FUNCTION BLOCK DESCRIPTION

Overexcitation protection
ANSI 24, IEC V/HZ

DOCUMENT ID: PP-13-22350

VERSION: 2.0
PROTECTION, AUTOMATION AND
2021-05-19, BUDAPEST CONTROL FOR POWER INDUSTRY
 VERSION INFORMATION

VERSION INFORMATION

VERSION DATE MODIFICATION COMPILED BY

Preliminary 2009-11-24 Preliminary version, without technical information Petri
2010-10-05 Naming revision Csipke
1.0 2010-11-11 First edition Petri
2.0 2021-05-19 Second edition extended with custom characteristic Zsarnai

2 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 CONTENTS

CONTENTS

1 Overexcitation protection function ........................................................................................ 5

1.1 Application ..................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Mode of operation.......................................................................................................... 6
1.2.1 Calculation of the flux ............................................................................................ 6
1.2.2 Starting of the function........................................................................................... 6
1.2.3 Operating characteristics ....................................................................................... 6
1.2.3.1 Definite time characteristic ............................................................................ 7
1.2.3.2 Custom made inverse time characteristic ..................................................... 8
1.2.3.3 IEEE standard inverse time characteristic..................................................... 9
1.2.4 Analogue input of the function ............................................................................. 10
1.3 Structure of the overexcitation protection algorithm .................................................... 11
1.4 The flux calculation ...................................................................................................... 12
1.5 The definite time and the inverse type characteristics ................................................ 13
1.6 The decision logic ........................................................................................................ 15
2 Overexcitation function overview ........................................................................................ 16
2.1 Settings ........................................................................................................................ 16
2.1.1 Parameters .......................................................................................................... 16
2.1.2 Characteristics ..................................................................................................... 18
2.2 Function I/O ................................................................................................................. 19
2.2.1 Analogue inputs ................................................................................................... 19
2.2.2 Analogue outputs (measurements) ..................................................................... 19
2.2.3 Binary input signals (graphed output statuses) ................................................... 20
2.2.4 Binary output signals (graphed input statuses) ................................................... 20
2.2.5 On-line data ......................................................................................................... 20
2.2.6 Events .................................................................................................................. 20
2.3 Technical data ............................................................................................................. 21
2.3.1 Notes for testing .................................................................................................. 21

3 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 USED SYMBOLS

USED SYMBOLS

Additional information

Useful information for settings.

Important part for proper usage.

4 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
PROTECTION FUNCTION

1 Overexcitation protection function

1.1 Application
The overexcitation protection function is applied to protect generators and unit transformers
against high flux values causing saturation of the iron cores and consequently high magnetizing
currents.

The problem to be solved is as follows. The flux is the integrated value of the voltage:

𝛷(𝑡) = 𝛷 + 𝑢(𝑡) 𝑑𝑡

In steady state, this integral can be high if the area under the sinusoidal voltage-time function is
large. Mathematically this means that in steady state the flux, as the integral of the sinusoidal
voltage function, can be expressed as
𝑈
𝛷(𝑡) = 𝑘 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜔 𝑡
𝑓
The peak value of the flux increases if the magnitude of the voltage increases, and/or the flux can
be high if the duration of a period increases; this means that the frequency of the voltage
decreases. That is, the flux is proportional to the peak value (or to the RMS value) of the voltage
and inversely proportional to the frequency.

Note: the overexcitation protection function is intended to be applied near the generator, where
the voltage is expected to be pure sinusoidal, without any distortion. Therefore, a continuous
integration of the voltage and a simple peak detection algorithm can be applied.

The effect of high flux values is the symmetrical saturation of the iron core of the generator or that
of the unit transformer. During saturation, the magnetizing current is high and distorted; high
current peaks can be detected. The odd harmonic components of the current are of high
magnitude and the RMS value of the current also increases. The high peak values of the currents
generate high dynamic forces, the high RMS value causes overheating. During saturation, the
flux leaves the iron core and high eddy currents are generated in the metallic part of the generator
or transformer in which normally no current flows, and which is not designed to withstand
overheating.

