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SIPROTEC 4 Application Note

SIP4-APN:
Circulating Current High Impedance Differential Protection Using
Multifunctional Relay 7SJ6
Edition 2014-10-17

Answers for energy management.

 SIPROTEC 4 Application
Introduction

SIPROTEC 4 - Application:
SIP4-APN
Circulating Current High Impedance
Differential Protection
Using Multifunctional Relay 7SJ6
Edition 2014-10-17

Content

1 Introduction 4
2 Circulating Current High Impedance Protection 5
2.1 General Remarks regarding High Impedance Protection Schemes 5
2.2 High Impedance Protection Scheme Design 5
2.2.1 Relevant primary system data 5
2.2.2 Relevant current transformer data 6
2.2.3 Relevant protection device data and auxiliary component data 6
3 Procedure for High Impedance Protection Scheme Calculations 7
3.1 Relevant data required 7
3.1.1 Establish the relevant power system data 7
3.1.2 Establish the relevant current transformer data 7
3.1.3 Establish the relevant relay data and necessary auxiliary component elements 8
3.2 Calculation of the minimum required stabilizing voltage 10
3.3 Calculation of the required fault setting 10
3.4 Calculation of the required stabilizing resistor 11
3.5 Calculation of the required non-linear resistor (varistor) 11
3.6 Calculation of the required thermal ratings of the auxiliary components: stabilizing resistors and
varistors 12
3.6.1 Thermal rating of varistor 12
3.6.2 Thermal rating of stabilizing resistor 14
3.7 Final check of the scheme sensitivity 15
4 Working Example 16
4.1 Relevant data required 16

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 4.1.1 Relevant power system data 16
4.1.2 Relevant current transformer data 16
4.1.3 Relevant relay data and necessary auxiliary component elements 16
4.2 Calculation of the minimum required stabilizing voltage 17
4.3 Calculation of the required fault setting 17
4.4 Calculation of the required stabilizing resistor 17
4.5 Calculation for the required non-linear resistor (varistor) 18
4.6 Final check of the scheme sensitivity 19
4.7 Scheme settings 20
4.7.1 CT supervision 20
4.8 Connection Example 21
5 Applications 22
5.1 Phase and earth-fault high impedance differential protection of busbars 22
5.2 Phase and earth-fault high impedance differential protection of auto-transformers 22
5.3 Phase and earth-fault high impedance differential protection of motors or generators (synchronous) 23
5.4 Phase and earth-fault high impedance differential protection of series reactors 23
5.5 Phase and earth-fault high impedance differential protection of shunt reactors 23
5.6 Restricted earth fault (REF) protection schemes of transformer windings 24
6 References 25

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 1 Introduction
Three-phase (phase-segregated) circulating current high impedance protection schemes are typically applied
for the following protection objects: busbars, auto-transformer, series reactor, shunt reactor or even to
motors or generators. Regarding busbars arrangements, the high impedance protection scheme is widely
used for arrangements like single busbars, single busbars with sectionalizer, or circuit-breaker-and-a-half
arrangements. The usage of high impedance busbar protection for double busbars is not recommended,
because of high complexity related to switching-over of CT secondaries that decreases the scheme reliability.

Single-phase restricted earth fault (REF) protection schemes may be used in principle to all the protected
object as listed above, but the most common application is to protect transformer windings which are
earthed via impedance, solidly earthed or even for transformer winding connected in delta (in this case the
scheme is sometimes called high impedance balanced earth fault).

The multifunctional relay 7SJ6 can be used within all the mentioned high impedance protection schemes,
both in phase-segregated circulating current high impedance protection applications, as well as in single
phase restricted earth fault protection applications.
This document provides description of the multifunctional relay 7SJ6 application in phase-segregated
circulating current high impedance protection scheme. Thereby the guideline for the calculations related to
the high impedance differential protection schemes is described together with the comments on the relay
setting parameters.
Description of the single-phase high impedance restricted earth fault protection applications is already
included within the relay manual; therefore it will be omitted in this guide.

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 2 Circulating Current High Impedance Protection
2.1 General Remarks regarding High Impedance Protection Schemes
In contrary to the low impedance differential protection schemes, where each of several CTs forming
differential protection zone is directly connected to a separate relay input, the high impedance protection
scheme is formed by the parallel connection of all CTs secondaries within a given protection zone (Figure 1).
While low impedance protection schemes evaluate signals within the relay that come from each of the CTs
independently, the relay in the high impedance scheme evaluates the current that results from the
interaction of all the involved CTs as it flows in the differential branch (Figure 1).

Iset R stab

R var

Figure 1 Typical connection of elements within a high impedance differential protection scheme
Thereby, the stability of the differential scheme on CT saturation plays in all schemes an important role.
Low impedance protection schemes evaluate CT secondary currents which may be saturated by their high
burden and/or high secondary currents. Thereby, multiple CT currents are evaluated by relay (nowadays relay
software), whereas each CT saturates independently from the others, i.e. the CTs do not influence each other
in their performance. Therefore, in the low impedance differential protection devices several different
stabilizing measures and algorithms for better stability and selectivity are applied.
Within a high impedance scheme the CTs do influence each other, as all of them are connected in parallel
(Figure 1). The stabilization against CT saturation is realized by the placement of an extra element (hardware),
namely the stabilizing resistor so no further measures against CT saturation have to be implemented in the
relay. Therefore, the relay used within the high impedance protection scheme can be of over-current relay
type without involving any additional measures against CT saturation. All the other high impedance scheme
performance quantities: as required fault sensitivity, scheme stability are then dependent on the scheme
design involving adequately chosen CT parameters and auxiliary components (stabilizing resistor, varistor)
that suit given application.

