Generator Protection

GRID
Technical Institute

This document is the exclusive property of Alstom Grid and shall not be
transmitted by any means, copied, reproduced or modified without the prior
written consent of Alstom Grid Technical Institute. All rights reserved.
 Generator Protection

The extent and types of protection specified will depend on the

following factors :-

• Type of prime mover and generator construction

• MW and voltage ratings
• Mode of operation
• Method of connection to the power system
• Method of earthing

Generator Protection - P 2
 Generator Protection

• Types of Prime Mover

− Steam Turbines
− Gas Turbines
− Hydro
− Diesel
• Construction
− Cylindrial Rotor
− Salient Pole (Hydro and small generators)
• Mode of operation
− Base load
− Peak lopping
− Standby
• Ratings
− Power from 200kVA to 1000MVA
− Voltage from 440V to 24kV
Generator Protection - P 3
 Connection to the Power System

1. Direct :

2. Via Transformer :

Generator Protection - P 4
 Generator Protection Requirements

• To detect faults on the generator

• To protection generator from the effects of abnormal power

system operating conditions

• To isolate generator from system faults not cleared remotely

• Action required depends upon the nature of the fault.

• Usual to segregate protection functions into :

− Urgent
− Non-urgent
− Alarm

Generator Protection - P 5
 Generator Faults

Mixture of mechanical and electrical problems.

Faults include :-

• Insulation Failure
− Stator
− Rotor
• Excitation system failure
• Prime mover / governor failure
• Bearing Failure
• Excessive vibration
• Low steam pressure
• etc.

Generator Protection - P 6
 System Conditions

• Short circuits
• Overloads
• Loss of load
• Unbalanced load
• Loss of synchronism

Generator Protection - P 7
Generator Failure

Generator Protection - P 8
Generator Failure

Generator Protection - P 9
Generator Failure

Generator Protection - P 10
Generator Failure

Generator Protection - P 11
 Stator Earth Fault Protection

Fault caused by failure of stator winding insulation

Leads to burning of machine core

welding of laminations

Rebuilding of machine core can be a very expensive process

Earth fault protection is therefore a principal feature of any

generator protection package

TYPE OF  METHOD  METHOD

PROTECTION OF OF
EARTHING CONNECTION

Generator Protection - P 12
 Method of Earthing

 Machine stator windings are surrounded by a mass of

earthed metal
 Most probable result of stator winding insulation failure is
a phase-earth fault
 Desirable to earth neutral point of generator to prevent
dangerous transient overvoltages during arcing earth faults
 Several methods of earthing are in use
 Damage resulting from a stator earth fault will depend
upon the earthing arrangement

Generator Protection - P 13
 Method of Earthing

Solidly Earthed Machines :

• Fault current is high

• Rapid damage occurs
− burning of core iron
− welding of laminations
• Used on LV machines only

Generator Protection - P 14
Method of Earthing

Generator - Transformer Units

IF ~ 10  15 A

IF ~ 200  300 A

Generator Protection - P 15
 Method of Earthing

Desirable to limit earth fault current :

− limits damage
− reduces possibility of developing into phase - phase fault

Degree to which fault current is limited must take into

account :

− detection of earth faults as near as possible to the neutral

point
− ease of discrimination with system earth fault protection
(directly connected machines)

Generator Protection - P 16
 Method of Earthing :
Limitation of Earth Fault Current

Earth faults on the power

system are not seen by the
F generator earth fault
protection.

Discrimination not required  can limit current to very low

value. Sometimes down to 5A

Generator Protection - P 17
 Method of Earthing :
Limitation of Earth Fault Current

Limit To Generator Full Load Current

• Most popular.

• Used for ease of fault detection and discrimination.

• Residual connection of CTs can be used

• Can result in serious core damage.

Generator Protection - P 18
 Stator Earth Fault Protection

Directly Connected Generators :

51N

Earthed Generator : Earth fault relay must be time delayed for

co-ordination with other earth fault protection on the power system.

50N 51N
Unearthed Generators : Other generators connected in parallel
will generally be unearthed.

Protection is restricted to faults on the generator, grading with power system

earth fault protection is not required. A high impedance instantaneous relay
can be used (Balanced Earth Fault protection).

Generator Protection - P 19
 Percentage Winding Protected

11.5kV; 75,000KVA

xV

xV
ΙF 
250/1A IS R For operation
ΙS(PRIMARY)  ΙF
xV

R
R 33 x.6600
  x.200
33
1
ΙS(SECONDAR Y)  x.200 x  0.8x
250

 For protection of 90% of winding; x = 1-0.9 = 0.1

Relay setting = 0.8 x 0.1 = 0.08A = 8% of 1A

Generator Protection - P 20
 Stator Earth Fault Protection
Generators connected via step-up transformer (resistance earthed) :

51N 50N

Instantaneous protection (50N) :

System earth faults ARE not seen by generator earth fault protection 
instantaneous relay may be used.

