Testing Distance Protection

Practical Example of Use

Testing Distance Protection

Manual Version: Expl_DST.AE.1 - Year 2011

OMICRON electronics. All rights reserved.
This manual is a publication of OMICRON electronics GmbH.
All rights including translation reserved.
The product information, specifications, and technical data embodied in this manual represent the technical
status at the time of writing and are subject to change without prior notice.
We have done our best to ensure that the information given in this manual is useful, accurate, up-to-date and
reliable. However, OMICRON electronics does not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies which may be
present.
The user is responsible for every application that makes use of an OMICRON product.
OMICRON electronics translates this manual from the source language English into a number of other
languages. Any translation of this manual is done for local requirements, and in the event of a dispute between
the English and a non-English version, the English version of this manual shall govern.

Preface
This paper describes how to test distance protection zones. It contains an application example which will be
used throughout the paper. The theoretical background of the distance protection function will be explained.
This paper also covers the definition of the necessary Test Object settings as well as the
Hardware Configuration for distance protection tests. Finally the Distance or Advanced Distance test
modules are used to perform the tests which are needed for the distance protection zones.
Supplements:
Requirements:

OMICRON 2011

Sample Control Center file Example_Distance_Distance_ENU.occ (referred to in

this document).
Test Universe 2.40 or later; Distance or Advanced Distance and Control Center
licenses.

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Application Example
Network Coupling Transformer
231 kV/115.5 kV/10.5 kV(16%)
160 (42) MVA
Z = 14.2%
Yyn0d5

t/s
1.6
1.2
0.8
0.4
0.0

220 kV
Ssc=15 GVA

Z
t

Z
t

32.5 km

110 kV
BB A

110 kV
BB B

10 km

20.1 km

110 kV
BB C

Feeder of the application example

Figure 1: Network and zone diagram of the application example

110 kV
Protection functions
(21)
Characteristic of distance zones: Quadrilateral or Mho
600/1

Distance Relay

Figure 2: Feeder connection diagram of the application example

Note: Testing of associated functions (e.g., Automatic Reclosure, Switch on to Fault), are not part of this
document.

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Parameter Name

Parameter Value

Frequency

50 Hz

VT (primary/secondary)

110000 V / 110 V

CT (primary/secondary)

600 A /1 A

Power System Data

Distance protection
general settings
Distance protection
pickup settings (secondary
values)

Solidly grounded

Transformer starpoint

64

Line angle (short-circuit angle sc)

0.218 /km

Secondary line reactance per length unit (/km)

32.5 km (20.19 miles)

Line length in km (miles)

0.6

Zero sequence compensation factor K0 1)

Angle for the Zero sequence compensation

factor

1.2 s

Trip time for forward-pick-up

1.6 s

Trip time for non-directional pick-up

Overcurrent

Pick-up program
Pick-up value
for phase faults = 1.5 x In CT
3I0 / pick-up value
for neutral current =0.2 x In CT

1.5 A
0.2 A
Forward

Operating mode Z1

X(Z1) Reactance of zone 1

2.9

Rphph (Z1) Resistance for phase to phase faults

of zone 1
Rphe (Z1) Resistance for phase to ground faults
of zone 1
Trip time zone 1 (valid for phase to phase and
phase to ground faults)

2.9
0s

Distance protection
zone settings for quadrilateral
shapes (secondary values)

Notes

Forward

Operating mode Z2

9.2

X(Z2) Reactance of zone 2

4.4

Rphph (Z2) Resistance for phase to phase faults

of zone 2
Rphe (Z2) Resistance for phase to ground faults
of zone 2
Trip time zone 2 (valid for phase to phase and
phase to ground faults)

4.4
0.4 s
Reverse

Operating mode Z3

5.6

X(Z3) Reactance of zone 3

2.7

Rphph (Z3) Resistance for phase to phase faults

of zone 3
RphE (Z3) Resistance for phase to ground faults
of zone 3
Trip time zone 3 (valid for phase to phase and
phase to ground faults)

2.7
0.8 s

Notes: 1) = The structure of this parameter is depends on the manufacturers (see chapter 2.3 ). In this example this factor is valid for
all zones.
Table 1: Relay parameters for this example (quadrilateral impedance diagram)