2.2 High Impedance Protection Scheme Design

2.2.1 Relevant primary system data
Protection object characteristic has major influence on the protection scheme design. Therefore, typically the
following properties shall be known
§ Short-circuit fault level including:
§ maximum symmetrical short-circuit withstand current of the switchgear
§ maximum symmetrical short-circuit current for external (through) faults
§ maximum symmetrical short-circuit current for internal faults
§ minimum symmetrical short-circuit current for internal faults

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 For the latter ones especially neutral earthing conditions (earth-fault limitation) shall be considered, as
well. Moreover, all the above currents can be three-phase, double-phase or phase-to earth depending on
the application/protected object.
§ Rated parameters of the protected object including
§ rated power, resp. rated current, impedance voltage, sub-transient reactance, …
§ Rating of the primary switching elements like circuit breaker, isolators within the switchgear that are
relevant to the protected object

2.2.2 Relevant current transformer data

The prerequisite (a must) to high impedance schemes is that all the involved CTs have to have the same
current ratio. The usage of CTs as per IEC 61869-2 Standard [1] class PX (former BS class X) is generally
recommended. Those CTs have current ratio error limitation and are of low-leakage type. However, for some
high impedance protection schemes involving less number of CTs (e.g. REF) also CT of IEC 61869-2 class 5P
can be used. Thereby, their current ratio error as well as the respective magnetizing curves together with
internal resistances shall be known. Also CTs of the former (now obsolete) IEC 44-6 class TPS can be used
within high impedance protection applications. Hereby, it is recommended to transfer their nameplate
parameters to the respective IEC class PX parameters. For high impedance busbar protection SIEMENS
recommends usage of IEC class PX cores. The following relevant CT parameters shall be known:
§ CT nameplate data (preferably confirmed by test protocols)
§ CT ratio
§ CT knee-point electromotive force (emf)1
§ CT exciting current at the knee-point emf
§ CT secondary winding resistance at 75 OC
§ CT secondary wiring resistance from the CT clamps to the paralleling point of the scheme (loop resistance)
§ Number of CTs that belong to the differential protection zone
Remark: Regarding knee-point emfs, exciting currents and secondary winding resistances of the used CTs it can be stated
that small deviations between the used CTs can be typically tolerated without negative influence on the scheme
performance. The scale of deviation and its influence on the scheme design and performance, however, shall be analyzed
on a case basis.

2.2.3 Relevant protection device data and auxiliary component data

For the high impedance scheme design the relay operating (settable) current range shall be known, so that it
can suit the application with regard to the fault sensitivity. The burden of the relay input is typically very small
comparing to external stabilizing resistance and can in most applications be neglected.
Remark: In the past the relays used constant operating current (e.g. 20 mA or 100 mA) and the setting was adjusted by
settable resistors (mounted internally within the relay). Very often such relays were named ‘voltage operated’. Nowadays,
modern digital protection relay with wide range settable current setting are used. This gives additional flexibility for
covering several high impedance protection applications using one type of the relay. The auxiliary component like
resistors and varistors are then typically installed separately within the protection cubicle.

Further chapters guide on relevant calculations and propose scheme design for using multifunctional relay
7SJ6 within high impedance differential protection schemes.

1 Definition as per IEC 61869-2 ; in practice the term ‘knee point voltage’ is widely used for this quantity. However, as per standard the
term knee point voltage describes rather the voltage that is applied to the secondary terminals of the CT during testing. For the sack of
the standard compatibility and correctness the term emf will be used through this application guide.

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 3 Procedure for High Impedance Protection
Scheme Calculations
This chapter provides remarks on scheme design and a guide for the scheme relevant calculations.

3.1 Relevant data required

3.1.1 Establish the relevant power system data
At first the power system primary data that are relevant to the protected object shall be collected.
1. From the scheme stability and thermal design of components point of view the following relevant power
system information shall be known:

§ the maximum symmetrical short-circuit current for external (through) faults I '' sc,max,ext

§ the maximum symmetrical short-circuit current for internal faults I '' sc,max,int

Remark: In case of a busbar, the maximum short-time symmetrical short-circuit withstand current of the
''
switchgear I sc,max,swg may be considered for both of the above quantities.

2. From the scheme sensitivity and relay setting range point of view the following relevant power system
information shall be known:
§ the rating of the feeder /diameter circuit breakers or maximum prospective load on those feeders
I r,load

§ the minimum symmetrical short-circuit current for internal faults I '' sc,min,int

Remark: In power systems with solidly (effectively) earthed neutral-points, the double-phase fault is typically the
smallest one and it can be typically considered here. In power systems with earth-fault current limitation (neutral
point of power transformers is not directly earthed) the single-pole fault current shall be considered. However,
for busbar protection schemes in networks with strongly limited earth fault current (e.g. to several Amps in
medium voltage networks with presence of rotating machines) there is often not necessary to detect the earth-
fault using such scheme.

3.1.2 Establish the relevant current transformer data

As previously mentioned the CTs used in the high impedance schemes shall be with equal ratios, of low
leakage type and with limited current ratio error. For high impedance busbar protection SIEMENS
recommends usage of IEC class PX CTs.
At first:
§ the number of CTs that belong to the considered /designed differential protection zone N CT

shall be known, and for each of these CTs their respective IEC class PX [1] parameters shall be collected :
I pr
§ CT Ratio, k r = where I pr and I sr are primary and secondary rated current, respectively
I sr

§ rated CT knee-point emf Ek

§ CT exciting current at the knee-point emf I e

§ CT secondary winding resistance RCT (d.c. resistance corrected to 75 OC)

Remark: The values of knee-point emf and the respective exciting current can be obtained / read from the
magnetizing characteristic or testing protocols. Both values shall be rms-values, as per IEC class PX.

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Furthermore for each CT:
§ the resistance of secondary wring from the CT clamps to the paralleling point of the scheme (loop
resistance) Rwire

Remark: The wiring resistances are either given in the tender documentation or can be calculated from the layout
drawings of the switchgear. Typically, a maximum wiring resistance can be estimated and specified as a maximum
allowable for the worst case considerations.

3.1.3 Establish the relevant relay data and necessary auxiliary component
elements
At first the type of the relay input that will be used shall be known and its respective:
§ operating current setting range I set,range ,

§ burden of the relay input used, typically expressed as resistance Rrelay .

