ABB REF610 Feeder Protection

ABB REF610 Feeder Protection

Product Overview

ABB REF610 is a subsidiary of Relion ®  The intelligent electronic device (IED) for feeder protection in the product family is positioned as the "security guard" of the power system, integrating three core functions of protection, measurement, and monitoring. Although the device has ceased active production since 2017, it is still widely used in public and industrial distribution systems due to its mature technical design, especially for the protection of incoming and outgoing line feeders in resistance grounding and direct grounding systems. Its modular plug-in structure not only simplifies the debugging process of switchgear, but also supports quick insertion and maintenance. At the same time, it has passed KEMA full type certification and DNV marine certification, which can adapt to diverse and harsh environments such as land industry and offshore marine.

Specification parameters

Basic Information

Brand: ABB; Model: REF610; Product Series: Relion ®  610 series; Status: Discontinued in 2017

Belonging to the dedicated relay for feeder protection, it can be paired with optional I/O module expansion functions

Electrical specifications

Rated frequency: 50/60Hz switchable; Current input: 4 precise current channels; Output contacts: 3 normally open power contacts+2 conversion signal contacts

Optional I/O module can be expanded with 3 additional conversion signal outputs and 3 current isolated digital inputs

Communication specifications

Native support: RS-485 (Modbus RTU/ASCII, IEC 60870-5-103, SPA bus); Optional: IEC 61850, DNP 3.0

The front-end supports fiber optic communication, and the back-end can be equipped with plastic fiber optic/glass fiber optic combination modules

Physical specifications

Weight: 1.5kg; Protection level: IP20

Plug in design, suitable for standard switchgear installation space, no need for additional large installation brackets

Core Configuration

HMI: alphanumeric LCD screen+8 programmable LEDs; Storage: non-volatile memory; Backup: Real time clock backup battery

Built in interference recorder, supporting 4 analog channels and 8 digital channels for recording, with a maximum recording time of 80 seconds

Performance characteristics

Comprehensive protection function coverage

The core protection logic includes three-phase overcurrent protection (including timing/IDMT characteristics, high/low/instantaneous grading settings), non directional grounding fault protection, cable thermal overload protection, and phase discontinuity protection. For overhead power lines, equipped with 1-3 times of multi pulse automatic reclosing function; The optional arc protection module detects fault arcs through dual lens sensors, achieving fast protection of substation busbars and faster fault response speed than traditional relays.

High compatibility and integration

Supports mainstream communication protocols such as IEC 61850, Modbus, DNP 3.0, and can seamlessly integrate with PLC/DCS systems and intelligent distribution monitoring platforms. The dual configuration of front-end fiber optic communication and back-end RS-485 interface meets the needs of remote monitoring and local debugging, and is suitable for the upgrading and transformation of new and old distribution systems.

Convenience and reliability of operation and maintenance

The plug-in structure allows for live insertion and maintenance, coupled with an LCD human-machine interface and multi language support, allowing for intuitive reading of current, demand values, and fault records. Parameter configuration supports remote modification on the computer. Built in continuous self-monitoring system, real-time monitoring of electronic circuits and software status, and trip circuit monitoring function can provide early warning of contact faults, reducing the risk of unplanned downtime.

Adaptability to harsh environments

Certified by DNV, it can be used for ships and offshore platforms, and can withstand corrosive environments such as high humidity and salt spray; Although the IP20 protection level requires cabinet installation, the core circuit adopts anti-interference design, which can adapt to the electromagnetic interference environment in industrial sites.

Precautions

1. Selection and configuration precautions

Function matching: Select the basic type or the extended type with live arc protection according to the scenario. The configuration of automatic reclosing times for overhead lines needs to be confirmed (1-3 times adjustable), and DNV certified versions should be prioritized for offshore scenarios.

Communication adaptation: If it is necessary to connect to the intelligent substation IEC 61850 system, an additional rear communication module needs to be selected to avoid protocol incompatibility issues.

Spare parts consideration: As the product has been discontinued, it is necessary to simultaneously check the inventory of key spare parts (such as backup batteries and I/O modules) during selection, and prioritize suppliers with original spare parts guarantee.

2. Key points for installation and maintenance

Installation specifications: It should be fixed in a ventilated area inside the switchgear to avoid direct sunlight and dust accumulation; The grounding cross-sectional area shall not be less than 4mm ², ensuring that the protective grounding and working grounding are laid separately to reduce interference. The communication cable should use shielded wire, with a distance of not less than 30cm from the power cable to prevent signal attenuation.

Debugging safety: Before configuring parameters, the load circuit needs to be disconnected, and protection settings should be verified through HMI or programming software. When simulating fault triggering tests, it is necessary to confirm that the circuit breaker is in the open state.

Regular maintenance: Check the backup battery voltage every six months (replace if it is below 3V), and verify the current input accuracy and contact continuity performance annually; The interference recorder data needs to be exported and backed up regularly to avoid memory overflow covering critical fault information.

Application scenarios

1. Industrial and public distribution systems

Substation feeder protection: Used for the incoming and outgoing circuits of 10-35kV distribution substations, it prevents cable overload and burnout, and expands the fault range through overcurrent and grounding fault protection.

Enterprise distribution network: In heavy industrial plants such as steel and thermal power plants, protect workshop power feeders, cooperate with thermal overload protection function, extend cable service life, and adapt to different 50/60Hz power supply systems.

2. Special environmental power distribution protection

Ships and Offshore Platforms: Certified by DNV, used as power distribution feeders for ocean going vessels and offshore oil platforms, capable of withstanding high salt spray and vibration environments, ensuring electrical safety for navigation and operations.

New energy support: In the collection lines of wind and photovoltaic power plants, the automatic reclosing function is used to handle instantaneous faults, reduce the interruption time of new energy generation, and improve grid stability.

3. Intelligent monitoring and interlocking system

Cooperate with the upper computer system to achieve remote monitoring of the distribution network, upload current, voltage, fault status and other data through Modbus protocol, and support remote tripping and closing operations.

In safety sensitive areas such as chemical industrial parks, interlock with the fire protection system to quickly cut off the feeder power supply in the event of a fire, in order to prevent secondary disasters.