Study Committee B5 Colloquium

October 19-24, 2009

101 Jeju Island, Korea

Modern techniques for Protecting Busbars in HV networks

GAJIC, Z.* (Convenor, ABB, Sweden), BEAUMONT, P. (Toshiba, UK),

FUNK, H. W. (Siemens AG, Germany), KOJOVIC, L. A. (Cooper Power Systems, USA),
OPSKAR, K. (Statnett, Norway), SANTOS, A. (REN, Portugal),
THOLOMIER, D. (AREVA, France), WESTERFELD, J. (ABB, Switzerland),
YARZA, J. M. (ZIV, Spain) GUPTA, A. K. (National Thermal Power Corporation, India),
KANG, Y. C. (Chonbuk National University, Korea), RAGHAVAN, S. P. (TNB, Malaysia)

Summary

This paper summarizes the CIGRE SC B5 WG16 draft report entitled, “Modern Techniques
for Protecting Busbars in HV Networks” . The paper is organized into three sections. Section
1 presents general practices for the selection of busbar protection (BBP) designs and
describes centralized and de-centralized digital (numerical) busbar protection solutions.
Section 2 describes common features of modern busbar protections. Busbar protection
schemes utilise sophisticated algorithms to provide reliable performance during substantial
CT saturation, resulting in low CT requirements. A disconnector replica implemented in relay
software eliminates the need for switching in CT secondary circuits and trip circuits.
Protection functions such as breaker failure protection, end fault protection, and overcurrent
feeder protection can be implemented into the BBP. Built-in self-supervision improves BBP
reliability. Communication enables remote access to relevant information available within the
BBP. Other features presented include disturbance recording (oscillography) and an event
list that provides improved evaluation of BBP protection operation. Section 3 addresses
advanced features of modern busbar protection designs. Feasibility of using new types of
current sensors for current measurements is presented. Also described is integration of other
protection functions such as feeder protection within the individual bay units of a de-
centralized BBP arrangement. Furthermore, the impact of IEC 61850 on busbar protection
design and operation is considered describing the use of GOOSE messages and their
influence on scheme design, as well as blocking of auto-reclosing after BBP operation.
Finally, issues regarding the integration of BBP schemes into modern substations using an
IEC 61850 process bus approach conclude the discussion.

Keywords

Relay Protection, Busbar Protection, IEC 61850, Power System.

1. Introduction

1.1 Factors influencing BBP selection and implementation

Today, electric power companies (utilities) worldwide, driven by deregulation and increased
competition, have changed the way they operate. Power plants and lines are becoming
loaded up to thermal and stability limits. Existing power plants are expected to operate to and
*
zoran.gajic@se.abb.com
beyond the end of their original design life. Corrective event-based repair replaces preventive
maintenance. Considering these changes, power system protection and control face new
technical and economic challenges.

Modern secondary systems play an important role in satisfying the above requirements for
lower investment and operational cost without compromising system reliability.

To assure power system integrity during fault conditions, one of the most important
requirements is reliable performance of power system busbar relay protection. This
requirement is further emphasized by the fact that an incorrect operation of busbar protection
will result in loss of all connected lines, power transformers, and generators, which may lead
to a power system blackout.

Reliable performance of the busbar protection system must be preserved for both In-Zone
and Out-Zone faults. This is a challenging task since high fault currents may exist at the
substation making it difficult, or even impossible, to avoid saturation of conventional iron-core
CT. Most busbar protection systems operate on a differential principle by comparing input
and output currents. If a CT saturates, then a false differential current will be derived by the
relay. Busbar protection schemes implemented in modern digital multifunction relays are
designed to tolerate substantial CT saturation, while providing high-speed operation for In-
Zone faults (dependability). Relays are designed to reliably operate in the presence of
distorted waveforms, or prior to CT saturation (time-to-saturation). High-speed busbar
protection operation is required since bus faults may result in large fault currents
endangering the entire substation due to the high dynamic forces and thermal stresses
experienced. For external Out-Zone faults (security), the protection scheme must remain
stable for all types of fault for the time needed to clear the fault. Manufacturers use different
algorithms to achieve relay stability during CT saturation. While both security and
dependability are important requirements for busbar protection, the preference is always
given to security.