Regarding the first one, it is proposed to activate the following device configuration function in the
multifunctional relay 7SJ6:

0112 DMT / IDMT Phase Definite Time Only

Furthermore within Setting Group A ;
Group DMT / IDMT Phase/Earth Overcurrent /General the following is proposed to activate:

1201 Phase Time Overcurrent ON

All other parameters being OFF.
Then, within Group DMT / IDMT Phase/Earth Overcurrent /DMT Ph, the stage I>>> shall remain disabled (OFF).
E.g.:

1219A I>>> measurement of Fundamental component

1216A I>>> active Always
1217 I>>> Pickup oo A (OFF) Range: 1A …35A, stps. 0.01A

1218 I>>> Time Delay oo sec (OFF) Range: 0s …60s, stps. 0.01s

The stage I>> shall be activated for the main function (high impedance protection trip) with the following
settings (please note: trip setting shown below –address 1202 and 1203 – is exemplarily only):

1220A I>> measurement of Fundamental component

1214A I>> active Always
1202 I>> Pickup 0.5 A (e.g. I set ) Range: 0.1A …35A, stps. 0.01A

1203 I>> Time Delay 0.0 sec (Trip) Range: 0s …60s, stps. 0.01s

Depending on application the I> stage can be then used for CT supervision purposes or switched OFF in case
when external supervision relay is used (this depends on customer practice)

1221A I> measurement of Fundamental component

1204 I> Pickup 0.1 A (e.g. I superv ) Range: 0.1A …35A, stps. 0.01A

1205 I> Time Delay 5.0 sec (e.g. superv.) Range: 0s …60s, stps. 0.01s

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Remark: The usage of flexible functions within the multifunctional relay is also possible for high impedance differential
protection. Thereby, the usage of single function with one common setting for the three phases and a common trip
command is proposed. Care must be taken, that the setting for ‘Selection of Measurement Method’ for the current
measurement shall be always set to ‘Fundamental component’. For CT supervision requirements, a second stage of
flexible functions can be used, issuing an alarm after supervision time has elapsed and releasing CT shorting relay.

The actual burden of multifunctional digital relay 7SJ6 can be taken from the relay manual (chapter technical
data, 4.1.1):
Rrelay = 0.05 W.

Furthermore, the relay 7SJ6 requires always external equipment to build the high impedance protection
scheme. This equipment consist typically of stabilizing resistor (-s) for setting up the respective scheme
stabilization and non-linear resistor (-s) , i.e varistor (-s) to protect whole secondary equipment against
overvoltages (i.e. CTs secondaries, the differential branch and the wirings). Typically per phase (per one relay
input) one stabilizing resistor and one varistor is necessary.
The design and selection of these elements is subject of the scheme calculations (as shown in next chapters).
Remark: For busbar protection schemes which are equipped with CTs with high knee-point emfs, the presence of varistor
is mandatory to protect the secondary equipment and wiring against high voltages that may appear during internal faults
(see also calculations in item 3.5).

The presence of further relays e.g. for CT supervision, CT shorting, circuit breaker lock-out and/or test
switches depends on respective customer practice.

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 3.2 Calculation of the minimum required stabilizing voltage
The prerequisite of a proper designed high impedance scheme is its stability to external faults. That means
that protection relay installed in the differential branch must remain stable under maximum through fault
conditions, when a voltage U diff,ext is developed across the differential branch due to high fault current and
CT saturation.
This maximum prospective voltage U diff,ext can be practically calculated on a safe side assuming full CT
saturation of one of the CTs within the scheme and considering the highest values of RCT and Rwire . Taking
the above into account, this voltage can be calculated as per Eq (1) and then taken as the minimum required
stability voltage of the high impedance scheme U stab :

I max,ext
U stab = U diff,ext = (RCT + Rwire ) (1)
kr
Remark: It is recommended that the differential branch is installed at the electrical mid-point of the system, i.e. the
resistances RCT and Rwire of all branches should be equal or similar. Slight deviations of Rwire can be typically tolerated
but it must be kept in mind that these lead to an unbalance in the system during load conditions and in consequence may
lead to an unnecessary energy dissipation (heating) at auxiliary scheme elements like stabilizing resistors. Also slight
deviations of RCT values between CTs used in a scheme can be tolerated. For most practical cases ‘worst-case’ value
(highest RCT among all CTs in a scheme) can be used in Eq. (1).

Summarizing, the setting voltage of the scheme U set (in practice this voltage results from the multiplication
of the relay current setting and stabilizing resistor value) over the differential branch must be made equal or
greater than the required stability voltage (Eq. (1)).

U set ³ U stab (2)

3.3 Calculation of the required fault setting

In further steps the following scheme requirements shall be assured:
a) the functionality (trip on internal fault) and
b) sensitivity of the scheme that suits given application.
Ad a): To assure the first requirement, the CT knee-point emf Ek shall fulfill the following requirement:

Ek ³ 2 × U set (3)

Remark: Re-writing the Eq. (3)in form

U set £ Ek / 2 (4)
and comparing it to Eq (2):

U set ³ U stab (5)

one may become the minimum and maximum values for the scheme setting voltage. As per our practice it is worthy to
keep in mind that the setting voltage U set shall practically not exceed 300 V because this will introduce difficulties in
finding the proper auxiliary equipment (like varistors, etc.).

Ad b): In order to reach the desired scheme sensitivity, i.e. to trip on internal fault, the current setting of the
relay in the differential branch shall be calculated.
To do that, the desired primary fault sensitivity I p,des of the scheme shall be chosen at first.

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The primary fault sensitivity, (i.e. the value of the primary internal fault current that the protection scheme
shall be able to detect) must suit the corresponding application. So its choice depends on the protected object,
the minimum fault level and/or the type of neutral point earthing. The choice is typically made by protection
engineers according to their practice or e.g. as per ENA standard ([2]). Exemplarily, choosing the primary
fault sensitivity for busbars, the rated load of the outgoing feeder I r,load or rating of the circuit breaker or
minimum fault level I '' sc,min,int can be considered.

