Chapter 17
Generator and Generator Transformer Protection
17-27
This is particularly true for geographically islanded power
systems, such as those of the British Isles. An alternative to
ROCOF protection is a technique sometimes referred to as
‘voltage vector shift’ protection. In this technique the rate of
phase change between the directly measured generator bus
voltage is compared with a memorised a.c. bus voltage
reference.
Sources of embedded generation are not normally earthed,
which presents a potential safety hazard. In the event of an
Utility system earth fault, the Utility protection should operate
to remove the Utility power infeed. In theory, this should also
result in removal of the embedded generation, through the
action of the stipulated voltage/frequency protection and
dependable ‘loss of mains’ protection. However, in view of
safety considerations (e.g. fallen overhead line conductors in
public areas), an additional form of earth fault protection may
also be demanded to prevent the backfeed of an earth fault by
embedded generation. The only way of detecting an earth
fault under these conditions is to use neutral voltage
displacement protection. The additional requirement is only
likely to arise for embedded generation rated above 150kVA,
since the risk of small embedded generators not being cleared
by other means is negligible.
17.21.2 ROCOF Relay Description
A ROCOF relay detects the rate of change of frequency in
excess of a defined setpoint. The signal is obtained from a
voltage transformer connected close to the Point of Common
Coupling (PCC). The principal method used is to measure the
time period between successive zero-crossings to determine
the average frequency for each half-cycle and hence the rate of
change of frequency. The result is usually averaged over a
number of cycles.
17.21.3 Voltage Vector Shift Relay Description
A voltage vector shift relay detects the drift in voltage phase
angle beyond a defined setpoint as long as it takes place within
a set period. Again, the voltage signal is obtained from a
voltage transformer connected close to the Point of Common
Coupling (PCC). The principal method used is to measure the
time period between successive zero-crossings to determine
the duration of each half-cycle, and then to compare the
durations with the memorised average duration of earlier half-
cycles in order to determine the phase angle drift.
17.21.4 Setting Guidelines
Should loss of the Utility supply occur, it is extremely unlikely
that there will be an exact match between the output of the
embedded generator(s) and the connected load. A small
frequency change or voltage phase angle change will therefore
occur, to which can be added any changes due to the small
natural variations in loading of an isolated generator with time.
Once the rate of change of frequency exceeds the setting of the
ROCOF relay for a set time, or once the voltage phase angle
drift exceeds the set angle, tripping occurs to open the
connection between the in-plant and Utility networks.
While it is possible to estimate the rate of change of frequency
from knowledge of the generator set inertia and MVA rating,
this is not an accurate method for setting a ROCOF relay
because the rotational inertia of the complete network being
fed by the embedded generation is required. For example,
there may be other embedded generators to consider. As a
result, it is invariably the case that the relay settings are
determined at site during commissioning. This is to ensure
that the Utility requirements are met while reducing the
possibility of a spurious trip under the various operating
scenarios envisaged. However, it is very difficult to determine
whether a given rate of change of frequency will be due to a
‘loss of mains’ incident or a load/frequency change on the
public power network, and hence spurious trips are impossible
to eliminate. Thus the provision of Loss of Utility Supply
protection to meet power distribution Utility interface
protection requirements, may actually conflict with the
interests of the national power system operator. With the
growing contribution of non-dispatched embedded generation
to the aggregate national power demand, the loss of the
embedded generation following a transmission system incident
that may already challenge the security of the system can only
aggravate the problem. There have been claims that voltage
vector shift protection might offer better security, but it will
have operation times that vary with the rate of change of
frequency. As a result, depending on the settings used,
operation times might not comply with Utility requirements
under all circumstances. [Reference 17.1] provides further
details of the operation of ROCOF relays and the problems that
may be encountered.
Nevertheless, because such protection is a common
requirement of some Utilities, the ‘loss of mains’ protection
may have to be provided and the possibility of spurious trips
will have to be accepted in those cases. Site measurements
over a period of time of the typical rates of frequency change
occurring may assist in negotiations of the settings with the
Utility, and with the fine-tuning of the protection that may
already be commissioned.
17.22 EXAMPLES OF GENERATOR
PROTECTION SETTINGS
This section gives examples of the calculations required for
generator protection. The first is for a typical small generator
installed on an industrial system that runs in parallel with the
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