AUTOMATED TESTING OF COMMUNICATIONS BASED SCHEMES IN
TRANSMISSION LINE PROTECTION RELAYS
A.P. Apostolov, Senior Member, IEEE
ALSTOM T&D
Los Angeles, CA, 90064 USA
Abstract: Testing of modem microprocessor based transmission
line protection relays with communication accelerated schemes
requires excellent understanding of the logic of the particular
scheme being tested. These relays operate based on the state of
multiple monitored signals, such as permissive signals, breaker
status signals, communication channel status signals. Time
coordination of these signals and synchronization with the pre-
fault and fault analog signals is required in order to perform
adequate testing of this type of schemes.
The paper discusses the challenges in the testing of
communication based schemes in transmission line protection
relays. It introduces the concept of an automated “point-and-
click” test process that allows a dramatic reduction in the time
to test such complex logic.
Keywords: Transmission Line Protection, Communications
Based Schemes, Automatic Testing
I. INTRODUCTION
The electric utility industry is going through a process of
deregulation and downsizing that results in loss of expertise,
reduced number of engineers and increased workload. At the
same time the protection technology is becoming more and
more complex, with protective relays becoming multihctional
devices with integrated pre-programmed control logic and
additional functions like metering, fault and disturbance
recording, programmable scheme logic, etc. This is especially
valid for transmission protection relays with multiple
communication-based schemes.
Testing of such devices requires excellent understanding of the
logic of the particular scheme being tested. Protective relays,
with communication accelerated schemes, operate based on the
state of multiple monitored signals such as permissive signals,
breaker status signals, and communication channel status
signals. Time coordination of these signals and synchronization
with the pre-fault and fault analog signals is required in order to
perform adequate testing of these types of schemes.
The conventional test process requires the programming of the
test device to perform pre-fault, fault and post-fault steps in the
simulation of the changing power system parameters in order to
evaluate the performance of a distance protection device with
communications based scheme logic.
0-7803-6681-6/01/$10.00 02001 IEEE
B. Vandiver, Member, IEEE
OMICRON Electronics
Houston, TX 77046 USA
The paper discusses the challenges in the testing of
communication based schemes in transmission line protection
relays. It introduces the concept of an automated “point-and-
click’’ test process that allows a dramatic reduction in the time
typically needed to test such complex logic.
A detailed example of Permissive Underreaching Unblocking
Transfer Trip scheme is described from the perspective of
testing requirements - i.e., hardware requirements for
simulation of breaker status, communication and state of
channel signals and how they should be synchronized with the
analog signals simulating pre-fault and fault conditions.
The paper also describes the different options for automated
testing and reporting of communications based schemes. Three
modes of operation are presented:
Complete evaluation: multiple communication-based
schemes are selected in a “point-and-click” manner and the
test software automatically executes a series of predefined
tests, measures the relay’s response, analyses the results
and prepares the test report.
Testing of a specific communication-based scheme:
automatically executes the test sequence required for the
selected communication scheme, measures the relay’s
response, analyses the results and prepares the test report.
Training tool: detailed animated demonstrations of the
relay’s protective and logical elements as they respond to
the sequence of events under each test scenario. Written
Test Objectives and wiring diagram for Hardware
Requirements are shown for each available communication
scheme.
11. COMMUNICATIONS BASED SCHEMES IN
DISTANCE RELAYS AND THEIR TESTING
The fundamental requirement for the primary protection of a
transmission line is to provide high-speed fault clearing for any
single phase to ground or multiphase fault on the protected line.
In the case of transmission line protection based on distance
measurement principle of operation this can be achieved by the
implementation of communication based protection schemes
(Fig. 1).
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Substation 1 Substation 2
Fig. 1 Communications aided transmission line protection scheme
Communication aided distance protection schemes typically use
a single command, usually in the form of a relay output contact
closure or a binary control signal. The meaning of this single
command signal, when received at the remote end, is
interpreted based on the communication scheme selected for the
application. For example, a Carrier Send signal from one end
can be decoded as a Permissive or Blocking signal at the
receiving end, depending on the selection of a Permissive or
Blocking scheme.
A. Communication Aided Protection Schemes
Communication based protection schemes for distance relays
can be divided in three main groups:
Intertripping
Permissive schemes
Blocking schemes
These three basic categories are divided in sub-categories as a
function of what elements are used to supervise the received
signal - for example Overreaching or Underreaching Permissive
schemes.
