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21 (Distance Protection)

Saranraj K
Siemens Ltd
HVDC –Services.

Unrestricted
 21
What is a distance protection relay?

Distance protection relays are applied to protect

transmission lines. They work on measuring the
impedance. To state the principle of a distance relay
in a simple way: “when the fault occurs
on the protected line, the relay measures impedance,
which is less than the total line impedance,
and will result in its operation.”
Thus they work on under impedance principle.
 21
How is the impedance measured by the distance relays?

As explained earlier distance relays measure impedance

and operate when the measured impedance is
less than the set impedance. Impedance
can be calculated by dividing the voltage by current
Distance Protection (21)

Z = (v/i) . ( )
= (v/i).cos( )+j (v/i).sin( )
BUSBAR

CB CT
=R+jX
i PT v
R = (v/i).cos( )
X =(v/i).sin( )
21
Distance Protection (21)
BUSBAR

BUSBAR
CB CT CT CB
Transmission Line

PT PT

21 21
Distance Protection (21)
BUSBAR

BUSBAR
CB CT CT CB
Transmission Line

PT PT

21 21

Communication Communication Channel Communication

Device Device
Distance Protection (21) R-X Plane of
X Distance Function

R
Distance Protection (21) R-X Plane of
X Distance Function

Line Angle
=tan-1(X/R)
X= Line Reactance
R= Line Resistance

R
Forward
Reverse
Distance Protection (21) R-X Plane of
X Distance Function

100% of Line

Covers
Zone-1 80% or 85% of Line Impedance

Mho Characteristics
Distance Protection (21) R-X Plane of
X Distance Function

Zone-2 Covers
120% of Line

Mho Characteristics
Distance Protection (21) R-X Plane of
X Distance Function

Covers
100% of Line
Zone-3 +
100% of Longest Line
From Next Bus

R
Reverse Zone
As an offset of Zone-3

Mho Characteristics
Distance Protection (21) R-X Plane of
X Distance Function

Zone-3

Zone-2

Zone-1

R
Reverse Zone
As an offset of Zone-3

Mho Characteristics
Distance Protection (21) R-X Plane of
X Distance Function

Zone-3
Start Zone
Zone-2

Zone-1

R
Reverse Zone
As an offset of Zone-3

Mho Characteristics
 Distance Protection (21) R-X Plane of
Distance Function
X

Start Zone

Zone-3
Load
Angle
Zone-2

Zone-1 Load Area

(export)
Load Area R
(import)
Reverse Zone
As an offset of Zone-3
Mho Characteristics
 Distance Protection (21) R-X Plane of
Distance Function
X

Start Zone

Zone-3
Load
Encroachment
Zone-2

Zone-1 Load Area

(export)
Load Area R
(import)
Reverse Zone
As an offset of Zone-3
Mho Characteristics
 Distance Protection (21) R-X Plane of
Distance Function
X
Start Zone

Lenticular
characteristics
Zone-3
to avoid
wrong operation
Zone-2 due to Load
Encroachment
Zone-1 Load Area
(export)
Load Area R
(import)
Reverse Zone
As an offset of Zone-3
Mho Characteristics
 Distance Protection (21) R-X Plane of
Distance Function
X

Modified Characteristics
to avoid
wrong operation
Start Zone due to Load
Zone-3 Encroachment
Zone-2
Zone-1 Load Area
(export)
Load Area R
(import)

Characteristics used in Numerical Relays to avoid load encroachment

 Basic Distance Schemes

Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3

Typical Settings: T2 = 400ms

T3 = 800ms
 Basic Distance Schemes

Disadvantages:
1. Zone 1 is set to 80% leaves 2 end zones
2. Faults in end zone results in instantaneous tripping at one end
and time delayed tripping at the other end
3. Time delay may lead to system stability problems
4. Sequential clearing leaves no dead time for high speed A/R
cycle (transient fault becomes permanent)
5. Longer clearance time – more damage
 Zone 1 Extension Schemes

Z3
Z2
Z1X
Z1

Z1
Z1X
Z2
Z3

A/R A/R
& &
Z1X Z1X

Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Zone 1 Extension Schemes

Advantages:

1. No signaling channel required (may be used as

temporary replacement for carrier aided scheme
when communications Channel out of service)
2. Provides fast fault clearance at both ends for a
transient fault anywhere along the line length
3. Allow the use of high speed A/R cycle
 Zone 1 Extension Schemes

Disadvantages:

1. Tripping can occur for external faults (but will be

followed by an autoreclose)
2. Basic distance scheme logic applies following
reclose (i.e.; potential for time delayed clearance
for permanent fault)
3. Only suitable to systems where autoreclose is used
(for example, can not be used on cable circuits)
 Types of Aided Tripping Schemes

• Acceleration

• Transfer tripping
- Direct
- Permissive Underreach
- Permissive Overreach

• Blocking
 Direct Transfer Trip

Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

Trip Logic : Z1
Trip Logic : Rx
Tx Tx
Rx Rx

Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Direct Transfer Trip

Advantages:

1. All faults anywhere along the protected line can be

cleared instantaneously at both line ends
2. Scheme can be advantageous for protecting 3
terminal lines due to ease of application
 Direct Transfer Trip

Disadvantages:

1. A very secure signaling channel is required:-

incorrect operation leads to false tripping.
2. Circuit breakers at both line ends must be closed
and contribute fault current to obtain high speed
fault clearance
3. If the channel fails only the basic scheme logic will
be provided
 PUTT
Permissive Underreach Transfer Trip
Scheme
 Permissive Underreach Transfer Trip

Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

Hold Signal for Z2 Element Send Logic : Z1

Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Tx Tx
0 0
100 Rx Rx 100

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Underreach Transfer Trip

Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

Send Logic : Z1
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Tx Tx
0 0
100 Rx Rx 100

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Underreach Transfer Trip

Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

Send Logic : Z1
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Tx Tx
0 0
100 Rx Rx 100

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Underreach Transfer Trip

Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

Send Logic : Z1
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Tx Tx
0 0
100 Rx Rx 100

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Underreach Transfer Trip

Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

Send Logic : Z1
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Tx Tx
0 0
100 Rx Rx 100

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Underreach Transfer Trip

Advantages:

1. Only a simplex signaling channel required

2. Scheme is very secured as signaling channel only
keyed for internal fault (Zone 1 initiation)
 Permissive Underreach Transfer Trip

Disadvantages:

1. If one terminal of the line is open

Then only
2. If there is a weak infeed at one terminal basic scheme
logic will apply
3. If signaling channel fail

4. Resistive coverage is governed by Zone 1 setting

(may be limited on short lines) Fig: Next Slide
Resistive Fault X

Zone-3
Actual Measured
Actual Fault Point
Impedance
Zone-2

Zone-1

R
 POTT
Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
Scheme
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip

Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
Tx Tx

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
Internal Fault
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
Tx Tx

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
Internal Fault
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
Tx Tx

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
Internal Fault
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
Tx Tx

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
Internal Fault
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
Tx Tx

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
External Fault
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
Tx Tx

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
External Fault
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
Tx Tx

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
CB Echo Logic
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open

1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Z3 T3 Open Terminal Echo: CB Open + Rx T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
CB Echo Logic
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open

1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Z3 T3 Open Terminal Echo: CB Open + Rx T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
CB Echo Logic
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open

1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Z3 T3 Open Terminal Echo: CB Open + Rx T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
CB Echo Logic
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open

1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Z3 T3 Open Terminal Echo: CB Open + Rx T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
CB Echo Logic
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open

1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Z3 T3 Open Terminal Echo: CB Open + Rx T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
CB Echo Logic
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open

1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Z3 T3 Open Terminal Echo: CB Open + Rx T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
CB Echo Logic
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open

1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Z3 T3 Open Terminal Echo: CB Open + Rx T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
CB Echo Logic
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open

1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Z3 T3 Open Terminal Echo: CB Open + Rx T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
WI Echo Logic
Z4
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2 Z4

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open
Z4 & & Z4
1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Send Logic : Z2
Z3 T3 Trip Logic : Rx + Z2 T3 Z3
Open Terminal Echo : CB Open + Rx
Weak Infeed echo : Z4 + Rx
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
WI Echo Logic
Z4
Z2
Z1
A B

Strong Z1 Weak
Source Z2 Source

Z4

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open
Z4 & & Z4
1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Send Logic : Z2
Z3 T3 Trip Logic : Rx + Z2 T3 Z3
Open Terminal Echo : CB Open + Rx
Weak Infeed echo : Z4 + Rx
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
WI Echo Logic Relay B failed to see any fault
Z4 Internal Fault due to weak infeed
Z2
Z1
A B

Strong Z1 Weak
Source Z2 Source

Z4

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open
Z4 & & Z4
1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Send Logic : Z2
Z3 T3 Trip Logic : Rx + Z2 T3 Z3
Open Terminal Echo : CB Open + Rx
Weak Infeed echo : Z4 + Rx
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
WI Echo Logic Relay B failed to see any fault
Z4 Internal Fault due to weak infeed
Z2
Z1
A B

Strong Z1 Weak
Source Z2 Source

Z4

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open
Z4 & & Z4
1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Send Logic : Z2
Z3 T3 Trip Logic : Rx + Z2 T3 Z3
Open Terminal Echo : CB Open + Rx
Weak Infeed echo : Z4 + Rx
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
WI Echo Logic Relay B failed to see any fault
Z4 Internal Fault due to weak infeed
Z2
Z1
A B

Strong Z1 Weak
Source Z2 Source

Z4

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open
Z4 & & Z4
1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Send Logic : Z2
Z3 T3 Trip Logic : Rx + Z2 T3 Z3
Open Terminal Echo : CB Open + Rx
Weak Infeed echo : Z4 + Rx
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
WI Echo Logic Relay B failed to see any fault
Z4 Internal Fault due to weak infeed
Z2
Z1
A B