Four key issues (reliability, operability, maintainability, and cost) need to be addressed when
designing a substation and selecting a busbar configuration. At EHV/HV levels, solutions that
provide a high degree of reliability may be justified. A modern busbar protection system is
able to dynamically update the bus topology and has design flexibility to protect all existing
bus arrangements. In general, the main requirements for busbar protection include:

Security - probability of an unwanted protection operation for through faults (Out-Zone

faults) is low.

Dependability - probability that the protection will not operate for a fault on the bus (In-Zone
faults) is low.

Speed – high-speed operation is needed to limit equipment damage, and to preserve system
transient stability.

Sensitivity - to detect and clear high resistive faults.

Selectivity - to minimize the power outage and to ensure continued operation of the healthy
parts of the power system.

All these requirements are interrelated; therefore, it is not possible to satisfy one without
affecting the other. The design solution should meet the requirements that correspond to the
importance of the substation within the network and the layout of the substation.

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1.2 Differential protection Systems

Two main designs used for high voltage busbar protection are high impedance and low
impedance differential protection systems.

High impedance differential protection systems have been in use for over 50 years. The
protection system consists of CTs whose secondary windings are connected in parallel and
to one high impedance voltage relay. High impedance protection responds to a voltage
across the relay. All CTs must be well-matched, have equal ratios, and have low secondary
leakage impedance. The major disadvantage is the need for dedicated CT cores. When used
for re-configurable buses, the switching of CT secondary currents may affect the
performance of the protection and increase the cost. In addition, this solution requires
voltage limiting varistors. New microprocessor-based high impedance relays operate on the
same principle as traditional designs. However, they also provide functions such as
sequence of events, disturbance recording, and communication.

Low impedance differential protection systems employ digital relays. The CT inputs are
connected to individual channels. The relay derives differential signals by executing
protection algorithms. These solutions allow the use of CTs with different ratios since CT
matching is performed inside the relay. The same CT core can be used by different
protection relays. In addition to the operating quantity, low impedance differential protection
systems derive a stabilizing quantity and apply a percent (biased) characteristic in order to
ensure the stability of the scheme.

Modern relays, in addition to the percentage characteristic, typically have implemented

sophisticated algorithms to cope with severe CT saturation. Some relays are designed to
make decisions before the CT saturates. For modern digital busbar protection schemes, a
time-to-saturation of 2–3 ms can be sufficient to stabilize the protection in case of external
faults, requiring small over-dimensioning factors of the CT. Typical operating times are one
cycle or less.

Other advantages include the integrated functions described in Section 2.

1.3 Modern busbar protection System designs

Digital low impedance busbar differential protection systems may be designed as centralized
or decentralized.

Centralized systems require all signals to be transferred from all bays to the central unit
where a single relay performs the protection function (Figure 1). The amount of cabling is
approximately the same as in conventional solutions. A reduction in wiring can only be
achieved if additional protection functions are gathered into a busbar protection relay such as
circuit breaker failure (CBF) protection. The advantage of digital protection equipment is
simplicity in developing protection functions and flexible arrangements of input/output
signals. Furthermore, the digital technique allows a fast and easy connection to substation
automation systems, providing fast fault analysis and monitoring. Today, centralized busbar
protection can be found mainly in substations where old conventional protection was
retrofitted and the cables are still in good condition.