Set to 10% of resistor rating (avoids operation due to transient surges passed
through generator transformer interwinding capacitance).

Advantage : Fast

Generator Protection - P 21
 Stator Earth Fault Protection

Time delayed protection (51N) :

Time delay prevents operation on transient surges.
A more sensitive current setting may be used.
Set to 5% of resistor rating.
Advantage : Sensitive
On large machines considered worthwhile to use both
instantaneous and time delayed.

Generator Protection - P 22
 Restricted Earth Fault Protection

RSTAB

64

Protects approx. 90 - 95% of generator winding.

Generator Protection - P 23
 Connections for Biased REF

2000/1 ?

500/1 ?
P342/3 Relay

Terminal
CT
Inputs

z
E/F CT
Input

• Smaller rating machines may have only one (neutral) tail CT

brought out for connection
Generator Protection - P 24
 Biased REF Protection Operating
Characteristic

Differential current (x In)

=I +I +I +k.I 2 Operate
A B C N

2
eK
op
Sl
1
Restrain
• High sensitivity (5%)
K1
• Unit Protection
0 1 2 3 4
• FAST
Effective bias (x In) = Max. phase current + k . I
N
2
Generator Protection - P 25
 Neutral Displacement / Residual
Overvoltage - Earth Fault Protection

1
2
3 P340
Relay

(1) Derived measurement from 5-limb or 3 x 1 phase VT

(2) Directly measured from a broken delta VT input
(3) Directly measured across an earthing resistor
Generator Protection - P 26
 Stator Earth Fault Protection

• 100% Stator Earth Fault Protection :

• Standard relays only cover 95% of winding.
• Probability of fault occurring in end 5% is low.
• On large machines 100% stator earth fault protection may be
required.
• Two methods :

− Low Frequency Injection

− Third Harmonic Voltage Measurement

Generator Protection - P 27
 100% Stator Earth Fault Protection (27TN)

1
2
3 P340
Relay

(1) Derived measurement from 5-limb or 3 x 1 phase VT

(2) 3rd harmonic overvoltage
(3) 3rd harmonic undervoltage
• 3rd harmonic undervoltage supervised by 3 phase
undervoltage and W/VA/Var at generator terminals
Generator Protection - P 28
 100% Stator Earth Fault Protection

Distribution of 3rd harmonic voltage along the stator winding

• (a) normal operation
• (b) stator earth fault at star point
• (c) stator earth fault at the terminals
Generator Protection - P 29
 100% Stator Earth Fault - Low
Frequency Injection
For Large Machines Only

• Injection Frequency 12.5 - 20Hz

Injection
Transformer
• Provides protection during run up
& Standstill
51 Alternative
Injection
Points • High cost due to injection
equipment.

Generator Protection - P 30
 Overcurrent Protection

• For small generators this may be the only protection

applied.
• With solid earthing it will provide some protection against
earth faults.
• For a single generator, CTs must be connected to neutral
end of stator winding.

51

Generator Protection - P 31
 Overcurrent Protection

• For parallel generators, CTs can be located on line side.

51

Generator Protection - P 32
 Differential Protection

• Provides high speed protection for all fault types

• May be : High impedance type
: Biased (low impedance) type
CT’s required in neutral end of winding

Relay
Generator Protection - P 34
 Differential Protection - Biased

BIAS BIAS

OPERATE

Biased Differential Scheme

Generator Protection - P 35
 Differential Protection

INTERPOSING
C.T.
Overall Differential Scheme

Generator Protection - P 36
 Interturn Protection (50DT)

IA2

IB2

IC2

 Independent current settings per phase

 Single stage definite time delay

Generator Protection - P 37
 Neutral Displacement / Residual
Overvoltage - Interturn Protection (59N)

1
2
3 Gen
Relay

 (1) Interturn, derived measurement from 5-limb or 3 x 1 phase VT

 (2) Interturn, directly measured from a broken delta VT input
 (3) 95% stator earth fault protection across an earthing resistor

Generator Protection - P 38
 Prime Mover Failure

Isolated Generators :
Machine slows down and stops. Other protection initiates shut down.

Parallel Sets :
System supplies power - generator operates as a motor.
Seriousness depends on type of drive.

