Abstract:
A ground relay system is provided which includes: first current transformers located in the respective phases of a sending end of a high-voltage distribution provided from a distribution substation; over-current relays connected to the first transformers; distribution transformers located in the respective phases in the respective sections of the distribution; second current transformers connected to secondary sides of the distribution transformers; current converters connected to the second transformers; and a current comparator that introduces the currents of the respective phases of the sending end of the distribution from the relays to produce a first zero-phase current, introduces the currents of the respective phases of a load end of the high-voltage distribution from the current converters to produce a second zero-phase current, and operates a ground protection relay that opens a circuit breaker inserted at the sending end of the high-voltage distribution if the level of the first current is larger.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to a ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system which is capable of appropriately detecting a grounding failure caused by a load unbalance of a multiplex direct grounding system distribution.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    A conventional ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a conventional relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system of a high-voltage distribution.  
           [0005]    Referring to FIG. 11, reference numeral  1  denotes a distribution main transformer primary side winding,  2  is a distribution main transformer secondary side wiring,  3  is a transformer secondary side circuit breaker,  4  is a main transformer secondary side bus,  5  is a neutral point ground line at a main transformer secondary side,  6  is a CT (current transformer) attached to the neutral point ground line  5 ,  7  is a ground over-current relay that is connected to a CT secondary side circuit,  8  is a main transformer secondary side CT attached to the main transformer secondary side,  9  is an over-current relay attached to the secondary side of the CT  8 ,  10  is a PT (transformer) attached to the main transformer secondary side bus  4 , and  11  is a relay for an overvoltage or undervoltage.  
           [0006]    Also, in the figure, reference numerals  100  and  200  denote circuit breakers of feeders F 10  and F 20 , respectively,  101  and  201  are CTs (current transformers) located on the feeders F 10  and F 20 , respectively,  301  and  302  are protection relays made up of an over-current relay and a ground over-current relay,  102  and  202  are first sections,  10 - 1  and  20 - 1  are second section switches,  103  and  203  are second sections,  10 - 2  and  20 - 2  are third section switches,  104  and  204  are third sections,  10 - 3  and  20 - 3  are fourth section switches,  105  and  205  are fourth sections, and  40  is a switch that associates the feeder F 10  with the feeder F 20 .  
           [0007]    In FIG. 11, distribution transformers, for example, columnar transformers are connected between the respective phases A, B, C and the ground, or between the respective phases from the section  102  to the section  105  and from the section  202  to the section  205 . However, in the multiple direct grounding system, there are very many cases in which the distribution transformers are connected between the respective phases and the ground.  
           [0008]    [0008]FIG. 12 is a circuit diagram showing the details of FIG. 11.  
           [0009]    Referring to FIG. 12, the same references denote like parts in FIG. 11. References  101 A,  101 B and  101 C denote CTs located in the respective phases,  30 A,  30 B and  30 C are over-current relays, and  30 N is a ground over-current relay.  
           [0010]    Also, in the figure, references  50 A,  50 B and  50 C denote the distribution transformers in the respective phases of the distribution, and  60 A,  60 B and  60 C are loads connected to the respective phases.  
           [0011]    The distribution transformers  50 A,  50 B and  50 C and the loads  60 A,  60 B and  60 C are connected between the respective phases of the distribution and the ground line  5 , and there are very many cases in which the amount of load is different in the respective phases depending on the sections. There is an extreme case in which a load of only the phase A is connected.  
           [0012]    In addition, in the respective instantaneous values, it is impossible that the three phases are balanced with each other but always unbalanced with each other, as a result of which a residual current flows in the neutral line. That is, a current also appears in a residual circuit at the secondary side of the CT  101 , and the ground over-current relay  30 N may malfunction depending on the magnitude of the current that flows in the residual current.  
           [0013]    [0013]FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a trip circuit of a conventional feed circuit breaker.  
           [0014]    Referring to FIG. 13, reference P denotes (+) side of a control power supply, N is a (−) side of the control power supply,  51 S is a contact of the over-current relays ( 30 A,  30 B,  30 C) for short-circuiting protection,  51 G is a contact of the ground over-current relay ( 30 N),  52 TC is a trip coil of the circuit breaker  100  or  200 , and  52   a  is an auxiliary contact a of the circuit breaker  100  or  200 .  
