A short-circuit between the

busbars of an electrical power

distribution or transmission
network station may have
serious consequences not only
due to the damage suffered by
the equipment, but also
because of the loss of supply to
the customer. Different means
are available to the user to limit
the risks created by these faults,
for example, setting up
independent sections so that if
a fault occurs on one of them,
the loads can be transferred
onto the remaining unaffected
sections. However, these
measures are only really
effective if suitable busbar
protection is available.
DIF.B busbar differential
protection operates on the
Merz Price principle using
percentage characteristics.
There are two versions of the
equipment called DIFB & DIFB
CL.
DIFB
The DIFB protection device was
initially developed for EHV
applications ( 400 kV). It has
segregated phases and is
particularly suitable for gas
isolated substations (GIS) with
single-phase compartments (ND
1.6952).
DIFB or DIFB CL
DIFB or DIFB CL
DIFB
DIFB-CL
245 kV
overhead
three-phase GIS
single-phase GIS
DIFB CL
Confronted with quality
requirements and the necessity
of providing a continuous
service as far as the distribution
of high and medium voltages
(HV, MV) is concerned, network
users have been obliged to
choose a fault-eliminating time
that only busbar differential
protection devices are capable
of meeting. The DIFB CL was
developed from the DIFB to
provide a more compact and
economical device. This is
achieved by using a linear
combination of the 3 phase
currents on each input auxiliary
transformer. Otherwise, it
incorporates the main
characteristics of the DIFB in
particular those concerning its
safety of operation with highly
saturated current transformers
(CTs) (ND 1.6913).
Both the DIFB and DIFB CL use
percentage measuring circuits
which operate with highly
saturated CTs, thus combining a
high speed busbar fault
detection function (less than 0.5
ms) and perfect stability when
external faults occur. Although
the DIFB and DIFB CL use a
stabilization principle based on
differential resistance combined
with a percentage
characteristic, they only require
low pulse energy to operate
with internal faults. These
factors directly influence the
size and cost of the current
transformers. In particular, the
tripping speed (7 ms with self-
reset relays) is not affected by
the DC component of aperiodic
conditions due to saturated CTs.
Features Common to the DIFB and DIFB CL
The DIFB CL is derived from the
DIFB and uses the same sub-
assemblies, in particular the
well-proven measuring board
(more than a thousand sub-
assemblies were operating with
approximately 350 busbar
protection devices in 1995).
DIFB: an important reference for EHV applications
Operating principle
The DIFB is a percentage
medium impedance protection
device with low impedance
high-speed switching (T/4)
when internal faults are
detected.
By using the term impedance,
this operating principle can be
distinguished from those
requiring signal processing, but
cannot be interpreted in terms
of consumption because of the
detection performance
characteristics with pulse
operating conditions (see
below, CT specifications).
Reliability
The operating principle of the
DIFB allows the complexity of
the design to be kept to a
minimum. This ensures a high
level of reliability.
High Immunity to
Disturbances
The DIFB and DIFB CL
protection devices use current
flow and so their input circuits
are naturally protected against
external disturbances because
the signal to be processed is
imposed by the current
generators. In addition, the
downstream electronic circuitry
meets the most stringent
environmental standards
(damped oscillations, high-
speed transients, electrostatic
discharges, etc.).
Flexibility and Extensibility
The DIFB and DIFB CL protection
devices are installed in unit
cubicles (DIFB) or frames (DIFB
CL) for one or two zones with
an open architecture such that
the equipment may be extended
in the future even when this has
not been specified at the
beginning of the project (for
example, changing a 2-zone
structure into a 4-zone structure
on-site).
Ergonomics
The DIFB and DIFB CL
protection devices are
equipped with the following
main aids for commissioning
and operation:
- ENERTEST test socket for
secondary injections;
- on/off switch per zone;
- mini block diagram of station
with permanent display of
status of routing isolators;
- forcing sensor for the status of the
isolator position recopy relays;
- flag indicators of tripping per
zone;
- tripping indicators for breaker-
failure events.
Periodic Self-Test (Optional)
This function is performed
automatically so that the user
does not have to carry out
delicate operations for
manually checking whether the
equipment is able to trip on a
real busbar fault. These self-test
operations may be fairly
infrequent because the sub-
assemblies tested are very
reliable. However, for
procedural reasons the self-test
report should figure daily in the
log of the Status Recorder.
id
Operating zone
Non
operating zone
Percentage detection board 20 51 208.
This electronic circuit is fitted in DIFBs and
DIFB CLs and is unequalled as far as
stability with external faults and acquisition
speed with internal faults (0.5 ms or 1 ms)
is concerned.
DIFB isolator module
DIFB-CL: the high performance of DIFB adapted to
HV/MV substations
Permanent Monitoring of the
Measuring Circuits
The DIFB measuring circuits are
fitted with several differential
current detectors. The
difference in the setting values
are used to make logic status
comparisons and to process
any inconsistency between the
different detection levels as a
failure.
Multiple Criteria
The fact that multiple criteria
are used is a direct
consequence of the previous
function which requires several
threshold elements to be
consistent in order for a
tripping operation to be
authorized.
This vertical safety system is
reinforced by different
measures which require several
parallel channels to supply
identical data and that an
order is only validated at the
output of an element if this
element has received the
corresponding data at its input
(see check zones monitoring).
Can be Used on Existing
Current Reducers with Non-
Homogenous Characteristics
Low performance CTs
( 10 VA 5P10) with no
remanence specifications, and
can be connected in series with
other existing protection
devices and different primary
ratings.
Through-Fault Stability with
Highly Saturated CTs
This stability which is
independent of the amplitude of
the short-circuit current as well
as of the CT saturation level is
obtained by combining the
circulating current principle and
the percentage characteristic
which compares - in
instantaneous values - the
differential value and an
restraining value that is the
image of the current flowing
through the protected zone.
Internal Fault Operation with
Saturated CTs
If a fault occurs on the busbars,
the short-circuit currents may
produce very high saturation
Self-test automat board
UR+
5
0,3
500
Bus-Bar
5
20 VA 5P20
500
5
20 VA PS
UR -
Ud
Rd
8 ms
Internal Fault 8In
with aperiodic component
CT presaturated by remanence effect
External fault 20In
with aperiodic component