Having chosen the primary fault sensitivity I p,des of the scheme, the secondary setting of the relay I set can be
calculated bearing in mind that the elements connected together within a high impedance protection scheme
will decrease the sensitivity consuming a portion of current at the corresponding scheme setting voltage U set
(i.e. exciting currents I e of the CTs, varistor spill current I var at the setting voltage):

N CT
I p,des I p,des
åE
U set U set
I set = - I e.x - I var (U set ) » - N CT I e - I var (U set ) (6)
kr x =1 k,x kr Ek

Remark: A rough calculation as per right side of the Eq. (6) is enough for most practical cases. Thereby, often the ‘worst-
case’ CT data are considered, i.e. the lowest Ek , the highest I e . This has an influence on the calculated sensitivity, so the
real fault sensitivity can differ (is higher in this case). This fact shall be considered when choosing required primary fault
sensitivity.

3.4 Calculation of the required stabilizing resistor

With the steps described in items 3.2 and 3.3 the basic properties of the high impedance protection scheme
were calculated: the scheme setting voltage U set and the current setting of the relay I set .

The multifunctional relay 7SJ6 requires external stabilizing resistor Rstab to be connected in series to the relay
input in order to assure the necessary scheme setting voltage U set .

The value of the stabilizing resistor can be calculated in straightforward way using the scheme setting voltage
U set and the setting of the relay I set , as chosen in the previous steps:

U set U
Rstab = - Rrelay » set (7)
I set I set
Thereby, the relay input burden Rrelay can be typically neglected.

3.5 Calculation of the required non-linear resistor (varistor)

As stated in the previous chapters, during an internal fault high voltage may arise across the differential
branch (i.e. the tie with relay and Rstab connected in series). Therefore, non-linear resistors are necessary in
order to avoid secondary circuits (wirings, CT clamps, resistors, etc) be exposed to high voltages. Such
varistors shall be connected across the differential branch.
The secondary circuits are typically designed to withstand 3000 V peak. In practice, in order to safely protect
secondary circuits of high impedance schemes the usage of a varistor is necessary when the voltage across
the differential branch may exceed around 1500 V rms, which is 2121 V peak. That can be rounded down
with a safety margin to 2000 V peak.
In order to estimate whether this voltage may appear in the designed scheme, at first the theoretical rms
voltage U sc,max,int,rms which would occur across the differential branch if CT did not saturate shall be
determined according to the following equation:

Edition: 2014-10-17 11 SIP4-APN

 U sc,max,int,rms =
kr
(
I '' sc,max,int
Rrelay + Rstab ) (8)

Considering CT saturation, the resulting maximum peak voltage across the differential branch Û max,tie can be
calculated [2]:

Uˆ max, tie = 2 2 E k (U sc,max,int,rms - Ek ) (9)

Summarizing, when the relationship in (10) is fulfilled the usage of varistor is mandatory:

Uˆ max,tie > 2000 V (10)

Remark: High impedance restricted earth-fault protection applications may sometimes not require varistor, but busbar
protection applications in general do. However, it is considered as good practice to equip with a varistor all high
impedance protection installations.

The protection level of the varistor can be estimated from its characteristic (for dc or instantaneous values)
b
Uˆ var = C × Iˆ , (11)
where the constants C and b shall be given by the varistor manufacturer.
The rms protection level is then:

U var ~ Uˆ var / 2 , (12)

3.6 Calculation of the required thermal ratings of the auxiliary components:

stabilizing resistors and varistors
The ratings of both components, stabilizing resistor and varistor, shall be then chosen to match the
application.

3.6.1 Thermal rating of varistor

The varistor shall be chosen to match the differential branch setting voltage and to limit the voltage to a safe
value. i.e. its characteristic must not change significantly for voltages below and beyond the differential
branch setting U set up to the voltage limit of e.g. 2000 V peak. The varistor must be also capable of passing
the maximum prospective fault current that can be transformed by the CT.
The type of varistor required can be typically chosen by calculating its necessary thermal rating as defined by
the following empiric formula:

4 I sc,max,int
Pvar = × Ek (13)
p kr
The absorbed thermal energy during internal short-circuit current flow is then

Wvar = Pvar × t sc (14)

During scheme design one shall determine the maximum duration of fault t sc and calculate the energy
dissipation rating using Eq. (14). Since the varistor shall practically withstand the CB-fail or protection fail
conditions during an internal fault, the maximum fault clearance time t sc taken as of 1 s is typically sufficient.
Therefore, the result of calculation according to Eq.(14) can be compared to 1 second rating of the varistor.
Regarding thermal rating of the varistor the following issues shall be considered:

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 a) One shall note that in high impedance schemes utilizing CTs with Ek > U var the Eq.(13) provides too
large values as they may appear in the real scheme with varistor applied (since the varistor becomes
low-ohmic at voltages below Ek , leading to the fact that CTs do not saturate, so the amount of
energy delivered to the scheme is then limited not by the knee-point emf but by the varistor
protection voltage U var ). In such cases it is proposed to estimate the thermal rating according to the
empiric formula (15):

4 I sc,max,int
Pvar,mod = × U var , for Ek > U var (15)
p kr
b) Furthermore, the calculation of thermal rating of the varistor does not include the energy absorption
by the stabilizing resistor during an internal fault.
c) However, in case when varistor will be taken out of operation (damaged, etc.), the energy as per
Eq.(13) will appear and dissipate on the stabilizing resistor alone. This issue can be considered by
choosing (limiting) knee point emfs of the CTs.
d) the calculation as per Eq.(13) can be seen as being on the safe side, as long as the real (measured)
Ek of the CT is known. Care shall be taken to cases when nameplate data of Ek is used. As per IEC
standard [1] the Ek on the nameplate is the minimum value, which can be (even considerably)
smaller than the real (measured) knee-point emf.
In addition to the thermal rating of the varistor the following recommendation shall be fulfilled:
1. At setting voltage of the scheme U set the varistor rms current I var , calculated as per Eq.(16) shall
not exceed 30mA in high impedance schemes utilizing CTs with 1 A secondary rated current, and
100mA in high impedance schemes utilizing CTs with 5 A rated current (not recommended).
1/ b
æ U ö
I var = 0.52 × ç 2 × set ÷ (16)
è C ø
Summarizing the above, in most cases this practically leads to a choice between two main types of varistor
available from e.g. Metrosil for high impedance schemes utilizing CTs with 1 A secondary rated current, as
shown in Table 1.
Table 1 Proposed Metrosil varistor types for high impedance circuits with 1 A secondary (mostly used)