Steam Turbine Sets :

Steam acts as a coolant.
Loss of steam causes overheating.
Turbulence in trapped steam causes distortion of turbine blades.
Motoring power 0.5% to 6% rated.
Condensing turbines, rate of heating slow. Loss of steam instantly recognised.

Generator Protection - P 39
 Prime Mover Failure

Diesel Driven Sets :

Prime mover failure due to mechanical fault.
Serious mechanical damage if allowed to persist.
Motoring power from 35% rated for stiff machine, to 5% rated for run in
machine.
Gas Turbines :
Motoring power 100% rated for single shaft machine, 10% to 15% rated for
double shaft.
Hydro Sets :
Mechanical precautions taken if water level drops.
Low head types - erosion and cavitation of runner can occur.
Additional protection may be required.

Generator Protection - P 40
 Prime Mover Failure

Reverse Power Protection :

Reverse power measuring relays used where protection required.

Single phase relay is sufficient as prime mover failure results in balanced

conditions.

Sensitive settings required - metering class CTs required for accuracy.

Generator Protection - P 41
 Reverse Power

Operational limits

Q
an a tu r a l = 0 .1 6 o

as ta b le = 0 .5 o
-P= P0

U n sta b le a re a U n sta b le a re a

Trip a re a

• Blinders at 0.5 degrees reduces operation area for low

power settings where the power factor is low to improve
reliability of reverse power element

Generator Protection - P 42
 Low Forward Power
Operational limits
Trip a re a
U n sta b le a re a
Exte n d e d Trip a re a
P

a s ta b le = 0 . 5 o
P= P0

0 Q

Trip a re a

• To reduce the risk of overspeed damage to steam turbine generators a low

forward power element is used for interlocking the generator CB and
excitation for non urgent trips (eg thermal protection, stator earth fault for high
impedance earthing).
• Turbine steam valves are tripped immediatelay and when power output has
reduced the generator CB and excitation are tripped.
Generator Protection - P 43
 Loss of Excitation

Effects
Single Generator :
− Loses output volts and therefore load.

Parallel Generators :
− Operate as induction generator (> synch speed)
− Flux provided by reactive stator current drawn from system-leading pf
− Slip frequency current induced in rotor - abnormal
heating
Situation does not require immediate tripping,
however,
large machines have short thermal time constants - should be unloaded
in a few seconds.
Generator Protection - P 44
 Loss of Excitation

Impedance seen by relay follows locus shown below :

X

Load Impedance

R
Impedance Offset – Prevents
Locus operation
on pole slips

Diameter
Typically : Relay Characteristic
Offset 50-75%X’d
Diameter 50-100% XS Time Delayed
Generator Protection - P 45
 Pole Slipping
 Sudden changes or shocks in an electrical power system
may lead to power system oscillations - regular variations
of I and V and angular system separation
 In a recoverable situation these oscillations will die away -
a power swing
 In an unrecoverable situation the oscillations become so
severe that synchronisation between the generator and the
power system is lost - out of step/pole slipping
Causes
− Transient system faults
− Failure of the generator governor
− Failure of the generators excitation control
− Reconnection of an islanded system without
synchronisation
− Switching transients on a weak system

Generator Protection - P 47
 Pole slipping

Recoverable

Out-of-Step
Power Swing (Power System)

Unrecoverable

Loss of Synchronism
Pole-Slipping
(Generator)
Generator Protection - P 48
 Theory of pole slipping

Simplified Two Machine System:

Where:
EG represents the generator terminal voltage;
ZG represents the generator reactance;
ZT is the reactance of step-up transform;
Zs represents the impedance of the power system connected to the generation unit
Es represents the system voltage.

Generator Protection - P 49
 Loss of synchronisation Characteristics

X S
EG/ES>1
EG/ES=1

G EG/ES<1

Generator Protection - P 51
 Conventional Pole Slipping Protection
Blinder
X
ZA
Reactance Line Zone 2 ZC

Zone 1

a
q R

Lens

ZB

Generator Protection - P 53
 Pole Slipping Protection - 78

• Conventional lenticular (lens) characteristic

− 2 Zones defined by reactance line
− Zone 1 - pole slip in the generator
− Zone 2 - pole slip in the power system
− Separate counters per zone (1-20)
• Setting to detect pole slipping when :
− Generating
− Motoring
− Both (Pumped storage generator)

Generator Protection - P 54
 Pole Slipping Protection - 78

• Pole slip when generating

− Impedance position on RHS of lens characteristic
− Impedance crosses lens on RHS
− Impedance spends >T1 (15ms) in RHS of lens
− Impedance spends >T2 (15ms) in LHS of lens
− Impedance leaves lens on LHS
− Zone 1 and 2 counter is incremented if in Z1
− Zone 2 counter is incremented if in Z2
− Trip when zone counter value exceeded
• Pole slipping when motoring is the opposite