Copy of DIFB CL test recordings on 63 kV network

at the EDF laboratory, St-Denis
Low performance CTs requirement
levels on the CTs. These levels
might be extremely high when
all the fault current flows
through one CT only, which
often occurs at the CTs of the
bus coupler section bars and in
particular, if fault current build-
up aperiodic conditions are
combined with a remanent
magnetic flux effect. The DIFB
is equipped with ultra-fast
detection devices that can
operate in 0.5 ms, i.e. always
before the saturation point is
reached.
DIFB CL section module
High Speed Operation
The duration of the voltage
drop depends on this
characteristic. It is an extremely
important stability factor in
transmission networks and
guarantees the consumer a high
quality of service with
distribution networks. The DIFB
differential protection device
provides a tripping order in a
time of between 7 and 15 ms
depending on whether the
output relays have self or
electrical reset. This typical
operating time also
corresponds to the maximum
Cut-off
device
zone 1A
Cut-off
device
zone 2A
No
polarity
+/- P
No
polarity
+/- D
Self
initialization
command
Inconsistent
threshold
detection
Converter
failure
Fault
detection
with self-test
Remote
reset
command
Remote
manual
command
zone 1A unit
Remote
manual
command
zone 2A unit
48 Vdc
48 V
14 13 15 7 6 5 4 3 12 2 1 8 9 10
6c 6c 4c 2c 22c 24c 26c
26c 18c 20c22c 24c 10c 10c10c 12c 12c 12c 14c 14c 16c 16c 16c 18c 18c 14c 28c
37 36 17 16 19 18 21 20 27 26 25 24 23 22 35 34 33 32 31 30
KP
F18
+ DP1
Bus
SBF (*)
(*) tripping signal bus via 50BF or 87B
protection device
(LR)
(LR)
(L) K18
KD
F18
DIFB CABINET
RACK A
CONNECTOR X16
28c 2c 4c
In
serv.
Out
of
serv.
En
serv.
Hors
serv.
+ DP1
Local control Local control
- DP1
+ DP1
- DP1
Alarm
zone 1A unit
out of service
- manual command
- anomaly circuits 1
- protection device failure
- insufficient relaying power
supply (+/- DP1)
Alarm
zone 2A unit
out-of-service
- manual command
- anomaly circuits 2
- protection device failure
- insufficient relaying powe
supply (+/- DP1)
XAA
XAA

Regular
self-test
in progress
Protection
device
not faulty
Protection
device
faulty
Tripping
zone 1A
Current circuit
anomaly
zone 1A
Alarm
zone 1A unit
out-of-service
Alarm
zone 2A unit,
out-of-service
Tripping,
zone
2A
Current circuit
anomaly
zone 2A
Remote Controls and Remote Signals wired for a DIFB CL 2-Zone Frame
A B
SECTION
PANEL
WIRING ON A
FEEDER BAY
FRONT PANEL
OF THE DIFB CL
FEEDER SECTION MODULE
FEEDER BOARD

