Protection Testing Bulletin

Testing Distance Protection

Date
June 30, 2021

Related OMICRON Product

CMC Product Line, Test Universe Software

This document is an adapted version of the “Examples of Use – Testing Distance Protection” document which is available from the Test
Universe Start Page.

© OMICRON Page 1 of 25
Content

Preface ..........................................................................................................................................................3
1 Application Example .............................................................................................................................4
2 Introduction to Distance Characteristics ............................................................................................5
2.1 Impedance Diagrams ......................................................................................................................5
2.2 Line Impedance Angle ....................................................................................................................6
2.3 Zero-Sequence Compensation .......................................................................................................7
3 Practical Introduction ............................................................................................................................9
3.1 Defining the Test Object .................................................................................................................9
3.1.1 Device Settings ............................................................................................................................... 10
3.1.2 Defining the Distance Protection Parameters ................................................................................. 11
3.2 Global Hardware Configuration of the CMC Test Set ................................................................. 17
3.2.1 Example Output Configuration ........................................................................................................ 17
3.2.2 Analog Outputs ............................................................................................................................... 18
3.2.3 Binary Inputs ................................................................................................................................... 18
3.2.4 Wiring of the Test Set to the Relay ................................................................................................. 19
3.3 Local Hardware Configuration for Distance Protection Testing................................................... 20
3.3.1 Analog Outputs ............................................................................................................................... 20
3.3.2 Binary Inputs ................................................................................................................................... 20
3.4 Defining the Test Configuration ................................................................................................... 21
3.4.1 General Approach ........................................................................................................................... 21
3.4.2 Trip Time Test ................................................................................................................................. 22
3.4.3 Zone Reach Test ............................................................................................................................ 24

Please use this note only in combination with the related product manual which contains several important safety
instructions. The user is responsible for every application that makes use of an OMICRON product.

Page 2
Preface
This paper describes how to test distance protection zones. It contains an application example that will be
used throughout the paper. The theoretical background of the distance protection function will be explained.
This paper also covers the definition of the necessary Test Object settings as well as the
Hardware Configuration for distance protection tests. Finally, the Distance or Advanced Distance test
modules are used to perform the tests that are needed for the distance protection zones.

Supplements: Sample Control Center file DistanceTest.occ

(referred to in this document).
Requirements: Test Universe 4.20 or later; Distance or Advanced Distance and Control Center
licenses.

Page 3
1 Application Example

Figure 1: Grid diagram of the application example

Note: Testing of associated functions (e.g. Switch-Onto-Fault, backup overcurrent, auto-recloser,

communication-assisted scheme) are not part of this document.

Parameter Name Parameter Value Notes

Frequency 60 Hz
VT (primary/secondary) 110000 V / 110 V PTR = 1000
CT (primary/secondary) 600 A /5 A CTR = 120
64° Line impedance angle Z1ANG (sc)
7.87  Pos.-Seq. Line impedance magnitude Z1MAG ()
Power System Data 32.5 km (20.19 miles) Line length in km (miles)
0.6 Zero-sequence compensation factor mag. K0 1)
0° Angle for the Zero-sequence compensation factor
Forward Operating mode Z1
6.66  Reach for phase to phase faults of zone 1
6.66  Reach for phase to ground faults of zone 1
0s Trip time zone 1 (ground/phase common delay)
Forward Operating mode Z2
Distance protection 10.2  Reach for phase to phase faults of zone 2
zone settings for Mho shapes
(secondary values) 10.2  Reach for phase to ground faults of zone 2
30 cy (0.5 s) Trip time zone 2 (ground/phase common delay)
Reverse Operating mode Z3
6.22  Reach for phase to phase faults of zone 3
6.22  Reach for phase to ground faults of zone 3
60 cy (1.0 s) Trip time zone 3 (ground/phase common delay)

1) The structure of this parameter depends on the relay manufacturer and model (see chapter 2.3 “Zero-Sequence Compensation”). In
this example this factor is valid for all zones.
Table 1: Relay parameters for this example

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2 Introduction to Distance Characteristics
Distance relays are applied as short-circuit protection in almost all transmission systems where overcurrent
relays cannot be used for reasons of selectivity, fault detection requirements or where there is a need for
improved fault clearing times. They are mainly applied in ring networks with multiple feeds and meshed HV
grids.

2.1 Impedance Diagrams

A distance protection function measures voltage and current at the relay location and calculates impedance
to detect and locate faults in the system. Based on the primary line data, system data and coordination with
other relays, the reach and behavior during arc faults are defined in the impedance diagram. There are
different shapes of impedance characteristics. For this example, only the Mho type will be used.