Parameters of the Recom. max Short Time Current

varistor characteristic Rated energy [Arms]
branch setting
Metrosil identification (type) absorp. for 200°C
voltage
C b a temp rise Wvar [J] 1s 2s 3s
Uset [Vrms]

600A/S1/S256 (single pole)

450 0.25 0.87 125 53333 45 30 22
600A/S3/1/802 (three pole)

600A/S1/S1088 (single pole)

900 0.25 0.87 300 88000 39 23 17
600A/S3/1/S1195 (three pole)

Remark: Also different types / different manufacturers of varistors can be used in high impedance protection applications.

Remark: In high impedance schemes utilizing CTs with 5 A rating (not recommended) different types of varistors may
apply.

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3.6.2 Thermal rating of stabilizing resistor
The thermal rating of the stabilizing resistor is typically carried out considering the following steps:
At first, the continuous power rating of the stabilizing resistor can be chosen as per (17):

U set 2
Pstab,cont ³ (17)
Rstab
Remark: It shall be noted that in order to keep the resistor healthy during commissioning tests the fault current from the
testing equipment should be immediately withdrawn after the device gives a protection trip.

In second step, Rstab must have a short time rating large enough to withstand the fault current before the
fault is cleared. Thereby, the rms voltage developed across the stabilizing resistor during maximal prospective
internal fault U rms,f is decisive for the thermal stress of the stabilizing resistor. It is calculated according to
mathematically derived formula:

I sc,max,int
U rms,f = 1.3 × 4 E k 3 × Rstab × (18)
kr
The time duration of 0.5 seconds can be typically considered for the stabilizing resistor ( Pstab,0.5s ).

Remark: Longer times as e.g. 1 s may lead to very huge resistors. The consideration of longer times is impracticable,
especially taking into consideration that within the scheme also a varistor is applied, which takes over a part of the
thermal energy. The considerations presented here are not taking the varistor into account. Therefore, the 0.5 s rating is
on a safe side.

Summarizing, the resulting short-time rating Pstab,0.5s shall be then chosen as per Eq. (19):

U rms,f 2
Pstab,0.5s ³ (19)
Rstab

Regarding thermal rating of the stabilizing resistor the following issues shall be considered:
a) One shall note that in high impedance schemes utilizing CTs with Ek > U var the Eq. (19) provides too
large values as they may appear in the real scheme with varistor applied (since the varistor becomes
low-ohmic at voltages below Ek , leading to the fact that CTs do not saturate, so the amount of
energy delivered to the scheme is then limited not by the knee-point emf but by the varistor
protection voltage U var ). In such cases it is proposed to estimate the thermal rating exchanging
U rms,f in Eq.(19) by U rms,f,mod calculated according to the empirically verified formula (20):

I sc,max,int
U rms,f,mod = 1.3 × 4 U var 3 × Rstab × , for Ek > U var (20)
kr
b) Furthermore, the calculation of thermal rating of the stabilizing resistor does not include the
considerable energy absorption by the varistor resistor during an internal fault.
c) The distribution of the dissipated energy during an internal fault between the stabilizing resistor and
varistor is not linear and depends on varistor protection voltage U var and CTs knee-point emf Ek
together with stability (setting) voltage of the scheme U set . Simplifying, the higher the ratio
U var / U set the more energy will be dissipated on the resistor.
d) However, in case when varistor will be taken out of operation (damaged, etc.), the energy as per
Eq. (13) will appear and dissipate on the stabilizing resistor alone. This issue can be considered by
choosing (limiting) knee point emfs of the CTs.

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 e) the calculation as per Eq.(19) and respective Eq. (18) can be seen as being on the safe side, as long as
the real (measured) Ek of the CT is known. Care shall be taken to cases when nameplate data of Ek
is used. As per IEC standard [1] the Ek on the nameplate is the minimum value, which can be (even
considerably) smaller than the real (measured) knee-point emf.

3.7 Final check of the scheme sensitivity

In the final stage the final scheme sensitivity can be chosen by applying the Eq. (21) with known varistor spill
current, as per Eq.(16).

æ NCT U ö é ù
å
U
I p,des,final = k r × I set + kr × ç set
I e,x + I var (U set ) ÷ » kr × ê I set + N CT set I e + I var (U set )ú (21)
ç E ÷ ë Ek û
è x =1 k,x ø

Edition: 2014-10-17 15 SIP4-APN

 4 Working Example
This chapter provides working example showing relevant calculations for a chosen application.
Exemplarily, a busbar protection application is taken.

4.1 Relevant data required

4.1.1 Relevant power system data
The relevant power system primary data in case of busbar protection in transmission systems are taken as
follows:

§ the maximum symmetrical short-circuit current for external (through) faults I '' sc,max,ext = 63 kA

§ the maximum symmetrical short-circuit current for internal faults I '' sc,max,int = 63 kA

In case of a busbar, for both above quantities the maximum short-time symmetrical short-circuit
withstand current of the switchgear I '' sc,max,swg is considered. :

§ the rating of the circuit breakers / busbar rating equals to I r,load = 4000 A

§ the minimum symmetrical short-circuit current for internal faults is assumed at I '' sc,min,int = 15 kA
for phase-to-phase-fault current (as in typical solidly earthed transmission system the single-pole
fault current at the busbar is slightly higher or slightly lower than the three-pole)

4.1.2 Relevant current transformer data

The CTs used in the high impedance scheme are of equal ratios, low leakage type of IEC class PX.
§ the number of CT that belong to the considered /designed differential protection zone N CT = 8

