GE

Grid Solutions

MiCOM Agile
P642, P643, P645
Advanced Transformer Protection, Control Key Features
and Condition Monitoring High-speed transformer differential
protection
Transformers are high capital cost assets in electrical power systems. Internal faults are a Simple settings – wizard requires only
risk for all transformers, with short-circuits dissipating the highest localised energy. Unless nameplate data
cleared quickly, the possibility of rewinding will diminish and core damage may become Novel CT saturation and no gap
irreparable. detection techniques enhances the low
set differential element operating time
The MiCOM Agile P642, P643 and P645 address all these issues - preserving service life and
offering fast protection for transformer faults. A transient bias technique has been Transient bias algorithm enhances relay
included, enhancing relay stability and CT requirements. CT saturation and no gap stability and reduces CT requirements
detection techniques have been included to improve the low set differential element High and low impedance
operating time during CT saturation where the second harmonic blocking might be Restricted Earth Fault (REF) boosts
asserted. An external fault detection algorithm has been incorporated to prevent the CT trip sensitivity
saturation and no gap detection from affecting the second harmonic blocking when there
is an external fault. Voltage, frequency, thermal and
overfluxing elements, CT, VT, trip circuit
Hosted on an advanced IED platform, the P64x incorporates differential, REF, thermal, and and self- supervision
overfluxing protection, plus backup protection for uncleared external faults. Model variants Patented CT supervision ensures no
cover two and three-winding transformers (including auto-transformers), with up to five spurious trip for CT or wiring failures
sets of 3-phase CT inputs. Large CT counts are common in ring bus/mesh corner
Integrated backup overcurrent per
applications, where the P64x summate currents to create each total winding current,
winding or CT input
easing application of backup protection. Backup overcurrent can be directionalised, where
the user includes the optional 3-phase VT input or 2-phase VT input in their chosen model. Fast reset (less than 1 cycle) circuit
breaker failure element
Customer Benefits Readily interfaces with multiple
automation protocols, including
Universal IED for all transformer configurations IEC 61850 with optional redundancy
Protection, control, monitoring, measurements and recording in one device. including IEC 62439 PRP, RSTP and
software based Ethernet failover
Backup and logging of through faults
(Hot Standby)
Simple to configure, set, and commission
Programmable function keys
Programmable Scheme Logic (PSL) allows easy customization of the protection and
control functions
IEC 61850-9-2 process bus ready & Cyber Security

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P642, P643, P645 Transformer Protection

Application
The M iC O M Agile P642 is intended for two- As well as transformer protection, the
winding transformer applications, with one P64x range may be applied to other unit
set of 3 - phase C Ts per winding. The P643 applications, such as reactors and
covers up to 3 bias inputs (three C T sets) - motors. The P64x series is supplied with
either a three- winding application, or two- a full suite of protection and control
winding with dual C Ts on one side. W here functions as standard.
4 or 5 feeding connections to the protected
transformer exist, the P645 offers five bias The configuration column of the menu is
input sets. All models have a single- phase used to control which functions the user
V T input, mainly for overfluxing protection. requires in the intended application, and
An additional single phase V T input can be which may be disabled. Disabled
ordered in the P642 to provide N PS over functions are completely removed from
voltage and directional functions to the menu, to simplify settings.
some extent.
Differential elements have an inbuilt
The P643 and P645 allow an additional 3 - configuration wizard to avoid
phase V T input to be connected. This settings errors.
allows overcurrent back up to be
directionalized, and expands the
measurement and recording analog
channels available. The P643 and P645 can
be configured to protect transformers for
differential protection and the unused C T
inputs can be used to protect other
circuits over current protection of
auxiliary transformers.

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 P642, P643, P645 Transformer Protection

Functional Overview

KEY: BRACKETS (•) DENOTE OPTIONAL FEATURES

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P642, P643, P645 Transformer Protection

Functional Overview

1. The three-phase VT input is optional. The additional single-phase VT input in P643/5 is optional.
2. The 27, 59, 59N functions require the three-phase VT input.
3. The frequency measurement required by the 81 function is obtained from any analogue signal, but the voltage signals have priority over the current signals.

