History of Relay

This is the first generation oldest relaying system and they have been in use for many years. They have earned a well-deserved reputation for accuracy, dependability, and reliability.

There are two basic types of operating mechanisms:

Electromagnetic-attraction relay and Electromagnetic-induction relay

Measuring Principles

The electromechanical protective relay converts the voltages and currents to magnetic and electric forces and torques that press against spring tensions in the relay.

The tension of the spring and taps on the electromagnetic coils in the relay are the main processes by which a user sets in a relay.

Function of Relay

These relays are usually instantaneous in action, with no intentional time delay, closing as soon after pickup as the mechanical motion permits. We can add time delay by means of a bellows, dashpot, or a clockwork escapement mechanism.

However, the timing accuracy is considerably less precise than that of induction type relays.

As such, users seldom choose these relays with time delay in switchgear applications.

Electromechanical Relays can operate with either AC or DC on the coils. Therefore, the DC component of an asymmetrical fault definitely affects these relays using this principle.

Most relays come enclosed in a semi flush-mounting draw out case. Installers typically install relays usually on the door of the switchgear cubicle. They bring sensor and control wiring to connections on the case. The relay inserts into the case and connects by means of small switches or a bridging plug, depending on the manufacturer.

As such, we can disconnect and withdraw it from the case without disturbing the wiring. When the relay is disconnected, the current transformer (CT) connections in the case are automatically shorted to short circuit the CT secondary winding and protect the CT from over voltage and damage.

Operation of Electromagnetic-attraction Relay

Figure shows a typical electromechanical relay. An input voltage is applied to the coil mechanism. The input voltage magnetizes the core which pulls the arm towards it. This action causes the output contacts to touch, closing the load circuit.

When the input voltage is removed, the spring lever will push the contacts away from each other, breaking the load circuit connection.

Operation of Electromagnetic-Induction Relay

Induction relays are available in many variations to provide accurate pickup and time-current responses for a wide range of simple or complex system.

They are actually like induction motors. On the relay, the moving element (rotor) is usually a metal disk, although sometimes it’s a metal cylinder or cup. The stationary part (stator) is one or more integral electromagnets, with current or potential coils inducing currents in the disk, causing it to rotate.

Until the rotational forces are great enough to turn the disk and bring its moving contact against the stationary contact, a spring restrains the disk motion.

This closes the circuit the relay is controlling. The greater the sensed fault, the greater the current in the coils, and the faster the disk rotates.

A calibrated adjustment called the time dial sets the spacing between the moving and stationary contacts; this varies the operating time of the relay from fast (contacts only slightly open) to slow (contacts nearly a full disk revolution apart).

Reset action begins upon removing the rotational force, either by closing the relay contact that trips a breaker or by otherwise removing the malfunction the relay is sensing. The restraining spring resets the disk to its original position. The time required to reset depends on the type of relay and the time-dial setting (contact spacing).

Most electromechanical Relays are typically rated for minimum input to output isolation voltages of 1500 to 2000 VAC.

Limitations of Electromagnetic relays Low speed of operation. Change in characteristics over a period due to ageing effect. Component failure leading to relay failure. Relay is Bulky: Because there are internal mechanical components with physical dimension restraints, the package size of an electromechanical Relay can limit the size of a PCB design Excessive power consumption. Imposes high burden on CT No fault data available except phase indication. Inherent in its design, the Electromechanical Relay must make mechanical contacts in order to switch a load. At the point of these contacts, oxidation breakdown occurs over extended life cycling (typically 106 operations), and the relay will need to be replaced. When an electromechanical Relay is activated, bounce occurs at the contact site. Bounce creates a window of time where the load circuit is flickering between open and closed, a condition which may need to be considered in load design. Isolation voltage is another area where Electromechanical Relays are limited.

References