T
o

o
t
h
e
r

p
r
o
t
e
c
t
i
o
n
C
A
A
B
A
B
B
D
- D
D
SA1 - ouv
SA1
Z1
+ T
+ D
- T
- D
50BF
Tripping
Z2
SA2
SA1 - non ouv
SA2 - ouv
27
1
2
26
25
24
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
20z
20d
18z
18d
16z
4d
2d
2z
4z
14d
SA2 - non ouv
C
S2
S1
P2
P1
S2
S1
P'2
P'1
P''2
P''1
S2
S1
S2
S1
P1 P1 P1
P2 P2 P2
N
Yellow led
Z1 trip. by 50 or 87BF
Led rouge
SA1 closed
Yellow led
Z1 trip. by 50 or 87BF
Red Led
SA2 closed
Ultra-rapid even during aperiodic conditions
required for processing the
following section data:
- Current
- Position of the isolators and
local signals
- Reception from BF relay (e.g.
non-integrated circuit breaker
failure protection devices,
50 BF)
- Tripping order
For the DIFB, these last two
information items are processed
in separate modules.
DIFB CL cubicle prepared for a 4-zone substation
time which is not affected by
the aperiodic component of the
fault current.
Section Modularity
The DIFB and DIFB CL
protection devices can contain
several modules, depending on
the size of the station to be
protected. A bay module can
be associated with a feeder, a
bus coupler or a bus section.
For the DIFB CL, a module
contains all the elements
Remote Controls and Remote
Signals
The main remote controls and
remote signals are available on
terminals that are free of
polarities. They allow certain
remote operations to be carried
out (on/off controls, automatic
test) and are used to receive all
the data that the operator
needs, for example:
- tripped zone,
- busbar fault or circuit breaker
failure,
- phase indication for DIFB.
- wiring fault,
- power supply failure,
- self-test results,
- system status.
Total Zone Monitoring for
DIFB CL
One of the most frequent
reasons for busbar differential
protection relay maloperation
is the existence of an error
when the real position of
isolator is transmitted or
received. A differential current
is then produced in some of the
measuring elements.
However, if only the incoming
and outgoing currents of the
entire station are taken into
account, their vector sum is
always zero if no faults occur,
whatever the recopy errors on
the partial sections. Therefore
the tripping authorization given
by one zone unit is conditioned
by the operation of a check
zone unit that is only sensitive
to total values. This function is
not necessary on the DIFB
because the thresholds can be
Signals that the expert needs
87 Z1 87 Z2
T
Z
1
F
3
F
4
F
i
F
i
F
26
F
27
Z
2
87 S
& &
Tripping
Busbar 1 Busbar 2
set to higher values than the
operating current of the most
loaded feeders.
Integrated Circuit-Breaker
Failure Protection 87BF (for
DIFB CL only)
On some subtransmission
networks, the DIFB CL can be
equipped with a circuit breaker
failure protection device
associated with each auxiliary
CT block and which operates by
forcing the differential unit
when an external fault has not
been cleared in a pre-set time
after a tripping order has been
received. The DIFB however, is
designed for use preferably
with transmission networks and
so this type of integrated option
is not provided because the
tripping orders are generally
processed by single-phase poles
requiring 50BF relays with
separate poles that
communicate by simple loop
with the DIFB.
Oversensitization Independent
to Zero Sequence Current
The DIFB CLs were designed for
use with HV or MV distribution
applications and so the fact is
taken into account that in this
type of networks the earth fault
Id = 0
ie = icc is = -icc
t<tBF
P
21
icc
Figure 1: detailing line
circuit breaker control
Id = 2icc
ie = icc is = icc
t>tBF
P
21
icc
Figure 2: framing circuit
breaker tripping
current is generally limited by the
neutral connection impedances.
DIFB CL summation transformers
consist in two phase windings (A
and B) and a zero sequence
winding (R). This design allows
an independent adjustment to be
obtained between the multi-
phase isolated fault conditions
and the earth fault conditions.
IA
IB
(A)
(B)
(R)
IC
IR
m
P
2
P'
1
P
1
P'
2
P''
1
P''
2
n
m
S
1
S
2
100
n
FAULT