FIGURE 1: System Overview of the P64x series – example 3-winding, 4 bias application)

Fast, Sensitive Protection

for our Customers' Valuable Assets

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 P642, P643, P645 Transformer Protection

Main Protection
87T Transformer Differential The CT saturation and no gap detection R E F : R estricted E arth (G rou nd ) F au lt
distinguish between magnetising inrush
The algorithm has a triple slope and saturated current waveforms. An Restricted earth fault protection is
percentage bias restraint, as shown in external fault detection technique has included to cover a larger percentage of
Figure 2. An internal fault will generate been included to prevent the CT saturation the transformer windings than might be
differential current. The bias current is and no gap detection from affecting the possible with the main differential
that which merely flows through the second harmonic blocking during external elements. A separate element per winding
protected unit, as a load or through-fed faults, thus maintaining stability. is provided (P642: HV and LV).
external fault. The initial characteristic is
flat, for ease of commissioning, rising then Energization of a transformer causes P643/P645: HV, LV, and if required, the TV
to bias slope (k1). K1 is a low slope for magnetising inrush current to flow in one tertiary too). Low impedance and high
sensitivity to faults whilst allowing for winding only and the differential elements impedance REF for conventional
mismatch when the power transformer is may need stabilising whilst the inrush transformers and autotransformers
at the limits of its tapchanger range, in persists (see Figure 3). A proven second are available.
addition to any current transformer ratio harmonic current ratio scheme is used.
errors. At currents above rated, extra The differential protection may also be Figure 4 shows a typical restricted earth
errors may be gradually introduced as a restrained when the transformer is fault application. B iased REF is used, to
result of CT saturation, hence the bias overfluxed so that an instantaneous trip is avoid the need for any stabilising resistor
slope increases to k2. not issued for transient overfluxing. or varistor/ metrosil. REF elements operate
O verfluxing restraint is conditioned by the independently of inrush detection,
The P64x incorporates a transient bias percentage of fifth harmonic current potentially offering faster tripping for low
characteristic that increases dynamically present. Two high set instantaneous or moderate fault currents, in addition to
the operating current threshold during differential elements, not subject to enhanced sensitivity. Low impedance REF
external faults, thus enhancing harmonic restraint, are provided to ensure element stability is enhanced by transient
differential element stability and CT rapid clearance of high current faults. bias algorithm.
requirements. To improve the low set
differential element operating times, the The differential protection setting
P64x has a CT saturation and no gap configuration utility requires only known
detection technique that prevents the data – that which resides on the
second harmonic blocking from affecting transformer rating plate, the CT rating
the low set differential element. As a plate and information on any in-zone
result, fast operating times are achieved earthing transformer.
during CT saturation and fault levels
below high set one and two elements.

FIGURE4: Restricted earth fault application

FIGURE3: Typical magnetizing inrush

waveform –showing harmonic distortion

FIGURE 2: Biased differential protection (87T)

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P642, P643, P645 Transformer Protection

