Description
1. Product Overview
ABB REF615C_E (Full Order Code: HCFFAEAGANB2BAA11E) is a new-generation enhanced intelligent feeder protection and control IED within the ABB Relion® 615 series. It is custom-developed for smart distribution networks with distributed renewable energy integration, complex industrial power distribution systems and municipal ring power supply systems. Serving as an integrated core device for distribution automation, it combines relay protection, high-precision electrical measurement, intelligent circuit breaker control, equipment condition monitoring, automatic fault handling, fault recording traceability and multi-protocol intelligent communication.
This unit is a dedicated customized variant of REF615C_E. Compared with standard models, it features enhanced distributed generation grid-tie protection, feeder automation (FA) self-healing control, islanding detection and fast tripping capabilities. It perfectly accommodates bidirectional power flow operating conditions for PV and wind farm interconnection, and supports multiple networking topologies including radial networks, ring networks and meshed networks.
The device complies strictly with international IEC power standards as well as technical specifications for intelligent distribution equipment issued by State Grid and China Southern Power Grid. It adopts an industrial-grade modular pluggable hardware architecture equipped with high-precision synchronous sampling chips, dedicated high-speed power processors and redundant communication units. It delivers prominent strengths including high protection accuracy, ultra-fast fault response, strong grid self-healing capability, excellent anti-interference performance and zero parameter drift during long-term operation.
The dedicated I/O and function configuration of HCFFAEAGANB2BAA11E fully satisfies intelligent management requirements for 10 kV/35 kV medium-voltage feeders, ring tie circuits, auxiliary power circuits and renewable energy grid-tie circuits. No additional secondary equipment is required. It supports in-situ replacement of legacy devices and intelligent system upgrading, and is widely deployed for protection and control in smart substations, digital distribution networks and captive power stations of industrial and mining enterprises. It is key equipment for digital, self-healing and intelligent transformation of distribution networks.
2. Technical Features
2.1 Dedicated Protection for Renewable Energy to Adapt to Distributed Grid-Tie Conditions
The device integrates a complete set of dedicated protection logic for distributed generation interconnection and incorporates high-sensitivity anti-islanding protection. It can accurately detect grid islanding anomalies and achieve fast tripping isolation within ≤200 ms, effectively mitigating risks such as island operation, voltage deviation, frequency disturbance and unwanted protection tripping caused by renewable energy grid connection.
Optimized bidirectional power flow monitoring algorithms adapt to both forward and reverse power flow conditions. The unit accurately identifies harmonic disturbances, load fluctuations and power flow turbulence introduced by grid-connected renewables, ensuring stable operation of complex distribution systems integrated with photovoltaic and wind power in line with operation standards for new smart distribution networks.
2.2 Feeder Automation (FA) Self-Healing Function for Intelligent Grid Operation
Embedded with native core FA control logic, the device supports fully automatic processing of distribution line faults: fault location → fault isolation → power restoration for non-faulty sections. Via high-speed peer-to-peer GOOSE communication, it coordinates with adjacent feeder protection IEDs to realize precise fault section isolation within ≤100 ms and rapid power restoration of non-fault areas within ≤300 ms. This significantly shortens outage duration during line faults, improves power supply reliability and self-healing capacity of distribution networks, and suits unattended intelligent power distribution scenarios.
2.3 Full-Dimensional Integrated Functions for One-Stop Feeder Management
It integrates comprehensive professional feeder protection, measurement, control and operation functions. The relay protection logic covers three-stage overcurrent protection, zero-sequence earth fault protection, negative-sequence protection, overvoltage/undervoltage protection, overload and thermal protection, under/over frequency load shedding, three-phase unbalance protection and more.
High-precision measurement is available for full electrical parameters including three-phase voltage, current, power, energy, frequency, individual harmonics and power flow direction. Functionalities such as local/remote circuit breaker switching control, circuit condition monitoring, live circuit alarm, fault recording, Sequence of Events (SOE) recording and operation trend statistics are implemented. One single unit replaces multiple conventional secondary devices, greatly simplifying secondary wiring and lowering operation and maintenance costs.