The frequency can deviate from the rated network frequency during start-up of the generator or
at an unwanted disconnection of the load. In this case the generator is not connected to the
network and the frequency is not kept at a “constant” value. If the generator is excited in this state
and the frequency is below the rated value, then the flux may increase above the tolerated value.
Similar problems may occur in distributed generating stations in case of island operation.

The overexcitation protection is designed to prevent this long-term overexcited state.

5 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
PROTECTION FUNCTION

1.2 Mode of operation

1.2.1 Calculation of the flux
The flux is calculated continuously as the integral of the voltage. In case of the supposed
sinusoidal voltage, the shape of the integrated flux will be sinusoidal too, the frequency of which
is identical with that of the voltage. The magnitude of the flux can be found by searching for the
maximum and the minimum values of the sinusoid.

1.2.2 Starting of the function

The magnitude can be calculated if at least one positive and one negative peak value have been
found, and the function starts if the calculated flux magnitude is above the setting value.
Accordingly, the starting delay of the function depends on the frequency: if the frequency is low,
more time is needed to reach the opposite peak value. In case of energizing, the time to find the
first peak depends on the starting phase angle of the sinusoidal flux. If the voltage is increased
continuously by increasing the excitation of the generator, this time delay cannot be measured.

1.2.3 Operating characteristics

The most harmful effect of the overexcited state is unwanted overheating. As the heating effect
of the distorted current is not directly proportional to the flux value, inverse type characteristics
can be applied. The IEEE type characteristic can be selected for general applications or the user
can specify a custom characteristic to fulfill any special needs. If the overexcitation increases, the
operating time decreases. To meet simpler requirements, a definite-time characteristic is also
offered as an alternative.

The supervised quantity is the calculated U/f value as a percentage of the nominal values (index
N):
𝑈 𝑈
𝑓 𝑈
𝐺= 100[%] = 100[%]
𝑈 𝑓
𝑓 𝑓

The over-dimensioning of generators in this respect is usually about 5%, that of the transformer
about 10%, but for unit transformers this factor can be even higher.

By function pickup, the protection generates a start signal and a delayed alarm signal aimed to
inform the controller to decrease the excitation. If the time delay (determined by the parameter
values of the selected characteristics) expires, the function generates a trip command to decrease
or to switch off the excitation and the generator.

6 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
PROTECTION FUNCTION

1.2.3.1 Definite time characteristic

Operating time
𝑡(𝐺) = 𝑡 when 𝐺 >𝐺

t(G)

tOP

G
GS

Figure 1-1 Overexcitation independent time characteristic

where
tOP (seconds) theoretical operating time if G> GS, fix, according to the parameter
setting “Definite Time Delay”.

G measured value of the characteristic quantity; this is the peak value

as a percentage of the rated value.

GS setting value of the characteristic quantity (“Start U/f HighSet”). This is

the peak value as a percentage of the rated value.

Reset time

𝑡(𝐺) = 𝑡 when 𝐺 < 0.95 ∗ 𝐺

where
tDrop-off (seconds) drop-off time if G< 0.95*GS, fix value.

7 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
PROTECTION FUNCTION

1.2.3.2 Custom made inverse time characteristic

The custom characteristic can be defined by 7 points, where the user can select the desired U/f
values and their corresponding time delays. Trip time between the points is determined by linear
interpolation. The first U/f point of the characteristic will initiate the function start. Definite time
characteristic settings in the previous section will be also effective on the custom-made trip curve.

Thermal counter
Once the actual U/f value initiates a function start, a thermal counter also starts. At counter value
100%, the function initiates a trip command.

Reset time
If the calculated flux is below the drop-off flux value (when 𝐺 < 0.95 ∗ 𝐺 ), then the calculated
flux value decreases linearly to zero. The time to reach zero is defined by the parameter “Cooling
Time”.