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Parameter Name

Parameter Value

Notes

Forward

Operating mode Z1

6.66

Reach for phase to phase faults of zone 1

6.66

Reach for phase to ground faults of zone 1

Trip time zone 1 (valid for phase to phase and
phase to ground faults)

0s

Distance protection
zone settings for mho shapes
(secondary values)

Forward

Operating mode Z2

10.2

Reach for phase to phase faults of zone 2

10.2

Reach for phase to ground faults of zone 2

Trip time zone 2 (valid for phase to phase and
phase to ground faults)

0.4 s
Reverse

Operating mode Z3

6.22

Reach for phase to phase faults of zone 3

6.22

Reach for phase to ground faults of zone 3

Trip time zone 3 (valid for phase to phase and
phase to ground faults)

0.8 s

Table 2: Relay parameters for this example (mho shape / see table 1 for all other paramters)

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Theoretical Introduction to Distance Characteristics

Distance relays are applied as short-circuit protection in almost all systems where overcurrent relays cannot
be used for reasons of selectivity, a requirement for fault detection or where this is a need for short
disconnection times. They are mainly applied in ring networks with multiple feeds and meshed HV networks.
1.0

1.0

Isc1

Isc3

0.5

Isc2

0.5

Figure 3: Limits of application for overcurrent protection relays

2.1

Impedance Diagrams
Based on the primary line data and the projected object data, the reach and the behavior during arc faults
are defined in the impedance diagram.
110 kV

600 A
1A

Zline 0.404 64, 32.5 km

110kV
3

BB A

110 V
3

Figure 4: 110 kV line configuration

220 kV
Ssc=15 GVA
Zone 2
Zone 1

t/s
1.6
1.2
0.8
0.4
0.0

Z
t

Zone 3
110 kV
BB A

110 kV
BB B

Figure 5: Time grading diagram for this example

There are different types of impedance characteristics. For this example only the Quadrilateral and Mho
types will be used.

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2
1

3
1

4
1
5
1
1.
2.
3.

4
1

2
1

4.

5.
6.

Settings of zone 1
Settings of zone 2
Settings of zone 3
Setting of the line angle (it depends on the
type of relay, whether this setting exists or
not)
Setting of the distance characteristic angle
Directional characteristic (the directional
characteristic depends on the type of relay)

5
1

6
1
3
1

Figure 6: Settings of an impedance diagram (quadrilateral) for a 7SA6 (Siemens AG)

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4
1

2
1

5
1

1
3

1
6

7
1

7
1
5
1

4
1

1.
2.

1
2

3.
4.

5.
6.
7.

Setting of zone 1 for phase faults

Setting of zone 2 for phase faults
Setting of zone 3 for phase faults
Setting of zone 1 for ground faults
Setting of zone 2 for ground faults
Setting of zone 3 for ground faults
Setting of the line angle

3
1
6
1

Figure 7: Settings of an impedance diagram (mho) for a SEL 421

Note: For the logic of the Ground Distance Elements see chapter 2.3 .

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2.2

Line Impedance Angle (Short-Circuit Angle)

A factor which is characteristic of a particular fault is the short-circuit angle between the fault voltage and
current. This angle depends on the voltage level and the protected equipment (e.g., overhead line, cable and
transformer). This can be examined more closely.

Short circuit
angle sc

380 kV

220 kV

110 kV

10 ... 30 kV

Electric arc

Approx. 85

Approx. 80

Approx. 72

30 ... 50

Approx. 0

Table 3: Short-circuit angle and voltage levels

a)
b)

7SA6 (Siemens AG)

SEL 421

1105

1211

Figure 8: Line impedance angle for different distance protection devices

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2.3

Zero-Sequence Compensation
Phase to Phase Fault

Phase to Ground Fault

Protected Line
Relay

1- Zline

Zline

Protected Line
Relay

Zline

1- Zline
Zline = Line impedance

1- Zline

Zline

1- Zline

Zline

Zline
Zline

1- Zline
Zg

= Ground impedance

= Fault position (0...1)