2.4 Millisecond-Level Accurate Fault Response to Abnormal Protection Operations
Adopting ABB optimized vector protection algorithms and high-speed processing chips, the unit achieves industry-leading sampling precision for current and voltage with minimal threshold setting error and stable operating time delays. It reliably identifies transient short circuits, permanent earth faults, intermittent leakage faults, load fluctuations and harmonic disturbances from renewable energy sources. Unwanted tripping, failure to trip and cascading tripping are thoroughly avoided. It fits graded protection coordination logic of multi-level distribution networks and enables fast, accurate and safe fault clearing.
2.5 Full-Protocol Redundant Communication for Digital Smart Grids
Natively equipped with multi-channel redundant communication interfaces, it fully supports mainstream power communication protocols including IEC61850 Ed2, GOOSE, IEC60870-5-103, Modbus RTU/TCP and DNP3. Multiple transmission media such as Ethernet, RS485/RS232 serial ports and optical fiber are supported.
It can seamlessly connect to integrated automation systems of smart substations, distribution automation platforms and power dispatching backends to implement remote parameter setting, remote circuit breaker control, real-time data uploading and active push of fault messages. It meets networking, coordinated control and remote maintenance requirements of digital power grids.
2.6 Modular Pluggable Hardware for Easy Maintenance and High Compatibility
Built on ABB’s proven modular pluggable structure, power supply, sampling, I/O and communication modules are arranged in independent partitions. Individual modules can be replaced without complete unit disassembly, secondary wiring modification or program reconfiguration.
The customized point configuration of HCFFAEAGANB2BAA11E matches typical medium-voltage feeder operating conditions. The hardware features outstanding universality and interchangeability, compatible with both new and legacy distribution architectures. Rapid replacement of old equipment, system expansion and function upgrade can be realized, substantially reducing downtime maintenance and technical transformation costs.
2.7 Rigorous Industrial-Grade Protection for Complex Harsh Sites
The complete unit has passed stringent tests including EMC electromagnetic compatibility, temperature cycling aging, vibration shock and humidity cycling. The front panel achieves IP54 protection rating and terminal block IP20. It offers excellent resistance against dust, moisture, vibration and electromagnetic interference. Free of vulnerable mechanical components, the device features low power consumption and low temperature rise. It can run continuously 24/7 all year round in complex sites such as substations, outdoor switchgear stations, industrial power rooms and renewable energy grid-tie stations, satisfying continuous production demands of power, chemical, manufacturing and other industries.
2.8 Dual HMI & Full-Dimensional Self-Diagnosis for Efficient and Compliant O&M
It is fitted with a high-resolution Chinese LCD Local Human-Machine Interface (LHMI) and a web-based Remote Human-Machine Interface (WHMI). Operators can perform local parameter configuration, fault query and real-time data viewing, as well as remote online commissioning, fault waveform export and logic verification.
Built-in full-dimensional hardware and software self-diagnosis mechanisms continuously monitor hidden risks in sampling circuits, I/O ports, communication links and power supply around the clock. Fault locations are precisely identified with active alarms triggered. Fault recording waveforms, event logs and operation records are permanently stored to support fault tracing and standardized compliant operation required by the power industry.
3. Technical Specifications
3.1 Basic Specifications
Model: REF615C_E Full Order Code: HCFFAEAGANB2BAA11E Brand: ABB Series: Relion® 615 Enhanced Series Device Type: Medium-Voltage Intelligent Feeder Protection and Control IED Core Functions: Medium-voltage feeder protection, renewable energy grid-tie protection, FA feeder automation, electrical parameter measurement, intelligent circuit breaker control, fault tracing, multi-protocol communication operation Applicable Scenarios: 10 kV/35 kV distribution feeders, ring network tie switches, auxiliary power circuits, PV/wind distributed grid-tie distribution systems, intelligent self-healing distribution networks Hardware Features: Modular pluggable structure, highly integrated design, industrial anti-interference hardware, redundant communication configuration Core Advantages: Optimized for renewable energy interconnection, strong grid self-healing capacity, precise and fast protection, convenient maintenance, stable and reliable operation
3.2 Protection Function Specifications