D y1

220 kV t/s
Ssc =15 GVA
1.6
1.2
Zone 3 1.0
Zone 2 0.5
Zone 1 0.0
Z
t Protected Line

110 kV 110 kV
BB A BB B
Figure 2: Time grading diagram for step distance protection of protected line

Three zones of protection are used. Zone 1 reach is about 85% of the line length and provides an
instantaneous trip. Zone 2 has a 130% reach providing a 30-cycle delayed trip for the remainder of the line
plus backup coverage for the adjacent line. Zone 3 looks backward and provides a 60-cycle backup
protection for the predecessor lines. Zone 2 and Zone 3 are usually used for permissive and blocking
communication-assisted schemes, respectively.

1 1
4

1
2 1
5

1
3 1
6

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 1
7
1
7
1
2
1 1
5
1
4
1. Setting of Zone 1 for phase faults
1
3 2. Setting of Zone 2 for phase faults
3. Setting of Zone 3 for phase faults
1
6 4. Setting of Zone 1 for ground faults
5. Setting of Zone 2 for ground faults
6. Setting of Zone 3 for ground faults
7. Setting of the line angle

Figure 3: Setting of zones in impedance diagram (mho) for a SEL-421

Note: For the logic of the Ground Distance Elements see chapter 2.3 “Zero-Sequence Compensation”.

2.2 Line Impedance Angle

The line impedance angle is a characteristic of the line, which depends on many factors such as tower
geometry and conductor material. For a short-circuit with no arc-resistance, the fault will be located along the
line impedance angle in the impedance diagram.

380 kV 220 kV 110 kV 10 ... 30 kV Electric arc

Line
impedance Approx. 85° Approx. 80° Approx. 72° 30 ... 50° Approx. 0°
angle sc
Table 2: Typical line impedance angle for different voltage levels

Figure 4: Line impedance angle for SEL-421

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2.3 Zero-Sequence Compensation
Phase to Phase Fault Phase to Ground Fault

Protected Line Protected Line

Relay Relay
  Zline (1- ) Zline   Zline (1- ) Zline
Zline = Line impedance

  Zline (1- ) Zline   Zline (1- ) Zline

Zg = Ground impedance

  Zline (1- ) Zline   Zline (1- ) Zline

 = Fault position (0...1)

= Fault loop

  Zg (1- ) Zg   Zg (1- ) Zg

Zloop = 2    Zline (
Zloop =   Zline + Zg )
Zloop Zloop
= =
2Zline Zline + Zg

For phase to phase faults the distance between the relay and the fault can be calculated from the loop
impedance by just using the line impedance. However, for phase to ground faults the ground impedance is
also needed. To take the ground impedance into account, a zero-sequence compensation factor (grounding
factor) is used. Depending on the relay manufacturer, this factor is defined in different ways:

Factor Definition Manufacturer

Zg
=
Zline Examples include AEG, Alstom,
kL
Z0 − ZL Areva, SEL, Siemens
=
3ZL
RE Rg 1 R 
= =   0 − 1
RE X RL Rline 3  R1 
and E Examples include Siemens
RL XL XE X g 1 X 
= =   0 − 1
XL X line 3  X1 
Z0 Z0 Zg
= = 3 −1 Examples include ABB
ZL Zline Zline

Page 7
Figure 5: Zero sequence compensation factor for SEL-421

Setting this factor will influence the resulting zone (fault loop impedance) for phase to ground faults as
shown below.

X/

(1 + kL )  Z1 Zone setting

Resulting zone

Z1

R/

Figure 6: Influence of the zero-sequence compensation factor on the zone

When configuring the distance ground zones in Test Universe, there are 2 options:
a) Configure zone as per zone setting (see Figure 3) and set the zero-sequence compensation factor
embedded in the software. The software will automatically do the compensation
b) Configure zone as resulting zone (see Figure 6 and Figure 7) and set zero-sequence compensation
factor in the software to zero. Note that magnitude and angle of ground zones will differ from
settings.

1
7
1. Zone 1 for phase faults
1
4 1
5 2. Zone 2 for phase faults
3. Zone 3 for phase faults
1
2 4. Resulting Zone 1 for ground faults
5. Resulting Zone 2 for ground faults
1 6. Resulting Zone 3 for ground faults
7. Setting of the line angle
1
3
1
6

Figure 7: Setting of ground zones as fault loop impedance

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3 Practical Introduction
The Advanced Distance test module and the Distance test module are designed for testing distance
protection functions (e.g., impedance diagram, trip times, etc.).

Note: The functionality of the Advanced Distance test module and the Distance test module is different!

Figure 8: Test View of the Advanced Distance test module and Distance test module

For all following discussions, the Advanced Distance test module is used. This test module incorporates the
functionality of the Distance test module.