1- Zline

= Fault loop

1- Zg

Zg

Zloop 2 Zline

Zloop
2Zline

Zg

1- Zg

Zloop Zline Zg

Zloop
Zline Zg

For phase to phase faults the distance between the relay and the fault can be calculated from the loop
impedance by just using the line impedance. However, for phase to ground faults the ground impedance is
also needed. To take the ground impedance into account, a zero sequence compensation factor (grounding
factor) is used. The definition of this factor depends on the manufacturer of the relay:
Factor

Definition

kL

RE
X
and E
RL
XL
Z0
ZL

OMICRON 2011

Zg
Zline
Z0 ZL
3ZL

Rg

RE
1 R

0 1
RL Rline 3 R1

XE
1 X
g

0 1
XL
Xline 3 X1

Manufacturer

Zg
Z0
3
1
Zline
Zline

Examples include AEG, Alstom,

Areva, SEL, Siemens

Examples include Siemens

Examples include ABB

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Some examples for the settings of these parameters are shown below

Figure 9: Zero sequence compensation factor for SEL 421

Figure 10: Zero sequence compensation factor for distance protection devices from SIEMENS

Setting this factor will influence the resulting zone for phase to ground faults as shown below.

X/

1 kL Z1

Zone setting

Resulting zone

Z1

R/

Figure 11: Influence of the zero sequence compensation factor on the zone

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Practical Introduction
The Advanced Distance test module and the Distance test module are designed for testing distance
protection functions (e.g., impedance diagram, trip times, etc.).
Note:

The functionality of the Advanced Distance test module and the Distance test module is
different!

Figure 12: Test View of the Advanced Distance test module and Distance test module

For all following discussions, the Advanced Distance test module is used. This test module
incorporates the functionality of the Distance test module.
The test module can be found on the Start Page of the OMICRON Test Universe. It can also be inserted into
an OCC File (Control Center document).

3.1

Defining the Test Object

Before testing can begin the settings of the relay to be tested must be defined. In order to do that, the
Test Object has to be opened by double clicking the Test Object in the OCC file or by clicking the
Test Object button in the test module.

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3.1.1 Device Settings

General relay settings (e.g., relay type, relay ID, substation details, CT and VT parameters) are entered in
the RIO function Device.

Note:

OMICRON 2011

The parameters V max and I max limit the output of the currents and voltages to prevent
damage to the device under test. These values must be adapted to the respective
Hardware Configuration when connecting the outputs in parallel or when using an amplifier.
The user should consult the manual of the device under test to make sure that its input rating
will not be exceeded.

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3.1.2 Defining the Distance Protection Parameters

More specific data concerning the distance protection relay can be entered in the RIO function Distance.
The definition of the distance impedance diagram has to be made here as well.

Note:

Once an Advanced Distance / Distance test module is inserted, this RIO function is available.

System Settings
The first tab contains the definition of the system data, the relay behavior as well as the relay tolerances.

6
4
1

7
4

3
2
3
4

2
1

5
4

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1.

The line length and line angle are the magnitude and angle of the impedance Z of the protected line.
They are needed to calculate faults correctly with respect to the power system.
Z
R

jX

jX

Protected Line

2.

If the line reactance X is set in the relay, then the impedance Z has to be calculated out of the reactance

X
X l 0.218 km 32.5 km

7.88 (see Table 1).

X and the line angle . Line length = Z
sin sin
sin 64
Regarding the feeder connection diagram (Figure 2) the PT is placed at line. If at busbar is chosen, the
voltage will have the nominal value after tripping.
At line

At busbar

Protected
object;
e.g. line
Busbar

3.

Protected
object;
e.g. line
Busbar

The CT starpoint has to be set according to the connection of the secondary windings of the CT. For this
example the feeder connection diagram (Figure 2) shows that the CT grounding is towards the line.
Dir. line

Busbar

Busbar

4.
5.

6.
7.