AN
BN
CN
AB
BC
CA
ABC
Examples with TCA
Type LB
4.5
3.5
4 (nominal earth)
1 (nominal phases)
0.5
0.5
0.866
(n - 0.5) I
B
n.I
C
0.866 I
I
A
0.5 I
C
0
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
30
Only one CT core required per bay
Diagrams in three-phase conditions
Fig. 1: Combination Ratio
Fig 2: Resultant in balanced three-phase
conditions (independent of n)
Protection Device Balance
The DIFB and DIFB CL
protection devices are
balanced by choosing the
appropriate auxiliary
transformer ratio (ACT) with
respect to the ratio of the main
CTs (MCT).
The main adjustment concerns
the number of primary turns in
a range corresponding to the
type of application.
The adequate adjustment
values are indicated by
GEC ALSTHOM in the files that
are specific to the sub-station
concerned.
However, there are several
different types of application
which also take into account
the value of the differential
resistance, Rd, which affects
the stability if saturation occurs
with external faults:
DIFB MZ: Multi-ratio ACTs with
phase segregation In/0.1 to
1 A - Rd 250
DIFB LB: Multi-ratio ACTs with
phase segregation In/0.3 to
1.2 A - Rd 250
DIFB LZ: Multi-ratio ACTs with
phase segregation In/0.1 to
0.3 A - Rd = 4.7
DIFB CL: ACTs with linear
phase combination In/0.3 to
1.2 A (AB fault basis)
Rd 50
The final ratio is chosen on the
basis of the highest MCT ratio
to which the lowest ACT ratio
corresponds, if possible.
Theoretical dimensions of the
MCTs
The dimensions of the MCTs are
determined by the knee-point
voltage value so that when an
internal fault occurs, the MCT
that has the highest load in
terms of the value of the
supplied current and in terms of
secondary ohmic load be not
saturated in less than 1 ms. In
practice, the load represented
by the ACT windings is not
considered to be large enough
to influence the dimensions of
the CT.
Abbreviations
Vk: saturation knee-point
voltage
In: MCT secondary rated
current (1A or 5A)
IN: MCT primary rated
current
ICC: maximum short-circuit
current delivered to
the busbar via the
input where the MCT
is installed
RTCP: resistance of
secondary winding of
the MCT concerned
RF: resistance of link loop
between MCT and
ACT
DIFB
1000/5 A 500/5 A 200/5 A
5/
1 A
5/
0.5 A
5/
0.2 A
Application Notes
Example with phase segregation DIFB MZ
MCT ACT Final
ratio
1000/5 A 5/1 A
500/5 A 5/0.5 A 1000/1 A
200/5 A 5/0.2 A
The assurance of technical support provided by
GEC ALSTHOM teams
ACT
5/1 A
S2
MCT
1000/5 A
40 In
RMCT
ts
Rd
250
1.5 0.5
ts 0.5
(1) RF includes the primary resistance
P
Rd
250
5/0.2
TCA
RF
1.5
S1
S2
RTCP
0.5
200/5 A
MCT
saturated
n: ratio of ACT
concerned
Rd/n
2
: value of differential
resistance transposed
to the ACT primary
K: dimensioning
coefficient
where K = (1.2/40).(ICC/IN)
Examples and practical
considerations
In the example given below, the
highest load transposed
concerns the 1000/5A MCT
The following is assumed:
ICC = 40 kA, RTCP = 0.5
and RF = 1.5
Vk = K. In. (RTCP + RF + Rd/n
2
)
Therefore:
Rd/n
2
= 250/25 = 10
K = (1.2/40) x 40 = 1.2
Vk = 1.2 x 5 (0.5 + 1.5 +10)
= 72 V
This theoretical value
corresponds to the minimum
standards given in the
manufacturers catalogues, i.e.
10 to 20 VA 5P20, which
covers most applications.
The CT performance
characteristics can be
expressed in terms of saturation
knee-point voltage values and
in terms of secondary
resistance values:
In = 5 A: Vk > 70 V - RTCP < 0.5 ,
In = 1 A: Vk > 350 V - RTCP < 10
Conditions ensuring Stability
with External Faults and MCT
Saturation
These conditions are defined by
the following implicit formula:
Rd > (1 - P/2P) RB
P > RB/(2 Rd + RB)
P is the adjustable slope between
0.4 and 0.8
RB is the highest loop resistance
transposed to the secondaries of
the ACTs
RB = n
2
(RTCP + RF)
(1)
This value is highest where the
MCT ratios are the lowest (n high).
The ACT secondary internal
resistances are not taken into
account in this calculation,
because they are not significant.
For example :
In the previous calculation the
suite in question will be
equipped with MCTs with a
ratio of 200/5 A (n = 5/0.2 A
= 25)
RBmax = 625 (0.5 + 1.5) =
1250
Rd is assumed to be set to 250
P > 1250/(2 x 250 + 1250) =
0.71
P will be set to 0.8
The architectural elements of
the protection devices are
generally designated by the
letters A and B, like the main
parts of a complex substation.
An architectural element may
be a cubicle, for DIFBs, or a
frame, for DIFB CLs. The sub-
assemblies are normally
delivered cubicle-mounted and
wired by GEC ALSTHOM:
however, for specific examples
of DIFB CLs, the frame and
wiring kits may be delivered
separately and should be
assembled by the local
assembler.
In the following tables:
F indicates the number of
connectable feeder bays
BC indicates the bus coupler bays
T indicates the bus-section
circuit-breakers
S indicates the bus-section
isolators
The capacity of the equipment
items can be expressed in the
