Static Testing of the Phase and Ground

Quadrilateral Distance Elements in the SEL-4xx

Relays
INTRODUCTION
The SEL-4xx line protection systems (SEL-421 and SEL-411L) have implemented phase and
ground distance zones of protection besides the traditional Mho elements. There are five zones of
protection. Two of which are always in the forward direction (Zone1 and Zone 2) and the remaining
three are settable as forward or reverse. There is no non-directional zone implemented and this
requirement can be achieved by joining two zones, one set forward looking and the other set reverse
looking.
The distance elements are supervised by directional elements that ensure the operation of the
impedance comparisons in the appropriate direction. The behavior of the quadrilateral phase or
ground distance elements, is therefore contingent on the proper operation of the phase or ground
directional elements.
In reference [1] the theory and mathematical equations describing the elements are developed. The
Phase and Ground Quadrilateral elements are adaptive to increase the fault resistance coverage due
to load flow. These adaptive characteristics described in [1] are dynamic, and do cannot be tested
without the proper modelling of a power system. In this application guide, the static characteristics
are demonstrated; these are the ones usually plotted with automatic test sequences from relay-test
equipment.
We recognize that there are different stages of testing for protective relays:
- Acceptance Testing: Where the units are received and evaluate their functionalities,
understanding their functionalities and learning how the relay units operate. These tests
are performed in the laboratory; in a very relaxed and methodic manner.
- Commissioning Testing: Where the units are being installed and placed into service. The
tests performed will lack the detail and methods of those of the acceptance testing due to
the stress and time constrains due to the activity.
This guide is focused on the acceptance testing. It will explain how to test the SEL-4xx line relays
quadrilateral phase and ground distance elements. It will explain how to get the characteristics on
the R-X plane using automated relay testing.
Commissioning testing does not require the detailed testing of the R-X characteristics of distance
elements. R-X plots have been ideally tested during Acceptance testing. Moreover, thousands of
relay engineers have tested the R-X characteristics over the life-span of the relay model; the
programed characteristic does not change (being implemented in code); so if the metering of the
relay system is correct; the relay characteristics will be as expected. In commissioning testing the
important objective is to validate the relay settings; therefore, a few points in and outside the relay
characteristic would suffice and validate the relay settings.
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SEL-421 / SEL-411L QUADRILATERAL PHASE AND GROUND DISTANCE UNITS

Figure 1 - Three Zones of Phase Quadrilateral Distance Protection on the R-X diagram

Figure 1 illustrates the generic R-X diagram for three zones of Phase quadrilateral distance
elements. Quadrilateral Distance elements are complements of Mho distance elements in SEL
relays. The SEL relays with distance elements have implemented both mho and quadrilateral
elements SEL philosophy is to always have the Mho distance elements enabled, especially for
single pole trip (SPT) applications. The subject of this application guide, however, is the discussion
of the quadrilateral element.
Phase distance elements are designed to detect multiphase faults (AB, BC,CA, ABG, BCG, CAG
and ABC). Ground distance elements are designed to detect single phase to ground faults (AG, BG
and CG).
There are six quadrilateral distance units per zone, and these are named: XABn, XBCn, XCAn,
XAGn, XBGn and XCGn (n = 1-5). The purpose of this Application guide is to test each these
elements for phase to phase faults, phase to ground faults and three phase faults.
Figure 1shows the setting parameters for the phase quadrilateral element. Similar parameters are
available for the Ground quadrilateral distance elements.
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Phase Ground Description Comment

Parameter Parameter

Z1ANG Z1ANG Positive Sequence Impedance Line Angle Line Parameter common to both Phase and
Ground.

XPn XGn Line Reach This is the reach of the distance element on the
line angle. It is not a parameter that plots on the
Imaginary X axis. (n := 1-5)

RPn RGn Resistive Reach This is the setting on the R axis. Review the
discussion below for the differences between
ARESE :=Y and ARESE:=N.

TANGP TANGG Non-Homogeneity correction factor Review the discussion below on this parameter.

- K0M/K0A Zero sequence compensation factor Review the discussion below on this parameter

- XPOL Polarizaing Quantity for the Reactance Line and Review the discussion below on this parameter
the reverse flow resistance line

ARESE Enable the Adaptive RESistance Element Review the discussion below on this parameter.