Main Protection Functions: Three-stage overcurrent protection (instantaneous, definite-time delayed instantaneous, definite-time overcurrent), zero-sequence overcurrent protection, high-sensitivity earth fault protection, negative-sequence overcurrent protection, anti-islanding protection (tripping response ≤200 ms) Backup Protection: Overvoltage protection, undervoltage protection, overload protection, thermal overload protection, under-frequency load shedding, over-frequency protection, three-phase unbalance protection Auxiliary Protection: Circuit breaker failure protection, line auto-reclosing, fault blocking protection, soft-start blocking, circuit abnormality supervision, bidirectional power flow anomaly protection Protection Accuracy: Setting error for current and voltage protection ≤ ±1.5%; operating time error ≤ ±20 ms Operating Characteristics: Supports both definite-time and inverse-time modes; customizable protection curves to match graded coordination of multi-level power grids Self-Healing Performance: FA fault isolation ≤100 ms; power restoration for non-fault sections ≤300 ms Fault Tolerance: Adaptive to load fluctuation, harmonic interference and power flow disturbance from renewable energy; prevents unwanted tripping, failure to trip and cascading tripping
3.3 Measurement Accuracy Specifications
Measured Quantities: Three-phase current, three-phase voltage, active power, reactive power, apparent power, power factor, system frequency, three-phase unbalance factor, accumulated energy, harmonic contents of each order, bidirectional power flow direction monitoring Measurement Accuracy: Current & voltage ±1.5%; power & energy ±2.0%; frequency ±0.01 Hz Sampling Characteristics: High-speed synchronous sampling; supports accurate measurement under steady-state, dynamic and bidirectional power flow conditions with strong anti-harmonic performance Data Statistics: Daily/monthly/annual energy accumulation, operation extreme value recording, load curve storage, operating trend analysis
3.4 Communication & Interface Specifications
Communication Protocols: IEC61850 Ed2, GOOSE, IEC60870-5-103, Modbus RTU/TCP, DNP3 Communication Interfaces: Gigabit Ethernet ports, RS485/RS232 serial ports, expandable optical fiber communication interfaces Networking Modes: Single network, dual redundant network, GOOSE peer-to-peer networking, point-to-point, bus networking Data Transmission: Real-time upload of telemetry and telesignal data, remote reception of remote control & remote adjustment commands, fast push of fault messages and waveform records Commissioning Interfaces: Dedicated local service port, remote web commissioning port supporting online configuration, parameter modification and logic verification
3.5 Electrical Power Supply Specifications
Operating Power Supply: Wide-range universal AC/DC supply Operating Voltage Range: 80%～120% of rated voltage, adaptable to regular grid fluctuations Power Supply Features: Built-in protection circuits against surge, ESD, overvoltage, overcurrent and short-duration power failure Power Consumption: Low overall power consumption design, low temperature rise without power drift or parameter deviation Supply Stability: Maintains continuous operation without restart or data loss under transient grid fluctuations and short power interruptions
3.6 I/O & Control Specifications
Binary Inputs: Multiple passive opto-isolated binary inputs for collection of circuit breaker switching position, spring charged status, local/remote status, equipment alarm signals and interlock status Binary Outputs: Multiple relay outputs for circuit breaker switching drive, fault alarm output, system interlock linkage and fault trip output Control Functions: Local manual control, remote control, customizable logic interlock, auto-reclosing, FA self-healing coordinated control, fault lockout shutdown I/O Characteristics: Fully opto-isolated ports with anti-interference and anti-false triggering performance suitable for industrial sites with strong electromagnetic fields Interlock Logic: Supports user-defined multi-channel I/O blocking and interlock logic to satisfy special operating conditions of renewable energy grid connection and ring networks
3.7 Environmental & Certification Specifications
Operating Temperature: -25℃ ~ +55℃ Storage Temperature: -40℃ ~ +85℃ Operating Humidity: 5%～95%RH (non-condensing, no strongly corrosive gas) Electromagnetic Compatibility: Fully complies with IEC61000 series industrial EMC standards, resistant to heavy electromagnetic interference, high-frequency harmonic disturbance and electrostatic discharge Protection Class: Front panel IP54; terminal blocks IP20 Mounting Type: Embedded / semi-embedded cabinet mounting Unit Weight: Approx. 2.5 kg Operation Mode: Unattended stable continuous operation 24/7 all year round Compliance: Conforms to international IEC power standards and technical specifications for intelligent distribution equipment of State Grid and China Southern Power Grid
4. Operating Principle
The ABB REF615C_E HCFFAEAGANB2BAA11E feeder protection and control IED takes a high-performance dedicated power main controller as its core. Based on high-precision synchronous sampling technology, adaptive harmonic filtering algorithms, dedicated renewable energy protection logic and FA self-healing control programs, it realizes integrated intelligent operation including protection, measurement, control, communication, self-healing and traceability for medium-voltage feeders.