IEC class PX[1] parameters are as follows :

I pr 4000 A
§ CT ratio: 4000A/1A; i.e. k r = = = 4000
I sr 1A

§ CT knee-point emf E k = 1000 V

§ CT exciting current at the knee-point emf I e = 25 mA

§ CT secondary winding resistance RCT = 5 W

Furthermore:
§ the CT secondary wiring resistance from the CT clamps to the paralleling point of the scheme (loop
resistance) equals to Rwire = 0.55 W (corresponds to approx. 100 m loop length of copper wire with
4 mm2 cross-section, resistance value is corrected to 75 OC e.g. for worst case calculation)

4.1.3 Relevant relay data and necessary auxiliary component elements

The multifunctional relay 7SJ6 will be used for phase-selective high impedance busbar protection application.
Thereby three standard inputs Q1..Q6 will be used:
§ operating current setting range I set,range = 0.1 A...0.01..35 A ,

§ relay input burden, expressed as resistance Rrelay = 0.05 W .

§ the data of the system components (resistor and varistor) will be calculated in further steps

SIP4-APN 16 Edition: 2014-10-17

 4.2 Calculation of the minimum required stabilizing voltage
As per Eq (1) the minimum required stability voltage of the high impedance scheme U stab can be calculated,
taking the given maximum through fault current I '' sc,max,ext = 63 kA :

I max,ext
U stab = (RCT + Rwire ) = 63kA (5 + 0.55) = 87.41 V (22)
kr 4000
The setting voltage U set of the scheme over the differential branch shall be made equal or greater than the
required stability voltage, as calculated in Eq.(22). Let’s take:

U set = 120 V (23)

4.3 Calculation of the required fault setting

To assure the functionality of the scheme (trip on internal fault), the CT knee-point emf Ek shall fulfill the
requirement as given in Eq (3):

Ek ³ 2 × U set , i.e.: 1000 V ³ 2 × 120 V = 240 V Þ fulfilled (24)

In order to reach the desired scheme sensitivity, i.e. to trip on internal fault, the current setting of the relay in
the differential branch shall be now calculated.
Considering that the minimum fault current at the busbar is quite high, the desired primary fault sensitivity
I p,des is chosen (exemplarily for this working example) at 50 % of the rating of the busbar:.

I p,des = 2000 A (25)

Remark: Please note that the primary fault sensitivity for busbar can be chosen at different level. This depends on
customer philosophy and experience.

Having chosen the primary fault sensitivity I p,des of the scheme, the secondary setting of the relay I set can be
calculated as per Eq. (6). The varistor spill current will be at this stage neglected:

I p,des U set 2000 A 120 V

I set » - N CT I e - I var (U set ) = -8 0.025 A = 0.476 A (26)
kr Ek 4000 1000 V
The setting current I set of the scheme will be then taken:

I set = 0.5 A (27)

4.4 Calculation of the required stabilizing resistor

With the scheme setting voltage U set and the current setting of the relay I set . the resistance value of the
external stabilizing resistor Rstab can be calculated as per Eq.(7):

U set U 120 V
Rstab = - Rrelay » set = = 240 W (28)
I set I set 0.5 A
Thereby, the relay input burden Rrelay was neglected.

The thermal rating of the resistor is calculated:

The continuous power rating of the stabilizing resistor can be chosen as per Eq. (17):

Edition: 2014-10-17 17 SIP4-APN

 U set 2 120 2 V 2
Pstab,cont ³ = = 60 W (29)
Rstab 240 W
Remark: It shall be noted that in order to keep the resistor healthy during commissioning tests the fault current from the
testing equipment should be immediately withdrawn after the device gives a protection trip.

Furthermore, Rstab must have a short time rating large enough to withstand the fault current before the fault
is cleared. Thereby, the rms voltage developed across the stabilizing resistor during maximal prospective
internal fault U rms,f is decisive for the thermal stress of the stabilizing resistor. It is calculated according to
Eq.(18):

I sc,max,int 63000 A
U rms,f = 1.3 × 4 E k 3 × Rstab × = 1.3 × 4 (1000 V ) 3 × 240 W × = 1812.7 V (30)
kr 4000
The time duration of 0.5 seconds can be typically considered for the stabilizing resistor ( Pstab,0.5s ).

The resulting short-time rating Pstab,0.5s shall be then chosen as per Eq.(19) :

U rms,f 2 (1812.7 V ) 2
Pstab,0.5s ³ = = 13691 W (31)
Rstab 240 W
Therefore:
Resistor chosen (per relay input): Rstab = 240 W , Pstab,cont ³= 60 W , Pstab,0.5s ³ 13691 W (32)
Regarding short-time thermal rating remarks in chapter 0 shall be considered in case when size of resistor
shall be too large for the given protection cubicle.

4.5 Calculation for the required non-linear resistor (varistor)

During an internal fault high voltage may arise across the differential branch (i.e. the tie with relay and Rstab
connected in series). Therefore, non-linear resistors are necessary in order to avoid secondary circuits (wirings,
CT clamps, resistors, etc) be exposed to high voltages. Such varistors shall be connected across the
differential branch.
In order to estimate this voltage which may appear in the designed scheme, at first the theoretical rms
voltage U sc,max,int,rms which would occur across the differential branch if CT did not saturate is determined
according to Eq.(8):

U sc,max,int,rms =
I '' sc,max,int
kr
(Rrelay + Rstab =
4000
)
63 kA
( 0.05 W + 240 W ) = 3780 V (33)

Considering CT saturation, the resulting maximum peak voltage across the differential branch Û max,tie is
calculated:

Uˆ max, tie = 2 2 Ek (U sc,max,int,rms - Ek ) = 2 2000 V (3780 V - 1000 V ) = 4716 V (34)

When the relationship in (10) is fulfilled the usage of varistor is mandatory:

Û max, tie > 2000 V Û 4716 V > 2000 V Þ varistor necessary (35)
Considering scheme setting voltage U set of 120 V (very close to the recommended limit of 125 V for the
smaller varistor) a Varisor of type 600A/S3/1/S1195 (three pole) or three varistor of type 600A/S1/S1088 can
be chosen (see Table 1).