10
Minutes

1 Definite Time Delay

0.1
100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140
Volts/Hertz in %

Figure 1-2 Custom inverse time characteristics

8 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
PROTECTION FUNCTION

1.2.3.3 IEEE standard inverse time characteristic

Operating time in seconds

 “IEEE square law” acc. to IEEE Std C37.102

0.18 ∗ 𝑇𝑀𝑆 0.18 ∗ 𝑇𝑀𝑆

𝑡= =
U/f 𝑈 /f (𝐺 − 𝐺 )
( − set set )
𝑈 /f 𝑈 /f

where
TMS = 1… 60, time multiplier setting,
U/f flux value calculated at the measured voltage and frequency,
UN/fN flux at rated voltage and rated frequency,
Uset/fset flux setting value.

100
Max Time Delay

VPH24_MaxDel_TPar_ (Max.Time Delay) /TMS

10
Minutes

Min Time Delay

0.1
100 110 120 130 140 150 160
Volts/Hertz in %

Figure 1-3 IEEE standard inverse time characteristics

If the function starts, the maximum tripping time is limited by the parameter “Max Time Delay”.
This time delay is valid if the flux is above the preset value of “Start U/f LowSet”.
This inverse type characteristic is also combined with a minimum time delay, the value of which
is set by user parameter “Min Time Delay”. This time delay is valid if the flux is above the setting
value of “Start U/f HighSet”.

9 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
PROTECTION FUNCTION

Reset time
If the calculated flux is below the drop-off flux value (when 𝐺 < 0.95 ∗ 𝐺 ), then the calculated
flux value decreases linearly to zero. The time to reach zero is defined by the parameter “Cooling
Time”.

1.2.4 Analogue input of the function

Overexcitation is a typically symmetrical phenomenon. There are other dedicated protection
functions against asymmetry. Accordingly, the processing of a single voltage is sufficient. In a
network with isolated neutral, the phase voltage is not exactly defined due to the uncertain zero
sequence voltage component. Therefore, line-to-line voltages are calculated based on the
measured phase voltages, and one of them is assigned to overfluxing protection.
As overexcitation is a phenomenon which is typical if the generator or the generator transformer
unit is not connected to the network, the voltage drop does not need any compensation. If the
voltage is measured at the supply side of the unit transformer, then the voltage is higher than the
voltage of the magnetization branch of the transformer’s equivalent circuit. Thus, the calculated
flux cannot be less than the real flux value. The protection operates with increased security.

10 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
PROTECTION FUNCTION

1.3 Structure of the overexcitation protection algorithm

Fig.1-4 shows the structure of the overexcitation protection (VPH24) algorithm.

VPH24

ULL Status signals

Flux Decision
Characteristics
calculation Logic
Parameters

Status
signals

Figure 1-4 Structure of the overexcitation protection algorithm

The inputs are
 the sampled values of a line-to-line voltage (ULL),
 parameters,
 status signals.

The outputs are

 the binary output status signals.

The software modules of the overexcitation protection function:

Flux calculation
This module integrates the voltage to obtain the flux time-function and determines the
magnitude of the flux.

Characteristics
This module calculates the required time delay based on the magnitude of the flux and the
parameter settings.

Decision logic
The decision logic module combines the status signals to generate the trip command of the
function.

The following description explains the details of the individual components.

11 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
PROTECTION FUNCTION

1.4 The flux calculation

This module integrates the voltage to obtain the flux time-function and determines the
magnitude of the flux.

ULL FluxMagn
Flux
calculation

Figure 1-5 Principal scheme of the flux calculation

The inputs are the sampled values of a line-to-line voltage (ULL).

The output is the magnitude of the flux (FluxMagn), internal signal.

12 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
PROTECTION FUNCTION

1.5 The definite time and the inverse type characteristics

This module calculates the required time delay based on the magnitude of the flux and the
parameter settings.

The inputs are the magnitude of the flux (FluxMagn) and parameters.