number of inputs, bearing the
following in mind:
Each F bay needs 1 input
Each BC or T bay needs 2
inputs (see following page)
Cubicle Standards
In principle, cubicle-mounted
equipment is provided in
accordance with certain
specific contracts, however, for
standardization purposes,
GEC ALSTHOM offers the
following standards:
Single cubicle:
The design characteristics of a
station influence the selection
and the cost of the protection
system to be installed.
Generally it is recommended
that the system analysis is
coordinated as early as possible
with the equipment
specifications. If not, a
forgotten element that seems to
be insignificant may increase
the cost of the protection system
significantly. There are few
important parameters and none
of them should be neglected:
Station General Diagram
- number of independent sections
- number of feeders, bus
couplers, bus section elements
of busbars
- isolator locations
- circuit breaker locations
- CTs locations
- planned extensions and
successive steps if the
extensions are performed in
various stages
Operation
The DIFB protection device is
designed to operate in all
operational configurations.
However, the possibility of
isolator closing operation must
be considered at the beginning
of an operation and therefore,
two busbar sections will be
assumed to be contained in the
DIFB protection device. Thus, if
a fault occurs on one of the two
busbar sections at the beginning
of an operation, it will be
processed as if the isolator was
already closed (simultaneous
tripping of the two busbar
sections).
Short-circuit Conditions
- external fault maximum current
- internal fault minimum current
Equipment
- CT rated ratio:
Highest primary rated current
(INCT max)
Lowest rated current (INTCmin)
if possible, the
INCTmax/INCTmin ratio must
be less than or equal to 4
- Saturation knee-point voltage
- Resistors of secondary windings
- Section and lengths of the link
conductors between the main
CTs (MCTs) and the auxiliary
CTs (ACTs). If the exact data
is not available, the links for
the lowest ratio MCTs must be
estimated (see technical data
sheet)
- Isolator auxiliary contacts and
timing (see technical data
sheet)
- Protection type for circuit-
breaker failure.
Main Architectures
The busbar differential
protection devices are
designed to be adapted to very
different types of station
architecture. The non
exhaustive list below gives the
most frequent examples.
Architectural elements
Preparing a Busbar Protection Project
A range of equipment which integrates our experience
800 x 800 x 2100
Double cubicle:
1600 x 800 x 2100
Main Models
DIFB cubicles = 15 inputs
DIFB 1100: protection for 1
zone with standard capacity of
15 feeders
DIFB 2210: protection for 2
zones, 1 bus coupler and
following finishing options:
- capacity for 9 feeders,
- capacity for 13 feeders,
- capacity for 11 feeders +
possibility of extension to 4
zones with 2 bus sections
DIFB 2200:
DIFB 2210
extension
cubicle for 2-
zone stations
with more than
13 feeders
DIFB 2240:
DIFB 2210
extension
cubicle for 4-
zone stations.
The DIFB 2210
and 2240
cubicle
assembly is
designated
DIFB 4450.
DIFB 3330:
protection for
3 zones, 1 bus
coupler, 13
feeders and
possibility of
extension to 6
zones.
DIFB 3360: DIFB 3330
extension cubicle for 6 zone
stations. The DIFB 3330 and
3360 cubicle assembly is
designated DIFB 6690.
DIFB CL frame = 15 or 20
inputs in standard version
= 29 inputs in extended version
DIFB CL 1101: frame for 1 zone
with standard capacity of 15 or
18 feeders, 27 feeders with
extension frame.
DIFB CL 2201: frame for 2
zones, 1 bus coupler and
following finishing options:
- capacity for 13 feeders,
- capacity for 18 feeders,
- capacity for 16 feeders +
possibility of extension
reserved for 4 zones,
- capacity for 27 feeders with
extension frame.
DIFB CL 2204 : DIFB CL 2201
extension frame for 4-zone
stations. The DIFB 2201 and
2204 frame assembly is
designated DIFB CL 4405.
Accessories to be Specified
when Ordering
ENERTEST kit:
contains an ENERTEST PE 3000
type test handle, 4 single-pole
DFM 110 connectors and leads
with safety connectors.
Maintenance Kits
P0 type = main kit for DIFB 1100
C0 type = additional kit for
DIFB 1100
P1 type = main kit for DIFB
2210 and 4450
C1 type = main kit for DIFB
2210 and 4450
BCL type option (a) for DIFB CL
2201
BCL type option (b) for DIFB CL
4405
Single-Phase Power
Generator BAMP 3002 type
Generator for checking the
percentage characteristic and
for testing the wiring and
current transformers. The BAMP
3002 supplies:
- either a 0 to 1000 A current
with an internal impedance of
1000 on the basis of a 1 A
rating,
- or a 0 to 1000 V voltage.
It also includes a floating input
timer to take measurements of
between 0 and 99, with a
resolution of 1 ms.
DIFB in a double cubicle equipped for the
protection of a EHV station with 3 busbars.
1. 1-zone substation
F1
F3 F4 F5 F27
Z1
F2
DIFB CL

