Application Guide Volume III AG2014-28

Understanding and Testing the

Negative-Sequence Directional Element
Ariana Hargrave

INTRODUCTION
Many SEL distribution and transmission relays use a negative-sequence voltage-polarized
directional element to determine whether an unbalanced fault is forward or reverse. Negative-
sequence values are used for their reliable signal and sensitivity because they are not influenced
much by load or mutual coupling. Load current typically does not contain much unbalance, and
mutual coupling is quite weak in the negative-sequence network. The way this element functions
is often not fully understood. This application guide provides a simple explanation of how this
element works as well as a basic procedure for testing the element. Note that this explanation and
procedure are simplified and, although they are sufficient for basic testing purposes, do not
exactly mirror how a relay operates. For details on exact relay operation, refer to the appropriate
relay instruction manual.
The settings and Relay Word bits referenced in this application guide are for the SEL-351
Protection System. Table 1 in the appendix shows the equivalent settings and Relay Word bits for
other relays with negative-sequence directional elements. For relays not included in Table 1, refer
to the respective instruction manual or contact SEL for assistance. Note that directional elements
in other relays may operate slightly different than the example provided in this application guide.

HOW IT WORKS
The negative-sequence directional element determines the direction of a fault (forward or reverse
from the location of the potential transformers [PTs]) using the magnitude and sign of the
calculated negative-sequence impedance. An easy way to understand the directional element is to
draw the negative-sequence network of a two-source transmission line with a phase-to-ground
fault, as shown in Figure 1. The flags represent the locations of the relays as you look into the
transmission line. ZS2 is the negative-sequence source impedance behind Relay S. ZL2 is the
negative-sequence impedance of the line. ZR2 is the negative-sequence source impedance behind
Relay R.

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Figure 1 Two-Source Transmission Line (a) and Negative-Sequence Network of a Two-Source

Transmission Line (b)
For Relay S, VS2 is the negative-sequence voltage measured at the relay. If a fault occurs in front
of Relay S (at Fault A), the current that flows through the Relay S current transformers (CTs) is
the current from the left source headed to the fault. (The current from the right source arrives at
the fault without passing through Relay S CTs.) Therefore, the negative-sequence current that
Relay S measures is IS2. In Figure 1, VS2 = –IS2 • ZS2. Because the relay is measuring VS2 and IS2,
it calculates the impedance for Fault A as VS2 / IS2 = (–IS2 • ZS2) / IS2 = –ZS2. This means that for a
fault in front of the relay, the directional element calculates a negative-sequence impedance of
–ZS2, which is actually the impedance behind the relay.
If a fault occurs behind Relay S (at Fault B), the current that flows through the Relay S CTs is the
current from the right source headed to the fault. (The current from the left source arrives at the
fault without passing through the Relay S CTs.) Therefore, the negative-sequence current that
Relay S measures is –IR2 (it is negative instead of positive due to CT polarity). In Figure 1,
VS2 = –IR2 • (ZL2 + ZR2). Because the relay measures VS2 and –IR2, it calculates the impedance for
Fault B as VS2 / IS2 = [–IR2 • (ZL2 + ZR2)] / –IR2 = ZL2 + ZR2. This means that for a fault behind the
relay, the directional element calculates an impedance of ZL2 + ZR2, which is actually the
impedance in front of the relay.
Figure 2 shows –ZS2 and ZL2 + ZR2 graphed on an impedance plane. Note that the negative-
sequence and positive-sequence line impedances are equal, which is why ZL2 is equal to the
positive-sequence line impedance setting Z1MAG at an angle of Z1ANG. As shown previously,
the impedance for a forward fault is –ZS2 and therefore plots at Line A. Likewise, the impedance
for a reverse fault is ZL2 + ZR2 and therefore plots at Line B.

