Copyright IFAC Power Plants and Power Systems Control, ELSEVIER

Seoul, Korea, 2003

IFAC
PUBLICATIONS
www.elsevier.com/locate/ifac

A DIRECTIONAL RELAY ALGORITHM USING POSITIVE-SEQUENCE SUPERIMPOSED QUANTITY

FOR TRANSMISSION LINE PROTECTION

Myoung Soo Lee*, Seok Ku You

Department ofElectrical Engineering, Hanyang University, Korea,

Abstract: Directional elements are fundamental to protection scheme security and

selectivity, perfonning such critical tasks as supervising distance elements and controlling
overcurrent elements. But, conventional operating principles for directional detection,
based on negative or zero sequence voltages or currents polarization in some cases do not
satisfy the requirements for improved sensitivity and fast operation under vary system
conditions.
In this paper, new algorithm for directional elements is proposed. The proposed
algorithm use the positive-sequence superimposed voltages and currents in order to be
used in all fault conditions. Also, because this algorithm uses a voltage compensation
method, it can be well operated under strong source conditions. Copyright 2003 IFA C

Keywords: Superimposed Positive-sequence Quantity, Directional Element, Transmission

Line Protection

1. INTRODUCTION
Directional elements are fundamental to protection
scheme security and selectivity, performing such
critical tasks as supervising distance elements and
controlling overcurrent elements. Conventional
directional detection methods are based on the
changes in the phase relationship between a
measured phasor and a reference (polarizing) phasor
(Apostolv, 1999). Conventional negative-sequence
directional elements base their measurements on the
phase angle between the negative-sequence voltage
and current. This directional element can be shown
that the negative-sequence voltage developed during
a fault is inversely proportional to the strength of the
source either behind relay for a forward fault or in
front of the relay for a reverse fault. That is, the
stronger the source (the lower the source impedance),
the less the negative-sequence voltage is produced.
This fact, coupled with the effect of fault resistance,
which tends to lower the amount of fault current (and
negative-sequence current) available during a fault,
produces a minimum sensitivity for the conventional
negative sequence-directional element (Fleming,
405
1998).
Conventional zero-sequence directional elements use
their measurements on the phase angle between the
zero-sequence voltage and current. The zero-
sequence polarized directional elements are reliable
in the applications which parallel lines with common
buses at both line ends do not cause zero-sequence
polarized directional elements to make incorrect fault
direction declarations. But, zero-sequence polarized
directional elements can misoperate in parallel lines
with high zero-sequence mutual coupling (ZoM) and
isolated zero-sequence sources (Roberts, 1994).
In this paper, new algorithm for directional elements
is proposed. The proposed algorithm use the positive-
sequence superimposed voltages and currents in
order to be used in all fault conditions. Also, because
this algorithm uses a voltage compensation method,
it can be well operated under strong source
conditions.
2. CONVENTIONAL DIRECTIONAL ELEMENT
A. Negative-Sequence Directional Element
The conventional negative-sequence element is one
that looks at the negative-sequence voltage on, and
 negative-sequence current through, a transmission Where MTAa is the characteristic angle of the
line and compares the relative phase angles of the transmission line. The zero-sequence polarized
two quantities. Shown in Fig. 1 is negative-sequence directional elements are reliable in the applications
element characteristic. which parallel lines with common buses at both line
ends do not cause zero-sequence polarized
IMG directional elements to make incorrect fault direction
declarations. But, zero-sequence polarized directional
elements can misoperate in parallel lines with high
zero-sequence mutual coupling (ZoM) and isolated
zero-sequence sources (Roberts, 1994).
,,
,
,, New Directional Algorithm based on Positive-
.. Sequence Superimposed Quantity
\\ 12
Forward
A. Selection of Sequence Component for New
Directional Algorithm
Fig. 1 Negative-Sequence Directional Element Characteristics The directional algorithm can be control operation of
distance relay element or overcurrent relay element
This characteristic is described by the equation (1). under all fault conditions. Table 1 represents
available sequence component quantities for all fault
conditions.

Where MTA2 is the characteristic angle of the TABLE 1 AVAILABLE SEQUE1'\CE CO~PO:--;8\'TS

transmission line. This directional element can be Sequence Quantity Positive ! Negative Zero
shown that the negative-sequence voltage developed Single-Line-to-Ground 0 0 0
during a fault is inversely proportional to the strength Phase-to-Phase I 0 0 X
of the source either behind relay for a forward fault Double-Line-to-Ground i 0 0 0
or in front of the relay for a reverse fault. That is, the 3 Phase 0 X X
stronger the source (the lower the source impedance),
the less the negative-sequence voltage is produced. From the Table 1, the available sequence quantities
This fact, coupled with the effect of fault resistance, under all conditions are only positive-sequence
which tends to lower the amount of fault current (and quantity. Therefore, directional algorithm must use
negative-sequence current) available during a fault, positive-sequence current and voltage to do so that
produces a minimum sensitivity for the conventional direction distinction may be applicable under all fault
negative sequence-directional element (Fleming, conditions.
1998). But, positive-sequence current measured by relay can
be misoperate by effect of load current. Also,
B. Zero-Sequence Directional Element conventional directional algorithm cannot determine
The conventional zero-sequence element is one that correct direction if it does not use polarity voltage or
looks at the zero-sequence voltage on, and zero- memory voltage because all 3-phase voltage become
sequence current through, a transmission line and o when 3-phase solid fault happened at relay
compares the relative phase angles of the two location.
quantities. Shown in Fig. 2 is zero-sequence element Therefore, in this paper, superimposed positive-
characteristic. sequence current and superimposed positive-
sequence voltage is used.
IMG

310
B. New Directional Algorithm based on
Reverse Superimposed Positive-Sequence Quantity
Shown in Fig. 3 is the fault component system of a
forward fault (F 1) and a reverse fault (F2).