Strong Z1 Weak
Source Z2 Source

Z4

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open
Z4 & & Z4
1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Send Logic : Z2
Z3 T3 Trip Logic : Rx + Z2 T3 Z3
Open Terminal Echo : CB Open + Rx
Weak Infeed echo : Z4 + Rx
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
WI Echo Logic
Z4 External Fault
Z2
Z1
A B

Strong Z1 Weak
Source Z2 Source

Z4

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open
Z4 & & Z4
1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Send Logic : Z2
Z3 T3 Trip Logic : Rx + Z2 T3 Z3
Open Terminal Echo : CB Open + Rx
Weak Infeed echo : Z4 + Rx
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
WI Echo Logic
Z4 External Fault
Z2
Z1
A B

Strong Z1 Weak
Source Z2 Source

Z4

CB & & CB
Open Rx Rx Open
Z4 & & Z4
1 Tx Tx 1

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Send Logic : Z2
Z3 T3 Trip Logic : Rx + Z2 T3 Z3
Open Terminal Echo : CB Open + Rx
Weak Infeed echo : Z4 + Rx
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip

Advantages:

1. Provides better resistive coverage, especially on

short lines, where MHO measuring elements are
used. Fig: Next Slide
2. For cases where one line terminal is open, open
breaker echo logic can be used
3. For case of weak or zero infeed at one line
terminal, weak infeed logic can be used (reverse
looking zone required)
Resistive Fault X

Zone-3
Actual Measured
Actual Fault Point
Impedance
Zone-2

Zone-1

R
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
Internal Resistive Fault
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
Tx Tx

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
Internal Resistive Fault
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
Tx Tx

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip
Internal Resistive Fault
Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
Tx Tx

& &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Permissive Overreach Transfer Trip

Disadvantages:

1. Duplex Signaling channel required

2. Scheme is theoretically less secure than PUTT as
signaling channel is keyed for external faults.
3. If signaling channel fails then only Basic scheme
logic apply
 Blocking Scheme – Internal fault

Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z3 + Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
& Tx Tx &

& T1 T1 &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Blocking Scheme – Internal fault

Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z3 + Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
& Tx Tx &

& T1 T1 &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Blocking Scheme – External fault

Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z3 + Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
& Tx Tx &

& T1 T1 &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
Distance Protection (21) R-X Plane of
Distance Function
X

Zone-2

Zone-1

Zone-3
Reverse Zone Mho Characteristics
 Blocking Scheme – External fault

Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z3 + Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
& Tx Tx &

& T1 T1 &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Blocking Scheme – External fault

Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z3 + Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
& Tx Tx &

& T1 T1 &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Blocking Scheme – External fault

Z3
Z2
Z1

Z1
Z2
Z3
Send Logic : Z3 + Z2
Trip Logic : Rx + Z2
Rx Rx
& Tx Tx &

& T1 T1 &
Z1 Z1
1 Trip Trip 1
Z2 T2 T2 Z2

Z3 T3 T3 Z3
 Blocking Scheme

Advantages:

1. Only Simplex Signaling channel required

2. Provides better resistive coverage, especially on
short lines, where MHO measuring elements are
used
3. Fast tripping will still be possible at closed end of
line for all fault positions with remote breaker open
4. Fast tripping will be possible at strong infeed
terminal for all fault positions where remote
terminal has no or weak infeed
 Blocking Scheme

Disadvantages:

1. Only two forward zones of protection available

(unless relay has > 3 zones)
2. If signaling channel fails then only basic scheme
logic will apply
3. Current sensitivity is lower as tripping elements
(Z2) are controlled by high set current level
detectors (to ensure blocking elements (Z3/Z4) are
more sensitive than tripping elements)
Permissive Schemes vs. Blocking Schemes

1. Permissive less reliable – require a signal from

remote relay plus local operation to trip
2. Blocking less secure – require a signal from remote
to prevent a trip
3. Permissive schemes are marginally faster and more
sensitive (timer plus high set current elements on
Blocking scheme)
PLC EQT. (ETI) PROTECTION SIGNALLING EQUIPMENT (NSD-41) 21 50BF

3 pt
Tx-PILOT
4
21
ab Z1(PUTT)
Speech & 5
Z2(POTT)
Tx-Command +
6 G
1 +
SEND A
st f 2 -
9 AT
3 +
START A
AS 4 - 50BF
5 + SEND B
+

BT 6 -
7 + START B
PT ST AB
BS 8 -
9 +
OUTPUT A
10 - To Trip
ar 11 +
OUTPUT B Ckt
-40 Volt
2 12 -
+0 Volt 10 br

Speech & 21
Rx-Command B-Rx (+) Z2/Start
7 SIGNALING A-Rx (+) (Permissive)
8 RECEIVER
BLACK BOX AR BR
Pilot-Rx (-)
Rx-PILOT
The End