Configured for feeder protection and control in medium-voltage distribution networks, the ABB REF615E-C (REF615E-C Feeder Protection Relay) provides direct electrical execution of overcurrent, earth-fault, and voltage frequency regulation functions.

Design Configuration

The REF615E-C utilizes a withdrawable plug-in chassis architecture. This mechanical design facilitates rapid unit replacement during maintenance cycles and provides localized access via a graphical HMI for parameter configuration.

Hardware Specifications

ABB Industrial Control & Drive Communication

The REF615E-C supports deterministic backplane bus communication velocity for internal relay logic processing. The device features I/O density scaling options to accommodate various network topologies, including radial and meshed distribution systems. Firmware flash compatibility ensures the relay remains aligned with evolving substation automation requirements. Implementation of High-availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR) and Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) via IEC 61850 provides deterministic networking, minimizing data packet loss during communication link failures.

## Ordering info

• REF615E-C Feeder Protection Relay unit.

• Withdrawable plug-in chassis assembly.

• Technical documentation for communication protocol configuration.

Field Installation Guidelines

Mounting

• Install the withdrawable unit into the provided panel cutout, ensuring the chassis is fully seated to maintain electrical contact with the backplane.

• Utilize the integrated locking mechanism to secure the relay against mechanical vibration.

Wiring

• Terminate auxiliary power and secondary current/voltage sensor inputs according to the wiring diagram.

• Connect communication interface cables to the rear Ethernet or serial ports, ensuring appropriate shielding for substation EMC compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is the relay hot-swappable?

  A: The withdrawable design allows for unit replacement; however, ensure secondary current transformer (CT) circuits are shorted prior to removing the unit to prevent high-voltage build-up.

• Q: What communication protocols are supported?

  A: The relay supports IEC 61850 (Ed. 1 and 2), Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 60870-5-103 for integration into substation automation systems.

• Q: How is arc flash protection implemented?

  A: Arc flash protection is an optional integration that utilizes high-speed sensing to minimize damage during internal busbar fault events.

• Q: Does the relay support sample measured values (SMV)?

  A: Yes, it supports SMV via IEC 61850-9-2 LE for digital substation environments.

• Q: How are internal settings modified?

  A: Parameters can be adjusted locally via the membrane keypad and graphical HMI, or remotely through a secure web-browser-based interface.

• Q: What is the purpose of the admittance-based protection?

  A: Multi-frequency admittance-based earth-fault protection provides high sensitivity and selectivity in ungrounded or compensated network configurations.

• Q: Is the display customizable?

  A: Yes, the high-resolution graphical display supports the configuration of single-line diagrams (SLD) for real-time process visualization.

• Q: What is the function of the fault location algorithm?

  A: The algorithm calculates the distance to a detected short circuit or earth fault, which guides field personnel to the specific failure point for restoration.