ABB REF615 HBFFAEAGNDA1ABA11G

Description

ABB REF615 HBFFAEAGNDA1ABA11G – Feeder Protection and Control Relay

Product Description
The ABB REF615 with the specific hardware/software code HBFFAEAGNDA1ABA11G is a versatile feeder protection and control relay from ABB’s Relion 615 series. This device is an Intelligent Electronic Device (IED) designed for the comprehensive protection, control, measurement, and monitoring of electrical feeders, motors, and transformers in medium-voltage distribution networks. The ABB REF615 integrates multiple protection functions, advanced automation logic, and communication capabilities into a single compact unit. It is a key component in modern substation automation, acting as both a protective device and a data gateway, providing critical information to SCADA, DCS, or PLC systems via industrial communication protocols.

Product Parameters

• Type: Feeder Protection and Control Relay (IED).

• Series: ABB Relion 615.

• Product Code: REF615.

• Hardware/Software Configuration: HBFFAEAGNDA1ABA11G. This long suffix defines the exact build:

  • HB: Case size (Horizontally mounted, Basic case).

  • F…GNDA…: Denotes specific hardware options, communication modules, firmware version, and language pack.

• Key Protection Functions:

  • Overcurrent Protection (50, 51): Instantaneous and time-delayed.

  • Directional Overcurrent Protection (67).

  • Earth-Fault Protection (50N/51N, 67N).

  • Transformer Inrush/Sympathy Detector.

  • Thermal Overload Protection (for motors or cables).

• Control & Automation:

  • Programmable logic (PLC-like functionality via CMAK or PCM600).

  • Circuit breaker control (open/close, auto-reclosing).

  • Interlocking logic.

• Measurement: Three-phase currents, voltages, power (kW, kVAR, kVA), power factor, frequency, energy.

• Communication Interfaces: The configuration code indicates specific modules. Typically includes:

  • IEC 61850-8-1 (Station Bus) over Ethernet.

  • IEC 61850-9-2 LE (Process Bus) for sampled values (optional).

  • Modbus RTU (RS-485).

  • DNP3 (optional).

• Display: Large graphical LCD for local HMI.

Advantages and Features

• Multifunctional Integration: The ABB REF615 replaces several standalone relays (overcurrent, earth fault, motor protection) and additional logic hardware, reducing panel space, wiring, and commissioning time.

• IEC 61850 Native Support: As a core member of the Relion family, this REF615 is built for the digital substation. Its native IEC 61850 support enables seamless engineering (SCL files), high-speed GOOSE messaging for interlocking, and seamless integration with modern SCADA and SAS.

• Advanced Programmable Logic: Its configurable logic allows engineers to implement custom control sequences, interlocks, and alarm schemes without external PLCs, tailoring the device precisely to the application.

• Comprehensive Monitoring & Diagnostics: Provides extensive metering, event recording with time stamps (SOE), disturbance recording (COMTRADE), and internal self-supervision for predictive maintenance.

• Flexible and Modular: The suffix code HBFFAEAGNDA1ABA11G shows it is built-to-order with specific communication and functional options, ensuring it matches exact project requirements.

Application Cases in Various Fields

• Industrial Power Distribution: Primary protection and control for incoming feeders, bus tie-breakers, and outgoing feeders in factory and plant substations.

• Renewable Energy: Protection of feeders and transformers in solar PV plants and wind farms, often requiring directional earth-fault protection.

• Infrastructure & Utilities: Protection of distribution feeders and ring main units in utility networks and critical infrastructure like airports or data centers.

• Motor Protection: Serves as a combined protection and control unit for medium-voltage motors.

Comparisons with Competing Products

• Siemens (SIPROTEC 7SJ82): A direct competitor offering similar feeder protection with IEC 61850 and programmable logic. Choice often depends on the existing ecosystem (ABB vs. Siemens) and engineer preference for configuration tools (PCM600 vs. DIGSI).

• GE (Multilin F650): Another multifunctional feeder relay. The ABB REF615 is often praised for its user-friendly local HMI and straightforward IEC 61850 implementation.

• Schneider Electric (Sepam 40/80 series): Competes in the same market segment. The REF615 benefits from ABB’s strong presence in digital substation standardization.

• Legacy Electro-mechanical Relays: The REF615 provides vastly superior functionality, communication, accuracy, and flexibility in a fraction of the size.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

1. Decode the Suffix Meticulously: The exact functionality of this ABB REF615 HBFFAEAGNDA1ABA11G is locked in its suffix. Obtain the technical reference manual to decode it, confirming the presence of required communication protocols (e.g., IEC 61850, DNP3) and hardware options (binary I/O count, etc.).

2. Requires Specialized Engineering Tools: Configuration and setting of the REF615 requires ABB’s PCM600 software and a good understanding of protection engineering and IEC 61850. It is not a simple plug-and-play device.

3. CT/PT Sizing and Accuracy: The performance of all protection and measurement functions is dependent on correctly specified Current Transformers (CTs) and Voltage Transformers (VTs). Pay strict attention to CT class, saturation, and burden.

4. Focus on IEC 61850 System Engineering: If using IEC 61850, the REF615 must be properly integrated into a system-wide SCL (System Configuration Language) engineering process. This requires planning beyond the relay itself.

5. Secure Configuration Files: Always create and archive the device configuration file (.sid file from PCM600). This is essential for disaster recovery or replicating settings.

6. Verify Interoperability: When integrating with other vendors’ IEC 61850 devices, conduct interoperability tests if possible, as implementations can vary.

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