Thermal Overload A pre-trip countdown is provided, Back-up Protection

displaying the time remaining to trip if the
All models offer thermal overload present level of load, or flux were to be The P642, P643, and P645 are delivered
protection based on the IEEE Standard maintained. A pre-trip alarm can be with comprehensive back-up protection.
C57 .9 1-19 9 5, with the extent of protection applied, notifying the dispatcher that Typically this will be used in time-delayed
being the choice of the customer. The most he/she has a certain number of minutes mode to improve fault detection
simple application employs I² t for remedial action, before a trip is likely. dependability for system (out-of-zone)
characteristic. Time constants are set, such After any injection testing, all replicas can faults. System integrity can also be
that the thermal model can follow the be forced to reset via a user command. improved, utilising internal elements for
correct exponential heating and cooling load-shedding, interlocking, alarm, or other
profile, replicating the winding hotspot Circuit Breaker Failure purposes.
temperature. Four cooling modes are
available, and the oil exponent and winding The breaker failure protection may be Current-Based Protection
exponent can be set independently for each initiated from internal protection within
mode. Alarm and trip thresholds are the P64x, and also from external devices. Each winding, whether the current is directly
available as outputs. In the case of Buchholz (sudden pressure) measured from one CT input, or is a virtual
relays, the CBF elements for all breakers summation from two CTs, has the following
To enhance the thermal replica, ambient must be initiated in parallel. Where elements available:
and/or top-oil temperature compensation external feeder or busbar protection is Phase fault overcurrent
may be applied. This is achieved by fitting applied to trip only one (or more)
Negative sequence overcurrent
the RTD board option, and positioning the breaker(s), the P64x has the ability to
PT10 0 probes appropriately (outdoors, or initiate the CBF scheme on a per breaker Earth (ground) fault
within the transformer tank). Additionally, basis. Retripping and back-tripping
alarm and trip setpoints can be applied for schemes are supported, all with a fast 2nd Harmonic Blocking
any probe input, should an absolute reset. A zero crossing detection algorithm
The 2nd harmonic blocking detects high
measured temperature at the probe has been implemented to allow fast reset
inrush current inflows that occur when
location be of interest. Ten independent of the CBF element considering
downstream transformers or machines are
probe inputs are available, making radiator subsidence current. The CBF element
connected. The function will block the
pump and fan control an additional resets in less than 1 cycle. Independent
phase overcurrent, earth fault and REF.
possibility using the relay’s programmable settings per circuit breaker have been
scheme logic (PSL). implemented.
Up to four stages of each element, per
winding, are available – with a choice of
Thermal overload protection is a closely- A neutral earth fault undercurrent element
standard IEC and ANSI/IEEE IDMT curves,
related companion function to the Loss of is available per circuit breaker, and it can be
instantaneous, and definite time operation.
Life monitoring feature described later. set as either measured or derived. A
Where a P643/P645 has the 3-phase VT or
maximum of three single phase CT inputs
a P642 has the 2 single phase VTs, any of
V/Hz Overfluxing Protection are available to be used by the CBF.
the current protection applied on the same
The single-phase voltage input may be winding as the VT location may be
Supervisory Functions directionalised. Overcurrent elements,
connected ph-ph or ph-neutral and is
provided to enable overfluxing detection. Voltage transformer supervision is directionalised if necessary, can be useful
Alarm and tripping characteristics, which provided to detect loss of one, two or to clear reverse-fed upstream faults, or for
are based on a measurement of the three VT signals (P643 and P645 models protection of adjacent busbars. At
voltage/ frequency ratio, are provided. fitted with a 3-phase VT and P642 fitted distribution and industrial voltage levels,
with 2 single phase VT inputs). Current low-cost bus protection schemes can be
The alarm is definite time delayed whilst the transformer supervision is provided to configured using the “reverse interlocking”
trip characteristic may be applied with up to detect loss of phase CT input signals. Using principle. This is a logic-based scheme,
four definite time (DT) elements, or an IDMT the “differential CTS” feature (patented), which will trip should a fault current flow
curve plus up to three DT elements. the relay performs an intelligent onto the busbar not be accompanied by an
comparison of the negative sequence external fault start on an outgoing circuit.
The optional additional 3-phase VT input current imbalance at all CT terminals, to
available in the P643 and P645 allows determine which, if any, CTs have failed. The earth fault protection is configurable
overfluxing to be applied on both HV and This comparison detects all CT shorts, to operate either in measured, or derived
LV sides of the transformer, to ensure open circuits, and wiring disconnections mode. “Measured” denotes that the
optimum protection, irrespective of the without an inherent time delay. Operation winding (or external earthing transformer)
loadflow direction. Both thermal overload of the differential protection can be has a star-point single phase CT available
and overfluxing elements are essentially restraint during the failure to avoid an in the Y-ground connection, and the user
thermal based, modelling winding and oil unwanted trip. The CTS thus assures real- wishes this current to be used to
heating, or heating of core bolts and time stability of the differential elements, implement standby earth fault (SBEF).
laminations. Due to time constants being and any applicable REF protection. “Derived” is set for delta windings, or
in minutes (rather than seconds), heating other cases where the user prefers to use
and cooling of both replicas can be the calculated residual current from the
relatively slow. 3-phase CTs.

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 P642, P643, P645 Transformer Protection