In multifunctional distance relays the supervising element in
communication aided schemes is a forward or reverse looking
phase or ground distance zone (Fig. 2). Some schemes, for
example a simple Permissive or Blocking scheme will require
only one single supervising element - a Forward or a Reverse
distance zone. The more advanced schemes may need both a
forward and reverse looking element, for example in a
Permissive scheme with built-in Current Reversal logic.
Substation 1 zone2 Substation 2
Zone 3
Reverse I Zone 1
Forward
+E1 I I
D1stance
Fig. 2 Forward and Reverse supervising elements
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The above described attributes of communications based
schemes in modern distance relays have to be considered in the
process of definition of what tests should be performed in order
to verify the functionality and the correct settings of such
schemes. The overall simulation of the relay environment is
also affected by the communications media that is used for
exchange of protection signals between the relays at both ends
of the protected transmission line.
B. What Should Be Tested
The testing of communication aided distance protection
schemes is intended to evaluate the performance of the test
object under different fault, system and communication channel
conditions.
Different tests are designed to monitor the relay operation for
the following fault conditions:
Zone 1 fault
Zone 2 fault on the protected line
Zone 2 fault outside of the protected line
Reverse faults
Faults on a parallel circuit of a double-circuit line
No fault
Because we are testing communication based schemes, the
relay reaction to the receiving of correct and noise control
signals under the above listed fault conditions is tested as well.
Some more advanced communication aided schemes monitor
not only the receiving of a control signal, but also the
availability of the carrier signal, which may be lost if the fault is
on the phase used by the communication channel. The
combined effect of carrier signal and control signal received has
to be also tested.
When communication aided schemes are used in complex
system configurations, including double circuit transmission
line or transmission line loops with or without mutual coupling,
sequential tripping of faults on adjacent lines may result in
incorrect operation of the accelerated schemes. It is required to
develop test sequences simulating such conditions to verify that
the protective relay is going to operate correctly.
C. How The Tests Are Performed
The fundamental requirement for an advanced testing software
in today’s utility environment is a combination of efficiency and
ease of use. The goal is to achieve maximum results with a
minimum effort. That is why, the test configuration, execution
efforts and analysis of the results from a series of tests in most
cases should be limited to a point-and-click action.
The testing of communication aided schemes should be
performed in a way that as closely as possible matches real life
power system conditions. The sequence of steps in a test is
different as a function of the requirements for the specific
scheme and system condition.
For example, if the test is for a Direct Transfer Trip scheme and
the test conditions are normal system with a noise triggered
Carrier Receive signal, the sequence will include only three
steps:
0 pre-fault with breaker in a closed position, nominal voltage
and normal load current conditions
receive of Direct Transfer Trip signal
post-trip condition with breaker opened, nominal
voltage(assuming that bus voltage is applied to the relay)
and no current
If a more complex scheme is tested, the number of steps will
increase accordingly. For example if a Permissive Overreaching
Scheme is tested, and a fault on an adjacent line with sequential
breaker opening is simulated, the test will have to include the
following steps:
pre-fault with breaker in a closed position, nominal voltage
and normal load current conditions
initial fault condition with current flowing in reverse
direction
0 receive of Permissive Trip signal
0 current reversal fault condition (simulating the opening of
the breaker by the Zone 1 trip of the relay on the adjacent
line)
post-fault condition with breaker closed, nominal voltage
and normal load current conditions
The test device is used to simulate both the analog and the
digital signals received by the relay in the field. At the same
time it’s inputs are used to monitor the operation of different
relay elements as required by the scheme under test.
D. Test Results Analysis
The results fi-omeach test performed are automaticallyanalyzed
by the test software. The analysis is based on an expert system
comparing the operating time of a combination of monitored
protection elements that have picked-up during the test.
The operating time of the monitored protection elements is
defined based on the protective relay manufacturer’s technical
specifications.
The results are displayed in a graphical format in the user
interface and in detail in an automatically generated test report.
111. AUTOMATIC COMMUNICATION AIDED
SCHEMES TESTING SOFTWARE OVERVIEW
Since the multiple communications based schemes in a distance
relay have different logic and require the simulation of different
signals and fault conditions, the software is a family of test
modules for automatic testing of communication based logic
schemes in transmission line protection relays. They include the
most typical communication schemes, such as Permissive or
Blocking and also cover some advanced features, like Weak
Infeed Logic, Current Reversal Logic, etc.