The outputs are the internal status signals of the function. These indicate the started state and
the generated trip command if the time delay determined by the characteristics expired.

FluxMagn

Parameters Binary outputs

Characteristics
Reset

Figure 1-6 Schema of the characteristic calculation

Enumerated parameter

Table 1-1 The enumerated parameter of the overexcitation protection function

PARAMETER NAME TITLE SELECTION RANGE DEFAULT
Parameter for type selection
Off, Definite Time, Custom made, IEEE Definite
VPH24_Operation_EPar_ Operation
square law Time

Integer parameters

Table 1-2 The integer parameters of the overexcitation protection function

PARAMETER NAME TITLE UNIT MIN MAX STEP DEFAULT
Starting value of the IEEE characteristic
VPH24_EmaxCont_IPar_ Start U/f LowSet % 80 140 1 110
Flux value above which the IEEE and custom-made characteristics are replaced by the
declared minimum time. It is also the setting for definite time operation.
VPH24_Emax_IPar_ Start U/f HighSet % 100 140 1 140
Time multiplier for IEEE characteristic
VPH24_k_IPar__ Time Multiplier 1 100 1 10
First point of custom characteristic
VPH24_E1_IPar__ U/f value 1 % 100 140 1 105
Second point of custom characteristic
VPH24_E2_IPar__ U/f value 2 % 100 140 1 110
Third point of custom characteristic
VPH24_E3_IPar__ U/f value 3 % 100 140 1 115

13 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
PROTECTION FUNCTION

Fourth point of custom characteristic

VPH24_E4_IPar__ U/f value 4 % 100 140 1 120
Fifth point of custom characteristic
VPH24_E5_IPar__ U/f value 5 % 100 140 1 125
Sixth point of custom characteristic
VPH24_E6_IPar__ U/f value 6 % 100 140 1 130
Seventh point of custom characteristic
VPH24_E7_IPar__ U/f value 7 % 100 140 1 135

Float parameters

Table 1-3 Timer parameters of the overexcitation protection function

PARAMETER NAME TITLE UNIT MIN MAX STEP DEFAULT
Minimum time delay for the IEEE characteristic
VPH24_MinDel_FPar_ Min Time Delay sec 0.5 60.0 0.1 10.0
Maximum time delay for the IEEE characteristic
VPH24_MaxDel_FPar_ Max Time Delay sec 300 8000 1 3000
Reset time delay for the inverse characteristics (IEEE and Custom)
VPH24_CoolDel_FPar_ Cooling Time sec 1 8000 1 1000
Time delay for definite time characteristic
VPH24_DTDelay_FPar_ DT Time Delay sec 0.5 60.0 0.1 10.0
Time delay for first point of custom characteristic
VPH24_Delay1_FPar_ Delay1 sec 1 8000 1 1000
Time delay for second point of custom characteristic
VPH24_Delay2_FPar_ Delay2 sec 1 8000 1 900
Time delay for third point of custom characteristic
VPH24_Delay3_FPar_ Delay3 sec 1 8000 1 800
Time delay for fourth point of custom characteristic
VPH24_Delay4_FPar_ Delay4 sec 1 8000 1 700
Time delay for fifth point of custom characteristic
VPH24_Delay5_FPar_ Delay5 sec 1 8000 1 600
Time delay for sixth point of custom characteristic
VPH24_Delay6_FPar_ Delay6 sec 1 8000 1 500
Time delay for seventh point of custom characteristic
VPH24_Delay7_FPar_ Delay7 sec 1 8000 1 400

14 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
PROTECTION FUNCTION

1.6 The decision logic

The decision logic module combines the status signals, binary and enumerated parameters to
generate the trip command of the function.

VPH24_St_GrI_
VPH24_GenSt_GrI
AND _

VPH24_Al_GrI_
VPH24_Alarm_GrI
AND _

VPH24_Tr_GrI_
VPH24_GenTr_GrI
AND _

VPH24_Blk_GrO_
NOT

Figure 1-7 The logic scheme of the overexcitation protection function

Binary status signals

The overexcitation protection function has two binary input signals, which serve the purpose of
disabling the function and resetting the thermal counter. The conditions of disabling or
resetting are defined by the user, applying the graphic equation editor.