Voltage Protection* Programmable scheme logic

Two stages each are available for phase Powerful graphical logic allows the user to
overvoltage and phase undervoltage in customise the protection and control
the P643/5 when the 3-phase VT is functions. The gate logic includes OR, AND
ordered. One stage is available for and MAJORITY gate functions, with the
negative phase sequence overvoltage ability to invert the inputs and outputs
when the 3-phase VT is ordered (P643/5) and provide feedback. Also logic counters
or the 2 single phase VTs is ordered are available. The system is optimised to
(P642). Residual overvoltage (neutral ensure that the protection outputs are
displacement) is also available when the 3 not delayed by the PSL operation. The
phase VT is ordered (P643/5). Such programmable scheme logic is configured
elements are particularly useful to detect using the graphical S1 Agile software, as
voltage regulation errors and earth faults. shown in Figure 5. The relay outputs may
be configured as latching (e.g. "Lockout")
Voltage Dependent Overcurrent or self-reset. Time delays and interlocking Through Fault Monitoring
Protection * schemes are possible within the PSL.
Through faults are a major cause of
In order to provide backup phase fault transformer damage and failure, stressing
protection for generator-transformers or the insulation and mechanical integrity.
to provide more sensitive overcurrent An I²t calculation based on recorded
protection for close up faults, a voltage duration and maximum current is stored
dependent overcurrent element (either for each phase. Calculation results are
controled or restrained) is included. Two added to cumulative values, and
definite time or IDMT stages are available. monitored so that users can schedule
transformer maintenance or identify a
* Available when optional 3-phase VT input is need for system reinforcement. The last
ordered in P643 or P645 and 2 single phase VT five triggers are stored as special
inputs is ordered in P642 individual records.
Figure 5 Programmable scheme logic & S1 Agile:
Frequency Protection a powerful and intuitive PC-toolsuite
Measurement and Recording
Four stages of underfrequency and two
stages of overfrequency are provided,
Condition Monitoring Pow er System Measurements
permitting load shedding and restoration
(MMX U)
Loss of Life (LoL)
schemes to be implemented. The Multiple measured analog quantities, with
frequency protection may consider any Frequent excesses of transformer rated phase angles, are provided.
analogue signal, having the voltage signal current or operation at elevated These include:
the preference. temperatures will shorten the life
expectancy of the transformer. The P64x Phase and neutral currents for all
provides a transformer loss-of-life windings, plus sequence components
Control and 2nd harmonic component
calculation, using a thermal model that
estimates the hot spot temperature. The magnitudes
User Interface
insulation deterioration is assumed to Measurements of all voltage inputs
Integrated user function keys and follow an adaptation of the Arrhenius
programmable LEDs provide a cost- Frequency, power factor, Watts and
theory where insulation life and absolute VArs
effective solution for full transformer temperature are inversely proportional
schemes. The P643 and P645 offer higher (as per IEEE Std. C57.91-1995). Maximum demand and rolling values
functionality, with ten function keys
Bias currents, differential currents
operating in two modes, normal and The LoL implementation includes:
toggled, each with an associated tricolour All thermal states, temperatures, and
LED for clear indication of the logic status. Daily writing into non-volatile memory loss-of-life
Typical control, maintenance, and Accumulated Loss of Life, Rate of Loss Measurements can be assigned
commissioning options are initiated of Life, Ageing Acceleration Factor, and to CLIO
directly from simple key presses, rather Residual Life Hours stored
than the need to navigate a menu. Alarm setpoints available on attaining Event records
instantaneous or cumulative levels
Programmable Scheme Logic Time-tagged event records are stored in
Statistics can be reset if a device is battery backed memory.
Powerful graphical logic allows the user to relocated to monitor another An optional modulated or demodulated
customise the protection and control transformer IRIG-B port is available for accurate time
functions. The gate logic includes OR, AND synchronization.
and MAJORITY gate functions, with the
ability to invert the inputs

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Fault Records Communication to Remote Operators
Indication of the faulted phase and Substation Automation
Protection operation Two auxiliary communication ports are available; a rear port
Active setting group providing remote communications and a front port providing local
communications.
Relay and CB operating time
Pre-fault and fault currents An additional, second rear port can be ordered as an option. Any
Bias and differential currents of the following rear port protocols can be chosen at the time of
ordering: Courier/K-Bus, MODBUS, IEC 60870-5- 103, DNP3.0, or
Disturbance Records IEC 61850. An Ethernet port is available as an option for IEC61850
or DNP3.0. Px4x devices can be enhanced with an optional
High performance waveform records contain all CT and VT redundant Ethernet board. The redundancy is managed by the
input channels, plus up to 32 digital states, extracted in market's fastest recovery time protocols: IEC 62439-3 PRP and
COMTRADE format. HSR allowing bumpless redundancy and RSTP (Rapid Spanning
Tree) protocol, offering multi-vendor interoperability. The
IEC 61850-9-2 Process Bus Interface redundant Ethernet board supports either modulated or
An optional process bus interface is available, allowing the relay to demodulated IRIG-B and the SNTP protocol for time
receive current and voltage sampled data from non-conventional synchronisation. The redundant Ethernet board also has a
instrument transformers such as optical and Rogowski devices. In watchdog relay contact and an SNMP interface to alarm in case of
other digital substation architectures, the -9-2 data is generated a failure.
by merging units in the yard, which digitize conventional 1 A/5 A
and 100/120 V secondaries, for safer and more economical cross- Second Rear Courier Port
site communication to IEDs by fibre optic. Grid Solutions' -9-2 The optional second port is designed typically for dialup modem
implementation has been designed to be especially resilient and access by protection engineers / operators, when the main port is
reliable in the presence of "noise", such as latency, jitter or reserved for SCADA traffic.
missing/suspect data.
MiCOM P40 Agile
Plant Supervision
GE’s philosophy is one of continuous improvement in our products
Trip Circuit Supervision and solutions. Our emphasis on communication in MiCOM has
become a focus which secures leadership in the digital substation.
Supervision of the trip circuit can be implemented using
To mark this phase of evolution, the brand “ P40 Agile” is applied to
optocoupled inputs and the programmable scheme logic.
the range. P40 Agile is a mark of performance and quality, proudly
available from GE, and only from GE.
Analog (Current Loop) Inputs and Outputs (CLIO)
Four inputs are provided for transducers with ranges of 0-1 mA,
0-10 mA, 0-20 mA or 4-20 mA. Associated with each input there
are two time delayed protection stages, one for alarm and one for
trip. Each stage can be set for 'Over' or 'Under' operation.

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