The objective is to perform a number of dynamic tests to
evaluate the communication based schemes used in modem
transmission line relays with distance elements. Effects of load
flow, fault resistance and remote end in-feed are not considered,
because they don’t affect the performance of these schemes, but
the performance of phase and ground distance elements. These
effects are subject to testing in another group of tests in order to
verify the functionality of individual protection functions and
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their characteristics. The assumption is made, that Zone 1, Zone
2 and reverse looking phase and ground distance elements have
already been tested successfidly.
The test object is a multifunctional distance relay with different
communication aided schemes available. The assumption is that
the relay under test is located at one end of the protected two
ended transmission line. The power system environment, i.e.
breaker status, pre-fault, fault and post fault current and
voltages, the generated permissive, blocking or unblocking
signals fi-om the remote end relay or the communication
equipment are simulated by the test device.
During the testing of the different protection schemes all phase
and ground distance zone settings remain the same. The only
changes made are in the communication scheme selected for
each individual subgroup of tests and the relay settings specific
to the scheme under test.
A. Modes Of Operation
The software can be used for different purposes and in different
modes as described in detail later in the paper.
The first mode is for complete evaluation purposes. The second
mode is for testing of a specific communication based scheme.
The third mode of operation of the software is for training
purposes. All three modes are described in more detail later in
the paper.
The following most common Basic Communication Schemes
are considered in the performancetesting software:
Direct Underreaching Transfer Trip scheme
Permissive OverreachingTransfer Trip scheme
Permissive Underreaching Transfer Trip scheme
Permissive OverreachingUnblockmg Transfer Trip
scheme
0 Permissive Underreaching Unblocking Transfer Trip
scheme
Directional Comparison Blocking scheme
Current Reversal Logic
Week Infeed Logic
EchoLogic
B. Steps in Testing
Multihctional transmission line protection relays are very
complex devices that require during testing adequate simulation
of their operating environment, to ensure that they will perform
correctly when installed in the field. There is a sequence of
steps related to the testing of electromechanical,solid state or
microprocessor based relays using communication based
schemes for accelerated fault clearing. They depend on the
goals of the test and the level of knowledge of the relay under
test and it’s operating principles
Some of the steps are performed before the actual testing:
1. The user has to become familiar with the principles of
operation of the test object (in this case a distance relay
with preprogrammed communication aided schemes) and
the sequence of events that result in an accelerated or time
delayed trip while implementing a permissive or blocking
 scheme. This information is usually available in the users
manual of the tested relay.
2. The automatic testing software is based on the common
industry understanding of communication aided schemes
and some assumptions on the interface between the relay
and the power system environment. The user has to
become familiar with the basic principles implemented in
the development of the test sequences. This information is
available in an animated form in the software Training
Mode. If the user is familiar with the principles of the
distance relay under test and the principles of the
communication scheme to be tested, he/she can proceed
directly with the actual testing process.
If the goal of the test is a benchmark test of the communication
aided schemes of a new to the utility distance relay, the user
should use the Multiple Scheme Test Mode.
C. Multiple Scheme Test Mode
If the utility is in the process of evaluating the communications
schemes of different distance relays, the Multiple Schemes Test
Mode can help significantly by:
executing a series of tests selectedby the user
evaluating the relay operation for each of the individual
tests after their execution and displaying it in a graphical
format
evaluating the overall performance of the relay after all
selected tests have been completed
generating a report, including the operating time of the
monitored relay functions for all schemes tested and tests
performed
4n example of the Multiple Scheme Test Window is given in
Tig. 3.
Fig. 3 Multiple schemes test mode
If the task is to test only a specific communication aided
scheme, the Single Scheme Test Mode should be used.
D. Single Scheme Test Mode
The best way to describe the functionality of the automatic
communications schemes testing software is through an
32 1
example. We will consider a Permissive Underreaching
Unblochng Scheme and will describe in more detail the
principles of the scheme, the test requirements and test
procedure. Similar steps are used for all the other
communications schemes supported by the software.
As mentioned earlier, the testing of any communication based
scheme in a distance relay requires a good understanding of it’s
operating principles. The test technician or engineer has to
become familiar with these principles. For the case of our
example the Permissive Underreaching Unblocking Scheme is
of specific interest.