Single or
extended
frame
1101

18F
or
27F
DIFB

Single
cubicle
1100

15F
3. 2-zone substation with 1 BSI (1)
F1
F3
F1 F3
F4 F2
Fi
Fj
Z1
Z2
F4 Fi Fj F26 F27
Z1
F2
Z2
DIFB CL

Single or
extended
frame
2201
1S
18F
or
27F
DIFB

Single
cubicle
2210

1S

13F
5. 2-zone substation with 1+1/2 circuit
breaker per feeder
DIFB CL

Single
frame
2201

18F
DIFB

Single
cubicle
2210

12F
or 2 DIFB 1100
S
2. 2-zone substation with 1 BSCB (2)
DIFB CL

Single or
extended
frame
2201
1T
16F
or
25F
DIFB

Single
cubicle
2210

1T
13F
F1
F3 F4 Fi Fj F24
F25
Z1
F2
Z2
T
4. 2-zone substation with central incoming
and double routing by isolators
DIFB CL

Single or
extended
frame
2201

18F
or
27F
DIFB

Single
cubicle
2210

13F
F1
F2 F3 Fi Fj F26
F27
Z1
Z2
6. 2-zone substation, 1 bus coupler,
1 circuit breaker per feeder
Busbar routing by isolators

DIFB CL

Single or
extended
frame
2201

1BC

25F
can be extended to 4 zones
in the future (see 7 and 8)
BC
Future
bus
coupler
Future
bus
section
F
1
F
2
F
25
DIFB

Single
cubicle
2210

1BC
13F
or11F
(1)
(1) can be extended to 4 zones
in the future (see 7 and 8)
(1)
BSI : Bus Section Isolator
(2)
BSCB : Bus Section Circuit Breaker
Main Configurations
Systems that can be extended in the future
7. 4-zone substation with 2 BS-CB
2 bus couplers
1 circuit-breaker per feeder

DIFB CL
4405

Frame
DIFB CL
2201

1BCA
2T
16F
A
DIFB CL
2204

1BCB
2T
16F
B
8-1. Architectural variants, 4 zones
can be used with the standard
configurations of a DIFB CL,
type 4405 or DIFB 4450
F
1
A
to F
16
A
F
1
B
to F
16
B
9. 3-zone substation = 1 coupling,
1 circuit breaker per feeder
Double
cubicle
DIFB
3330
8. 4-zone substation with 2 BSI
2 bus couplers
1 circuit breaker per feeder

8-2. 10. substation with 6 isolated zones,

2 couplings, 1 circuit breaker per feeder
DIFB
6690

Double
cubicles
1BCA
BCA
A coupling
BCB
B coupling
S1
Z1A
F
1
A
to F
15
A
F
1
B
to F
15
B
Z1B
Z1
Z2
Z3
F1
to
F11
Z2A Z2B
S2
BCA LB BCB
S1
Z1A Z1B
Z2A Z2B
S2
=
DIFB
4450

Single
cubicles
DIFB
2210

1BCA
2T
11F
A
DIFB
2240

1BCB
2T
11F
B
=
A B
+
+
In this architecture the S1 and S2 isolators are
operated by a bus link (LB) which is used to
create a shunt for the operating isolator by a
circuit breaker. The link is considered to be a
combination of one bus coupler circuit breaker
and two feeders.
S1
Z1A
F
1
A
to F
16
A
F
1
B
to F
16
B
Z1B
Z2A Z2B
S2
BCA
A coupling
BCB
B coupling
S1A
Z1A
F
1
A
to F
15
A
F
1
B
to F
15
B
S1B
Z2A
Z1B
Z2B
S2B S2A
DIFB CL
4405

Frame
DIFB CL
2201

1BCA

16F
A
DIFB CL
2204

1BCB
2S
16F
B
=
DIFB
4450

Single
cubicles
DIFB
2210

1BCA

13F
A
DIFB
2240

1BCB
2S
11F
B
=
A B A B
+
The specific feature of this architecture is that
the bus coupler is central and can be assigned
to the following:
A busbars, or
B busbars, or
A and B busbars simultaneously.