Dir. busbar

Relay

Protected
object;
e.g. line

Relay

Protected
object;
e.g. line

Busbar

Busbar

Relay

Protected
object;
e.g. line

Relay

Protected
object;
e.g. line

The impedance and time tolerances are found in the relay manual.
The grounding factor compensates the effect of the ground impedance on the distance zones (see
chapter 2.3 ). For further information on the settings of the grounding factor the Help function should be
used.
Select this checkbox to enter all impedances in primary values.
This checkbox must be activated, if a 5 A relay is tested which uses 1 A as reference for the impedance
calculation..

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Zone Settings
In the second tab, the distance zones are entered.

As shown above, no zone is set by default. Click New to insert a zone. Afterwards the characteristic editor
can be opened by clicking edit. Here the distance zone can be entered.

Click Add to add a new element to the Element list. The element can be either a line or an arc.
> A line has to be set with an angle and a point on the line. This point can be set either in cartesian or in
polar coordinates. Therefore, the options Line cartesian and Line polar exist.
> A circle has to be set with a center point, a radius, a start angle, an end angle as well as a direction. As
the center can be set in cartesian as well as in polar coordinates, the options Arc cartesian and
Arc polar can be used.

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It is also possible to use Predefined shapes.

1
1
1.
2.
3.

Mho shape
Lens/Tomato shape
Quadrilateral

Now the zones can be defined by combining several elements.

Note:

The shape of a distance zone depends on the type of relay as well as on the settings in the
relay. The shape can be found in the relay manual. The elements for one quadrilateral as well
as for one mho shape are shown below.

Quadrilateral shape (Siemens 7SA6)

Mho shape (SEL 421)

X/

X/

Z1
X1

R/

R/

R1
Relay Parameters

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Relay Parameters

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After the first zone has been defined, the Zone settings tab will look like this:

1
2

If additional zones are required the first zone can be copied (1) and appended to the list (2). Afterwards the
settings of the other zones can be adapted. After all the zones have been entered the list could look like this:
3

3.
4.
5.

6.
7.

The number of each zone can be defined here.

The label of the zones is set automatically but a name can also be entered manually.
Four different types of zones can be defined:
> Tripping: These zones resemble the tripping zones of the relay.
> Starting: This is a zone which normally causes starting only. It is also possible to define a range
on the impedance plane in which starting will be followed by tripping after the maximum operating
time.
> Extended: This is a tripping zone which is only activated occasionally, e.g., by means of "manual
close" detection, autoreclosure, etc.
> Non tripping: There can be no tripping in this zone, even if it is overlapped by a tripping zone.
One example of its use is to model load blinding.
With this option the fault loop for each zone can be defined. Therefore, it is possible to set different zones
for phase to phase or phase to ground faults.
Each zone can also be deactivated.

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After all of the zones are defined, the tripping time for each zone can be set. It is also possible to define
separate tolerances for each of the zones.

Note:

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In this example different starting zones have been defined. The zones ZS1 are only in the
forward direction. Therefore, the forward directional end time is set as the tripping time for these
zones. The zones ZS2 cover the complete impedance plane and, therefore, have the nondirectional end time as the tripping time (see Table 1).

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3.2

Global Hardware Configuration of the CMC Test Set

The global Hardware Configuration specifies the general input/output configuration of the CMC test set. It
is valid for all subsequent test modules and, therefore, it has to be defined according to the relays
connections. It can be opened by double clicking the Hardware Configuration entry in the OCC file.

3.2.1 Example Output Configuration for Protection Relays with a Secondary Nominal Current of 1 A

VA

VC
VB

VN

IA
IB
IC
IN

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3.2.2 Example Output Configuration for Protection Relays with a Secondary Nominal Current of 5 A

VA

VC
VN

VB

IA

IC
IB

Note:

IN

Make sure that the rating of the wires is sufficient when connecting them in parallel.
The following explanations only apply to protection relays with a secondary nominal current of
1 A.

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3.2.3 Analog Outputs

The analog outputs, binary inputs and outputs can all be activated individually in the local Hardware
Configuration of the specific test module (see chapter 3.3 ).
3.2.4 Binary Inputs
4

1
2

1.
2.
3.

Trip

Start

4.