Generator Protection - P 55
 State Transition Diagram
(R ese t_ T im e r T im e O ut)
A ctio ns are the sa m e a s S ta te M a ch in e E n try
S ta te M achine E n try R eset Trip_ S ignals;
N o S ign a l C o n d itio n* R eset S tart_ S ig nals;
R eset F la g_Z o ne 1;
A ctio ns are the sam e as
R eset A ll C ounte rs;
S tate M achin e E n try
R ese t A ll T im ers;

V T S -F A S T -B LO C K
Actio ns a re the sa m e as Zm = R1 or R3
State M achine E n try
Zm = R 4
IF (M ode_B oth)
ID LE Flag_ M o d e= !F lag _M od e;

Zm = R1 .
R eset S tart_ S ignals;
R eset F la g_Z on e1 ; Zm = R2
IF (Any T rip_S ign al) S tart T im e r1
R eset C o u nte rs;
R eset T rip _S igna ls; Zm = R1 or R4
R eset T im e r1
Z m = R 3 b ut T im er1< T 1
R eset T im er1

Zm = R1 or R2
R ese t F lag _Z on e1; Zm = R 2
Z m = R 4 bu t Tim e r2 < T 2 R ese t T im e r2 ;
R e se t F lag _Z one 1;
Zm = R 4 or R2 or R3 DETECTED R ese t T im er2 ; START

(Z m = R 4 ) & T im er2 > T 2)

If (C 2= =0) S tart R eset_T im e r;
C 2+ +;
S e t Z on e2_S tart; (Z m = R 3) & T im e r1 > T 1 )
if(C 2 >= C o unt2) S et Z o ne2_ T rip ; F lag_Z on e 1= Z one 1P u();
If (F lag _Z on e1 ) R eset T im e r1;
C 1+ +; S ta rt T im e r2 ;
S e t Z one 1 _S tart;
if(C 1> = C oun t1) Set Z one1 _T rip ;
R eset T im er2;
C O N F IR M

*N o S ig na l C o nd itio n
(V A <1 V o r I <0.0 2 A )
Zm = R3

Generator Protection - P 56
 RTDS Pole Slip Simulation

Local Load
132 kV BUS
T/line 140 km 11 kV BUS
132/13.5 kV

Yd1
Grid System Generator with
AVR and Governor control

Generator Protection - P 57
 Pole Slipping - 80% Load, Local 3 ph fault

Generator Protection - P 58
 Loss of excitation at 100% machine loading

Generator Protection - P 59
 Rotor Thermal
Protection

• Unbalanced loading leads to negative sequence current

• Double frequency slip
• Rapid overheating of rotor

Generator Protection - P 60
 Unbalanced Loading

• Gives rise to negative phase sequence (NPS) currents - results

in contra-rotating magnetic field
• Stator flux cuts rotor at twice synchronous speed
• Induces double frequency current in field system and rotor
body
• Resulting eddy currents cause severe over heating
− Use negative sequence overcurrent relay
− Relay should have inverse time characteristic to match
generator I22t withstand

Generator Protection - P 61
 Unbalanced Loading

• Machines are assigned NPS current withstand values :

− Continuous NPS rating, I2R (PU CMR)
− Short time NPS rating, I22t (K)

• If possible level of system unbalance approaches machine

continuous withstand, protection is required.

Generator Protection - P 62
 Overload Protection

high load current


heating of stator and rotor

insulation failure

Governor Setting

Should prevent serious overload automatically.

Generator may lose speed if required load can not be met
by other sources.

Generator Protection - P 63
 Stator Thermal Protection

Current operated
− Over power protection
− Overcurrent element
− Thermal replica

RTD Thermal Probes

− PT100 Platinum probes
− Embedded in machine
− Alarm and trip thresholds for each RTD

Generator Protection - P 64
 Overload Protection (1)

• Thermal replica for stator overload protection

− Current based on I1 and I2
− Heating and cooling time constants
− Non-volatile memory thermal state
− Alarm output

Time

Current
Generator Protection - P 65
 Rotor Earth Fault Protection

Field circuit is an isolated DC system.

• Insulation failure at a single point :
− No fault current, therefore no danger
− Increase chance of second fault occurring
• Insulation failure at a second point :
− Shorts out part of field winding
− Heating (burning of conductor)
− Flux distortion causing violent vibration of rotor
• Desirable to detect presence of first earth fault and give an
alarm.

