ABB REF615

Description

Introduction and Overview

The ABB REF615 is a numerical feeder protection and control relay belonging to ABB’s Relion product family, specifically the 615 series. This intelligent electronic device (IED) is designed for the protection, control, measurement, and supervision of utility and industrial power distribution systems. The ABB REF615 is a comprehensive solution for feeder protection in medium-voltage switchgear applications, offering a wide range of protection functions in a compact and modular package.

As part of ABB’s 615 series, the ABB REF615 leverages the company’s extensive experience in power system protection to deliver reliable and selective fault clearance. The relay incorporates advanced protection algorithms, high-speed communication capabilities, and user-friendly configuration tools. The ABB REF615 is suitable for both new installations and retrofitting existing switchgear, providing enhanced protection and monitoring capabilities that improve system reliability and reduce downtime.

Technical Parameters (Product Parameters)

The ABB REF615 is engineered for comprehensive feeder protection with extensive measurement and control capabilities. Its key specifications include:

• Product Type: Numerical Feeder Protection and Control Relay

• Protection Functions:

  • Three-phase overcurrent protection (50/51)

  • Earth-fault protection (50N/51N)

  • Directional overcurrent and earth-fault protection (67/67N)

  • Thermal overload protection (49)

  • Circuit-breaker failure protection (50BF)

  • Auto-reclosing (79)

  • Arc protection (optional)

  • Under/overvoltage protection (27/59)

  • Under/overfrequency protection (81)

• Measurement Functions: Three-phase current and voltage, power (active, reactive, apparent), power factor, frequency, harmonics

• Communication Protocols: IEC 61850 (including GOOSE), Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, DNP3 (serial and TCP/IP)

• Communication Ports: Ethernet (RJ45 or fiber optic), serial (RS-485)

• Accuracy Class: Class 1 for protection elements, Class 0.5 for measurements (according to IEC 60255)

• Binary Inputs: Configurable, typically 8-12 (depending on ordering code)

• Output Relays: Configurable, typically 8-12 signal and power outputs

• Display: Large graphical LCD with intuitive user interface and customizable single-line diagram

• Operating Temperature: -25°C to +55°C (extended range available)

• Power Supply: Wide-range power supply module (e.g., 48-250 V DC, 100-240 V AC)

• Mounting: Flush mount for switchgear panel or rack mount with optional accessories

• Standards Compliance: IEC 60255, IEC 61000, IEC 61850

The ABB REF615 offers scalable functionality through optional software licenses and hardware modules, allowing customization for specific application requirements.

Advantages and Features

The primary advantages of the ABB REF615 revolve around its comprehensive protection capabilities and advanced communication features.

1. Comprehensive Protection Suite: The ABB REF615 provides all essential protection functions for feeder protection in a single device. This integrated approach eliminates the need for multiple separate relays, reducing panel space, wiring complexity, and cost. The protection elements are independently configurable with multiple setting groups for different system operating conditions.

2. IEC 61850 Compliance: As a modern IED, the ABB REF615 fully supports the IEC 61850 standard, including GOOSE (Generic Object-Oriented Substation Event) messaging for high-speed peer-to-peer communication between IEDs. This enables advanced protection schemes such as fast busbar protection and interlocking without dedicated wiring.

3. Advanced Condition Monitoring: The ABB REF615 includes comprehensive monitoring functions for circuit breaker condition, trip circuit supervision, and self-diagnostics. These features support predictive maintenance strategies by providing early warning of developing issues before they cause failures.

4. User-Friendly Engineering Tool: The ABB REF615 is configured using ABB’s PCM600 (Protection and Control IED Manager) software, which provides an intuitive interface for protection setting, communication configuration, and disturbance record analysis. The relay also features a local HMI with customizable single-line diagram for local operation and monitoring.

5. Disturbance Recording: The ABB REF615 includes built-in disturbance recording functionality, capturing waveforms and event sequences during fault conditions. These records are invaluable for post-fault analysis, system studies, and verifying protection performance.

6. Modular and Scalable Design: The ABB REF615 features a modular hardware design that allows binary inputs, output relays, and communication interfaces to be configured according to specific application needs. This flexibility ensures optimal functionality without paying for unused features.