You find the Advanced Distance test module on the start screen of the OMICRON Test Universe software.
Advanced Distance can also be inserted into an OCC File (a Control Center document).
Test Module on Control Center’s Insert tab

3.1 Defining the Test Object

Before testing can begin the settings of the relay to be tested must be defined. In order to do that, the
Test Object must be opened by double clicking the Test Object in the OCC file or by clicking the
Test Object button in any test module.

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3.1.1 Device Settings
General relay settings (e.g., relay type, relay ID, substation details, CT and VT parameters) are entered in
the RIO function Device.

Note: The parameters V max and I max limit the output of the currents and voltages to prevent
damage to the device under test. These values must be adapted to the respective
Hardware Configuration when connecting the outputs in parallel or when using an amplifier.
The user should consult the manual of the device under test to make sure that its input rating
will not be exceeded.

Page 10
3.1.2 Defining the Distance Protection Parameters
More specific data concerning the distance protection relay can be entered in the RIO function Distance.
The definition of the distance impedance diagram must be made here as well.

Note: Once an Advanced Distance / Distance test module is inserted, this RIO function is available.

System Settings

The first tab contains the definition of the system data, the relay behavior as well as the relay tolerances.

4
6
1
4
7
3
2

4
3
4
2
1

4
5

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1. The line length and line angle are the positive-sequence line impedance magnitude (Z1MAG) and angle
(Z1ANG) of the protected line (see Table 1). They are needed to calculate faults correctly with respect to
the power system.

Z
R jX
jX


Protected Line R

2. Regarding the feeder connection diagram (Error! Reference source not found.) the PT is placed at l
ine. If at busbar is chosen, the voltage will have the nominal value after tripping.

At line At busbar

Protected Protected
object; object;
e.g. line e.g. line

Busbar Busbar

3. The CT starpoint must be set according to the connection of the secondary windings of the CT. For this
example, the feeder connection diagram (Error! Reference source not found.) shows that the CT g
rounding is towards the line.

Dir. line Dir. busbar

Protected Protected
object; object;
Busbar Relay e.g. line Busbar Relay e.g. line

Protected Protected
object; object;
Busbar Relay e.g. line Busbar Relay e.g. line

4. The impedance and time tolerances are found in the relay manual.
5. The grounding factor compensates the effect of the ground impedance on the distance zones (see
chapter 2.3 “Zero-Sequence Compensation”). For further information about the settings of the grounding
factor, refer to the Help.
6. Select this checkbox only when entering all impedances in primary values.
7. Not used for most relays, including SEL-421. This checkbox must be activated if a 5 A relay is tested that
uses 1 A as reference for the impedance calculation.

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Zone Settings

On the Zone Settings tab, enter the distance zones.

As shown above, no zone is set by default. Click New to insert a zone. Afterwards the characteristic editor
can be opened by clicking edit. Here the distance zone can be entered.

Click Add to add a new element to the Element list. The element can be either a line or an arc.
> A line must be set with an angle and a point on the line. This point can be set either in Cartesian or in
polar coordinates. Therefore, the options Line cartesian and Line polar exist.
> A circle must be set with a center point, a radius, a start angle, an end angle as well as a direction. As
the center can be set in Cartesian as well as in polar coordinates, the options Arc cartesian and
Arc polar can be used.

Page 13
It is also possible to use Predefined shapes.

1
1 2 3

1. Mho shape
2. Lens/Tomato shape 2
3. Quadrilateral

Now the zones can be defined by combining several elements.

Note: The shape of a distance zone depends on the type of relay as well as on the settings in the
relay. The shape can be found in the relay manual. The elements for one mho shape are shown
below.

Mho shape (SEL-421)

X/

Z1

R/

Relay Parameters

After the first zone has been defined, the Zone settings tab will look like this:

Page 14
 1
2

If additional zones are required, the first zone can be copied (1) and pasted to the list (2). Afterwards the
settings of the other zones can be adapted. After all the zones have been entered the list could look like this:

3 4 5 6 7 3 5 6

3. The number of each zone can be defined here.

4. The label of the zones is set automatically but a name can also be entered manually.
5. Four different types of zones can be defined:
> Tripping: These zones resemble the tripping zones of the relay
> Starting: This is a zone that normally causes pickup only. It is also possible to define a range on
the impedance plane where starting will be followed by tripping after the maximum operating time
> Extended: This is a tripping zone that is only activated occasionally, e.g., by means of "manual
close" detection, auto-reclosure, etc.
> Non tripping: There can be no tripping in this zone, even if it is overlapped by a tripping zone.
One example of its use is to model load encroachment.
6. With this option the fault loop for each zone can be defined. Therefore, it is possible to set different zones
for phase to phase or phase to ground faults.
7. Each zone can also be deactivated.

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After all zones are defined, the tripping time for each zone can be set. It is also possible to define separate
tolerances for each of the zones.