Generator Protection - P 66
 Rotor Earth Fault Protection

Potentiometer Method

Exciter

• Required sensitivity approximately 5% exciter voltage.

• No auxiliary supply required.
• “Blind spot” - require manually operated push button to vary
tapping point.
Generator Protection - P 67
 Rotor Earth Fault Protection

AC Injection Method

AC Auxiliary
Supply
• Brushless Machines R

• No access to rotor circuit

• Require special slip rings for measurement
• If slip rings not present, must use telemetering techniques
(expensive)
Generator Protection - P 68
 Rotor Earth Fault Protection

Brushless Machine
A brushless generator has an excitation system consisting of:
− A main excitor with rotating armature and stationary field windings
− A rotating rectifier assembly, carried on the main shaft line out
− A controlled rectifier producing the d.c. field voltage for the main
exciter field from the a.c. source (often a small `pilot` exciter)
Hence:
− No brushes are required in the field circuit
− All control is carried out in the field circuit of the main exciter
− Detection of rotor circuit earth fault is still necessary
− Based on dedicated rotor-mounted system that has a telemetry link
to provide an alarm/data

Generator Protection - P 69
 Generator Back-Up Protection
Overcurrent Protection
Typical use :
− Very or extremely inverse for LV machines
− Normal inverse for HV machines

Must consider generator voltage decrement characteristic for close-in faults.

With reliable AVR system, “conventional” overcurrent relays may be used.
Otherwise, voltage controlled / restrained relays are required.
10 x
FL

with AVR

Full
Load
no AVR

Cycles
Generator Protection - P 70
 Generator Back-Up Protection

Overcurrent Protection
Voltage Restrained
• Operating characteristic is continuously varied depending on measured
volts.
• Alternatively, use impedance relay.

Voltage Controlled
• Relay switches between fault characteristic and load characteristic
depending on measured volts.

Generator Protection - P 71
 Generator Back-Up Protection (2)

10

O/L CHARAC

1.0
FAULT CHARAC
LARGEST
OUTGOING 6.6kV
t
sec FEEDER 5MVA
115% XS

0.1 GENERATOR
DECREMENT 500/5
CURVE 200/5

0.01
100 240 600 1000 3000 10,000 AMPS

Generator Protection - P 72
 Voltage Dependent Overcurrent
Protection (51V)

I> I>
Load Load
Fault Fault
k.I> k.I>

Terminal Volts Terminal Volts

Voltage control Voltage restraint

Generator Protection - P 73
 Impedance Relay

Load
Fault
R

Underimpedance

• 2 Zones of protection
− Zone 1 - Set to operate at 70% rated load impedance. Back-up
protection for generator-transformer, busbar and outgoing feeders.
Time delayed for co-ordination with external feeder phase fault
protection.
− Zone 2 – Set to 50% transformer impedance. Back-up protection for
generator phase faults. Faster time delay to co-ordinate with
generator phase fault protection
Generator Protection - P 74
 Under & Over Frequency Conditions

Over Frequency

• Results from generator over speed caused by sudden loss of

load.
• In isolated generators may be due to failure of speed
governing system.
• Over speed protection may be provided by mechanical means.
• Desirable to have over frequency relay with more sensitive
settings.

Generator Protection - P 75
 Under & Over Frequency Conditions

Under Frequency

• Results from loss of synchronous speed due to excessive

overload.
• In isolated generators may be due to failure of speed
governing system.
• Under frequency condition gives rise to:
− Overfluxing of stator core at nominal volts
− Plant drives operating at lower speeds - can affect generator
output
− Mechanical resonant condition in turbines
• Desirable to supply an under frequency relay.
• Protection may be arranged to initiate load shedding as a first
step.
Generator Protection - P 76
 df/dt (81R)
Loadshedding

df/dt+t: Time Delayed ROCOF

• Df/dt can operate quicker than underfrequency for large changes in

frequency
• Rolling window is better than fixed window as gives faster operation
• Averaging cycles is typically 5 to provide some stability for power
system oscillations
• Stages can be used for load shedding or alarm/tripping of the generator

Generator Protection - P 77
 Under & Over Voltage Conditions

Protection

• Under & over voltage protection usually provided as part of

excitation system.
• For most applications an additional high set over voltage relay
is sufficient.
• Time delayed under and over voltage protection may be
provided.

