Editorial May 12th, 2006 1MRS756221

Reliable MV power distributionABB’s RE_ 610 series of microprocessor-based protection relays comprises a family of IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices) developed for the cost-effective protection and supervision of MV (medium voltage) industrial power systems in applications such as petrochemicals, wa-ter treatment and other power-intensive process industries. With key features such as multi-functionality and plug-in/withdrawable design these new easy-to-use relays offer reliable performance to ensure reliable power distribution for industrial processes.

ApplicationsThe series includes three relay types: a feeder protection relay REF 610, a motor protection relay REM 610 and a voltage protection relay REU 610. The series offers the basic range of protection functions for busbars, ca-ble feeders, AC motors, MV capacitor banks, distribution transformers and other components requiring thermal overload protection, short-circuit, overcurrent, earth-fault, overvolt-age, undervoltage, phase unbalance and phase discontinuity protection. The new protection relays also offer extremely fast arc protection based on simultaneous light and current detection.

Plug-in designThe relays of the RE_ 610 series relays have a unique and smart plug-in/withdrawable design developed by ABB. The relay units plug straight into the relay cases, simply clicking into place, and a convenient pull-out handle releases them for quick removal.

The relay case is fitted with an auto-matic CT secondary short-circuiting arrangement to prevent hazard-ous voltages when the relay unit is withdrawn. Once the relay unit is fitted into the case for the first time, a mechanical system configures the connections so that only that particu-lar unit can be inserted, preventing the insertion of a wrong unit.

The advantage for OEMs is that they can reduce their lead-times by going ahead with panel construction install-ing just the relay cases, and then add the appropriate relay units when the switchgear is tested and finalised.

For the operator, this approach also makes routine maintenance quick and easy and reduces downtime. And should a unit need to be replaced it can be quickly exchanged.

Compact and flexibleThe compact mechanical design makes the relays an ideal solution for retrofits and narrow spaces. It has a small mounting depth and no loose parts and is easy to install in compact switchgear.

Flush, semi-flush, surface and in-clined mounting is offered as stand-ard. Optional mounting kits are available for 19” rack mounting and for semi-flush mounting with straight or tilted raising frames. The inclined mounting can help eliminate reflec-tions on the display, making it easier to read.

Local and remote controlSetting and monitoring can be carried out via the rear communication port connected to a control and monitor-ing system (such as a DCS or ENS) through the serial communication bus. The relays can also be control-led locally either directly through their front panel controls or by using a laptop computer connected to the front communication port.

The relays support a number of standard communications protocols and conforms to the new IEC 61850 standard that has established key criteria for communication in sub-stations, including interoperability between devices from different sup-pliers.

Standard information provided by the relays includes fault indications,

Petrochemical and pulp andpaper industry are some ofthe applications for theRE610 protection relays

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fault recordings and measured values ranging from currents and tempera-tures to historical data. The relays’ graphical configuration tool also enables the users to set up their own application-specific configurations.

Motor protection relayThe motor protection relays is a ver-satile multi-function relay designed for the protection of medium size and large LV and MV asynchronous motors in a wide range of industrial motor applications.

The motor protection relay han-dles fault conditions during motor start-up, regular operation, idling and cooling down at standstill. It incorporates a number of integrated protection functions such as thermal overload protection, cumulative mo-tor start-up supervision, running stall protection, earth-fault protection and loss-of-phase protection. The level of thermal overload protection can be enhanced with an optional RTD module applied for direct tempera-ture measurement through PTC or RTD sensors.

Voltage protection relayThe voltage protection relay provides overvoltage protection for all power system components. It is also used for undervoltage protection of motors and capacitor banks, for initialisa-tion of automatic substation busbar changeover, and for disconnecting separate power units from the grid in case of network disturbance.

In designing the RE_ 610 series re-lays, ABB has taken the demanding environmental conditions of indus-trial plants into account. So as well as offering IP54 protection by enclosure and a high level of immunity to elec-tromagnetic interference, the units have been developed and tested to ensure their suitability for use in con-ditions of high temperature, humidity and salinity.

Extensive self-supervisionThe protection relays feature exten-sive self-supervision of the electron-ics and software, and integrated trip circuit supervision for the main trip circuit. The self-supervision system manages run-time fault situations and alerts the user to any internal relay faults. Should a permanent relay fault be detected, all protection stages and outputs are blocked to prevent the IED from malfunctioning. Addition-ally, an indicator LED lights and a fault code is generated for rapid fault identification.

Feeder protection relayABB has designed the feeder protec-tion relay to offer an advanced yet cost-effective, solution for the protec-tion of incoming and outgoing feed-ers. It is a multi-function and multi-purpose overcurrent and earth-fault relay that is particularly suited to industrial power system and process applications. In addition to compre-hensive basic protection functions, it provides thermal overload protection, phase discontinuity protection, multi-shot auto-reclosing and trip circuit supervision.

As an option, the feeder protection relay can be fitted with an arc protec-tion system that uses combined light and current detection to avoid false tripping and to increase system sta-bility. As well as increasing personnel safety, the system reduces damage in the event of an arc fault.

For more information. please contact Mr. Henrik Sundell or Mr. Allan Orn

ABB Oy, Distribution AutomationP.O.B 699

65101 VAASA, FINLANDhttp://www.abb.com/substationautomation/