           [0015]    Therefore, if the residual current becomes at the operation level or more of the ground over-current relay  30 N due to the unbalance of the load, it is apparent that the ground over-current relay  30 N malfunctions. The malfunction is caused by the apparent zero-phase current produced by the fourth line of the multiplex grounding system, that is, the neutral line and the unbalance of the loads of the respective phases. As a result, the circuit breaker  100  or  200  of the high-voltage distribution is opened by the malfunction of the ground over-current relay  30 N even when no real ground fault occurs.  
           [0016]    Since the conventional distribution system protection is structured as described above, the ground protection cannot be surely conducted, and in order to prevent the malfunction of the ground over-current relay  30 N, there arises such a problem in that the ground over-current relay must be artificially locked.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0017]    The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems with the conventional art. Therefore an object of the present invention is to provide a ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system which is capable of discriminating whether a zero-phase current that flows in a neutral line is caused by an unbalance of a load or by natural grounding and is capable of ensuring the safety of a distribution system and a customer.  
           [0018]    In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system including: a plurality of first current transformers located in the respective phases of a sending end of a high-voltage distribution provided from a distribution substation; a plurality of over-current relays connected to the plurality of first current transformers, respectively; a plurality of distribution transformers located in the respective phases in the respective sections of the high-voltage distribution; a plurality of second current transformers connected to secondary sides of the plurality of distribution transformers, respectively; a plurality of current converters connected to the plurality of second current transformers, respectively.  
           [0019]    Also, there is provided the ground relay system including: a current comparator that introduces the currents of the respective phases of the sending end of the high-voltage distribution from the plurality of over-current relays and sums the vectors of the respective phases to produce a first zero-phase current, introduces the currents of the respective phases of a load end of the high-voltage distribution from the plurality of current converters and sums the vectors of the respective phases to produce a second zero-phase current, compares the levels of the first and second zero-phase currents with each other, and operates a ground protection relay that opens a circuit breaker inserted at the sending end of the high-voltage distribution if the level of the first zero-phase current is larger.  
           [0020]    With the above structure, there can be obtained an effect that it can be discriminated whether the zero-phase current that flows in the neutral line is caused by the unbalance of the load, and the safety of the distribution system and the customer can be ensured.  
           [0021]    According to the present invention, there is provided a ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system including: a plurality of first current transformers located in the respective phases of a sending end of a high-voltage distribution provided from a distribution substation; a ground over-current relay connected to the plurality of first current transformers; a plurality of distribution transformers located in the respective phases in the respective sections of the high-voltage distribution, a plurality of second current transformers connected to neutral points at the secondary sides of the plurality of distribution transformers; a plurality of current converters connected to the plurality of second current transformers, respectively.  
           [0022]    Also, there is provided the ground relay system including: a current comparator that introduces a zero-phase current of the sending end of the high-voltage distribution from the ground over-current relay to obtain a first zero-phase current, introduces the zero-phase current of a load end of the high-voltage distribution from the plurality of current converters and sums the vector to obtain a second zero-phase current, compares the levels of the first and second zero-phase currents with each other, and operates a ground protection relay that opens a circuit breaker inserted at the sending end of the high-voltage distribution if the level of the first zero-phase current is larger.  
           [0023]    With the above structure, there can be obtained an effect that it can be discriminated whether the zero-phase current that flows in the neutral line is caused by the unbalance of the load, and the safety of the distribution system and the customer can be ensured.  
           [0024]    According to the present invention, there is provided a ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system including: a plurality of first current transformers located in the respective phases of a sending end of a high-voltage distribution provided from a distribution substation; a ground over-current relay connected to the plurality of first current transformers; a plurality of distribution transformers located in the respective phases in the respective sections of the high-voltage distribution, a plurality of second current transformers connected to neutral points at the primary sides of the plurality of distribution transformers; a plurality of current converters connected to the plurality of second current transformers, respectively.  
