Distance Relay
Distance Relay
Resistive Reach of Distance Relay Characteristics is defined by the fault resistance for which the distance
relay characteristics is defined. In MHO type distance relay the major drawback is that resistive reach is
defined by the impedance reach and line angle and hence it is not independently settable in the relay.
However, it is independently settable in modern Numerical Relay having Quadrilateral Characteristics. In
this article, we will discuss the method for calculation of resistive reach setting.
Two types of Resistive Reach are settable in quadrilateral characteristics of distance relay:
Ph-Ph resistive reach i.e. Rph is defined by the maximum amount of fault resistance in addition to line
impedance for which distance zone will trip regardless of location fault. The definition itself means that
phase-phase resistive reach must be defined Zone-1 (R1ph), Zone-2 (R2ph), Zone-3 (R3ph-R4ph) and
Zone-4 (R3ph-R4ph). It may be noted that, Zone-3 and Zone-4 share the same resistive reach (R3ph-
R4ph).
As phase to phase resistive reach has to cover the maximum fault resistance, therefore, Rph must be set
greater than the maximum fault resistance for a phase to phase fault. Generally, Rph is set greater than
the maximum fault arc resistance for a phase to phase fault. The arc resistance is given by the following
formula:
Thus, the phase to phase resistive reach must be set greater than the above calculated arc resistance.
Apart from the above, we should also consider the load encroachment. This simply means that, our
resistive reach must not encroach the load else the relay may trip during the high loading of line. Let us
discuss this aspect for calculating the resistive reach.
Figure below demonstrates the quadrilateral characteristics of a distance relay and load point Z (Z is the
minimum load impedance).
It can also be observed from the characteristics that Zone-3 resistive reach must be set carefully so that
it do not encroach the load impedance locus. This is important from system reliability and to avoid
spurious tripping of line during heavy loading of line.
Generally, the resistive reach of zone-3 is set less than 80% of minimum load impedance. For power
swing consideration, a margin of DR is given. Therefore, it is essential that load should not encroach this
DR. In view of this, R3ph – R4ph is set 60% of minimum load impedance. R2ph and R1ph is set 80% of R3ph-
R4ph respectively.
Now, we must calculate the minimum load impedance. To calculate, we refer Ramkrishna Committee
recommendations. As per Ramkrishna Committee recommendation, in the absence of credible data
regarding minimum voltage and maximum load expected for a line during emergency system condition,
following criteria may be considered for deciding load point encroachment:
Maximum load current (Imax) may be considered as 1.5 times the thermal rating of the line or
1.5 times the associated bay equipment current rating (the minimum of the bay equipment
individual rating) whichever is lower.
Let us now try to calculate the resistive reach setting of a 400 kV line. The Line CT ratio is assumed
1000/1 A and CVT ratio is assumed 400 kV/110 V. Let now first calculate the minimum load impedance.
It should be noted that, the above calculate for minimum load impedance is in terms of primary. To
convert it into secondary we must multiply this by CT/PT ratio.
= 0.275
= 130.87×0.275
= 36 Ohms
Let us consider an extra margin of 20% in of minimum load impedance for setting resistive reach of Zone-
3.
= 36×0.8
= 28.8 Ohms
Considering power swing and load encroachment, the resistive reach setting for Zone-3 should be 60%.
= 17.27 Ohm
= 13.81 Ω
= 11.05 Ω
The phase to ground resistive reach is defined by the maximum phase to ground fault arc resistance and
tower footing resistance for which relay should operate. Again, it should not be encroached by load.
Generally, this reach is set 80% of minimum load impedance.
R1PG-G = R2PG-G = R3PG-G
= 80% of 28.8
= 23.032 Ω
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