Directional Relay
A directional relay is a type of protective relay that operates based on the direction of the power flow in
an electrical circuit. It compares the direction of the fault current to a predetermined reference direction and, if
the fault current is in the opposite direction of the reference, the relay operates to trip the appropriate circuit
breaker. This functionality helps to isolate the faulty section of the network, minimizing disrupt disruptions
ions and
ensuring system stability. These are very vital in power system protection as they ensure network stability by
isolating faults.
Operating Principle of Directional Relays
Directional relays work based on the concept of phasor analysis. A phasor iiss a complex number that
represents both the magnitude and phase angle of an alternating quantity, such as voltage or current. The relay
compares the phase angle between the fault current and a reference voltage to determine the direction of the
fault.
The reference voltage is usually derived from the system voltage, while the fault current is obtained
from the line current transformer. The relay’s operating characteristic is defined by a specific angle, known as
the relay’s polarizing angle.. If the angle between
between the fault current and reference voltage is within the operating
range defined by the polarizing angle, the relay operates to trip the circuit breaker and isolate the fault.
Fig. 1(a) Directional(Power)
Directional Relay Fig. 1(b) Phasor Diagram
See the phasor diagram of Fig. 1(b).
1(b)
Consider Φ1 = Φv and Φ2 = Φi while studying directional relay characteristics
characteristics.
By ER. Bikshan Ghosh, Lecturer in EE, EIJE
Directional Relay
Fig. 2 Directional Overcurrent Relay Schematic Diagram
Directional Relay Characteristics:
The directional relays identify the zone of operation with the help of polarising
voltage and characteristic angle.
angle
Adjustment to
Polarising Voltage
𝛕
Max. Torque Line
(Polarising Voltage)
Fig. 3 Phasor Diagram
The directional element will therefore operate provided the current phasor lies within ±90° of max.
torque line.
Fig. 4 Polar Characteristic of Directional Relay (representation-1)
By ER. Bikshan Ghosh, Lecturer in EE, EIJE
Directional Relay
Polarising Voltage:
Directional relays needed reference voltage to identify the direction of currents. This is the voltage taken
from Potential Transformers. The reference voltage is called polarising voltage. The relay operates for the
defined direction when the fault current is in the same direction and exceeds the over current setting value
(directional over current operation). Otherwise the relay operates just with the reversal in direction of power
flow (directional power relay).
Relay Characteristic Angle: RCA
The characteristic angle is the phase angle by which reference or polarising voltage is adjusted such that the
directional relay operates with maximum sensitivity.
Maximum Torque Angle: MTA
Maximum torque angle is the angle made by fault current with respect to its phase voltage. This is expected
fault angle, and completely predictable. This angle is different for phase faults and earth faults.
Center of Zone or Maximum Torque Line:
Center of zone is the line formed by Characteristic Angle where relay exhibits maximum sensitivity. At this
line relay current is in phase with the reference or polarising voltage.
Zero Torque Line:
It is the boundary line which separates the plane into Operate and Inhibit regions.
Forward Zone:
Forward zone is +/- 85° either side of the Maximum Torque line or Centre of forward zone line.
Reverse Zone:
Reverse operate zone is the mirror image of the forward zone.
Changes Occur during Fault condition:
Whenever, fault occurs on transmission line or busbars the voltage reduces proportional to the severity of
fault and current increases larger than the normal currents. The fault current is lagging in nature. Healthy phase
magnitudes and angles not changed.
Types of Directional Relays
Directional relays are classified into several types based on the method used to obtain the reference voltage
and the relay’s operating characteristic. The most common types of directional relays include:
1. Overcurrent Directional Relays: These relays use the phase difference between the current and voltage
to determine the direction of the fault. They are commonly used in power systems with radial or parallel
feeders.
2. Impedance Directional Relays: These relays compare the impedance of the circuit to a predetermined
reference impedance to determine the direction of the fault. Impedance directional relays are used in
distance protection schemes, which help protect transmission lines and transformers.
3. Power Directional Relays: These relays use the active and reactive power components to determine the
direction of the fault. They are typically applied in the protection of generators and synchronous motors.
Applications of Directional Relays
Directional relays are used in various applications within the power system to provide protection against
different types of faults. Some of the primary applications include:
1. Feeder Protection, 2. Transformer Protection, 3. Generator Protection, 4. Busbar Protection.
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By ER. Bikshan Ghosh, Lecturer in EE, EIJE