Generator Protection - P 78
 Under & Over Voltage Conditions

Over Voltage
• Results from generator over speed caused by sudden loss of
load.
• May be due to failure of the voltage regulator.
• An over voltage condition :
− Causes overfluxing at nominal frequency
− Endangers integrity of insulation

Under Voltage
• No danger to generator. May cause stalling of motors.
• Prolonged under voltage indicates abnormal conditions.
Generator Protection - P 79
 Generator Abnormal Frequency Protection (81AB)

• 6 independent bands of abnormal frequency

protection
• Accumulation of time up to 1000 hours in each
band
• Band data provided by generator manufacturer
• Bands match resonance, blade stress frequencies …
• Dead band timer before accumulation starts allows
time for resonance to established
• When generator is off-line bands can be blocked

Generator Protection - P 80
 Generator Abnormal Frequency Protection (81AB)

Band 1
f nom
Band 2

Band 3

Band 4
Timer 1
Timer 2
Timer 3
Timer 4

Generator Protection - P 81
 Application
Negative Sequence Overvoltage (47)

Swapping of 2 phases to motor (pump water)

Busbar

CB Generator/Motor
a b
b a
c c

Block
CB Close

Generator/Motor
47 Negative Sequence Overvoltage

Hydro machines can operate as

motors/pumps by swapping 2 phases
(phase rotation is reversed)
Generator Protection - P 82
 Use of Alternative Setting Groups
Example : Pumped Storage Unit

 When the units are being used to generate

power the protection could be as below:

87G Generator differential

27 & 59 Under & over voltage
81U & 81O Under & over frequency
32R Reverse power
51N Stator earth fault
40 Loss of excitation
51V Voltage dependent overcurrent
46 Negative phase sequence

1 2 3 4
 When the units pump water the protection
applied will change Four groups
available
Generator Protection - P 83
 Phase Rotation

• Phase rotation for hydro generator/motor

applications where 2 phases are swapped to make
the machine operate as a pump (motor)
CT1 CT2
G x
Phase
Reversal
Switches

P340

Case 1 : Phase Reversal Switches affecting all CTs and VTs

CT1 CT2
G x
Phase
Reversal
Switches

P343/4/5

Case 2 : Phase Reversal Switches affecting CT1 only

Generator Protection - P 84
 Phase Rotation

• Phase rotation settings can be changed for

generator/motor operation using 2 setting groups
Setting Range Default
SYSTEM CONFIG
Phase Sequence Standard ABC / Standard ABC
Reverse ACB
VT Reversal No Swap / No Swap
A-B Swapped /
B-C Swapped /
C-A Swapped
CT1 Reversal No Swap / No Swap
A-B Swapped /
B-C Swapped /
C-A Swapped
CT2 Reversal No Swap / No Swap
(P343/4/5 only) A-B Swapped /
B-C Swapped /
C-A Swapped

Generator Protection - P 85
 Unintentional Energisation at Standstill

50

27 & Trip

tPU
&
tDO
VTS
• Overcurrent element detects breaker flashover or starting
current (as motor)
• Three phase undervoltage detection
• VTS function checks no VT anomalies

Generator Protection - P 86
 Check Synch (25)

• Check is used when closing generator CB to ensure synchronism with system

voltage.
• Check synch relay usually checks 3 things:
− Phase angle difference
− Voltage
− Frequency difference

Generator Protection - P 87
 Check Synchronising (25)

• Phase angle difference

− Single phase comparison
• Can select either A-N, B-N, C-N, A-B, B-C, C-A is settings
− Typical setting is 20º to reduce mechanical stresses on generators.
• Voltage
− Check synch relay inoperative if :-
• Generator/busbar voltage is below or above preset limit (independent settings for
generator and busbar under/overvoltages)
• voltage difference exceeds preset limit
− Typical settings for undervoltage: 80 - 85% Vn
− Typical settings for difference voltage: 6 - 10% Vn
• Frequency difference
− Usually measured by time to traverse phase angle limits or direct slip frequency
measurement (Fgen – Fbus)
• Eg Timer setting of 2 secs over 20º :
• Slip frequency = 2 x (20 x ½) / 360 = 0.055Hz = 0.11% (50Hz)
• Timer usually set to 2 secs or 10 x C.B. closing time whichever is greater).

