Product Short Description
Product Introduction
The ABB REF601 is a dedicated, compact numerical feeder protection and control relay belonging to the Relion® 605 series. It is engineered for primary and secondary distribution networks, delivering an optimized combination of protection, monitoring, and control in a single unit. The device supports two primary variants: one with a conventional current transformer (CT) interface and another with a Rogowski coil sensor interface for linear, high-accuracy current measurement. Its core mission is to safeguard overhead lines, cable feeders, and distribution transformers against short-circuits, overloads, and earth faults, while enabling secure circuit breaker control and automated sequence management. The REF601 is designed for ease of use, rapid commissioning, and reliable operation in utility substations and industrial power systemsABBABB.
Description
Technical Specifications
Core System & Performance
- Processor: High-performance numerical relay with real-time sampling and processing
- Sampling Rate: 32 samples per power cycle (1.2 kHz at 50 Hz) for precise fault detection
- Frequency Range: 45–65 Hz (supports 50/60 Hz systems)
- Measurement Accuracy: Current ±1%; Voltage ±1%; Time ±1%
- Setting Groups: 2 independent setting groups for flexible operational mode switching
- Fault Recording: Disturbance record for post-fault analysis and diagnostic waveform capture
Power Supply
- Nominal Voltage: 24–265 V AC / 24–250 V DC (universal input)ABB
- Tolerance: AC 85–110% of Uaux; DC 70–120% of Uaux
- Power Consumption: Max 10 W
- Isolation: Full galvanic isolation between power, I/O, and communication circuits
Analog Inputs (Two Variants)
| Parameter | Conventional CT Variant | Rogowski Sensor Variant |
|---|---|---|
| Phase Current | 3 channels, 1 A or 5 A nominal (CT secondary) | 3 channels, nominal 250 A (Rogowski coil) |
| Earth Current | 1 channel, 1 A or 5 A (external residual connection) | 1 channel, 1 A (core-balanced CT / split-core CT) |
| Measurement Range | 0.5–12.5 x In (CT) | 4 A – 25 kA (linear, no saturation) |
| Thermal Withstand | Continuous 20 A; 1 s 500 A | N/A (sensor-based, no thermal limit) |
| Dynamic Withstand | Half-wave 1250 A | Half-wave 250 A |
| Input Impedance | < 20 mΩ | < 100 mΩ |
| Compatible Sensors | Standard CT | KECA (panel mount) / KEVCR (VD4/HD4 breaker integration) |
Digital I/O
- Binary Inputs: 4 galvanically isolated 24 V DC inputs (configurable for blocking, reset, breaker position, trip supervision)
- Binary Outputs: 6 contacts (2 power outputs, 4 signaling outputs) – configurable for trip, close, alarm, and unit status
- Status Indicators: Local HMI with 3 fixed LEDs (Ready/IRF, Protection Start, Protection Trip) + 8 programmable LEDs
Communication Interfaces
- Primary Port: RS-485 (2-wire) with field-selectable protocols: Modbus RTU / IEC 60870-5-103ABB
- Local Configuration: USB port for connection to PCM600 software (no internal marking)
- Data Transfer: Serial communication for remote monitoring, event logging, and setting upload/download
Physical & Environmental
- Dimensions (H x W x D) | CT Variant: 160 mm x 96 mm x 151.5 mm | Sensor Variant: 160 mm x 96 mm x 102.0 mm
- Weight: CT Variant ~1.45 kg; Sensor Variant ~1.25 kg
- Mounting: Press-fit flush mounting (no extra accessories); compatible with ABB VD4/HD4 circuit breakersABB
- Panel Cut-Out: 151.5 ± 0.5 mm (H) x 121.5 ± 0.5 mm (W) (for CT variant)
- Protection Rating: IP54 (front); IP20 (rear/terminals)
- Operating Temperature: -25 °C to +70 °C
- Storage Temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C
- Relative Humidity: 5%–95% RH (non-condensing)
- EMC Compliance: IEC 61000 series, EN 50081-2, CISPR 11
- Certifications: CE, IEC 60255, IEEE C37.90, RoHS
Functional Features
Comprehensive Protection Functions
- Overcurrent Protection: 3-stage non-directional (50/51) – instantaneous, high-set, low-set with Definite Time (DT) and Inverse Definite Minimum Time (IDMT) characteristics (IEC/ANSI compliant)
- Earth Fault Protection: 3-stage (50N/51N) – sensitive, high-set, instantaneous; residual current from phase calculation or external core-balanced CT