After power-on, the unit automatically completes full hardware self-test, sampling circuit verification, I/O initialization, communication protocol matching, loading of system parameters and self-healing logic to finish initialization and standby. It ensures fault-free startup, valid program execution and intact communication links.
During normal operation, the device collects fundamental electrical parameters such as three-phase current, three-phase voltage and system frequency via high-precision synchronous sampling circuits. Built-in algorithms calculate operating parameters including power, energy, harmonics, three-phase unbalance factor and bidirectional power flow direction in real time. On one hand, operating status, electrical parameters and alarm information are displayed on the local LCD; on the other hand, telemetry and telesignal data are uploaded to background monitoring systems through redundant communication links to achieve remote visualized monitoring of distribution circuits.
Meanwhile, binary signals such as circuit breaker position, spring charged status and local/remote selection are continuously monitored, and predefined interlock and blocking logic is strictly executed. Power flow fluctuation and power quality under renewable energy grid-tie conditions are monitored in real time to guarantee compliant and stable operation of grid-connected systems.
When faults such as short-circuit, overload, earth leakage, voltage/frequency abnormality, three-phase unbalance or islanding occur on the feeder, the corresponding protection logic is triggered instantly. The unit accurately identifies fault type, magnitude and duration and rapidly outputs trip commands to isolate the faulty circuit. Islanding faults can be cleared within 200 ms to eliminate safety risks caused by island operation of renewable energy sources.
The FA self-healing program is activated simultaneously. Through GOOSE communication and coordination with adjacent IEDs, rapid fault section location and isolation as well as automatic power restoration for non-fault sections are completed to minimize outage scope and duration. Upon fault detection, fault recording, SOE logging and fault message storage are automatically activated to record complete pre-fault and post-fault data, providing accurate support for fault analysis and grid optimization.
For daily maintenance, the device supports local manual operation, remote circuit breaker control, online parameter setting and logic commissioning. Equipped with built-in self-diagnosis mechanisms, it continuously detects hardware, circuit and communication abnormalities and generates active alarms to comprehensively guarantee safe, stable, self-healing and efficient operation of smart distribution networks with renewable energy integration.
5. Application Scenarios
5.1 Distribution Systems with Distributed Renewable Energy Integration
Designed for 10 kV/35 kV circuits connected with distributed power sources such as photovoltaic and wind power. Supported by dedicated anti-islanding protection, bidirectional power flow monitoring and harmonic adaptation functions, it effectively addresses issues including islanding risks, voltage fluctuation, power flow turbulence and unwanted protection tripping triggered by renewable energy grid connection. It ensures safe grid interconnection and stable power absorption, meeting intelligent operation requirements of renewable energy distribution networks.
5.2 Self-Healing Management of Smart Distribution Networks
Suitable for core ring and tie circuits in urban smart distribution networks and industrial park self-healing power grids. Leveraging FA feeder automation functions, it realizes fully automatic fault location, isolation and power restoration without manual intervention. It greatly improves power supply reliability and self-healing capability, adapting to new intelligent distribution scenarios such as maintenance without power cut, intelligent load transfer and grid reconfiguration.
5.3 Conventional Medium-Voltage Feeder Protection and Control
Widely applicable to overhead lines and cable feeder circuits of 10 kV and 35 kV municipal and industrial medium-voltage distribution networks. It provides complete protection against overcurrent, earth fault, overload, voltage and frequency abnormality, as well as high-precision electrical measurement, circuit monitoring and intelligent circuit breaker control. It serves intelligent management of regular feeders in urban distribution stations, industrial park power rooms and enterprise captive substations.
5.4 Protection of Auxiliary Power Systems in Industrial and Mining Enterprises
Suitable for medium-voltage auxiliary power circuits of metallurgy, chemical, manufacturing and other continuous-production enterprises. Targeting industrial characteristics of severe load fluctuation, complex operating conditions and high demand for uninterrupted power supply, it relies on accurate protection logic, strong anti-interference performance and superior grid self-healing capability to avoid sudden power outages and equipment faults, guarantee uninterrupted production line operation and prevent production losses.