           [0025]    Also, there is provided the ground relay system including: a current comparator that introduces a zero-phase current of the sending end of the high-voltage distribution from the ground over-current relay to obtain a first zero-phase current, introduces the zero-phase current of a load end of the high-voltage distribution from the plurality of current converters and sums the vector to obtain a second zero-phase current, compares the levels of the first and second zero-phase currents with each other, and operates a ground protection relay that opens a circuit breaker inserted at the sending end of the high-voltage distribution if the level of the first zero-phase current is larger.  
           [0026]    With the above structure, there can be obtained an effect that it can be discriminated whether the zero-phase current that flows in the neutral line is caused by the unbalance of the load, and the safety of the distribution system and the customer can be ensured. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0027]    These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 2 is a detailed circuit diagram showing the ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a current comparator of the ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a trip circuit of a high-voltage distribution circuit breaker in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a trip circuit of a high-voltage distribution circuit breaker in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing a current comparator of the ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing the a ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing a trip circuit of a high-voltage distribution circuit breaker in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing another trip circuit of a high-voltage distribution circuit breaker in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing a conventional ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 12 is a detailed circuit diagram showing the conventional ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system; and  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing a trip circuit of a high-voltage distribution of the conventional ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0041]    Now, a description will be given in more detail of preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
         [0042]    (First Embodiment)  
         [0043]    A ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. In the respective figures, the same references denote identical or corresponding parts.  
         [0044]    In FIG. 1, references  50 ,  50 - 1 ,  50 - 2  and  50 - 3  denote distribution transformers connected between each of the three phases and the neutral line in distribution sections  103 ,  104 ,  105  and  106 , and there exist various modes in which the distribution transformers are connected to the three phases, connected to two phases among those three phases, and connected to only one phase among those three phases. Also, there is a case in which the respective phases are connected to the load in an unbalance state although being connected to the three phases (for example, the phase A is 75 kVA, the phase B is 50 kVA and the phase C is 75 kVA).  
         [0045]    Also, in the figure, references  60 ,  60 - 1 ,  60 - 2  and  60 - 3  denote customer loads connected to the respective distribution transformers  50 ,  50 - 1 ,  50 - 2  and  50 - 3 , references  51 ,  51 - 1 ,  51 - 2  and  51 - 3  are CTs (current transformers) that derive the secondary currents of the distribution transformers  50 ,  50 - 1 ,  50 - 2  and  50 - 3 , references  52 ,  52 - 1 ,  52 - 2  and  52 - 3  are current converters that convert the above secondary currents into small currents (for example, convert the secondary current of 5A into a current of 0.1A) and also convert analog currents into digital values as occasion demands to send the converted values to a remote point, that is, a current comparator  90 , and references  80 ,  80 - 1 ,  80 - 2  and  80 - 3  are transmission lines through which the output signals of the current converters  52 ,  52 - 1 ,  52 - 2  and  52 - 3  are transmitted to the current comparator  90 , and may be made of metal communication lines, coaxial cables, optical cables, radio or power-line carrier using a power line.  
         [0046]    In addition, in the figure, reference numeral  30  denotes a current converter that converts the current of the distribution which has been detected by a CT  101  into a small current, and  70  is a transmission line that transmits the output signal of the current converter  30  to the current comparator  90 , which may be made of a metal communication line, a coaxial cable, an optical cable, radio or power-line carrier using a power line.  
         [0047]    In FIG. 1, the load current in each of the sections of the high-voltage distribution is transmitted to the current comparator  90  and then compared with the current sent by the sending end of the distribution to detect only the grounding fault at the high-voltage distribution due to the residual current (zero-phase current) based on the load unbalance that always occurs.  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the details of FIG. 1.  
         [0049]    In FIG. 2, references  30 A,  30 B and  30 C denote over-current relays of the respective phases of the distribution, which have a function of converting currents that pass through the over-current relays into small currents (converting analog currents into digital values as occasion demands). References  50 A,  50 B and  50 C denote distribution transformers, references  51 A,  51 B and  51 C are CTs (current transformers) which derive the secondary side currents of the distribution transformers  50 A,  50 B and  50 C, and references  52 A,  52 B and  52 C are current converters that convert the secondary side currents into small currents (convert analog currents into digital values as occasion demands). Reference numerals  60 A,  60 B and  60 C denote loads of the respective phases of the distribution which are disposed in the respective sections, respectively. Reference numeral  80  denotes a transmission line that transmits the output signals of the current converters  52 A,  52 B and  52 C to the current comparator  90 , which correspond to the respective phases. The transmission lines  70  and  80  are shown in each of the phases in the figure, but the signals may be multiplexed so as to provide one transmission path without being deviated from the purpose of the present invention.  