The DIFB switching system must be organized

in such a way that the coupling section
currents can be routed either separately via the
A or B frame, or simultaneously (see fig. 8).

1BC 11F
BC
Z1A
S1
S2
S3
Z2A
Z3A
F1A
to
F11A
BCA

=
11F
A
1BCB
3S
11F
B
+
DIFB
3330
DIFB
3360
+
(1)
(1)
(1) inter-cubicle links
Technical data
CURRENT CIRCUITS
- Primary nominal current of the auxiliary CTs: In
- Overload current: continuous
: for 1 second
- Secondary nominal current (or reference
current of the DIFB internal circuits): Is
- Adjustment of the auxiliary CT ratio
- Standard adjustment fineness
- Optional adjustment fineness
- Consumption per input with In in non-
differential conditions or 1/4 period after a
bar fault has been detected
- Differential resistance Rd
- Specifications concerning the main CTs:
. category
. power
. winding max R/min VK
Standard Low
MB Consumption LB
1 A or 5 A 1 A or 5 A
2 In 2 In
40 In 40 In
0.3 A 0.3 A
In/0.3 to In/0.3 to
In/1.2 A (1) In/1.2 A (1)
0.1-0.15 0.3-0.6
3 VA 1 VA
to 15 VA to 5 VA
50 50
x or equivalent
> 10 VA 5P20
In = 1 A: 10 /350 V
In = 5 A: 0.5 /70 V
DIFB DIFB CL
{ {
MEASUREMENTS
- Percentage adjustment
- Minimum detection threshold by the percentage
characteristic
- Minimum fault current check threshold for
which DIFB is authorized to operate
- Wiring fault superposition threshold
- Accuracy of operating thresholds
- Detector return percentage
DETECTION MODE
- Measuring time
- Influence of harmonics
- Influence of frequency variations
- Adjustment of wiring fault alarm time delay
- Number of measuring circuits
ALARMS
- No power supply
- Signals indicating:
. phase A fault
. phase B fault
. phase C fault
. tripping per zone
- Circuitry fault signal
- Self-test in progress signal
- Protection device faulty signal
- Protection device not faulty signal
- Protection device out-of-service signal
P = 0.4 - 0.5 - 0.6 - 0.7 - 0.8
Ids = 0.125 In
Id>> = 0.25 In to 2.5 In
adjustment fineness 0.25 In
Id> = 0.05 In - 0.125 - 0.25 - 0.4 - 0.5
10%
95%
instantaneous values
0.5 ms
none
none
0.087s to 87s
independent circuits per phase
a loop of NC contacts
1 NO contact
1 NO contact with common point
1 NO contact
1 loop of NO contacts
1 loop of NO contacts
1 loop of NO contacts
1 loop of NO contacts
1 loop of NO contacts
1 loop of NC contacts
instantaneous values
1 ms
none
none
0.087s to 87s
Standard Low Low
consumption impedance
1 A or 5 A 1 A or 5 A 1 A
2 In 2 In 4 In
40 In 40 In 80 In
1 A 1 A 0.3 A
Multi-ratio Dual-ratio Dual-ratio
In/0.05 to 1 A In/0.1 to 1 A1/0.02 to 0.3 A
0.05A Particular specifications
1% to 6% depending on ratios of main CTs
8 VA 1.5 VA 0.2 VA
113 113 4.7
167 167
200
250
x or equivalent Specific
> 10 VA 5P20 applications
In = 1 A: 10 /350 V
In = 5 A: 0.5 /70 V
P = 0.4 - 0.5 - 0.6 - 0.7 - 0.8
Ids = 0.125 In
Id>> = 0.25 In to 2.5 In
adjustment fineness 0.25 In
Id> = 0.05 In - 0.125 - 0.25 - 0.4 - 0.5
10%
95%
}
a loop of NC contacts
1 loop of NO contacts
1 loop of NO contacts
1 loop of NO contacts
1 loop of NO contacts
1 loop of NO contacts
1 loop of NC contacts
(1) Nominal ratio based upon a two-phase supply AB. One-phase ratios are offered by GEC ALSTHOMs Applications
Department depending on earth fault minimum current.
LOCAL OPTICAL SIGNALS
Per busbar section and phase:
- percentage threshold LED indicator
- check threshold Id>> LED indicator
- Circuitry fault Id> LED indicator