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ZR2
B

ZL2

Z1ANG
R

–ZS2

Figure 2 Negative-Sequence Directional Element Impedance Plane

The negative-sequence directional element in SEL relays works similarly to the principle
previously described. There are two settings that define the forward and reverse limits in the
relay: Z2F and Z2R. These are the forward and reverse directional Z2 thresholds, respectively.
These settings can be set manually or automatically based on the E32 setting. The E32 setting
enables the directional elements in the relay and can be set to N, Y, or AUTO. When E32 = Y,
the Z2F and Z2R thresholds are set manually by the user. When E32 = AUTO, the relay sets the
Z2F and Z2R thresholds automatically in terms of the positive-sequence line impedance setting
Z1MAG. The relay sets Z2F = Z1MAG / 2 and Z2R = Z1MAG / 2 + z. Refer to Table 1 in the
appendix of this guide or to the relay instruction manual for the value of z.
Figure 3 shows how the Z2F and Z2R thresholds fall on the impedance plane when E32 = AUTO.
Z2F is half of the Z1MAG setting (Z1MAG = ZL2 in Figure 1), and Z2R is the same as Z2F, with
the addition of some constant z. These thresholds determine the forward and reverse regions
shown in Figure 3 as defined by the directional element. If an impedance plots above the Z2R
threshold, it is determined to be a reverse fault and the R32Q Relay Word bit asserts. If an
impedance plots below the Z2F threshold, it is determined to be a forward fault and the F32Q
Relay Word bit asserts. If an impedance plots between the two thresholds, direction cannot be
determined. Note that the AUTO settings forward bias the directional element, meaning that
faults that plot around the origin are declared to be in the forward direction.

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Figure 3 Forward and Reverse Directional Thresholds

Two more settings are used to supervise the directional decision of the negative-sequence
impedance element: 50QFP and 50QRP. These are the forward and reverse directional negative-
sequence current pickups, respectively. The relay must see more 3I2 than the setting before it
declares a forward or reverse fault. When the minimum pickup is satisfied, the 50QF or 50QR
Relay Word bit asserts.
Another Relay Word bit that supervises the directional decision of the negative-sequence
impedance element is the loss-of-potential (LOP) bit. An LOP condition prevents the negative-
sequence directional element from operating as expected. Depending on the Enable LOP (ELOP)
setting, the directional element may be disabled altogether when an LOP condition is detected.
Finally, in order for the negative-sequence directional element to be enabled, the setting ORDER
must include the letter Q. There are several other settings that supervise the negative-sequence
directional element that are not described in this application guide. Refer to the relay instruction
manual for a complete list of settings and complete logic diagrams.
An important note for the SEL-487E Transformer Protection Relay and the SEL-487V Capacitor
Protection and Control System is that the equivalent setting to E32 is E67m. This setting can only
be set to Y or N (there is no AUTO option). The relay uses the EADVSm setting to enable
advanced settings. When EADVSm = Y, the Z2Fm and Z2Rm thresholds and 50FPm and 50RPm
overcurrent pickups are set manually by the user. When EADVSm = N, the relay uses the
following equations to automatically set Z2Fm, Z2Rm, 50FPm, and 50RPm, where Inom is 5 A or
1 A:
Z2Fm  –0.5 / I nom _ m (1)

Z2Rm  Z2Fm  0.5 / I nom _ m (2)

50FPm  0.12 • Inom _ m (3)

50RPm  0.08 • Inom _ m (4)

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BASIC TESTING PROCEDURE

The following sections outline a simple procedure to test the negative-sequence directional
element. This example uses the following settings in an SEL-351:
E32 = AUTO
Z2F = 1.08
Z2R = 1.28
50QFP = 0.50
50QRP = 0.25
Z1MAG = 2.14
Z1ANG = 68.86
ORDER = Q
Note that in all testing procedures, it is important to be aware of the relay input current ratings.
The 5 A nominal current inputs in a relay are rated for 15 A continuous, so only apply greater
current for a short period of time. The thermal rating of the relay being tested can be found in the
relay instruction manual. For the SEL-351, the short time rating of the ac current inputs is given
as 500 A for 1 second. These numbers can be used to calculate an I2t of 250,000. To calculate the
maximum time for current values between 15 A and 500 A, use the equation I2t = 250,000 and
solve for t.
The procedures listed in the following sections involve ramping current over time to test the
directional element. If it is necessary to inject currents above 25 A, consider switching to testing
specific points for short periods of time in order to protect the inputs of the relay. An issue arises
with testing specific points in that the Relay Word bits only assert for short periods of time and
may not be easy to see with the TAR command. Possible solutions include latching the Relay
Word bits or using them to assert a monitored output. Contact SEL for assistance with this type of
testing.

TESTING THE NEGATIVE-SEQUENCE OVERCURRENT PICKUPS

To test the negative-sequence directional element, start by testing the forward and reverse
directional negative-sequence overcurrent pickups. The 50QF and 50QR Relay Word bits
supervise the directional element that will be tested in the next section. Remember that a
directional decision cannot be made unless 50QF or 50QR is asserted. These are simple
overcurrent tests with current applied on a single phase.

Step 1
Take note of the setting 50QFP.