Table 2 - Quadrilateral Distance Unit Settings Parameters

Notice that the characteristic denoted in Figure 1 does not show the traditional directional element line.
Showing it is theoretically incorrect, as the direction to the fault is determined by the measurement of the
source impedance (- Zs for a forward fault) or the system impedance ( + Zx for a reverse fault). The
quadrilateral distance element will operate properly for a fault in the forward direction with a capacitor in
front of it.
Based on the parameters on table 1and Figure 1, the following are discussion points to keep in mind:

a) ARESE :=Y / ARESE := N

The ‘Adaptive RESistance Element’ (ARESE) parameter is applicable to the Ground Quadrilateral
Elements only (XAG, XBG or XCG).
Traditionally, SEL protective relays provided the resistive coverage based on reference [2]. In the
SEL-421-5/4 and the SEL-411L, the adaptive ground quadrilateral element is implemented, as
described in reference [1].
The reactive line, in both implementations remain the same. The difference lies on the resitive
reach. On the R-X diagram, on the apparent impedance plane, with the same settings, the resistive
reach has the relationship shown in the table 2.

RG (Setting) ARESE := Y ARESE := N

Rset Rset Rset/ (1+K0)

For the intent of this application guide, the discussion will center on the testing for ARESE := Y.
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b) K0M / K0A
The zero sequence compensation factor applies to the ground elements only. It compensates the
influence of the zero sequence current on the measurement of the apparent impedance for ground
faults (Iphase + K0 3I0).
𝑍𝐿0 − 𝑍𝐿1
𝐾0 =
3𝑍𝐿1

For static tests, the difference in angles of the zero sequence impedance ZL0 and the positive
sequence impedance ZL1, affects the tilt of the reactance line, as described in reference [3].

Figure 3 Reference [3] influence of ZL0 and ZL1

To properly account for the influence of the different angles of ZL1 and ZL0, the following angle
needs to be added to the tilt of the reactive element

𝑍𝐿0
𝐶𝐴𝑁𝐺 = −arg(2 + )
𝑍𝐿1

If the angles of ZL0 and ZL1 are the same, CANG=0. This small compensation factor most of
the times is insignificant; however, when the angles of the two characteristic impedances are
drastically different, they will make a noticeable influence.

c) XPOL := I2, IG
For the static tests, the choice between polarizing the quadrilateral ground distance element with I2
(Negative sequence current) or IG (Zero sequence current) is transparent to the user. The default
and recommended polarization is with I2.
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d) TANGP and TANGG

The setting TANGP for phase and TANGG for ground compensate for the non-homogeneity of the
power system. In simple terms, this parameter compensates for the difference in the angles in the
power system of the positive sequence (Z1) with respect to the zero sequence (Z0) parameters.
The SEL-421 (or SEL-411L) instruction manual clearly describe the value, as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3 Instruction Manual Calculation of TANGP and TANGG

If XPOL := I2, then the relay forces TANGP = TANGG. IF XPOL := IG, then TANGP and
TANGG can have different values.
The TANGP and TANGG parameters directly affect the tilt of the reactance element in the
respective quadrilateral distance elements, as described also in the instruction manual (Figure 4).

Figure 3 Instruction Manual Illustration of the effect of TANGP and TANGG in the reactance element
If the parameter estimation cannot be done due to several reasons (lack of system data for example)
leave the parameter to its default value (-7 degrees).
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e) Left Resistive Blinder line.

The Quadrilateral element is bounded on the second and third quadrant by a resistive blinder line.
For the phase quadrilateral element, the left resistive blinder is a vertical line on the negative
resistance value set at the negative of the minimum of the RPx (x=1-5) in the same direction. For
example, if RP1 := 5ohms, RP2 := 5 ohms, RP4 := 10 ohms; then all the forward looking zones
(Zones 1, 2 and 4) will have a left resistive blinder on the -5 ohm value.
For the Ground Quadrilateral element, if ARESE := N, then this line, on the R-X diagram, is set
to the negative of the RGx (x :=1-5) setting for the particular zone; and it is tilted to the same angle
as the line angle. For example, if RG1 := 5 ohms, RG2 := 5 ohms and RG4 := 10 ohms; then the
left resistive blinders are set to -5 ohms for zone 1, - 5 ohms for zone 2 and -10 ohms for zone 4.
When ARESE := Y, the ground quadrilateral elements set the left resistive blinder the same as the
phase quadrilateral elements: the negative of the minimum setting of RGx (x:=1-5).

CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE TESTING OF THE STATIC CHARACTERISTICS

1-All test values applied must exceed any supervising overcurrent element settings to allow the
Corresponding distance elements to operate.
2-Assertion of a loss-of-potential condition (LOP) can disable the distance element under test.
So please disable LOP before testing by setting ELOP = N.
3-Pole open logic can internally disable distance elements. So always be sure the CB close
condition asserted during the test (ensure that the appropriate breaker status is being provided to
the relay so that distance elements can assert).
4- The bottom blinder line (line 1) represents the directional element for the all zones
(Represented for the simplicity at R, X plan). This line is dynamically changed for the different
power flow conditions. In addition directional element may respond to different input signal (for
example, negative – or zero sequence currents and voltages) than reactance and resistance
elements. Its actually F32P and R32P elements which are derived from F32Q and R32Q
So it’s complicated to simulate the faults on this line and it shouldn’t testing during zone reach
test.
5- Z1, Z2 always Forward direction but Z3, Z4, Z5 are setting adjustable for reverse or forward,
it’s recommended to keep Z3 reverse.
6- For the ground element if the XGPOL=IG, then the TANGG value should be added to 180 o in
line 3 of the ground zone c/cs.
7- keep the fault impedance constant while increasing the sequence impedance to achieve the
desired directional determination.(constant source impedance system to be selected in Omicron).
8- Ensure that k0 values inserted correctly in test device for the ground zone reach test.
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Drawing procedure of Quad. Zones

This is typical steps you may need to follow up in order to draw quadrilateral phase distance
zones element for different type of faults.
Relay Settings:
Setting Address RANGE VALUE
XP1 ZONE 1 PHASE REACTANCE (OHMS,SEC) 0.25-320 10
RP1 ZONE 1 PHASE RESISTANCE (OHMS,SEC) 0.25-250 30
XG1 ZONE 1 GROUND REACTANCE (OHMS,SEC) 0.25-320 10
RG1 ZONE 1 GROUND RESISTANCE (OHMS,SEC) 0.25-250 30
TANGP PHASE NONHOMOGENEOUS CORRECTION ANGLE (DEG.) -40 TO 40 -7
ARESE ENABLE ADAPTIVE RESISTIVE ELEMENT Y,N N
Z1MAG POSITIVE-SEQUENCE LINE IMPEDANCE MAGNITUDE 0.25-1275 12
(OHMS,SEC)
Z1ANG POSITIVE-SEQUENCE LINE IMPEDANCE ANGLE (DEG.) 5-90 85
Z0MAG ZERO-SEQUENCE LINE IMPEDANCE MAGNITUDE 0.25-1275 36
(OHMS,SEC)
Z0MAG ZERO-SEQUENCE LINE IMPEDANCE ANGLE (DEG.) 5-90 83
XGPOL QUAD GROUND POLARIZING QUANTITY I2,IG I2
ORDER GROUND DIR.PRIORITY Q,V,I QV
DIR3 ZONE 3 DIRECTIONAL CONTROL F,R R
DIR4 ZONE 4 DIRECTIONAL CONTROL F,R F
DIR5 ZONE 5 DIRECTIONAL CONTROL F,R F

TESTING THE PHASE TO GROUND ELEMENT

The static characteristic of the quadrilateral ground element is the one shown in figure 3

jX
TANG + CANG

XG1

Z1ANG RG1
R

Min(RG1, RG2, RG3, RG4, RG5)

Figure 3 Instruction Manual Calculation of TANGP and TANGG

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It is important to setup the test set according to the following:

a) The XG1 is the reach at the line angle. Make sure the test set assumes XG1 value; else, it needs
to be calculated if it is on the jX axis.
b) The test set should consider the TANG + CANG value. It is not a straight line.
c) To ENSURE that the distance elements are being enabled, the recommended test model is the
CONSTANT SOURCE IMPEDANCE model. The directional elements in line protection are
based on the measurement of the source impedance. If other test models are used; keep in mind
that at very low values, the results will be wrong.
d) The bottom blinder line (line 1) represents the directional element for the all zones
(Represented for the simplicity at R, X plan). This line is dynamically changed for the
different power flow conditions. In addition directional element may respond to different
input signal (for example, negative – or zero sequence currents and voltages) than reactance
and resistance elements. Its actually F32P and R32P elements which are derived from F32Q
and R32Q
So it’s complicated to simulate the faults on this line and it shouldn’t testing during zone
reach test.