Table 1-4 The binary input signals of the overexcitation protection function
BINARY STATUS SIGNAL EXPLANATION
Output status of a graphic equation defined by the user to
VPH24_Block_GrO_
disable the overexcitation protection function.
Output status of a graphic equation defined by the user to reset
VPH24_Reset_GrO_
the thermal counter

The binary output status signals of the overexcitation protection function are listed in Error!
Reference source not found..

Table 1-5 The binary output status signals of the overexcitation protection function
BINARY OUTPUT SIGNALS SIGNAL TITLE EXPLANATION
VPH24_GenSt_GrI_ General Start General starting of the function
VPH24_Alarm_GrI_ Alarm Alarm generated 10sec after General Start
VPH24_GenTr_GrI_ General Trip General trip command of the function

15 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
FUNCTION OVERVIEW

2 Overexcitation function overview

The graphic appearance of the function block of the overexcitation protection function is shown
on Figure 2-1. The block shows all binary input and output status signals which are applicable in
the graphic equation editor.

Figure 2-1 The graphic appearance of the function block of the overexcitation protection
function

2.1 Settings
2.1.1 Parameters

Table 2-1 Parameters of the overexcitation protection function

TITLE DIM RANGE STEP DEFAULT EXPLANATION
Off, Definite Time, Enabling and selecting the
Operation - Custom made, - Off desired characteristic of the
IEEE square law overexcitation function
Parameters related to the definite time and IEEE characteristics
Setting value for definite
time operation. Also
Start U/f HighSet % 100 – 140 1 140 effective for Custom and
IEEE characteristics as a
fast stage.
Pick up value and starting
Start U/f LowSet % 80 – 140 1 110 point for the IEEE
characteristic.
Time multiplier for IEEE
Time Multiplier - 1 – 100 1 10
characteristic.
Setting value for definite
time operation. Also
Definite Time Delay sec 0.5 – 60 0.1 10 effective for Custom
characteristic as a fast
stage.
Minimum time delay
applicable for IEEE
Min Time Delay sec 0.5 – 60 0.1 10 characteristic if the U/f ratio
exceeds the value of Start
U/f HighSet.
Maximum time delay
applicable for IEEE
Max Time Delay sec 300 – 8000 1 3000
characteristic to limit the
tripping time.
Cooling time for the Custom
Cooling Time sec 1 – 8000 1 1000
and IEEE characteristics.

16 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
FUNCTION OVERVIEW

Parameters related to the custom characteristic

First point and pickup
U/f value1 % 100 – 140 1 105 setting of the Custom
characteristic.
Second point of the Custom
U/f value2 % 100 – 140 1 110
characteristic.
Third point of the Custom
U/f value3 % 100 – 140 1 115
characteristic.
Fourth point of the Custom
U/f value4 % 100 – 140 1 120
characteristic.
Fifth point of the Custom
U/f value5 % 100 – 140 1 125
characteristic.
Sixth point of the Custom
U/f value6 % 100 – 140 1 130
characteristic.
Seventh point of the
U/f value7 % 100 – 140 1 135
Custom characteristic.
Time delay for the first point
Delay1 sec 1 – 8000 1 1000
of Custom characteristic.
Time delay for the second
Delay2 sec 1 – 8000 1 900 point of Custom
characteristic.
Time delay for the third
Delay3 sec 1 – 8000 1 800 point of Custom
characteristic.
Time delay for the fourth
Delay4 sec 1 – 8000 1 700 point of Custom
characteristic.
Time delay for the fifth point
Delay5 sec 1 – 8000 1 600
of Custom characteristic.
Time delay for the sixth
Delay6 sec 1 – 8000 1 500 point of Custom
characteristic.
Time delay for the seventh
Delay7 sec 1 – 8000 1 400 point of Custom
characteristic.