,,
.\, 31 0
Local Source
lI.V
Tran5tlllsslon Una
lI.l
RamoteSolll'Ce

Forward

Fig. 2 Zero-Sequence Directional Element Characteristics

Fig. 3 Variation of Voltage and Current under Fault Condition
This characteristic is described by the equation (2).
The superimposed positive-sequence current and
voltage as seen at relay location in Fig. 3 are the

406
changes AV I and AI. caused by the application of the
fault at location F I or F2 This superimposed
positive-sequence voltage and current measured by
subtracting pre-fault signals at the relay location
from the corresponding fault signals (McLaren,
1995)(He, 1998).
.1. VI = VI - VIP
MI =I 1 -liP
Where,
AVI Superimposed positive-sequence voltage
VI Positive-sequence voltage
VIP Pre-fault positive-sequence voltage
&1 Superimposed positive-sequence current
I1 Positive-sequence current
lIP Pre-fault positive-sequence currtnt
From the equation (3) and (4), the time-delay
between the signals subtracted must be an integral
number of cycles and it is this time delay which
determines the duration of the superimposed signals
(McLaren, 1995). In this paper, this time delay uses
5 cycles for considering the operating time of
instantaneous relay element.
From the Fig. 3, when fault occurs in fault location
F.. the direction of superimposed current (AIl) passes
from source to line and the magnitude of
superimposed voltage (V I) decreases, therefore
become opposite direction almost with direction of
positive-sequence voltage V.. when fault occurs in
fault location F2, the direction of superimposed
current (AIl) passes from line to source and the
magnitude of superimposed voltage (V I) is equal
with voltage change amount direction of positive-
sequence voltage (AV I) in fault location F I .
Fig. 4 represents the phase angle relationship
between superimposed voltage and current.
lUG lUG
---7f-':-.L-+-_ RE ---r+:-~_RE
61,
(a) Forward Fault (b) Reverse Fault
Fig 4 Phase Relationship between.1. V I and 6 It
In this paper, proposed algorithm is implemented
using an amplitude comparator. An amplitude
comparator is a generic type of relay function
measurement technique that compares the magnitude
of an "Operate" quantity versus "Restraint" quantity
to determine if the relay function should be operate
or not (GE). "Operate" quantity and "Restraint"
quantity can be obtained by equation (7), (8).
Restraint = 16 V; - MlzlLI (8)
Fig. 5 represents the relationship between "Operate"
quantity and "Restraint" quantity.
lUG
(3)
(4)
(a) Forward Fault (b) Reverse Fault
Fig. 5 Relationship between Operate and Restraint
Because back source impedance is small, in case of
strong source that voltage measured by relay in high
impedance fault occurrence in remote is small,
superimposed positive-sequence voltage (AV.)
measured by relay can close to 0, therefore
conventional directional algorithm may not act
reliably.
Directional element can be shown that the sequence
voltage developed during a fault is inversely
proportional to the strength of the source either
behind relay for a forward fault or in front of the
relay for a reverse fault. That is, the stronger the
source (the lower the source impedance), the less the
sequence voltage is produced. This fact, coupled with
the effect of fault resistance, which tends to lower the
amount of fault current (and negative-sequence
current) available during a fault, produces a
minimum sensitivity for the conventional negative
sequence-directional element.
Therefore, the proposed algorithm use voltage
compensation techniques based on polarity voltage in
relay location. So, even if magnitude of AV I closes
to 0 in relay location, it makes AV I .
This compensation technique is implemented by
modifying "Operate" quantity and "Restraint"
quantity as equation (9), (10).
Operate = 16f'; - (I + K) M,ZIL/ (9)
Restraint = 16 V; - (1- K) M.Z IL / (10)
Where K is a "Compensation Factor" (Andrichak). In
this paper, this factor sets 0.5. Direction criterion use
"Operate" and "Restraint" calculated by equation (9),
(10). This direction criterion is represented by
equation (11).
Direction = Operate - Restraint (11)
From equation (11), if Direction > 0, forward fault is
declared. Otherwise, reverse fault is declared.
3. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
The performance of the proposed directional
algorithm was evaluated for different faults on a 154
(7) kV 25 km overhead transmission line as shown in
407
 Figure 6. The system parameters used in the and 3-phase fault in 1 times back source impedance,
simulations are given in Table 2. The EMTDC was respectively.
used to generate fault current and voltage signals
under different faults. I I I J I
I. FllUltj"........... t.......... T......."""'!...............
The sampling frequency was set to 1440-Hz : 24 if I I I
......4...... I I I I
samples per cycle in a 60-Hz system and fault point
is 95% point of total line length from A bus. And : ft
I

