LVCB Model Modification

This tutorial demonstrates how to modify an existing relay model (LVCB trip unit) according to manufacturer
data. The tutorial has been designed for a user who has already used, and is familiar with the basic functions
and structure of PowerFactory.

1 Relay Models in General

There are two types of relays provided in PowerFactory : generic and manufacturer specific. All available relays
are contained in the global DIgSILENT-Library.

Each relay model in PowerFactory is made out of different blocks, where each block performs a specific function
of the relay. The number of blocks implemented in a relay model depends on the relay complexity. But
common for all relays is that they always contain instrument transformers (current and/or voltage transformers),
measurement blocks and logic blocks.

For each relay block class, a corresponding technical reference document is available. The technical references
contain detailed descriptions of the blocks, their signals and functionalities.

Our goal is to implement a circuit breaker tripping unit ABB PR222DS. The model can be created from scratch
as described in the tutorial Create Relay Models. In this tutorial we will use a different approach: an already
existing model will be modified. The ability to execute load flow and short circuit calculations and to interpret
the results is considered to be a prerequisite for this tutorial. It is also assumed that the user has completed the
tutorial Creating Relay Models and is already familiar with the handling of protection devices in PowerFactory.

2 The Existing Model

We will take a Siemens ETU model and change the settings according to the ABB manufacturer’s manual
DOC. N.° 1SDH000549R0001 - L7947.
• Click on the icon in order to import and activate the project.
• Open the data manager and navigate to the DIgSILENT Library. In the folder Protection Devices LVCB
Trip Units you will find the Sentron ETU76B model.

• Copy the model into your project Equipment Type Library.

• Open the block diagram to see the internal connections of the relay slots: right click on the relay type →
Show Graphic
LVCB MODEL MODIFICATION

Figure 2.1: Block diagram of the ETU76B trip unit.

• Get familiar with the relay frame. What output signals does the block Measure provide to the other blocks?

3 Adapting the Blocks

We will now go through the overcurrent blocks and adjust the settings and ranges to match the PR222DS. For
your reference, the screenshots from the manufacturer manual are also shown here.
• First we need to adjust the nominal current values for this circuit breaker model in the Measure block.
Open the Measure block type (TypMeasure) located in the relay type and set the nominal current range
to: 100;150;250;300;400;600;800

Figure 3.1: Measure Block with new nominal current range.

Rev.1 2
LVCB MODEL MODIFICATION

3.1 The L Block

• From the table in figure 3.2 below we can see, that the current range for the Block L is from 0.4-1 with a
step-size of 0.02. Regarding the time characteristic this relay has four possibilities:
1. 3 s 6In
2. 6 s 6In
3. 9 s 6In
4. tmax 6In (tmax=18s, for all types except for T5 600A)

• The Block L type object (TypIoc) in the existing model has two I-t Characteristic I2td and I4td. For the
PR222DS we will just need one characteristic. Delete the I4td characteristic and adjust the other one
(see figure 3.3).
• Adjust the Current Range.
• Edit the I2td characteristic and set the correct Range under Time Dial.

Figure 3.2: Block L settings.

Rev.1 3
LVCB MODEL MODIFICATION

Figure 3.3: Block L of PR222DS model.

3.2 The S Block

• Adapt the block S type (TypIoc) according to figure 3.4. The block has two options: inverse time and
definite time characteristic. These characteristics are already implemented in the original Siemens ETU.
• First change the Current Range according to figure 3.4.
• Adjust the time settings in the definite time characteristic S-Def.

• The inverse time characteristic S-I2ts has the same time settings.
• The Curve Definition has the input option I sqrt T (based on In) which can be used here. Increase the
number of curves to “4”. We have to define the maximum current value and for each time setting (0.05,
0.1, 0.25, 0.5) the corresponding time value at 10xIn. Please refer to figure 3.10 to get these values.

Rev.1 4
LVCB MODEL MODIFICATION

Figure 3.4: Block S settings.

Figure 3.5: Block S of PR222DS model.

Rev.1 5
LVCB MODEL MODIFICATION

3.3 The I Block

• The I block is instantaneous and can be adjusted using figure 3.6.

Figure 3.6: Block I settings.

3.4 The G Block

• Block G has four time settings and for each time setting there is a different curve (see figure 3.9). We will
just implement here the first time setting 0.1 s.
• Delete the definite time characteristic entry and rename the other characteristic to “3.15xIn”.
• Adjust the Current Range (figure 3.7) and adapt the Curve Definition to the inverse time characteristic
3.15xIn as it is shown in figure 3.8

Rev.1 6
LVCB MODEL MODIFICATION

Figure 3.7: Block G settings.

Figure 3.8: Block G of PR222DS model.

Rev.1 7
LVCB MODEL MODIFICATION

Figure 3.9: Overview of Block settings from technical catalogue 1SDC210015D0203 - Edition 2008

Rev.1 8
LVCB MODEL MODIFICATION

Figure 3.10: L,S and I characteristic from technical catalogue 1SDC210015D0203 - Edition 2008

Rev.1 9
LVCB MODEL MODIFICATION

Figure 3.11: G characteristics from technical catalogue 1SDC210015D0203 - Edition 2008

Rev.1 10
LVCB MODEL MODIFICATION

4 Testing the New Model

• When the circuit breaker type is finished, insert a relay with this type at the “Load Cable”.

• For low voltage circuit breakers in PowerFactory we need to use a CT with a ratio of 1/1 A. That means
just define a CT element without the type.
• Create an overcurrent plot and compare the characteristic to the manufacturer curves (figures 3.10 and
3.11). Make corresponding changes if necessary.

Figure 4.1: Overcurrent plots of the new LVCB trip unit in PowerFactory.

Rev.1 11
LVCB MODEL MODIFICATION

5 Summary

This concludes the exercise. Now it should be clear how to carry out the following tasks:

 Get a relay model from the global library and open the block diagram.
 Adapt the measurement unit to the new range.
 Use manufacturer data to adapt current and time ranges both definite and inverse.

 Implement a LVCB trip unit in the network and compare the overcurrent plots with manufacturer data.