Wichita State University Power Quality Lab

HARMONIC TESTING OF PROTECTIVE RELAYS Sponsored by Kansas Electric Utilities Research Program May 1994 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The use of computers, adjustable speed motor drives, and other nonlinear loads continues to increase. These loads distort current and voltage waveforms on the electric power system. The relays that protect the power system are designed to operate with pure, undistorted fundamental waveforms. To properly protect the power system, relays should respond to the true rms values of the waveforms. Most, however, do not. Conflicting results in previous research and initial testing at WSU led to the development of a comprehensive program to test power system protective relays and reclosers for the effects of waveform distortion. Twenty-nine relays were tested. Each relay responded differently to distorted waveforms. All relays had error; some had positive error, and some had negative. Many had both, depending on the frequency and magnitude of distortion. Some relays can be reset to compensate for known, constant distortion, while others cannot be reliably used with distorted waveforms. When applying relays in distorted environments, the relay's performance with distortion must be considered. Failure to trip and nuisance tripping will result if it is not. Table VI shows the percentage of relays tested that failed to meet manufacturer's specifications for four levels of distortion that may be found on power systems. Table VI also shows the maximum error found among the relays tested, and the average error for all relays tested. Table VI. All relays. Distortion less than Relays not meeting Average error Maximum error specifications 50% current 92% (24 of 26 tested) 52% 250% 20% current 54% (14 of 26 tested) 30% 233% 20% voltage 67% (10 of 15 tested) 6% 14% 5% voltage 0% (0 of 15 tested) 2% 8% New relay designs are digital. Table VII shows the percentage of digital relays tested that failed to meet manufacturer's specifications when waveforms are distorted. Digital relays can be designed to measure true rms voltage and current. Most, however, do not. Future designs should. Table VII. Digital relays. Distortion less than Relays not meeting Average error Maximum error specifications 50% current 89% (8 of 9 tested) 44% 250% 20% current 44% (4 of 9 tested) 25% 160% 20% voltage 50% (2 of 4 tested) 6% 13% 5% voltage 0% (0 of 4 tested) 1% 1%
Wichita, Kansas 67260-0044 316-978-6340 316-978-3853 (fax) www.engr.twsu.edu/pqlab Ward@ece.twsu.edu