Step 2
Apply current below the 50QFP setting to a single phase of the relay, and use the TAR 50QF
command to verify that the 50QF Relay Word bit is deasserted.

Step 3
Ramp up the current on the single phase, and use the TAR 50QF 1000 command or the human-
machine interface (HMI) screen in ACSELERATOR QuickSet® SEL-5030 Software to see when
50QF asserts. 50QF should assert when the current reaches the 50QFP setting.

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Step 4
Repeat Steps 1 through 3 for the 50QRP setting and the 50QR Relay Word bit.

TESTING THE NEGATIVE-SEQUENCE IMPEDANCE CHARACTERISTIC

Calculating the Test Points

To test the negative-sequence impedance characteristic, start by simulating an A-phase-to-ground
fault. Relay operation will be approximated by using the equation Z = 3V2 / 3I2 to calculate
impedance. Notice the terms are three times the negative-sequence voltage and three times the
negative-sequence current. A set value of 3V2 will be chosen and the 3I2 value will be varied in
order to calculate different points on the impedance graph. Before beginning the test, perform the
following steps to calculate the necessary test points.

Step 1
To calculate a value of 3V2, start with balanced nominal voltages of VA = 670 V, VB =
67 –120 V, and VC = 67120 V. Drop the magnitude of VA and calculate the negative-sequence
voltage that results using the equation 3V2 = VA + ɑ2VB + ɑVC, where ɑ = 1120. If the VA
voltage magnitude is dropped down to 48 V, the 3V2 value is 19180 V. A shortcut here is that
when voltages are balanced and only one phase is dropped, the resulting 3V2 value is the
difference between the nominal and the dropped voltage, at an angle of 180 degrees. In this case,
67 – 48 = 19 V.

Step 2
Next, calculate what value of 3I2 is needed to land right on the Z2R threshold (Point 1 in
Figure 4). This threshold is defined by the Z2R setting, which is set to 1.28 in this example. This
impedance value is at the line angle, which is defined by the Z1ANG setting. Therefore, Z2R =
1.2868.86. Now calculate the corresponding 3I2 value as follows:
3V2
3I 2  (5)
Z2R
19180
3I 2  (6)
1.2868.86
3I 2  14.84111.14 (7)

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Figure 4 Test Points on Impedance Plane

Step 3
Next, calculate the value of 3I2 that is needed to land right on the Z2F threshold (Point 2 in
Figure 4). This threshold is defined by the Z2F setting, which is set to 1.08 in this example. The
value is at the line angle, which is defined by the Z1ANG setting. Therefore, Z2F = 1.0868.86.
Calculate the corresponding 3I2 value as follows:
3V2
3I 2  (8)
Z2R
19180
3I 2  (9)
1.0868.86
3I 2  17.59111.14 A (10)

Step 4
Now that the negative-sequence currents needed to land on Points 1 and 2 on Figure 4 have been
calculated, convert these to phase currents that can be injected with a test set. If a single-phase
test is performed where IB = 0 and IC = 0, then IA = 3I2. The calculated currents can be used
directly as A-phase currents. Therefore, to land on Point 1, use an A-phase current of
14.84111.14. To land on Point 2, use an A-phase current of 17.59111.14.

Testing the Directional Element

Note that comparing the currents at Point 1 and Point 2 in Figure 4 shows that raising the current
actually makes the impedance plot lower on the graph. The impedance element is tested by
starting the current at some value lower than the 14.84111.14 A that was calculated for the Z2R
threshold point (but still above the 50QRP setting). This makes the impedance plot above Point 1
on the line. This is clearly in the reverse region, and the Relay Word bit R32Q should be asserted.
Next, the current magnitude will be ramped while keeping the angle steady. Once the current
goes above the Z2R threshold point (14.84111.14 A), R32Q should drop out. At this point, the
characteristic is in between the two thresholds and the relay cannot make a directional decision.
The current will continue to be ramped until it goes above the Z2F threshold point
(17.59111.14 A), which is Point 2 on the line. When this threshold is passed, the Relay Word

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bit F32Q should assert. The impedance is now plotting in the forward region. Perform the
following steps to complete this test:

Step 1
Apply 3V2 to the relay as previously calculated, with VA = 480, VB = 67–120, and VC =
67120.

Step 2
Use the TAR LOP command to verify that LOP is disabled. If LOP is enabled, it can prevent the
negative-sequence directional element test from working correctly.