Generator Protection - P 88
 Check Synchronising (25)

• Check synch has 2 stages – Check Sync 1/2

− Usually only 1 stage is required for generator applications
− Check Sync 2 has CB closing time compensation
− Check Sync2 only permits closure for decreasing angles of slip
• Check synch has vector compensation to account for phase shift
across transformer with Main VT Vect Grp setting 0-11
• Check synch has ratio correction to correct ratio errors of VTs
• Voltage monitors for dead/live generator/busbar
• System Split output operates for phase angle > setting adjustable
from 90 to 175 degrees

Generator Protection - P 89
 Check Synch (25)

Check synch stages 1 and 2

Generator Protection - P 90
 Typical Schemes

GRID
Technical Institute

This document is the exclusive property of Alstom Grid and shall not be
transmitted by any means, copied, reproduced or modified without the prior
written consent of Alstom Grid Technical Institute. All rights reserved.
 Protection Package for Diesel Generator

87
G 32 Reverse Power
64R Rotor Earth Fault
64S Stator Earth Fault
51V Voltage Dependent Overcurrent
64
R 87G Generator Differential

32 51
V Protection P343
64
R

Generator Protection - P 93
 Overall Protection of Generator Installation

Generator
Feeder Protn.
Overcurrent
Voltage Restraint 51 V

Restricted
E/F

Buchholz Winding
Temp.

Reverse Power 32
Field Failure 40

Generator Differential 87
Rotor E/F Prime Mover Protection
64R
Negative Phase Sequence 46

Overall
Gen/Trans Diffl
Protn. Stator E/F 64S

Generator Protection - P 94
 Overall Protection of Generator Installation

Generator Feeder
Protection
O/C Circuit Breaker Fail

Busbar Protection

Restricted
E/F

Buchholz Winding
Temperature
O/C + E/F
Buchholz O/C V.T.s
Transformer
Overfluxing

Standby E/F Permissive

(Low Power)
Interlock
Restricted Pole Slipping
E/F Field Failure
Generator Differential

Unit Transformer Low Steam Pressure, Loss of Vacuum

Differential Protn.
Rotor E/F Loss of Lubricating Oil
Loss of Boiler Water
Governor Failure
Overall Generator
Vibration, Rotor Distortion
Transformer
Differential Protn. Negative Phase Sequence

Stator E/F Protection

Generator Protection - P 95
 Embedded Generation

GRID
Technical Institute

This document is the exclusive property of Alstom Grid and shall not be
transmitted by any means, copied, reproduced or modified without the prior
written consent of Alstom Grid Technical Institute. All rights reserved.
 Co-generation/Embedded Machines

AR?
PES
system

81U/O Frequency
50/51N O/C & E/F
27/59 Voltage
Residual Voltage 47/46 NPS Voltage Islanded load
59N
NPS O/C fed unearthed
df/dt ROCOF 25 Check Synch
dV Voltage Vector Shift

Generator Protection - P 97
 Embedded Generation

USED TO PROVIDE:

• Emergency Power Upon Loss Of Main Supply

• Operate In Parallel To Reduce Site Demand

• Excess Generation May Be Exported Or Sold

Generator Protection - P 98
 Engineering Recommendation G59

• ER G59 relates to the connection of generating plant to the

distribution systems of licensed distribution network
operators (DNOs)
• ER G83/1 covers connection of generating units rated < 16A /
phase in parallel with LV distribution system

• ER G59 COVERS:
− Safety Aspects
− Legal Requirements
− Operation
− Protection

Generator Protection - P 99
 Engineering Recommendation G59

General Requirements Protective Equipment

• The main function of the protection systems and settings is to

prevent Generating Plant supporting an islanded section of the
Distribution System when it would or could pose a hazard to
the Distribution System or customers connected to it.

Generator Protection - P 100

 Engineering Recommendation G59

LoM (Loss of Mains = Islanding) Protection

Requirements
• To disconnect the Generating Plant from the Distribution
System in the event of loss of one or more phases of the
DNOs supply.
• LoM is required to ensure requirements for earthing and out
of synch closure are complied with and customers are not
supplied with voltage and frequency outside statutory limits

Generator Protection - P 101

 Loss of Mains Problem

• Loss of mains is where a

33kV DISTRIBUTION
generator is inadvertently
isolated from the grid and
33/11kV continues to supply local
load
• Loss of mains can be
CIRCUIT
caused by:
BREAKER BUS-BAR

− Protection tripping
FAULT

− Accidentally due to
SECTIONALISING
network reconfiguration
SWITCH

400V DG

Generator Protection - P 102

 Loss of Mains Problem

Islanding is unacceptable for a number of reasons:

− Safety risk - for example, through personnel working on the
network under the assumption that no parts of the network
are energised
− Stresses from out of synchronism re-closure
− Loss of system earth where the earth is on the star winding
of a network transformer. This can cause problems for
existing earth fault protection to detect earth faults if the
system is unearthed.
− Utility is legally bound to maintaining quality of supply
(frequency and voltage ) to local demand.