- Transformer Inrush Detector (68): Prevents unwanted tripping during transformer energization
- Cold Load Pickup (CLD): Stabilizes protection settings after re-energization of feeders with light load conditions
- Thermal Overload (49): Thermal memory for feeders, cables, and distribution transformers
- Phase Discontinuity (46PD): Detects open-phase conditions in three-phase systems
- Negative-Sequence Overcurrent (46): Identifies unbalanced loads and motor faults
- Under Current (37): Protects against low-current abnormal operation
- Breaker Failure Protection (51BF/51NBF): Initiates backup tripping if circuit breaker fails to open
- Master Trip (86): Centralized trip command for system-wide shutdown
Advanced Control & Automation
- Circuit Breaker Control: Local/remote operation (close/trip) via Local HMI or communication; interlocking logic for safe operation
- Auto-Reclosing (79): Multi-shot (1–3 shots) for overhead line feeders; configurable reclose sequence and dead time
- Sequence Control: Predefined logic gates and timers for automated switching operations
- Trip Circuit Supervision (TCS/TCM): Monitors health of breaker trip circuit and signals faults
- Synchrocheck & Synchronization: Optional for controlled breaker closing (when configured)
Monitoring & Diagnostics
- Real-Time Measurements: Phase current/voltage, power, energy, power factor, frequency
- Event Logging: 10,000+ time-stamped events (1 ms resolution) for audit and analysis
- Breaker Condition Monitoring: Travel time, inactive time, accumulated current, trip counter
- Self-Diagnostics: Continuous hardware/software monitoring; alarms for internal faults, communication errors, and I/O anomalies
- Local HMI: 5-line LCD display with navigation keys for on-site viewing of measurements, events, and settings
Ease of Use & Integration
- Preconfigured Functionality: Factory-set parameters for rapid commissioning; minimal on-site configuration requiredABB
- Flexible I/O: Configurable binary inputs/outputs via Local HMI or PCM600 softwareABB
- Sensor Variant Advantage: Rogowski coil sensors reduce switchgear size, eliminate CT saturation, and simplify installation
- Universal Power Supply: Compatibility with 24–265 V AC/DC minimizes inventory and installation complexityABB
- Secure Communication: Field-selectable protocols for integration with existing SCADA/DCS systemsABB
Application Scenarios
Utility Distribution Networks
- Medium-Voltage Feeders: Protection and control for overhead lines and underground cables in distribution substationsABB
- Distribution Transformers: Primary protection for pad-mount and pole-mount transformers (inrush stabilization)ABB
- Capacitor Banks: Overcurrent, overvoltage, and unbalance protection for reactive power compensation
- Sectionalizers/Reclosers: Automated control and protection for grid sectionalizing devices
Industrial Power Systems
- Manufacturing Plants: Motor control and protection for pumps, fans, conveyors, and compressors
- Mining Operations: Heavy-duty protection for mining equipment and underground power distribution
- Oil & Gas Facilities: Refineries, offshore platforms, and pipeline pumping stations
- Water & Wastewater: Pump stations and treatment plants for reliable motor control
- Data Centers: Uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and backup power distribution management
Renewable Energy Integration
- Wind Farms: Feeder protection and grid connection control for wind turbine generators
- Solar Parks: Inverter and grid interface protection for photovoltaic systems
- Energy Storage: Battery energy storage systems (BESS) grid integration and protection
Specialized Applications
- Railway Electrification: Traction power substations and feeder protection
- Marine & Offshore: Shipboard power systems and offshore installations
- Compact Switchgear: Ideal for space-constrained MV switchgear (e.g., ABB UniGear, SafeGear)
- Test & Commissioning: Power system testing, commissioning, and fault simulation platforms
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