Basic Concepts
To provide protection within a specific zone within a switchboard i.e. Internal busbars and switching devices. To be fast acting & avoid nuisance tripping (CT saturation). Traditionally high impedance type systems used within MV switchgear. Simple principle of operation: Based on Kirchoffs first law. Matched CTs are located on all circuits within the protected zone. Each phase monitored individually by a relay element. Provides protection against phase-to-phase and phase-to-earth faults. Under normal conditions the sum of the CT currents = zero. Under fault conditions equilibrium is lost resulting in a trip signal. Relay trips CBs in protected zone. Relay command time 15-20mS + 60-75mS CB trip time = 75-95mS
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Typical Busbar Differential Protection Scheme Two Bus System X & Y Protection
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History
First conceived over 80-years ago, wide spread usage for over 50-years. Question: Why was busbar differential protection necessary? Switchgear was unreliable and prone to failure Mechanical failure (switching/racking mechanisms, interlocks, corrosion) Insulators and Insulating material failure over time (oil, bitumen, paper, solid insulation). Occurrence of PD due to poor manufacturing quality Ingress of pollution & rodents. Internal failure would usually lead to total destruction of the switchgear and could easily kill operators in the vicinity. Often does not cover cable terminations, due to CT locations. Rapid disconnection times were needed to limit damage to switchgear & substations. Switchgear failure modes were unpredictable & very dangerous! Internal arc fault containment testing not conceived until 1970s.
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Alternative Solutions
ARC (Light) detecting systems: Light + current sensing prevents nuisance tripping 10mS command time Monitors entire cable compartment, not restricted by CT locations. Optical sensors in all compartments Pressure detecting systems Similar to above 15mS command time ARC eliminators, 5mS operation IS limiters, 1-2mS operation
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Protection Relay
Present situation
Internal faults have all but been eliminated within modern type tested switchgear. IEC 62271-200 arc fault containment tested equipment ensures that switchgear is able to contain internal arcing faults in a safe and controlled manner. IEC 62271-200, defines new levels of personnel safety. Pressure wave peak occurs 10ms, therefore mechanical damage cannot be avoided. Minimum use of insulation reduces fire damage after 100mS BDP CTs are problematic within modern switchgear BDP schemes are expensive to implement
BDP does not protect the most vulnerable part of the switchgear the cable terminations
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High speed detection devices only need to be deployed if 1s IAC equipment is not used.
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