         [0050]    [0050]FIG. 3 is a detailed circuit diagram showing the current comparator.  
         [0051]    In FIG. 3, after the currents of the respective phases at the sending end of the high-voltage distribution have been introduced in the respective phases A, B and C, the vectors of the respective phases are summed to generate a zero-phase current (S) by a sending end zero-phase current generator  91 . Also, the vectors are summed from the currents transmitted from the current converter  52  of the distribution transformer  50  in each of the sections of the distribution in each of the phases by a total phase-A adder  92 A, a total phase-B adder  92 B and a total phase-C adder  92 C, and a composition zero-phase current (R) of the distribution transformer  50  is produced from the vector composition phase currents of the respective phases by a distribution transformer composition zero-phase current generator  93 . A level comparator  94  compares the level of the zero-phase current between the sending end (S) and the load end (R), and if the condition of S&gt;R is satisfied, a grounding protection relay  95  operates to close a contact  51 GFDL.  
         [0052]    The above-mentioned operation makes it possible to prevent the conventional ground over-current relay  30 N from malfunctioning due to the apparent zero-phase current based on the unbalance current, thereby being capable of making the grounding protection of the high-voltage distribution reliable.  
         [0053]    [0053]FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a trip circuit of the distribution circuit breaker in accordance with the first embodiment.  
         [0054]    In FIG. 4, reference P denotes a (+) side of a control power supply, N denotes a (−) side of the control power supply,  51 S is a contact of the over-current relay ( 30 A,  30 B,  30 C) for short-circuiting protection,  5 LGFDL is a contact of a ground protection relay ( 95 ),  52 TC is a trip coil of a distribution circuit breaker  100 , and  52   a  is an auxiliary contact a of the distribution circuit breaker  100 .  
         [0055]    In the conventional system, because the grounding protection cannot be conducted with a high sensitivity and operating level is made high or the ground over-current relay  30 N is locked, the intended purpose of protection disappears. According to the effects of the first embodiment, such many problems in that humans and beasts may be damaged and fire may occur due to the ground current because the ground accident cannot be detected in the worst case can be surely eliminated.  
         [0056]    (Second Embodiment)  
         [0057]    A ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram showing a trip circuit of a distribution circuit breaker of the ground relay system in a multiplex direct ground system in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0058]    In FIG. 5, reference  51 G denotes a contact of the ground over-current relay  30 N of the conventional type in which the contact  51 GFDL of the ground protection relay  95  is one of the trip condition so as to prevent the malfunction.  
         [0059]    With the above structure, the ground over-current relay  51 G for ground protection of the conventional type can be employed as it is, thereby being capable of providing the high reliable ground protection.  
         [0060]    (Third Embodiment)  
         [0061]    A ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing the ground relay system in a multiplex direct ground system in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0062]    In FIG. 6, reference  51 N denotes a CT (current transformer) that detects a current at the secondary side neutral point of the distribution transformer  50 , and  52 N is a current converter that converts that current into a small current (converts an analog current into a digital value as occasion demands).  
         [0063]    Also, in the figure, reference  30 N has the functions of a conventional ground over-current relay and a current converter that converts a current that passes through the conventional ground over-current relay into a small current (converts an analog current into a digital value as the occasion demands). Reference numeral  70  denotes a transmission line through which a current signal at the sending end of the distribution is transmitted, and  80  denotes a transmission line through which a current signal at the secondary side neutral point of each the distribution transformer  50  in each of the sections is transmitted to the current comparator  90 A.  