Permissive Underreaching Unblocking Transfer Trip (PUUTT)
Logic Description
When one phase of the power line is used as the
communications media and this phase is affected by the fault on
the line, the permissive signal may be lost. As a result, there
will be no accelerated trip if the fault is outside of the reach of
Zone 1 of the distance relay. This weakness of the conventional
Permissive Underreaching Transfer Trip (PUTT) scheme is
avoided in the Permissive Underreaching Unblocking Transfer
Trip (PUUTT) scheme.
The Permissive Underreaching Unblocking Transfer Trip
(PUUTT) scheme also requires Underreaching functions.
Phase distance functions are used almost exclusively for
detection of multi-phase faults, whereas ground distance
functions or directional ground overcment functions can be
used for the detection of ground faults. The PUUTT scheme is
applied using a communication channel in which the permissive
signal is sent by an output from any one of the Underreaching
functions. A typical application of a PUUTT scheme uses the
Zone 1 phase and ground distance elements as the
Underreaching Unblocking elements.
For a fault in the zone of protection of the Underreaching (Zone
1) elements at either end of the protected line, they will operate
and activate the Carrier Send (TX) output of the relay. At the
same time, the Zone 2 element will also operate for any fault on
the line. Receipt of the permissive signal at each terminal and
an output from the Overreaching function will cause the AND
gate to produce an output to initiate acceleratedtripping.
If the fault involves the phase used by the communication
channel and the carrier signal is lost, this will result in an
unblocking signal allowing accelerated tripping for a short
period of time (typically 150-300 msec). If an overreaching
element (Zone 2) operates, this will cause the AND gate to
produce an output to initiate accelerated tripping.
For extemal faults, neither Underreaching functions will
operate, thus accelerated tripping will not be initiated at either
terminal.
The scheme is very secure in that it will not trip for any extemal
fault if the channel is inoperative. This scheme also has
significantly improved dependability, because it will provide an
accelerated trip for any internal faults even if the
communication channel is inoperative.
In modem microprocessor based relays any fault within the
reach of Zone 1 is tripped without any additional time delay
by the Zone 1 element through the OR gate in the trip circuit.
In case of communication channel failure and fault in the
reach of Zone 2, time-delayed (Zone 2 time) tripping is
provided.
Test Cases
The Permissive Underreaching Unblochng Transfer Trip
(PUUTT) scheme is tested for the following fault and
communication channel conditions:
1. Zone 1 fault and PTT signal received: the relay should trip

i, i =1
with Zone 1 time and send a PTT signal
2. Zone 2 fault , no PTT signal received and unblocking
signal received: the relay should trip with the relay Zone 2
pick-up time(not the Zone 2 time delay) and should not
Configuration of Step Test Sequene send a PTT signal
Analog Outputs
Binary Output 3. Zone 2 fault and PTT signal received: the relay should
Monitored Binary Input trip with PTT signal time and should not send a PTT
Transition Logic from Step to Stepi+l signal
I I 4. No fault and PTT signal received: the relay should not trip
and should not send a PTT signal
i=N
For each of the above listed test cases in a conventional
environment the user has to program the test device to execute
several test steps that represent different phases of the power
system behavior before and during the fault, as well as different

e
Run Test signals received from the remote end device.
Sequence
The flowchart in Fig. 4 describes the simulation process.

i =I
Hardware requirements
Three phase voltages and currents are required from the test
device to the relay under test.
Test Sequence Step i: A potential free relay output of the test device is programmed
Change Analog Outputs
to simulate the breaker status and is wired to the 52a input of
the relay under test. Another potential free relay output of the
test device is programmed to simulate the Permissive signal
sent from the relay at the remote end and is wired to the RX
input of the relay under test. A third potential free relay output
of the test device is programmed to simulate the unblocking
signal sent from the communication device and is wired to the
Cannel Failure input of the relay under test.
A Trip output of the relay is wired to a Trip sense input of the
test device and is used to change from fault to post-fault state.
A Carrier Send(TX) output of the relay is wired to a second
PUUTT sense input of the test device and is used to detect if
and when at PUUTT signal is sent from the relay under test.
User Interface
The individual scheme control window has multiple control
buttons that can be enabled or disabled depending on the
actions of the user. For example, at the moment when the
window is opened, the Print Report control button is disabled,
because no tests have been executed. Fig. 4 shows a Single
J Yes Scheme Test Mode window after the successful completion of

1 Analyze Test
Object
Performance
I all tests. Hardware requirements wiring diagram is displayed as
well.