Step 3
Apply a single-phase current on the A phase at 13111.14 A. Use the TAR R32Q command to
verify that the R32Q Relay Word bit is asserted, meaning that the relay is seeing the fault in the
reverse direction.

Step 4
Ramp the current up to right above 14.84 A, keeping the angle the same. Use the TAR R32Q
1000 command or the HMI screen in QuickSet to verify that the R32Q Relay Word bit deasserts
once the current hits the 14.84 A threshold. The F32Q Relay Word bit should also be deasserted,
showing that the relay does not see the fault in either the forward or reverse direction.

Step 5
Ramp the current up to right above 17.59 A, keeping the angle the same. Use the TAR F32Q
1000 command or the HMI screen in QuickSet to verify that the F32Q Relay Word bit asserts
once the current hits the 17.59 A threshold, meaning the relay sees the fault in the forward
direction.

ABOUT THE TEST

During this test, we simulated an A-phase-to-ground fault with VA = 480 and IA at some
magnitude with an angle of 111.14 degrees. Because the A-phase current leads A-phase voltage
by 111.14 degrees, it may seem like this should be a reverse fault for the entire test. However,
note that these test values are simply for the purpose of testing the Z2F and Z2R thresholds and
do not represent real faults. As explained previously, a typical forward fault plots at Line A (see
Figure 2) and a typical reverse fault plots at Line B, a distance away from the actual Z2F and Z2R
thresholds (see Figure 3). When Z2F > 0, it is easy to test both the Z2R and Z2F thresholds using
the method described in this application guide (holding the current angle steady and varying the
magnitude only). If Z2F < 0, the current angle needs to be rotated by 180 degrees in order to test
the Z2F threshold correctly.

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CONCLUSION
This application guide explains how the negative-sequence voltage-polarized directional element
works. This element is used in many SEL relays to determine if a fault is located in front of or
behind a relay. This application guide also provides a basic procedure for testing the element. In
addition to this guide, [1] and [2] offer further explanation and testing resources for the negative-
sequence directional element.

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APPENDIX
Table 1 Differences in Negative-Sequence Directional Element Setting Names, Relay Word Bit Names,
and z Values Between Relays.
SEL- SEL- SEL-
SEL- SEL-
311C-1, 411L, 487E,
Description 311C-0, 700G,
-2, -3, SEL-421, SEL-
SEL-311L SEL-751
SEL-351 SEL-451 487V

Directional control enable E32 E32 E32 E67m EDIR

Forward directional
Z2F Z2F Z2F Z2Fm Z2F
Z2 threshold

Reverse directional
Z2R Z2R Z2R Z2Rm Z2R
Z2 threshold

Forward directional
50QFP 50QFP 50FP 50FPm 50QFP
3I2 pickup
Setting
Names
Reverse directional
50QRP 50QRP 50RP 50RPm 50QRP
3I2 pickup

Positive-sequence line
Z1MAG Z1MAG Z1MAG NA Z1MAG
impedance magnitude

Positive-sequence line
Z1ANG Z1ANG Z1ANG Z1ANGm Z1ANG
impedance angle

Ground directional priority ORDER ORDER ORDER ORDERm ORDER

Forward fault detector 50QF 50QF 50QF m50QF 50QF

Reverse fault detector 50QR 50QR 50QR m50QR 50QR

Relay Word R32Q mR32Q RDIRQ

Bit Names (phase) or (phase) or (phase) or
Reverse directional decision R32Q R32Q
R32QG mR32QG RDIRQG
(ground) (ground) (ground)
F32Q mF32Q FDIRQ
Forward directional (phase) or (phase) or (phase) or
F32Q F32Q
decision F32QG mF32QG FDIRQG
(ground) (ground) (ground)
z constant used when
1/ 1/
z Value directional element is set to 1 / Inom NA 1 / Inom
(2 • Inom) (2 • Inom)
AUTO (Inom = 5 A or 1 A)

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REFERENCES
[1] B. Fleming, “Negative-Sequence Impedance Directional Element,” proceedings of the 10th
Annual ProTest User Group Meeting, Pasadena, CA, February 1998. Available:
http://www.selinc.com.
[2] K. Zimmerman and D. Costello, “Fundamentals and Improvements to Directional Relays,”
proceedings of the 63rd Annual Conference for Protective Relay Engineers, College
Station, TX, March 2010. Available: http://www.selinc.com.

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Telephone: +1.509.332.1890
Fax: +1.509.332.7990
www.selinc.com • info@selinc.com

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SEL Application Guide 2014-28 Date Code 20140825