SIP4-APN 18 Edition: 2014-10-17

The protection level of this varistor can be estimated from its characteristic (for dc or instantaneous values)
where the constants C and b are given in Table 1 and the maximum prospective secondary current for the
internal fault:
0.25
b æ 63000 ö
Uˆ var = C × Iˆ = 900 × ç 2 × ÷ = 1955 V , (36)
è 4000 ø
The rms protection level is then:

U var ~ Uˆ var / 2 = 1383 V , (37)

Its rms spill current at the setting voltage of the scheme (Eq.(16):
1/ b
æ U ö
I var = 0.52 × çç 2 × set ÷÷ = 0.66 mA (38)
è C ø
The requirement that at the setting voltage the spill current shall be less than 30 mA (CTs with 1 A secondary)
is then fulfilled.
The necessary thermal rating of the varistor can be calculated using Eq.(13)
4 I sc,max,int 4 63000 A
Pvar = × Ek = × 1000 V = 20053.5 J/s (39)
p k r p 4000
This necessary thermal rating is smaller than the maximum thermal rating of 88000 J (see Table 1).This
maximum energy rating will not be even exceeded by the short-circuit flow of 4 s.
Therefore:
Varistor chosen: one of 600A/S3/1/S1195 (three pole) type
or three varistors of type 600A/S1/S1088 (40)

4.6 Final check of the scheme sensitivity

In the final stage the final scheme sensitivity can be chosen by applying the Eq. (21) with known varistor spill
current, as per calculation in Eq.(38):

é U ù
I p,des,final » kr × ê I set + N CT set I e + I var (U set )ú =
ë Ek û
(41)
é 120 V ù
= 4000 × ê0.5 A + 8 0.025 A + 0.00066 A )ú = 4000 × 0.52466 A = 2098.6 A
ë 1000 V û
This corresponds to 52.4 % of the rating of the busbar (4000 A) and fulfills the requested fault setting for this
example.

Edition: 2014-10-17 19 SIP4-APN

 4.7 Scheme settings
The stage I>>in the multifunctional relay 7SJ6 is then set for the main function (high impedance protection
trip) with the following settings:

1220A I>> measurement of Fundamental component

1214A I>> active Always
1202 I>> Pickup 0.5 A (=. I set ) Range: 0.1A …35A, stps. 0.01A

1203 I>> Time Delay 0.0 sec (Trip) Range: 0s …60s, stps. 0.01s

Furthermore the following high impedance scheme components are necessary:

Resistor chosen (pro relay input): Rstab = 240 W , Pstab,cont ³= 60 W , Pstab,0.5s ³ 13691 W

Varistor chosen: one of 600A/S3/1/S1195 (three pole) type

or three varistors of type 600A/S1/S1088

4.7.1 CT supervision
The CT circuit supervision can be incorporated within the relay, as well. It can be realized using I> stage of the
multifunctional relay 7SJ6:
Depending on the loading conditions, the CT supervision can be set to detect approx. 12 % of the full loading
of the busbar, i.e. 0,12 ∙ 4000 A = 480 A primary. The secondary setting that can be incorporated will be then
0.1 A (24 V setting of the scheme) correspondingly. This leads to the final supervision sensitivity as per
Eq (42):

é U ù
I superv » k r × ê I set + N CT set I e + I var (U set )ú =
ë Ek û
(42)
é 120 V ù
= 4000 × ê0.1 A + 8 0.025 A + 0.00066 A )ú = 4000 × 0.12466 A = 498.6 A
ë 1000 V û
This corresponds to 12.5 % of the rating of the busbar (4000 A) and fulfills the requested CT supervision
setting for this example.
The corresponding settings of the I> stage will be:
1221A I> measurement of Fundamental component
1204 I> Pickup 0.1 A (=. I superv ) Range: 0.1A …35A, stps. 0.01A

1205 I> Time Delay 5.0 sec (or different) Range: 0s …60s, stps. 0.01s

It is important to configure the I> stage for issuing alarm only.

In general, there are several options for further use of the CT supervision alarm. In this worked example this
alarm signal will be available after 5 sec based on the timer setting I> Time Delay. The following options can
be chosen:
1. Sending the alarm only (via binary output or via communication protocol).
2. Additionally to 1, route the alarm signal within the relay in order to block the high set element I>>
(Annunciation 1721 for blocking I>>).This will avoid a trip of the high impedance busbar protection in case of
a through fault under CT broken wire conditions. Please note that this measure will not protect the CT inputs
of the relay and the stabilizing resistor / varistor against damage under longer lasting through fault conditions.
3. Additionally to 1 and 2, energize an external CT shorting relay with one coil and at least four related
contacts (e.g. 7PA23). The lock-out relay has to be energized by the CT supervision alarm signal. One contact

SIP4-APN 20 Edition: 2014-10-17

should be placed in front of the varistor to short circuit each CT input of 7SJ6. The fourth contact of the relay
can be used for signaling the ‘high impedance busbar out-of-service’ information. The reset of the external
lock-out relay has to be done manually.
This measure will protect the CT inputs of the relay and the stabilizing resistor against damage under longer
lasting through fault conditions.

Alternatively (depending on customer practice), a separate CT supervision relay may be used.

The types of further auxiliary components like CT shortening relay, CB lock-out and test switches can be
chosen as per respective customer practice.

4.8 Connection Example

A connection example for the working example is shown in Figure 2. Thereby CT supervision is realized with
the relay (using I> stage).

Figure 2 Connection of the high impedance scheme for the working example

Edition: 2014-10-17 21 SIP4-APN

 5 Applications
As already mentioned in chapter 1 the multifunctional relay 7SJ6 can be used within all the mentioned high
impedance protection schemes, both for phase-segregated circulating current high impedance protection
applications, as well as for single phase restricted earth fault protection applications.
For the sake of completeness scheme setting hints for some major applications are shown in following.

