Differential Protection (87G)

 Function: This protection scheme detects internal faults within the generator, such as winding
short circuits. It works by comparing the currents entering and leaving the generator. If there is an
imbalance between these currents, it indicates a fault within the generator, triggering the
protection system to isolate the generator from the grid.
 Working Principle: The differential protection relies on current transformers (CTs) placed on
both the incoming and outgoing power lines. The protection relay compares the difference in
currents. Any deviation beyond a set threshold will cause the relay to trip the generator.
 Importance: It is highly effective in detecting faults like phase-to-phase short circuits or ground
faults inside the generator.
Overcurrent Protection (50/51):
 Function: This protection is designed to protect the generator from damage caused by excessive
currents, typically due to short circuits or overloads.
 Working Principle: The protection relay monitors the current flowing through the generator. If
the current exceeds a pre-set limit (usually due to a short circuit or an overload condition), the
relay operates and trips the generator.
 Types:
o 50: Instantaneous overcurrent protection, trips the generator immediately if the current
exceeds the set threshold.
o 51: Time-delay overcurrent protection, which allows a delay before tripping, enabling
temporary overloads to be tolerated.
 Importance: It prevents the generator from being damaged by sustained high currents that can
overheat or cause mechanical stress on the equipment.
Overvoltage Protection (59):
 Function: Overvoltage protection ensures that the generator does not experience excessive
voltage, which could lead to insulation breakdown, equipment damage, or unsafe operation of
connected loads.
 Working Principle: The relay monitors the voltage level produced by the generator. If the
voltage exceeds the predetermined limit, the protection system trips the generator.
 Importance: Excessive voltage can occur due to sudden changes in load or faults in the external
power system. Protecting the generator from overvoltage conditions helps maintain its
operational integrity.
Reverse Power Relay (32):
 Function: The reverse power relay protects the generator from acting as a motor instead of a
generator, which could damage the equipment.
  Working Principle: This protection monitors the direction of power flow. If the generator begins
to operate in reverse (i.e., it starts consuming power from the grid, acting as a motor), the reverse
power relay trips the generator.
 Importance: Reverse power situations can occur due to grid faults, or when the generator's prime
mover (such as a turbine or engine) fails. The reverse power relay ensures that the generator is not
driven by external power, which could cause mechanical damage.
Loss of Excitation (40):
 Function: Loss of excitation protection monitors the excitation system of the generator. If the
excitation is lost or becomes unstable, it can cause voltage instability, resulting in potential
damage to the generator and connected systems.
 Working Principle: The excitation system supplies DC power to the generator's rotor windings
to generate the magnetic field. A loss of excitation occurs when the excitation current becomes
insufficient, leading to unstable voltage output. The protection system detects this condition and
trips the generator to prevent damage.
 Importance: Loss of excitation can cause the generator to lose synchronization with the grid,
leading to voltage instability, oscillations, and potential damage to the generator's rotor and stator.
Negative Sequence Protection (46):
 Function: This protection detects unbalanced loading conditions, such as when the generator is
subjected to unbalanced three-phase currents or voltages. These unbalanced conditions can cause
excessive heating and mechanical stress on the generator.
 Working Principle: The relay measures the negative sequence current, which is an indication of
phase imbalance. If the negative sequence current exceeds a set threshold, the relay trips the
generator.
 Importance: Prolonged unbalanced loading can lead to overheating, vibration, and mechanical
stress on the generator, potentially resulting in failure. This protection ensures the generator
operates under balanced conditions.
Overfrequency/Underfrequency (81O/81U):
 Function: Frequency protection safeguards the generator from operating under abnormal
frequency conditions, either too high or too low.
 Working Principle:
o 81O (Overfrequency): If the generator's frequency exceeds a predefined upper limit, it
indicates over-speed conditions that could damage the prime mover or cause instability in
the power system.
o 81U (Underfrequency): If the frequency falls below a preset limit, it suggests under-
speed conditions, which could indicate a failure in the prime mover or an overload.
 Importance: Frequency deviations can lead to mechanical damage, synchronization issues, or
inefficient operation of the generator. These protections help maintain stable and safe operation.