I ,
I I I
tf~
I I
I

I
fault resistance was set to 30 Q. ....leo.. I I I I
I I I I I

A S/S BSIS
I
I
I
frr,,..
I
I I

I
I

I
J
I
,...... I r I I
! ' I
I"'" D.$GO e.sn 0,.," ,.us .!JM lJ.J~~

"ft [iCl

Fig. 7 AG Fault(5% Forward Fault)

Fig 6 Strong Source Model System

From the Fig. 7 Zero-sequence directional algorithm
and negative-sequence directional algorithm operated
TABLE. 2 MODEL SYSTEM PARAMETER at 2.78 ms and proposed algorithm operated at
,

;
i;,,',..

Positive Zero 4.86ms

Self Mutual A8CS F.wt ( FL = !ll5~ )

Source ! Strong I O.7+j4.95 2.1+j14.8S I I . ~ .I . I

:.""i........1'........
F.ull

(0) ! Weak! 0.8+i3.S9 ; 3.7+jlS.85 Vf. ..t . "'......

l
'--
Line(nlkm)
-...l
I 0.1 006+jO.4667 I O.309+j 1.301
....-i- --l-
0.208+jO.696
....._ ...._ _
NOw ................., .. .
I
I
I
'I
~
I
I
I
I
I I 1 I I
I I ~ I I
To simulate the strong source which characteristic is I I ~ I I
Zero -1
small voltage drop, the back source impedance must I I 1 I I
I I , I I
be set to low. Therefore, in this paper, the back . .I , ~. 1.'...., I . I
source impedance decrease from 1 to 0.01 times of I !\l I I
Ne>alavo -/... I ~ .~ .,j
~ I
strong source impedance in Table 2. ...!'AS .MO u.s.s .5.. UIS i:lll O.slS

Table 3 shows comparison of proposed algorithm Tilft. [1ft.)

with conventional directional algorithm when Fig. 8 3-Phase Fault(95% Forwrad Fault)
changed back source impedance.
From the Fig. 8, conventional algorithm not operated
TABLE 3. VARIATION OF BACK SOURCE IMPEDA.'-:CE and proposed algorithm operated at 2.78ms
Source i Fault Directional Algorithm
Impedance Type I Negative Zero ! New 4. CONCLUSION
!
AG Operate Operate ~ Operate

BCG Op<"'1'3.te Operate ~ Operate

1 In this paper, conventional directional algorithm
~ BCS Operate I Nonoperate Operate
I ABCS Nonoperate i! Nonoperate Operate I cannot operate balanced fault such as 3-phase fault
AG Nonoperate Operate Operate but proposed algorithm could distinguish fault
BCG Operate Operate Operate direction exactly in balanced fault as well as
0.5
BCS I Operate Nonoperate Operate
unbalanced fault because took advantage of
ABCS Nonoperate ! Nonoperate Operate
AG I Nonoperate Operate I Operate superimposed positive-sequence voltage and current
BCG Operate I Operate Operate regardless of fault type. Also, the lower the back
0.1
BCS Operate I Nonoperate Operate source impedance, the more conventional algorithm
! ABCS Nonoperate Nonoperate ! Operate ~ is misoperated, but proposed algorithm is well
AG Nonoperate Operate Operate
Operate
operated regardless of change of back source
BCG Operate Operate
0.05 impedance.
BCS Operate Nonoperate Operate
I
ABCS ! Nonoperate Nonoperate ~ Operate
REFERENCES
AG Nonoperate Nonoperate Operate
0.01
BCG Nonoperate I Nonoperate Operate ! Andrichak J. G. and Patel S. C., Polarizing Source for Directional
BCS Nonoperate Nonoperate Operate Ground Relay
! ABCS Nonoperate I Nonoperatc Operate Apostolov A.(l999), Implementation of a Transient Energy
Method for Directional Detection in Numerical Distance
Relays, IEEE Transmission and Distribution Conference
From the table 3, the lower the back source Fleming Bill, Negative-Sequence Impedance Directional Element,
impedance, the less the sequence voltage is 1998
produced. That is, it becomes near to strong source, GE, DLP-Digital Line Protection, GET8037
He Beneteng, Jin Huafeng, Li Ju(1998), The Energy Based
negative-sequence directional relay algorithm and Directional Protection of Transmission Lines,
zero-sequence directional relay algorithm misoperate International Conference ofPOWERCON98. Vol. 2.
and the proposed algorithm can well operate McLaren SM P .G., etc(1995), A New Directional Element for
Numerical Distance Relays, IEEE Trans. on Power
regardless of change of equivalence back source Delivery, Vol. 10, No. 2, April.
impedance. Roberts J. and Guzman A.(1994), "Directional Element Design
Fig 7 and 8 represent the single-line-to-ground fault and Evaluation", WPRC, October

408