Decentralized systems include dedicated bay protection panels located close to the bay
protection devices (Figure 2), which only require wiring over short distances, such as to start
CBF protection and to block auto-reclosing. Signals between the bay panels and the central
unit have been transmitted using fiber-optic cables, resulting in reduced cabling and cost
savings. The bay protection panel may be designed to look the same, which results in a cost
saving and a reduction in the time required for testing, commissioning, and maintenance.
Further savings can be made by integrating more functions such as feeder (bay) protection

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functions. Decentralized busbar protection systems are mainly used in new and refurbished
substations.

Line Transformer Busbar & CBF Line Transformer

Protection Protection Protection Protection Protection

Main 1 Main 1
Main 1 Main 1
Main 2 Main 2
Main 2 Main 2

CB Trip CB Trip CB Trip CB Trip CB Trip

Figure 1 Centralized Busbar Protection System

Line Transformer Busbar & CBF Line Transformer

Protection Protection Protection Protection Protection

Main 1 Main 1 BBP Main 1 Main 1

Central
Main 2 Main 2 Unit Main 2 Main 2

BBP BBP BBP BBP

BBP
CBFP CBFP CBFP CBFP
CBFP

CB Trip CB Trip CB Trip CB Trip CB Trip

Figure 2 Decentralized Busbar Protection System

2. Modern relay features

This section includes a brief description of some of the main features that characterize
modern BBP relays.

Dynamic Bus Replica. Digital low impedance busbar protection schemes are well-suited for
complex busbar arrangements. They provide dynamic bus replica by virtual CT secondary
current switching in software, without the need to perform physical current switching.
Simultaneously, trip circuits are adjusted accordingly.

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CT Requirements. Theoretically, while it is possible to dimension a CT so that it will not
saturate under any fault conditions, it would result in an unreasonably large CT. Busbar
protection schemes implemented in modern digital multifunction relays can tolerate
substantial CT saturation, while providing reliable performance, resulting in low CT
requirements. However, it is necessary to determine the CT time-to-saturation to verify that
the requirements for proper CT selection are met. CIGRE Report provides guidelines for CT
selection for different fault conditions and time-to-saturation requirements.

Protection Function Integration. Modern BBP relays include features such as CBF, end
fault protection to cover dead zones in feeder bays and blind spot logic to cover dead zones
in bus coupler bays.

Self-Monitoring Functions. These functions include monitoring of the relay hardware and
software such as supervision of voltages (supply and internal), relay output circuits, memory
modules, and watchdog.

External-Monitoring Functions. These functions include monitoring of the relay

environment such as status of associated isolators and circuit breakers, and the CT and trip
circuit integrity.

Bay Unit or Communication Failure. With distributed arrangements, serial links between
bay units and the central unit are continuously monitored.

Service Values. Modern digital busbar relays have a human-machine interface (HMI) to
provide information about the present status of the BBP and substation. A busbar relay may
be used as a small monitoring system.

Virtual Testing. For commissioning and factory acceptance test purposes, modern BBP
relays can effectively be virtually tested. For instance, the relay can be interfaced to an
external PC that runs software that simulates binary input status, which eliminates a need for
other external test equipment.

Disturbance Recording and Event List. Provides information from analogue and digital
inputs of BBP and all events generated by the BBP itself.

Remote Access. Communication enables remote access to BBP relays. This is convenient
for relay setting, substation monitoring, and disturbance and event record collection.

Signalling and Alarming. BBP relays interfaced to the substation automation system or the
remote terminal unit (RTU) can provide detailed information about the event, such as the
faulty bus section and phases involved in the fault.

3. Latest advances in BBP

3.1 Electronic Current Transformers

Non-conventional current transformers are part of a new generation of current sensors,

defined by Standards and as electronic current transformers (ECT). They have a wide
operating range and may have a metering accuracy that allows the use of the same device
for both metering and protection. However, ECTs are low power sensors and cannot be
directly interconnected with conventional equipment. They need microprocessor-based
equipment designed to accept signals from ECTs such as Rogowski coils, low power iron-
core current sensors, and optical current sensors.

