
availability of current based protection only with the relay.
8. Regarding the SEL-787, the acquisition of expansion I/O cards should also be considered. Doing
so would expand the protective functionality to the point where neutral CT protection, voltage
protection and thermal protection functions can be applied to the transformer protection
simulation system. Doing so would allow replication of the necessary protective functionality
applied to distribution transformers thereby improving the overall performance of the simulation.
This may be solved by simply borrowing the expansion cards currently installed in the SEL-751A
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to explore the possibility of the optional functionality. This is possible because both relays are
built on the same design platform and the available expansion cards appear to be common in
configuration and I/O capabilities between the two relays [12], [17]. The installation of new
expansion cards will require proper configuration within the relay and on the I/O card itself, the
transition is not quite the same as a plug and play functionality of the expansion system used in
modern desktop PCs.
9. Investigate the acquisition of a second SEL-311L to allow development of a Line Current
Differential Communications assisted simulation of a long distance transmission line. This relay
has integrated communication settings within the line current protection functionality. The
addition of this 2nd relay will also allow demonstration of the benefits of relay-to-relay
communications provided by the SEL proprietary Mirrored Bits communication protocol.
10. Develop a system that incorporates the SEL-3351 Embedded PC and the monitoring
communications it can provide. Investigations need to be made into configurations that allow the
device to simultaneously communicate and receive monitoring data from all the relays. If enough
of the proper Db-9 type cables are acquired then the 3351 can be used to easily program all relays
simultaneously through proper networking configuration via the device manager functionality of
the AcSELerator Quickset program. Currently the program is installed on a flash drive connected
to the device, but the on board memory is fairly limited, which restricts installation of the
program directly. One possibility before commencing this course of action is to investigate the
possibility of obtaining a replacement updated model. The current 3351 operates with Windows
XP, which encounter the potential security risks when Microsoft drops all support and security
updates in the near future. This will be an issue if the monitoring and control/configuration is to
be established through a TCP/IP network.

9.4 Protection Functionality

11. Incorporate Time Overcurrent elements into the developed simulations, the benefits of
developing a coordinated protection system may be more observable when a larger simulation is
developed better demonstrating the protective benefits.

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9.5 cDAQ Potential

12. There is a potential for using the cDAQ with the SEL Protection and Monitoring System. the
cDAQ has the most potential when used with the SEL-421, which is known to have digital I/O
with configurable pickup and dropout levels. This would allow the cDAQ to simulate circuit
breaker control and monitoring as part of the original software based simulations. The use of this
could be applied to remote control and monitoring simulations. The cDAQ combined with an
appropriately developed LabView program could be utilised to simulate a remote HMI panel for
manual controls and status monitoring. This is possible because the available I/O can be tied to
replicate or control the status of various relay elements (targets and control relay words). This can
replicate a physical hardwired I/O panel and alarming equipment that may normally be attached
to provide easy control and monitoring of relays elements without diving into the deep front panel
display menus.

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10. References

[1] B. Sherston and S. Digby, “SEL - Power Protection Simulation System,” Murdoch University, Perth,
2012.

[2] E. Csanyi, “Protection Relays - Important Informations,” Csanyigroup, 14 September 2009. [Online].
Available: http://www.csanyigroup.com/protection-relays-important-informations. [Accessed 5
November 2013].

[3] Wtshymanski, “File:Protective Relays Hydroelectric Station.JPG,” Wikimedia Foundation, Inc, 8

September 2010. [Online]. Available:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Protective_Relays_Hydroelectric_Station.JPG. [Accessed 5
November 2013].

[4] General Electric Company, “In Defense of Electro-Mechanical Relays,” 2012. [Online]. Available:
http://www.gedigitalenergy.com/multilin/resource/index.htm. [Accessed 5 November 2013].

[5] Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc., “Our Roots,” 2013. [Online]. Available:
https://www.selinc.com/aboutSEL/our_roots/. [Accessed 5 November 2013].

[6] Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc., “Who we Serve,” 2013. [Online]. Available:
https://www.selinc.com/aboutSEL/who_we_serve/. [Accessed 6 November 2013].