E. Training Mode
To become familiar with the principles of the tested scheme, the
Test Report user enables the Animation Mode of the scheme control:
The simplified logic diagram of the communication aided
scheme is displayed. Several new control buttons appear in the
Fig. 4 Test process simplified flowchart window, depending on the test cases related to the selected

322
scheme. On the bottom of the window a LEGEND with the
symbols used in the graphics and animation is displayed (Fig.
5).
Fig. 5 Animation screen in Training Mode
The animation speed is controlled by an additional control
object in the scheme control window. It can be set to Slow,
Medium or Fast speed depending on the users knowledge of the
specific scheme displayed. Several animation control buttons
allow the user to select the animation demonstrating the test
sequence and expected relay performance for a specific fault
condition. Before running the tests the user can also check the
test objectives and the hardware requirements for the
communication scheme selected.
IV. CONCLUSIONS
Testing of communications based schemes in modern
microprocessor based transmission line protection relays
requires complete understanding of the operating principles of
the individual schemes and the right software and hardware
tools to appropriately simulate the fault conditions and
communication signals received from the relay under test.
The performance testing software presented in the paper allows
the user to become familiar with the operating principles of the
most typical communications aided schemes for transmission
line protection through animation available in the Training
Mode.
It eliminates the need for programming the test device to
perform multiple steps for each individual test case required for
a specific communications based protection scheme and then
analyze the relay performance based on the measured relay
response time.
Pre-programmed automatic test sequences simulating different
fault conditions and the signals received from the remote end or
the communications equipment allow the execution of multiple
tests for a selected communications scheme by simple "point-
and-click" action by the user.
An option for the automatic testing of multiple schemes is
available for the complete evaluation of communications aided
schemes in new relays.
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Automatic relay performance analysis and test report generation
significantly improves the efficiency and further simplifies the
overall testing process. The rules based analysis provides an
accurate evaluation of the relay operation and allows the tests to
be performed even by test technicians with limited experience.
The Hardware Requirements for the different schemes tests in
the software are also shown as a wiring diagram, displaying the
required connections for analog and binary signals for the
testing of the specific scheme. This reduces the probability for
human errors during the test process, thus further improving
the efficiency of the testing.
V. BIOGRAPHIES
Alexander Apostolov received a MS degree in ElectricalEngineering,
MS in Applied Mathematics and Ph.D. from the Technical University
in Sofia, Bulgaria. He has worked for fourteen years in the Protection
&Control Section of Energoproject Research and Design Institute,
Sofia,Bulgaria.
From 1990-94 he was Lead Engineer in the Protection Engineering
Group , New York State Electric & Gas where he worked on the
protection of the six-phase line, applicationof microprocessor relays,
programmable logic and artificial intelligence in protection. 1994-95
he was Manager of Relay Applications Engineering at Rochester -
Integrated Systems Division. 1995-96 he was Principal Engineer at
Tasnet.
He is presently Marketing Strategies Manager for ALSTOM T&D. He
is a Senior Member of IEEE and Member of the Power Systems
Relaying Committee and Substations Subcommittee. He serves on
several IEEE PES Working Groups and is Chairman of Working
Group C3: New Technology Related to Power Systems Protection and
Working Group C9: Guide for Abnormal Frequency Load Shedding
and Restoration.
He is member of IEC TC57 and CIGRE WG 34.01.He holds three
patents and has authored more than 80 technical papers.
Benton Vandiver I11 received BSEE from the University of Houston
in 1979.
He began his career with the Substation Division of Houston Lighting
& Power, in 1978 engineering relay protection systems for all levels of
transmission, distribution, and generation. His main interests were in
computer design automation of protection schemes and substation
projects. He developed extensive knowledge in the application,setting,
testing, modeling, and design of traditional and digital relaying
systems used in all types power system protection, control, and
monitoring. In 1991 he joined Multilin Corp. as a Project Manager on
a team responsible for designing and developing the hardware and
software for a new family of utility grade digital relays. In 1995 he
joined OMICRON electronics as a Sales & Application Engineer with
primary responsibilities of sales, training, and promotion of the
revolutionary CMC Universal Test Set to North & South America.
He is currently Technical Director for OMICRON electronics Corp.
USA in Houston, TX. He is a long time member of IEEE and authored
or co-authored many technical papers for various conferences in North
America.