5.1 Phase and earth-fault high impedance differential protection of busbars

The scheme stability setting (voltage over differential branch) [2]:
§ maximum symmetrical short-circuit withstand current of the switchgear
The scheme sensitivity setting (fault setting or primary operating current), can be chosen as one of the shown
below:
§ 10.. 30 % of minimum fault current available as per standard [2] , or as may be agreed
§ %. of busbar rating (e.g. 33 % or 50 %)
§ % of outgoing feeder rating (e.g. 100 % or 120 %)
Remark: High impedance protection scheme is widely used for busbar arrangements like single busbars, single busbars
with sectionalizers, or circuit-breaker-and-a-half arrangements. The usage of high impedance busbar protection for
double- and more sections busbars (with isolators) is not recommended, because of high complexity related to switching-
over of CT secondaries that decreases the scheme reliability.

The high impedance protection scheme for busbar is shown exemplarily in Figure 3

Figure 3 Phase and earth-fault high impedance differential protection of busbars

5.2 Phase and earth-fault high impedance differential protection of auto-

transformers
The scheme stability setting (voltage over differential branch):
§ maximum symmetrical short-circuit current for external faults (through-faults) at the LV side of the
transformer, the latter can be taken as of 16 times the rated current of the LV side of the transformer
(or other value as may be agreed) as per [2]
The scheme sensitivity setting (fault setting or primary operating current), can be chosen as one of the shown
below [2]:
§ for transformer winding solidly connected to earth: 10.. 60 % of the rated current of the HV winding
§ for transformers winding earthed via impedance 10.. 25 % of minimum fault current available for an
earth-fault at transformer terminals
The high impedance protection scheme for auto-transformers is shown exemplarily in Figure 4

SIP4-APN 22 Edition: 2014-10-17

Figure 4 Phase and earth-fault high impedance differential protection of auto-transformers

5.3 Phase and earth-fault high impedance differential protection of motors or

generators (synchronous)
The scheme stability setting (voltage over differential branch):
§ maximum symmetrical short-circuit current for external faults (through-faults) of the synchronous
machines, the latter can be taken as of 12.5 times the rated current of the series reactor winding (or
other value as may be agreed) as per [2]
The scheme sensitivity setting (fault setting or primary operating current), can be chosen as one of the shown
below [2]:
§ less than 10 % of the rated current of the proteted winding of the synchronous machine

5.4 Phase and earth-fault high impedance differential protection of series

reactors
The scheme stability setting (voltage over differential branch):
§ maximum symmetrical short-circuit current for external faults (through-faults) of the series reactor,
the latter can be taken as of 20 times the rated current of the series reactor winding (or other value
as may be agreed) as per [2]
The scheme sensitivity setting (fault setting or primary operating current), can be chosen as one of the shown
below [2]:
§ 10.. 30 % of minimum fault current available for a-fault at series reactor terminals

5.5 Phase and earth-fault high impedance differential protection of shunt

reactors
The scheme stability setting (voltage over differential branch):
§ maximum symmetrical short-circuit current for external faults (through-faults) of the shunt reactor,
the latter can be taken as of 10 times the rated current of the shunt reactor winding (or other value
as may be agreed) as per [2]

Edition: 2014-10-17 23 SIP4-APN

The scheme sensitivity setting (fault setting or primary operating current), can be chosen as one of the shown
below [2]:
§ 10.. 25 % of minimum fault current available for a-fault at shunt reactor terminals

In Figure 5 high impedance scheme of series reactors, shunt reactors, motors or generators is shown

Figure 5 Phase and earth-fault high impedance differential protection of series reactors, shunt reactors,
motors or generators

5.6 Restricted earth fault (REF) protection schemes of transformer windings

The scheme stability setting (voltage over differential branch):
§ maximum symmetrical short-circuit current for external faults (through-faults) of the protected
transformer winding, the latter can be taken as of 16 times the rated current of the protected
winding of the transformer (or other value as may be agreed) as per [2]
The scheme sensitivity setting (fault setting or primary operating current), can be chosen as one of the shown
below [2]:
§ for transformer winding solidly connected to earth: 10.. 60 % of the rated current of the winding
§ for transformers winding earthed via impedance or isolated: 10.. 25 % of minimum fault current
available for an earth-fault at transformer terminals
The high impedance protection scheme for transformer windings is shown exemplarily in Figure 6.

Figure 6 Restricted earth-fault high impedance differential protection of transformers

SIP4-APN 24 Edition: 2014-10-17

 6 References
[1] International Standard IEC 61869-2, Edition 1.0, 2012-09, Instrument Transformers – Part.2: Additional
requirements for current transformers
[2] ENA Energy Network association: Technical Specification 48-3, Issue 2 2013, Instantaneous high-
impedance differential protection

Edited by Dr. A. Bachry, Siemens AG, EM SG PTI NC /it 200 071

Released by S. Werben, PLM 7SJ6-relays, Dr. S. Lemmer

Edition: 2014-10-17 25 SIP4-APN

 SIPROTEC 5 Application
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Published by and copyright © 2014:

Siemens AG

Infrastructure & Cities Sector

Smart Grid Division

Humboldtstr. 59

90459 Nuremberg, Germany

Siemens AG

Infrastructure & Cities Sector

Smart Grid Division

Energy Automation

Humboldtstr. 59

90459 Nuremberg, Germany

www.siemens.com/protection

Printed on elementary chlorine-free bleached paper.

All rights reserved.

If not stated otherwise on the individual pages of this catalog, we reserve

the right to include modifications, especially regarding the stated values,
dimensions and weights. Drawings are not binding.

All product designations used are trademarks or product names of Siemens

AG or other suppliers.
If not stated otherwise, all dimensions in this catalog are given in mm.

Subject to change without prior notice.

The information in this document contains general descriptions of the
technical options available, which may not apply in all cases. The required
technical options should therefore be specified in the contract.

For more information, please contact Application note: SIP4-APN

our Customer Support Center.
Tel.: +49 180 524 8437
Fax: +49 180 524 24 71
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SIP4-APN 26 Edition: 2014-10-17