Phase Selection - GE L90 Instruction Manual

SINGLE-POLE TRIPPING

10.5.2 Phase selection

The L90 uses phase relations between current symmetrical components for phase selection. First, the algorithm validates
if there is enough zero-sequence, positive-sequence, and negative-sequence currents for reliable analysis. The
comparison is adaptive; that is, the magnitudes of the three symmetrical components used mutually as restraints confirm
if a given component is large enough to be used for phase selection. Once the current magnitudes are validated, the
algorithm analyzes phase relations between the negative-sequence and positive-sequence currents and negative-
sequence and zero-sequence currents (when applicable), as shown in the figure.
Due to dual comparisons, the algorithm is very secure. For increased accuracy and to facilitate operation in weak systems,
the pre-fault components are removed from the analyzed currents. The algorithm is very fast and ensures proper phase
selection before any of the correctly set protection elements operates.
Under unusual circumstances, such as weak-infeed conditions with the zero-sequence current dominating during any
ground fault, or during cross-country faults, the current-based phase selector may not recognize any of the known fault
pattern. If this is the case, voltages are used for phase selection. The voltage algorithm is the same as the current-based
algorithm. For example, phase angles between the zero-sequence, negative-sequence, and positive-sequence voltages
are used. The pre-fault values are subtracted prior to any calculations.
The pre-fault quantities are captured and the calculations start when the disturbance detector (50DD) operates. When an
open pole is declared, the phase selector resets all its outputs operands and ignores any subsequent operations of the
disturbance detector.
The phase selector runs continuously. When there is no disturbance in the power system, and the disturbance detector
(50DD) from the source assigned as the
all other phase selector operands are reset. All current and voltage sequence components are memorized and
continuously updated.
When the disturbance detector (50DD) operates, memory stops being updated and retains two cycles of old current and
voltage values. First, purely fault components of current and voltage are calculated by removing the pre-fault (memory)
quantities from presently calculated values. A series of conditions are checked with respect to magnitudes and phase
angles of current and voltage symmetrical components in order to detect the fault type. Secondly, currents are used to
identify the fault type (AG, BG, CG, AB, BC, CA, ABG, BCG, or CAG) according to the Phase Selection Principle figure. If the
currents fail to identify the fault type, and voltages are available, then voltages are used. If any of the above types is
determined, then the corresponding FlexLogic operand outlined in the following table is asserted.
Table 10-12: FlexLogic operands asserted
Operand
PHASE SELECT AG
10
PHASE SELECT BG
10-40
Figure 10-15: Phase selection principle (ABC phase rotation)
DISTANCE SOURCE
Description
Asserted when a phase A to ground fault is detected
Asserted when a phase B to ground fault is detected
is reset, then the
PHASE SELECT VOID
L90 LINE CURRENT DIFFERENTIAL SYSTEM – INSTRUCTION MANUAL
CHAPTER 10: THEORY OF OPERATION
FlexLogic operand is set and