[7] “ANSI Device Numbers,” Wikimedia Foundation, Inc, 28 October 2013. [Online]. Available:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ANSI_Device_Numbers. [Accessed 5 Novermber 2013].

[8] E. Csanyi, “ANSI/IEC Relay Symbols,” Csanyigroup, 14 April 2010. [Online]. Available:
http://www.csanyigroup.com/ansi-iec-relay-symbols. [Accessed 7 November 2013].

[9] E. Csanyi, “ANSI Standards for Protection Devices,” Csanyigroup, 13 September 2009. [Online].
Available: http://www.csanyigroup.com/ansi-standards-for-protection-devices. [Accessed 6
November 2013].

[10] J. Horak, “Directional Overcurrent Relaying (67) Concepts,” 31 July 2010. [Online]. Available:
http://www.basler.com/downloads/DirectionalOC.pdf. [Accessed 11 November 2013].

[11] Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc., “SEL-421 Relay Instruction Manual,” Schweitzer

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Nicholas Kilburn

Engineering Laboratories, Inc., Pullman, 2013.

[12] Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc., “SEL-787 Instruction Manual,” Schweitzer Engineering
Laboratories, Inc., Pullman, 2010.

[13] Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc., “SEL-351-5, -6, -7 Protection System Data Sheet,”
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc., Pullman, 2012.

[14] Microsoft, “Windows XP SP3 and Office 2003 Support Ends April 8, 2014,” Microsoft, 2013.
[Online]. Available: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/endofsupport.aspx. [Accessed 8
August 2013].

[15] Lab-Volt Ltd., “INtroduction to Protective Relaying: Students Manual,” LAb-Volt Ltd., Québec, 1998.

[16] I. Edmund O. Schweitzer, “Negative-Sequence Overcurrent Element Application and Coordination in

Distribution Protection,” Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc., Pullman, 1997.

[17] Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc., “SEL-751A Instruction Manual,” Schweitzer Engineering
Laboratories, Inc., Pullman, 2013.

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11. Glossary
ANSI American National Standards Institute
BNC Bayonet Neill–Concelman Connector
cDAQ Compaq DAQ
CT Current Transformer
CVT Capacitive Transformer Voltage
DAQ Data Acquisition
DMM Digital Multi-Meter
D-Sub D-Subminture Connector
ENG454 Industrial Computer Systems Design
GE General Electric Company
GPS Global Positioning System
HMI Human Machine Interface
I/O Inputs and Outputs
IEC International Electrotechincal Commission
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
IRIG-B B type Inter-Range Instrument Group time code
MOSFET Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor
NI National Instruments
PMU Phasor Management Unit
RCD Residual-Current Device
Relay Word Labels associating relay functions to the SELogic equations
RJ45 8 position 8 contact Registered Jack
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
SEL Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
SIR Source Impedance Ratio
SSR Solid State Relay
Target The status/indicator of a relay word
TOC Time Overcurrent
USB Universal Serial Bus
Variac Variable Transformer
VT Voltage Transformer
X/R Reactance-to-Resistance ratio

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12. Appendices
12.1 AcSELerator Quickset Manual
Available via the external document titled “AcSELerator Quickset User Manual” available from the school
of Engineering and Information Technology.

12.2 Transformer Protection Simulation Manual

Available via the external document titled “Transformer Protection Simulation User Manual” available
from the School of Engineering and Information Technology.

12.3 Simulation Event Data

12.3.1 Phase Overcurrent
Transformer internal short circuit fault EVENT command output

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Line to line fault SUMMARY command output

12.3.2 Negative-Sequence Overcurrent

Line-to-Line fault event SUMMARY command output

Single Phase Load dropout fault SUMMARY command output

12.3.3 Residual Overcurrent

Single Phase Load dropout fault SUMMARY command output

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12.4 Important Relay Specifications

