The NewFeed Feeder Protection Relay from NewElec provides microgrid feeder security in the dynamic interface where solar plants intersect with traditional power grids. The NewFeed Feeder Protection Relay is designed to safeguard this link. It is purpose-built to fortify the connection between solar farms and conventional power grids in low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) distribution settings.
The NewFeed relay has the capacity to gauge a number of critical metrics: from voltage and current to complex evaluations like positive, negative, and zero sequences, phase angles, power factor, harmonics, and Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). It also looks at independent earth leakage levels. This comprehensive data toolkit facilitates the seamless incorporation of complete ANSI protection attributes to safeguard microgrid feeders.
The NewFeed relay serves to protect motors as well, with the added flexibility of multiple curve selections like IEC60255-8, NINV, VINV, EINV, MINV, DT, IT, I2T, and I4T. What’s more, its directional current components cater adeptly to parallel feeder scenarios.
All this functionality is contained within a compact 45 mm DIN rail mounted enclosure. The enclosure is a hub of insight. LED indicators signal fault conditions, field inputs, and relay outputs, ensuring clarity even in complex applications. This transparency is complemented by the relay's internal configurability, facilitating adaptable logic and comprehensive statistical records.
Further capability is provided through the NewFeed relay’s range of MV and LV current transformer module blocks (CTMB). This feature enables the seamless integration of various current ranges into higher current and voltage systems. The integration of interposing current transformers and voltage transformers with selectable ratios enriches flexibility, enabling isolation and expansive range settings. An additional current balance CT (CBCT) addresses earth leakage detection exclusively.
Front-end configuration software empowers users to tailor the device’s functionality. An onboard database etches 36 fault records and 940 event records with precise timestamps, and a comprehensive data recorder and spectrum analyser are embedded in the configuration software.
This dual-purpose toolset opens up the ability to examine motor performance or analyse feeder power quality with precision.
As well as providing protection, the NewFeed relay provides control too. Advanced features and switchgear controller logic integrate motor and feeder control functionalities. From prestart protocols to execution timing of close commands, and continuous monitoring of breaker states with real-time load current feedback, the relay ensures every aspect of operation is monitored. Unauthorised operations or anomalies like breaker failures are swiftly detected.
The NewFeed Feeder Protection Relay is recognised as an Intelligent Electronic Device (IED). It supports various communication protocols, including Modbus/TCP and PROFINET, reinforcing its compatibility within modern system architectures.
As an example of South African ingenuity, the NewFeed Feeder Protection Relay is designed and manufactured locally, in line with ISO 9001:2015 standards.
For more information visit: www.newelec.co.za