Generator Protection - P 103

 Existing LoM Methods – Performance Assessment

• Loss of mains performance can be assessed in terms of sensitivity and

stability
• Sensitivity
− Smallest possible mismatch between local generation and the demand at the instant of
islanding.
− Also referred to as non-detection zone
• Stability
− Stability for different fault types with varying duration and retained voltage at the point of
measurement
• When designing LoM method objective is to have a small non detection
zone and be stable for as many fault characteristics as possible

STABILITY
Network faults
SENSITIVITY
Generator/demand Imbalance
Generator Protection - P 104
 Existing Loss of Mains Methods

• Passive Methods
− Under/over frequency and voltage
• Requires large change in load, time delayed
− Df/dt – rate of change of frequency
• Sensitive, fast operating
− Voltage vector shift
• Not as sensitive as df/dt, fast operating
− Direct inter-tripping
• Not load dependent, fast, expensive, signalling can be complex
• Active Methods
− Active frequency drift
− Reactive Error export
• There is an abundance of active methods proposed in the technical literature,
however, their application in practice has been limited to date. The
traditional protection philosophy of independence from other systems makes
the introduction of these methods difficult.

Generator Protection - P 105

 Loss of Mains Methods – Voltage Vector Shift

Single phase line diagram showing generator parameters

R jX

IL
E VT

Generator Protection - P 107

 Loss of Mains Methods – Voltage Vector Shift

Vector Diagram Representing Steady State Condition

IL X
VT ILR
IL

Generator Protection - P 108

 Loss of Mains Methods – Voltage Vector Shift

Transient voltage vector change  due to change in

load current IL

E
ILX
VT
ILR

IL VT
ILX”
IL

Generator Protection - P 109

 Loss of Mains Methods - ROCOF

df/dt
The rate of change of speed, or frequency, following a power disturbance
can be approximated by:

P.f
df/dt =
2GH

where P = Change in power output between synchronised and

islanded operation
f = Rated frequency
G = Machine rate MVA
H = Inertia constant

Generator Protection - P 110

 Loss of Mains Methods - ROCOF

P341 df/dt calculation

df/dt = F n - f n - 3 cycle
3 cycle
Two consecutive calculations must give a result above the setting
threshold before a trip decision can be initiated

Generator Protection - P 111

 Loss of Mains Methods - ROCOF

df/dt+t: Time Delayed ROCOF

t
Start

Pick up cycles
Trip
f
Time delay

df/dt Setting
Generator Protection - P 112
 G59 Other Protection

• Neutral voltage
• Overcurrent
• Earth fault
• Phase unbalance
• Reverse power
− Used when generator does not export power during normal
operation

Generator Protection - P 113

 G59 Protection Settings
Protection Settings for Long-Term Parallel Operation
Prot Function Small Power Station Medium Power Station
LV Connected HV Connected
Setting Time Setting Time Setting Time
U/V st 1 Vph-n -13% 2.5s* Vph-ph -13% 2.5s Vph-ph -20% 2.5s*
U/V st 2 Vph-n -20% 0.5s Vph-ph -20% 0.5s
O/V st 1 Vph-n +10% 1.0s Vph-ph +10% 1.0s Vph-ph +10% 1.0s
O/V st 2 Vph-n +15% 0.5s Vph-ph +13% 0.5s
U/F st 1 47.5Hz 20s 47.5Hz 20s 47.5Hz 20s
U/F st 2 47Hz 0.5s 47Hz 0.5s 47Hz 0.5s
O/F st 1 51.5Hz 90s 51.5Hz 90s 51.5Hz 90s
O/F st 2 52Hz 0.5s 52Hz 0.5s
LoM (Vector Shift) K1 x 6 degrees K1 x 6 degrees Intertripping expected
LoM (RoCoF) K1 x 0.125 Hz/s K2 x 0.125Hz/s Intertripping expected

Notes: K1 = 1.0 (low impedance networks or 1.66-2 (high impedance networks)

K2 = 1.0 (low impedance networks or 1.6 (high impedance networks)
A fault level of < 10% system design max fault level is high impedance
* Might need to be reduced if auto-reclose time <3s
Generator Protection - P 114
 G59 Protection for HV Generator connected to DNO
HV System for Parallel Operation Only

Generator Protection - P 115

 G59 Protection for HV Generator connected to DNO HV System
for Standby and Parallel Operation

Generator Protection - P 116

 www.alstom.com

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Technical Institute

This document is the exclusive property of Alstom Grid and shall not be
transmitted by any means, copied, reproduced or modified without the prior
written consent of Alstom Grid Technical Institute. All rights reserved.