The start command is optional (it is needed if Starting is selected as a time reference in the test).
The trip command has to be connected to a binary input. BI1 BI10 can be used.
For wet contacts adapt the nominal voltages of the binary inputs to the voltage of the circuit breaker trip
command or select Potential Free for dry contacts.
The binary outputs and the analog inputs etc. will not be used for the following tests.

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3.2.5 Wiring of the Test Set for Relays with a Secondary Nominal Current of 1A
Note:

The following wiring diagrams are examples only. The wiring of the analog current inputs may
be different if additional protective functions such as sensitive ground fault protection are
provided. In this case IN may be wired separately.

Protection
Relay
VA
VB
VC
(-) (-)
IA
IB
IC
IN

Trip
optional

(+)
Start
(+)

Protection
Relay
VA
VB
VC
(-) (-)
IA
IB
IC
IN

Trip
optional

(+)
Start
(+)

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3.3

Local Hardware Configuration for Distance Protection Testing

The local Hardware Configuration activates the outputs/inputs of the CMC test set for the selected test
module. Therefore, it has to be defined for each test module separately. It can be opened by clicking the
Hardware Configuration button in the test module.

3.3.1 Analog Outputs

3.3.2 Binary Inputs

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3.4

Defining the Test Configuration

3.4.1 General Approach

When testing the distance protection function, the following steps are recommended:
> Pick-up Test: The respective pick-up function (e.g., Overcurrent starting) is tested. This test is not
explained in this document.
> Trip time test: The trip times of the distance protection function are verified.
> Zone reach test: The zone reaches of the distance protection are verified.
The trip time test, as well as the zone reach test, is performed with the Advanced Distance test module.

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3.4.2 Trip Time Test

Trigger and Settings tabs:

1
7

4
5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

The trigger for this test will be the trip contact.

The test model will be Constant test current. This test current is automatically set to 2 x Inom. This
current has to be above the pick-up current and so it may have to be increased.
Here the angle at which the fault occurs can be set. In this example the mode of the fault inception is set
to random.
A Load current during the pre-fault state will not be used in this example.
Ignore nominal characteristic ignores the zone settings of the test object for the search test. In this
example it is not selected.
These times define the pre-fault, fault and post-fault states. |t should be ensured, that the Max. fault:
time is longer than the non-directional end time setting.
The time reference defines whether the fault inception or the start contact is used as a reference for the
trip time measurement. In this example it is set to Fault inception.

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Shot Test tab:

1
2

The trip times are tested with the shot test. With this test method test shots can be placed in the impedance
plane. These test shots can either be set manually by entering R and X or |Z| and Phi values or an angle
can be entered (1) and the values can be set relative to the respective zone (2). To do so, the option
|Z| relative has to be selected. If this option is used, the test shots will be adapted whenever the zone
settings change. The Follow line angle change option can also be selected in which the angle of the test
shots will be adapted whenever the line angle changes.
For this test, test shots are placed both inside and outside of the tripping zones. Hence, it is possible to test
the trip times of all the tripping zones, as well as the directional and non-directional end time.

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3.4.3 Zone Reach Test

In the Trigger and the Settings tab the same adjustments as for the trip time test apply.
For the zone reach test the Search Test is used. With this tab the user can define search lines. The test
module applies test shots along these lines to search for the reach of each zone. It is also possible to use
the Check Test. With this test lines are again defined. However, this time test shots will be placed along
these lines outside the tolerance bands. This confirms if the zone reach is within the defined tolerances.

3
1

1
2

5
4

6
3

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Search lines can be defined either by dragging a line in the impedance plane or by setting a start point,
an angle and the length. After a line has been defined, Add is clicked to add them to the list of test lines.
By activating Follow line angle change and Relative test lines can be defined in a way that they adapt
to changes of the zone settings or the line angle.
In the forward and reverse direction, one search line is defined to test the reactance settings X of the
zones.
The resistance settings R of the zones are tested in the same way.
Using search lines in parallel to the resistance search lines, the characteristic angle is confirmed.
Test lines along the line angle can also be set. This confirms that the relay works correctly in the area
where faults normally occur.

Feedback regarding this application is welcome by email at TU-feedback@omicron.at.

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