Rogowski coil output signal is a scaled time derivative di/dt of the primary current. To use
such signals with phasor-based protective relays, signal processing is required to extract the

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power frequency signal. This may be achieved integrating the Rogowski coil output signal, or
using a non-integrated Rogowski coil output signal. The integrated output voltage is
proportional to, and in phase with, the measured current. Signal integration may be
performed within the relay (by using analogue circuitry or digital signal processing
techniques) or immediately at the coil location. When using a non-integrated signal, it needs
to be scaled by magnitude and shifted by 90°. Connections to relays can be via wires or
through fiber-optic cables.

Low power iron-core current sensors have similar designs to conventional CTs, but
employ a minimized iron core, resulting in a reduced size and weight. To obtain an output
voltage directly proportional to the current, a resistor is connected internally across the output
terminals. Because of the iron core, they can saturate in a similar manner to a conventional
CT, which must be considered when selecting these sensors.

Optical current sensors operate on the principle of the Faraday rotation effect using a
monochromatic light source. Current flowing in a conductor creates a magnetic field, which
rotates the plane of polarization of the light travelling in optical fibers, encircling the conductor
proportionally to the current flowing in the enclosed conductor. The interface between the
sensor and the electronic module in the control/relay room is over fiber-optic cables.

Applications for Busbar Protection. The ECT output signal is a voltage and requires
appropriately designed relays. For differential protection of busbars, ECTs are connected in a
voltage-differential circuit. Differential voltage can be obtained by analogue or digital
summing of secondary voltages of all ECTs protecting a bus. Designs that use analogue
signal-summing need only one relay and one input channel to connect the differential
voltage. Designs that use digital signal-summing inside the relay may use one relay with
multiple channels or dedicated relays interfaced by communications.

As of now, BBP systems based on ECT are not readily available.

3.2 Integration of Other Protection Schemes into Modern BBP

In bay units of a modern de-centralized BBP arrangement additional protection/control

functions can be integrated and used as main or back-up protection. These functions may
include line distance protection, transformer differential protection, CBF protection, auto-
reclosing, and synchrocheck. Benefits include significant cost reductions in hardware, as well
as time saved during engineering, commissioning, and maintenance.

3.3 Impact of IEC 61850 Standard

The IEC 61850 standard consists of ten major sections that standardize communication
networks and systems in substations to allow interoperability of devices from different
manufacturers. IEDs connected to the substation local area network (LAN) can exchange
information with the substation control system or with each other. For BBP interoperability,
the IEC 61850 standard specifies only Logical Node Class PDIF, which is common for all
types of differential protection. For example, BBP application issues such as splitting and/or
merging of Zones are not covered by this standard at this time.

IEC 61850-8-1 (station bus) standardizes communication services between IEDs and the
substation control system that can also be applied to BBP. Information that can be provided
to the supervisory system may include analogue measurement data (bay-wise and zone-
wise quantities), alarms, disturbance recording, and event list.
Generic object oriented substation events (GOOSE) messages can be used to exchange
information between different IEDs and BBP such as CBF starting, auto-reclose blocking,

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bay inter-tripping, and primary apparatus status. Another application can be for
blocking/releasing signals for simple busbar blocking schemes.
IEC 61850-9-2 (process bus) defines communication between merging units (that interface
instrument transformers and process bus) and IEDs. With this approach, IEDs connected to
the process bus receive sample analogue values (currents and voltages). However, as of
now, there are no readily available BBP relays that can operate based on data available on
the process bus.

Bibliography

[1] CIGRE SC B5 WG16 Draft Report, “Modern Techniques for Protecting Busbars in HV
Networks”
[2] IEEE Standard PC37.92, “Analog Inputs to Protective Relays from Electronic Voltage
and Current Transducers”.
[3] IEC Standard 60044-8, “Instrument transformers – Part 8: Electronic current
transformers”.
[4] IEC Standard 61850, “Communication networks and systems in substations”.

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