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3.2 Global Hardware Configuration of the CMC Test Set
The global Hardware Configuration specifies the general input/output configuration of the CMC test set. It
is valid for all subsequent test modules and, therefore, it has to be defined according to the relay’s
connections. It can be opened by double clicking the Hardware Configuration entry in the OCC file.

3.2.1 Example Output Configuration

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3.2.2 Analog Outputs

The analog outputs, binary inputs and outputs can all be activated individually in the local Hardware
Configuration of the specific test module (see chapter 3.3 “Local Hardware Configuration for Distance
Protection Testing”).

3.2.3 Binary Inputs

1
2

1. The start command is optional (it is needed if Starting is selected as a time reference in the test).
2. The trip command has to be connected to a binary input. BI1 … BI10 can be used.
3. For wet contacts (if connected to trip circuit) adapt the nominal voltages of the binary inputs to the
substation DC voltage or select Potential Free for dry contacts (e.g. connected to spare relay output).
4. The binary outputs and the analog inputs etc. will not be used for the following tests.

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3.2.4 Wiring of the Test Set to the Relay
Note: The following wiring diagrams are examples only. The wiring of the analog current inputs may
be different if additional protective functions such as sensitive ground fault protection are
provided. In this case IN may be wired separately.

Protection
Relay

VA

VB

VC

(-) (-)

IA

IB

IC

IN

Trip
(+)
optional

Start
(+)

Protection
Relay

VA

VB

VC

(-) (-)

IA

IB

IC

IN

Trip
(+)
optional

Start
(+)

Page 19
3.3 Local Hardware Configuration for Distance Protection Testing
The local Hardware Configuration activates the output/input signals of the CMC test set for the
selected test module. Therefore, define it separately for each individual test module once you have
opened it. Click Hardware Configuration on the Home tab and check/adjust the test module signal
selection.

3.3.1 Analog Outputs

3.3.2 Binary Inputs

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3.4 Defining the Test Configuration
3.4.1 General Approach
When testing the distance protection elements, the following steps are recommended:

> Trip time test: The trip times of the distance protection function are verified.
> Zone reach test: The zone reaches of the distance protection are verified.

The trip time test, as well as the zone reach test, is performed with the Advanced Distance test module.

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3.4.2 Trip Time Test
Trigger and Settings tabs:

2
6

1 7

4
5

1. The trip contact is the trigger for this test.

2. The test model will be Constant test current. The test current is automatically set to 2 x Inom but can be
changed if needed. This current has to be above the pick-up of the overcurrent supervision element.
3. Here you set the angle of the fault occurrence (voltage of faulty reference phase). In this example, the
mode of the fault inception is set to random.
4. A Load current during the pre-fault state can be set if desired.
5. Ignore nominal characteristic ignores the zone settings of the test object for the search test. In this
example it is not selected.
6. These times define the pre-fault, fault and post-fault states. It should be ensured that the Max. fault time
is longer than the highest zone time delay setting.
7. The time reference defines whether the fault inception or the start contact is used as a reference for the
trip time measurement. In this example it is set to Fault inception.

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 Shot Test tab:

The trip times are tested with the shot test. With this test method test shots can be placed in the impedance
plane. These test shots can either be set manually by entering R and X or |Z| and Phi values or an angle
can be entered (1) and the values can be set relative to the respective zone (2). To do so, the option
|Z| relative has to be selected. If this option is used, the test shots will be adapted whenever the zone
settings change. Select the Follow line angle change option to adapt the angle of the test shots to a
changing line angle.

For this test, test shots are placed both inside and outside of the tripping zones. Hence, it is possible to test
the trip times of all the tripping zones, as well as no trip outside the distance zones.

Page 23
3.4.3 Zone Reach Test
In the Trigger and the Settings tab, the same adjustments as for the trip time test apply.

For the zone reach test the Search Test is used. With this tab the user can define search lines. The test
module applies test shots along these lines to search for the reach of each zone. It is also possible to use
the Check Test. With this test lines are again defined. However, this time test shots will be placed along
these lines outside the tolerance bands. This confirms if the zone reach is within the defined tolerances.

3
4
1
1 4
2

3 4

1. Search lines can be defined either by dragging a line in the impedance plane or by setting a start point,
an angle and the length. After defining a line, click Add to add it to the list of test lines.
2. By using LinkToXRIO for the Angle and activating Relative, test lines can be defined in a way that they
adapt to changes of the zone settings or the line angle.
3. In the forward and reverse direction, one search line is defined to test the zone reach settings of the
zones.
4. Additional test lines along the line angle can also be set. This confirms that the relay works correctly in
the area where faults normally occur. In this example, reaches are verified at +/- 10 degrees off the line
angle.

Feedback regarding this application is welcome by email at OMICRON Protection Bulletin

<PTB@omicronenergy.com>.

Page 24
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