Application Fields and Use Cases

The ABB REF615 is widely used in utility and industrial power distribution systems requiring reliable feeder protection.

• Utility Distribution Networks: Power utilities use the ABB REF615 for protection of medium-voltage distribution feeders in primary and secondary substations. The relay’s directional overcurrent and earth-fault functions enable selective fault clearance in meshed and radial networks.

• Industrial Power Systems: Manufacturing facilities, refineries, and processing plants utilize the ABB REF615 to protect incoming feeders, bus-tie circuits, and outgoing feeders in their internal distribution networks. The arc protection option is particularly valuable for personnel safety in industrial switchgear.

• Commercial Buildings: Large commercial complexes, hospitals, and data centers employ the ABB REF615 for protection of medium-voltage distribution within their facilities, ensuring continuity of supply to critical loads.

• Mining Operations: Mines use the ABB REF615 for protection of underground and surface distribution networks, where reliable fault detection is essential for safety and production continuity.

• Infrastructure Projects: Airports, railway systems, and water treatment facilities incorporate the ABB REF615 into their power distribution systems for reliable protection and monitoring.

Comparison with Competing Products

The ABB REF615 competes with feeder protection relays from other major manufacturers such as Siemens (Siprotec 5 series, e.g., 7SJ82), Schneider Electric (Easergy P3), and GE (Multilin F650).

• Advantages of ABB REF615: The ABB REF615 offers particularly strong IEC 61850 implementation with extensive GOOSE capabilities. The 615 series has a consistent, intuitive user interface across all protection functions, reducing training requirements for engineers and technicians. The modular hardware design allows for precise configuration matching application requirements. ABB’s PCM600 engineering tool provides comprehensive lifecycle management from configuration to disturbance analysis.

• Disadvantages: Some users find the licensing model for optional functions complex compared to competitors that include all functions as standard. The ABB REF615 user interface, while intuitive, may differ significantly from legacy ABB relays, requiring retraining for experienced technicians. Initial cost may be higher than basic protection relays, though the integrated functionality often provides overall system cost savings.

• Versus Competitors: Compared to Siemens 7SJ82, the ABB REF615 offers comparable protection functionality but with different user interface philosophy. The choice often comes down to existing utility standards and engineer preference. The ABB REF615 generally excels in applications requiring extensive IEC 61850 integration.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

When selecting and implementing the ABB REF615, consider the following recommendations:

1. Application Requirements Analysis: Carefully analyze your protection requirements to select the appropriate ABB REF615 variant and options. Consider current transformer requirements, necessary protection functions, communication needs, and future expansion possibilities.

2. CT and VT Selection: Ensure that the current and voltage transformers connected to the ABB REF615 are appropriately rated for both normal load and fault conditions. The relay’s accuracy depends on proper matching with instrument transformers.

3. Communication Architecture: Plan the substation communication architecture in advance, considering the required protocols, network topology, and integration with existing systems. The ABB REF615 supports various communication options that should be selected based on system requirements.

4. Power Supply Verification: Confirm that the station battery or auxiliary power supply is compatible with the ABB REF615 power supply module selected. Consider voltage variations during battery charging and discharge conditions.

5. Setting and Coordination: Proper protection coordination requires careful calculation of protection settings considering upstream and downstream devices. Use ABB’s coordination software or engage experienced protection engineers for critical applications.

6. Cyber Security: Implement appropriate cyber security measures when connecting the ABB REF615 to communication networks, including network segmentation, access control, and regular security updates.

Safety Precautions: When working with the ABB REF615 and associated switchgear, observe these critical safety practices:

• Only qualified personnel familiar with power system protection should perform installation, commissioning, and maintenance

• Always de-energize the relay and associated current transformer circuits before working on wiring connections

• Secondary current transformer circuits must never be left open while energized

• Follow all local safety regulations and utility practices for working in substations and switchgear

• Verify that the ABB REF615 is properly grounded according to installation instructions

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment when working near energized equipment

• Complete thorough commissioning tests before placing the relay into service

• Consult the complete ABB REF615 technical manual for detailed safety instructions and application guidelines

5466-258 PLC
5466-258/505 PLC
5466-315 PLC
5466-316 PLCCPU
5466-318 PLC