17 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
FUNCTION OVERVIEW

2.1.2 Characteristics
The function offers three different characteristics to satisfy the different user requirements.

t(G)

tOP

G
GS

Figure 2-2 Overexcitation independent time characteristic

10
Minutes

1 Definite Time Delay

0.1
100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140
Volts/Hertz in %

Figure 2-3 Custom inverse time characteristics

18 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
FUNCTION OVERVIEW

100
Max Time Delay

VPH24_MaxDel_TPar_ (Max.Time Delay) /TMS

10
Minutes

Min Time Delay

0.1
100 110 120 130 140 150 160
Volts/Hertz in %

Figure 2-4 IEEE standard inverse time characteristics

2.2 Function I/O

This section describes briefly the analogue and digital inputs and outputs of the function block.

2.2.1 Analogue inputs

The function uses only one calculated line voltage, where the line voltage calculation is based
on phase voltage sampled values.

2.2.2 Analogue outputs (measurements)

The measured value of the overexcitation protection function is listed in the table below.

Table 2-2 The measured analogue value of the overexcitation protection function
MEASURED VALUE DIMENSION EXPLANATION
Actual heat of the protected object.
Actual Heat % 100% corresponds to the inverse time
characteristic trip value.
Remark: Following a successful thermal trip operation, the counter starts a linear count-down
from 100% to zero. Duration of the count-down corresponds to the cooling time parameter.

19 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
FUNCTION OVERVIEW

2.2.3 Binary input signals (graphed output statuses)

The conditions of the inputs are defined by the user, applying the graphic equation editor (logic
editor). The part written in bold is seen on the function block in the logic editor.

Table 2-3 The binary input signals of the overexcitation protection function
BINARY STATUS SIGNAL EXPLANATION
Output status of a graphic equation defined by the user to
VPH24_Block_GrO_
disable the overexcitation protection function.
Output status of a graphic equation defined by the user to reset
VPH24_Reset_GrO_
the thermal counter

2.2.4 Binary output signals (graphed input statuses)

The binary output status signals of the overexcitation protection function. Parts written in bold are
seen on the function block in the logic editor.

Table 2-4 The binary output status signals of the overexcitation protection function
BINARY OUTPUT SIGNALS SIGNAL TITLE EXPLANATION
VPH24_GenSt_GrI_ General Start General starting of the function
VPH24_Alarm_GrI_ Alarm Alarm generated 10sec after General Start
VPH24_GenTr_GrI_ General Trip General trip command of the function

2.2.5 On-line data

Visible values on the on-line data page:

Table 2-5 On-line data of the overexcitation protection function

SIGNAL TITLE DIMENSION EXPLANATION
Alarm - Alarm generated 10sec after General Start
General Start - General starting of the function
General Trip - General trip command of the function
Actual Heat % Actual heat of the protected object.

2.2.6 Events
The following events are generated in the event list, as well as sent to SCADA according to the
configuration.

Table 2-6 On-line data of the overexcitation protection function

EVENT VALUE EXPLANATION
General Start off, on General starting of the function
General Trip off, on General trip command of the function
Alarm off, on Alarm generated 10sec after General Start

20 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu
 OVEREXCITATION
FUNCTION OVERVIEW

2.3 Technical data

Table 2-7 Technical data of the overexcitation protection function
FUNCTION VALUE
U/f pick up accuracy < 1%
U/f drop off ratio 0.95
DT and custom char. time delay accuracy < 1%
IEEE char. time delay accuracy < 5%

2.3.1 Notes for testing

Alarm output of the function block is generated after a fix 10s following the Start signal.
When testing the custom or IEEE characteristics, attention must be paid to the value of the Actual
Heat. To get an accurate trip time measurement, the Actual Heat shall be reset to zero before the
test. This can be done with the reset input of the function itself, or by clicking the set parameters
button.

21 Overexcitation protection
www.protecta.hu