- tripping flag indicator
- protection device failure LED Indicator
- auxiliary source insufficient flag indicator
TRIPPING
Tripping relay options self reset or Electrical reset
Contacts per feeder 2 NO contacts 3 NO contacts with
common point
Closing capacity 250 W with 10 A
maximum
of 250 V or 5 A
Continuous current 5 A 10 A
Overloads 10 A - 4 s 40 A - 1 s
30 A - 0.5 s 250 A - 30 ms
Breaking capacity (L/R = 20 ms) 0.2 A - 250 VCC 2 A - 250 VCC
OPERATING TIME < 8 ms < 15 ms
Consumption on tripping 3 W per feeder
Re-setting local or remote
RECEPTION OF CIRCUIT BREAKER FAILURE INFORMATION (OPTIONAL)
One reception relay per feeder
Nominal supply voltage 48 VCC - 110 VCC - 125 VCC - 220 VCC
or 250 VCC
Consumption 2.5 W
Time of tripping by circuit breaker 18 ms with self-reset relays
failure information 25 ms with electrical reset relays
AUXILIARY POWER SUPPLY
Un nominal voltage 48 VCC - 110 VCC - 125 VCC - 220 VCC
or 250 VCC
Variation range Un -20% +20%
Power consumption
- in standby state 5 W per bar section
- during switching of a feeder +25 W
- on tripping +3 W per feeder
Voltage drop 100% - 30 ms insensitive
ENVIRONMENT
Standards DICOT EDF, CEI, ANSI
Electric Strength 2 kV - 50 Hz - 1 mn
Shock wave 1.2/50 s - 5 kV - 0.5 J CEI 255-5
Susceptibility to HF disturbances
- dampened oscillations 2.5 kV - 1 MHz (category IV)
- high-speed transients 4 kV - 5 kHz (category IV)
- radiated waves 10 V/m (category III)
- electrostatic discharges 15 kV (category IV)
- energy shock wave 8/20 s - 4 kV (category IV)
- radio frequency supervision 015/80 MHz - 10 V mod 1 kHz 80%
(category III)
Temperatures
- nominal operating range - 10C, +55C
- storage - 40C, +70C
PRESENTATION - CONNECTIONS
Depending on the size of single bay 800 x 800 x 2100
the installation to be protected or double bay 1600 x 800 x 2100
Access to the connection terminal blocks
- standard via the front, rotate the frame holding the
racks
- on request via the rear,
Connections of the current circuits on stud terminals for lugs of diameter 4 mm
Connections of the cue circuits on tunnel terminals for cross-sections of 4 mm
2
Weight of a single bay fitted for
protecting a 2-zone busbar
9 feeders and 1 coupling approx. 400 kg
(33 auxiliary transformers included)
DIFB
LED indicator
LED indicator
LED indicator
flag indicator
LED indicator
flag indicator
self-reset with possibility of electric locking
2 NO contacts
250 W with
maximum
of 250 V or 5 A
5 A
10 A - 4 s
30 A - 0.5 s
0.2 A - 250 VCC
< 10 ms (typically 7 ms)
(1)
2.5 W per feeder
local or remote
48 VCC - 110 VCC - 125 VCC
220 VCC - 250 VCC
2.5 W
20 ms
48 VCC - 110 VCC - 125 VCC -
220 VCC or 250 VCC
Un -20% +20%
5 W per bar section
2 W
+2 W per feeder
insensitive
DICOT EDF, CEI, ANSI
2 kV - 50 Hz - 1 mn
1.2/50 s - 5 kV - 0.5 J CEI 255-5
2.5 kV - 1 MHz (category IV) 1000-4-1
4 kV - 5 kHz (category IV) 1000-4-4
10 V/m (category III) 1000-4-3
15 kV (category IV) 1000-4-2
8/20 s - 4 kV (category IV)
015/80 MHz - 10 V mod 1 kHz 80%
(category III)
- 10C, +55C
- 40C, +70C
- standard 14-U frame for 2 zones
- 18 feeders 490 x 625 x 410
weight : 20 kg
- can be extended up to 27 feeders with
additional 4-U frame
- can be extended up to 27 feeders with
additional 4-U frame
DIFB CL
(1) The natural time can be increased by
20 ms in the event of switching for the
detection of a fault involving a high neutral
earth impedance.