12.4.1 SEL-421
Protection Automation
SEL-421
System
P/N 042126152A2AXH35XXXX
S/N 2008269404
SEL-421-R128-V0-Z012011-
FID
D20090428
Power Supply AC voltage Inputs
DC 125/230V Continuous 300V (L-N)
Range 85-300V Thermal 600 Vac for 10 seconds
AC 120/230V Control Outputs
Range 85-240V Make 30A
Frequency 50/60Hz Thermal 50A for 1 second
Range 30-120Hz Protection 250Vac/330Vdc
Pickup/Dropout
Burden 35W 6ms
Time
Burden <120VA Update Rate 1/8 cycle
AC CT inputs Control Inputs
Nominal 5A Direct Coupled DC use
15-265Vdc, independently
Continuous 15A Range
adjustable
Range 0.25-100A Accuracy ±5% plus ± 3Vdc
Thermal 500A for 1 second Max Voltage 300Vdc
Thermal 1250A for 1 cycle Sample Rate 1/16 cycle
Burden 0.27VA at 5A Burden 0.24W at 125Vdc
2.51VA at 15A

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12.4.2 SEL-751A
SEL-751A Feeder Protection Relay
P/N 751A02B1B0X6X811630
S/N 2009320380
SEL-751A-R402-V0-Z006003-
FID
D20100129
Power Supply Control Inputs Optoisolated
Rated 24-48V DC Version 24V
Range 19.2-60Vdc DC ON 15-30Vdc
Burden <25W DC OFF <5Vdc
AC CT Inputs AC ON 14-30Vac
Nominal 1A AC OFF <5Vac
Continuous 15A Current 10mA
Thermal 500A for 1 second Analog Output
Burden <0.01VA Current ±20mA
AC Voltage Inputs Voltage ±10V
Rated 100-250Vac Load (1mA) 0-15kΩ
Continuous 300Vac Load (20mA) 0-750Ω
Thermal 600 Vac for 10 seconds Load (10V) >2000Ω
Burden <0.1VA Refresh Rate 100ms
Output Contacts DC Error <±0.55%
Rated 250Vdc Analog Input
Range 19.2-275Vdc Max Range ±20mA
Make 30A ±10V
Thermal 50A for 1 second Impedance 200Ω current
Protection 360Vdc >10kΩ voltage
Output Contacts AC Error <0.5% un-calibrated
Max 240Vac
Protection 270Vac
Rated Current 3A at 120Vac
1.5A at 240Vac
Thermal 5A

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12.4.3 SEL-787
SEL-787 Transformer Protection Relay
P/N 27870XA0X0X0X810830
S/N 2009300461
SEL-787-R202-V0-Z001001-
FID
D20100215
Power Supply Output Contacts AC
Rated 110-250V DC Max 240V
110-240V AC 50/60Hz Protection 270V
Range 85-275Vdc Rated Current 3A at 120Vac
85-264Vac 1.5A at 240Vac
Burden <20W dc Thermal 5A
<40VA ac Control Inputs Optoisolated
AC CT Inputs Version 125Vdc
Nominal 1A DC ON 100-156.2Vdc
Continuous 15A DC OFF <75V
Range 0.02-19.2A AC ON 85-156.2Vac
Thermal 100A for 1 second AC OFF <53Vac
Burden <0.01VA Current 4mA
Output Contacts DC
Rated 250V
Range 19.2-275V
Make 30A
Thermal 50A for 1 second
Protection 360V

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12.4.4 Secondary Relays

Line Current Protection and
SEL-311L SEL-351 Directional Overcurrent Relay
Automation System
P/N 0311L1HDD3254X2X4 P/N 035160H35B4XX1
S/N 2009309181 S/N 2007110113
SEL-311L-1-R410-V0-Z104006- SEL-351-6-R403-V0-Z008006-
FID FID
D20100312 D20091028
Power Power
Supply Supply
48/125V DC 48/125V DC 50/60Hz
125V AC 50/60Hz 120V AC
Burden <25W Burden 25W
Range 38-200Vdc, 85-140Vac Range 38-200Vdc, 85-140Vac
Current Differential and Voltage
SEL-3351 System Computing Platform SEL-387E
Protection Relay
P/N 335135741H0004VV7F3 P/N 0387E0Y3X52X4X
S/N 2007214132 S/N 2009131256
SEL-378E-R605-V0-Z003003-
FID NA FID
D20071025
Power Power
Supply Supply
48/125V DC Rated 45/125V DC
120V AC 50/60Hz 125V AC 50/60Hz
Burden 40W Burden <25W
Range 38-140Vdc, 85-140Vac Range 38-200Vdc, 85-140Vac

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