It is should be possible to test the SEL quadrilateral distance elements with any test set that is properly
applying and calculating the test voltages and currents.
To illustrate an example for testing the quadrilateral ground distance elements, the following steps should
be followed up to create the zone in the test kit.

A- ARESE= Y ( Left blinder fixed at –RG1 FOR ALL ZONES OVER ANGLE 90)
Element Line 1 (Bottom blinder) Line 2 (Right blinder) Line 3 (Top blinder) Line 4 (Left blinder)

R 0 RG1 0 -RG1 (Fixed for all zones)

XG1 * SIN Z1ANG
X 0 0 0
Z1ANG-90 180+TANGG
ø Z1ANG 90
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Using a particular test set software (from OMICRON, Inc.), the following are screen captures for the setup
of the Zone 1 test:
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B- ARESE= N
Element Line 1 (Bottom blinder) Line 2 (Right blinder) Line 3 (Top blinder) Line 4 (Left blinder)

R 0 (RG1/1+k0) 0 -(RG1/1+k0)
XG1 * SIN Z1ANG
X 0 0 0
Z1ANG-90
ø Z1ANG 180+TANGG Z1ANG

Using a particular test set software (from OMICRON, Inc.), the following are screen captures for the setup
of the Zone 1 test:
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TESTING FOR PHASE TO PHASE FAULTS

This example illustrate the way to draw the zone 1 for Ph-Ph faults, the same procedure shall be
followed up for other zones
Element Line 1 (Bottom blinder) Line 2 (Right blinder) Line 3 (Top blinder) Line 4 (Left blinder)

R 0 RP1 0 -RP1
XP1 * SIN Z1ANG
X 0 0 0
Z1ANG-90 180+TANGP
ø Z1ANG 90
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Using a particular test set software (from OMICRON, Inc.), the following are screen captures for the setup
of the Zone 1 test:
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TESTING FOR THREE PHASE FAULTS

This example illustrate the way to draw the zone 1 for 3 Ph faults, the same procedure shall be followed
up for other zones
For three-phase faults, the quadrilateral elements use phase currents A, B, and C as polarizing quantities.
To address this, the relay dynamically reduces the phase quadrilateral resistive reach setting (RPn) based
on the ratio of I2/I1 as shown in below equation, where RPPn is the actual reach.
RPPn 0.25 I2 / I1• 0.75• RPn
If the fault is a balanced three-phase fault, RPPn is reduced to 25 percent of its normal reach when a
three-phase fault is declared.
Also to declare the directionality it may need to delay the tripping time for Zone 1 to be 2 Cyc. Instead of
Zero.
This is for testing purposes only to compensate the transient unbalance measurement during the injection.

The forward three-phase element is supervised by the phase directional element (F32P). This
element declares a forward fault when the line impedance is between Z1ANG – 90 and 120 degrees.
During a balanced three-phase fault, the relay reduces the reach of the reverse phase quadrilateral
element characteristic by reducing the left blinder to 25 % of the original RPn setting (where n = 3, 4, 5).
The reverse three-phase element is supervised by the phase directional element (R32P). This
element declares a reverse fault when the line impedance is between Z1ANG + 90 and300 degrees.

The relay has fixed direction range which is from 120 up to -60 degrees.
The actual forward direction is the intersection between this area and The positive sequence line angle
which is Z1ANG added to of(+90;-90)degrees.
Example: if Z1ANG=80 So the direction range will be from (80+90=170) up to (80-90=-10) the range
will be from 170 up to -10. However the relay fixed direction range is from 120 up to -60.
So the intersection between both is from 120 up to -10 and this is the actual forward direction value which
can tested

Element Line 1 (Bottom blinder) Line 2 (Right blinder) Line 3 (Top blinder) Line 4 (Left blinder)
RP1 * 0.25
R 0 0 -RP1
XP1 * SIN Z1ANG
X 0 0 0
Z1ANG-90 180+TANGP
ø Z1ANG 90
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Using a particular test set software (from OMICRON, Inc.), the following are screen captures for
the setup of the Zone 1 test: