Description

ABB REF615E-D Feeder Measurement, Control and Protection Device Digital Relay

REF615E-D

1. Adaptive Protection Algorithms:
   The REF615E-D employs multi-frequency admittance-based earth fault protection, which uses harmonic analysis to distinguish between transient and permanent faults in high-impedance networks. This reduces unnecessary outages and improves fault localization accuracy . Its directional overcurrent protection ensures selective tripping in radial or meshed grids, critical for minimizing service interruptions .
2. Intelligent Communication:
   With support for IEC 61850 Edition 2 and redundant protocols (HSR/PRP), the relay enables robust substation automation. GOOSE messaging allows fast peer-to-peer communication with other IEDs (e.g., circuit breakers, reclosers), while IEEE 1588 v2 ensures precise time synchronization across the network . This is vital for applications like microgrid coordination, where split-second decisions are required to maintain stability.
3. Rugged Design:
   Built to withstand extreme conditions, the REF615E-D operates reliably in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 70°C and resists electromagnetic interference (EMI) per IEC 61000 standards. Its IP40-rated front panel and IP20 rear terminals ensure durability in harsh industrial environments .
4. Ease of Configuration:
   The relay’s withdrawable plug-in design simplifies installation and maintenance, while ABB’s PCM600 software allows intuitive configuration of protection settings, logic functions, and communication parameters. Predefined standard configurations (e.g., J, N) reduce commissioning time for common applications like overhead line or cable feeder protection .

• Medium-Voltage Distribution Networks:
  The REF615E-D safeguards feeders in urban and rural grids, ensuring rapid isolation of faults (e.g., short circuits, arc faults) to minimize downtime. Its arc flash detection capability enhances safety in metal-clad switchgear by triggering fast tripping within milliseconds .
• Industrial Power Systems:
  In manufacturing plants, the relay protects critical machinery from overloads and voltage sags. For example, it can monitor motor feeders in a steel mill, adjusting protection thresholds dynamically based on load variations .
• Renewable Energy Microgrids:
  In solar or wind farms, the REF615E-D ensures grid compliance by isolating faults in the microgrid without disrupting the main utility connection. Its directional earth fault protection helps distinguish between internal and external faults, preventing incorrect tripping .

• REF615E-E: Base model with simplified communication features (no HSR/PRP), suitable for non-critical applications .
• REF615E-EE: Enhanced variant with built-in cybersecurity (encrypted communication) for critical infrastructure .
• REF611: Compact feeder relay for space-constrained cabinets, complementing the REF615E-D in small-scale systems .
• RER620: Recloser control relay that integrates with the REF615E-D for automated fault restoration .