         [0064]    That is, the third embodiment is directed to a system in which the total zero-phase currents at the sending end and the load end of the high-voltage distribution are compared in magnitude with each other.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing the current comparator of the ground relay system in a multiplex direct ground system in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0066]    In FIG. 7, the current comparator  90 A compares the zero-phase current (R) in each of the sections which has been directly detected with the zero-phase current (S) at the sending end of the high-voltage distribution which has been directly detected likewise. The total zero-phase current adder  92 N sums the vectors of the zero-phase currents at the neutral points at the secondary sides of the respective distribution transformers  50  disposed in the respective sections of the respective distributions to obtain the distribution transformer zero-phase current (R). Also, the zero-phase current detected by the ground over-current relay  30 N is set as the sending end zero-phase current (S) of the distribution. Those two values are compared with each other by the level comparator  94 , and in case of S&gt;R, the ground protection relay  95  is operated to close the contact  51 GFDL.  
         [0067]    In this case, the trip circuit can be structured as in FIG. 4 described above. Also, the trip circuit can be structured as in FIG. 5 described above.  
         [0068]    (Fourth Embodiment)  
         [0069]    A ground relay system in a multiplex direct grounding system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing the ground relay system in a multiplex direct ground system in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0070]    In FIG. 8, reference  51 NH denotes a CT (current transformer) connected at the neutral point of the primary side of the distribution transformer  50 , that is, the high-voltage side in each section of the high-voltage distribution, and  52 NH denotes a current converter thereof.  
         [0071]    Because the zero-phase current at the high-voltage side of the distribution transformer  50  is used, and the same level as that of the sending end, that is, the same CT ratio as that of the CT 101  at the sending end can be used, the electrical quantities of them are correctly compared with each other, thereby being capable of detecting the ground accident defined to only the high-voltage distribution.  
         [0072]    In FIG. 8, reference  30 N adds a function of the current converter to the conventional ground over-current relay, but even if the conventional ground over-current relay remains as it is, and another current converter having a function of achieving the purpose is provided, the effects of the present invention are not prevented.  
         [0073]    A manner of taking the total sum of the zero-phase currents from the respective distribution transformers  50  and a method of comparing the zero-phase current from the distribution transformer  50  with the zero-phase current obtained from the sending end of the high-voltage distribution can be realized by the same method and the similar means as those in the above-mentioned third embodiment, and the current comparator has the circuit structure shown in FIG.  7 . The contact GFDL is replaced by a contact GFDH.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing the trip circuit of the circuit breaker in accordance with the fourth embodiment.  
         [0075]    In FIG. 9, reference P denotes the (+) side of the control power supply, N denotes the (−) side of the control power supply,  51 S is a contact of the over-current relay ( 30 A,  30 B,  30 C) for short-circuiting protection,  51 GFDH is a contact of the ground protection relay  95 ,  52 TC is a trip coil of the distribution circuit breaker  100 , and  52   a  is an auxiliary contact a of the distribution circuit breaker  100 .  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing another trip circuit of the circuit breaker in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0077]    In FIG. 10, reference P denotes the (+) side of the control power supply, N is the (−) side of the control power supply,  51 S is a contact of the over-current relay ( 30 A,  30 B,  30 C) for short-circuiting protection,  51 GFDH is a contact of the ground protection relay  95 ,  52 TC is a trip coil of the distribution circuit breaker  100 , and  52   a  is an auxiliary contact a of the distribution circuit breaker  100 . Also, the contact  51 GFDH of the ground protection relay  95  is connected in series to the contact  51 G of the conventional ground over-current relay  30 N, whereby it is possible to prevent the ground over-current relay  51 G from malfunctioning.  
         [0078]    As described above, according to the respective first to fourth embodiments, in conducting the grounding protection of the high-voltage distribution with a high sensitivity, it is possible to prevent the malfunction of the conventional ground over-current relay due to the zero-phase current generated on the basis of the unbalance of the load, and it is also possible to provide surer safety with respect to the equipment, humans and beasts.  
         [0079]    Also, in the current comparators shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the system in which the comparison of S&gt;R is conducted is applied, but, it is possible to readily realize that the ground accident of the high-voltage distribution is directly detected provided that S−R&gt;K (K is a constant) is satisfied.  
         [0080]    The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto, and their equivalents.