Diode Failure Relay Type 3 -

1 Introduction
The diode failure detector is designed for use with brushless ac machines. In the event of failure of a rotating
diode or fuse, the relay operates and the output is used to give a visual or audible alarm or to trip the machine
circuit breaker. Where diodes are not fused, operation of the relay must be used to trip the machine circuit
breaker and suppress the exciter field.

The type 3 relay may be used to replace type 1 and 2 versions, but must be connected as shown below:

A.V.R. or
Excitation
Cmtmller
Senning
asistor
---
-
26
I
21
T
3 Cumnt
FlGr
1
J
Brushless
Generator
I L -----r----- 3) L, - - -J
- - - -

5 E E m 1
Fin. 1 - Twical Block D i m

p&: Cm some B ~ s h
A.V.R.s and
controllers, an internal sensh3
Output resister normally used for
Contacu stability i s employed.
Diode Failurc

I I

Figure 1 Typical Connection Diagram

2 Description
The method of detecting diode or fuse failure is to sense the exciter field ripple current. On the failure of a
rotating diode or fuse, the rotor current is unbalanced and this causes an ac current at the exciter fundamental
frequency to flow in the exciter field circuit. A series resistor in the exciter field circuit is used to derive a voltage
proportional to the field current. This voltage is used by the detector to sense a diode failure.

The detector circuit makes a comparison between the mean dc level of the sensed voltage and the peak of the
ac component. When the negative peak exceeds approximately 20% of the mean, as in the case of a diode
failure, the detector output switches and closes the output contacts after a short delay of 2 to 3 seconds which
is incorporated into the unit to prevent operation on transients.

Detection of Diode Failure 5

 The normal connection shown in Figure 1 provides fwed sensitivity, RV1 having no effect. This is suitable
for most machines but to cater for the few exceptions adjustable sensitivity can be provided as follows:

(1) Link terminals 9 and 11 to give adjustment of operating level from 20% mean (normal) when RV1 is
anticlockwise to 35% mean when fully clockwise or

(2) Link terminals 10 and 11 to give adjustment of operating level from 20% mean (normal) when RV1 is
anticlockwise to 15% mean when fully clockwise.

A normally open test pushbutton may be connected across terminals 4 and 12 and pressed to check relay
operation.

I I
Figure 2 Circuit Diagram

3 Commissioning
The following functional checks should be made and the sensitivw control adjusted if necessary.

(1) Depress the test pushbutton or temporarily link terminals 4 and 12 and check relay operates.

(2) Run the machine from no load up to full load with healthy diodes and ensure the relay does not
operate. Should the relay give a false indication, link terminals 11 and 9, and rotate the sensitivity
control RVi clockwise until correct operation is achieved.

(3) Open circuit and insulate a rotating diode connection (or fit a failed fuse) and excite the machine at
rated speed and off load. Check that the relay trips under these conditions. Where diodes are not
fused, briefly excite the machine with a diode short circuited and check operation. If the relay does not
trip under these conditions, link terminals 11 and 10, and slowly rotate the sensitwhy control clockwise
until the relay does trip. Allow for the 2 to 3 second delay when making adjustments. Repeat step (2)
to ensure unit is not too sensitive.

fi Detection of D l d e Fallure
4 Specification

input Signal
Maximum input signal to terminals 9 and 10 is 5V dc with link LK1 fmed (normal) or 10V dc with LK1
removed.

Sensitivity
The relay operates when the negative peak of the exciter field ripple is 18%to 22% below the average level
and within the ranges of 10 to 400HZ and 1V to 5V dc (or 1 to 10V with LK1 removed).

The sensitivity can be made adjustable between 15% and 35% below the average level as described in
Chapter 2, Parts (1) and (2).

Power Supply Requirements

11OV or 240V ac, 50HZ or 60HZ, -c 15%. Burden 5VA.

Output Contacts
Silver: Rated at 1A, 440V ac or 2.6A, 24V dc.

Test pushbutton
A facility is provided for a test pushbutton which should be rated at 50V ac, 50 mA.

Operating Temperatures:
-2S°C to +65OC.

Storage Temperature:
40°C to +100"C.

Overall Dimensions:
155mm x 125mm x 75mm high

Fixing Centres:
145mm x 111mm 4 x M4 clearance holes.

j Welght:
0.2Skg approx.

Detection d Diode Failure 7