Solutions
Solutions | Power Systems Protection
The protection of generators over the past fifty years has evolved from discrete or single function electromechanical relays to static (electronic) single function protection relays and finally to multifunctional digital protection systems. Beckwith Electric began developing and manufacturing protection solutions during the static protection era. Through cooperative efforts with the Gas Research Institute, Beckwith developed the multifunctional digital relay. Beckwith’s Pride Relays used for interconnection of distributed generation contained functions used to protect generators and launched Beckwith into the generator protection industry.
Fast forward to today…
The industry’s application of multifunction generator protection relays, combined with recent developments in providing more sophisticated and innovative protection functions required for utility-sized generators, has lead Beckwith to the forefront of modern generator protection systems. These protective features include field ground fault detection (64F) using an injection approach, brush liftoff detection (64B) to detect high-resistance brush contact with the rotor shaft and out-of-step protection (78).
Commissioning multifunction digital relays and motor bus transfer controls offers some unique challenges to the user. Multifunction relays have protective functions that interact with each other, making testing more complicated. They can also be programmed to do control logic, which must be verified. In addition, digital relays can have multiple setting groups that may be switched to address varying system conditions. This flexibility increases the commissioning complexity. Beckwith relays have significant input monitoring capability and integral graphic commissioning tools that greatly assist the user in determining whether these relays are set properly and are properly connected to their CT and VT inputs. This reduces commissioning time and helps to verify that the relay is functioning properly.
Important Digital Relay Features
- Oscillography and event recording – The capability of storing analog data and sequence of events allows the user to quickly analyze tripping events.
- Multiple Setting Groups – This allows a user to select different settings for different operating conditions.
- Multiple Output & Input Contacts – This allows the user increased flexibility in designing trip/alarm output circuitry. Programmable inputs allow the user to block or alter settings based on circuit breaker open/close status or other external conditions.
- Metering – Depending on the display capability and accuracy, the protection package may displace or supplement traditional metering. The metering capability also allows easier testing of the relay and its associated wiring.
- Monitoring – Monitoring of external inputs/outputs, such as trip circuits, enhances security. Current and voltage transformer circuits can be monitored and abnormal condition detected.
- Communications – Local and remote communication capabilities allow easy input of settings and changes, as well as access to event data. With the proper interface/protocol conversion, the relay can be integrated with other intelligent devices into a distributed control system.
- Self-Monitoring and Diagnostics – Self-monitoring software in relays allows detection of a failure of a major piece of hardware or a software module. The relay outputs can be disabled and an alarm generated, signaling the failure.
- Programmable Logic – With all the information brought to the relay, programmable logic permits a combination of protection and control functions within the relay. This can eliminate significant wiring external to the relay, but increases the complexity of testing the relay to verify internal relay control logic.
With thousands of Generator Protection, Motor Bus Transfer, Synchronizing and Transformer Protection Relays engineered, installed and properly working in the field, Beckwith Electric has the best expertise in the industry to supply Power Plant Owners with engineered protection products and systems.
Beckwith’s in-depth knowledge of power systems and the application of protection systems allow the Customer Technical Support team to rapidly and efficiently assist a client with the selection and use of the proper element, product or engineered system to provide the right solution now and in the future.
For additional company or product information, please browse our website or contact us at (727) 544-2326.
View All Products
Featured Solutions
M-2001D Digital Tapchanger Control for Transformers and Regulators
M-3311A Transformer Protection Relay
M-3425A Comprehensive Generator Relay
M-3520 Intertie Protection Relay
M-4172 Digital Motor Bus Transfer System For Low Voltage (LV) Switchgear Applications
M‑4272 Digital Motor Bus Transfer System
M-6200A Digital Voltage Regulator Control
M-6280A Digital Capacitor Bank Control
M-6283A Three Phase Digital Capacitor Bank Control
SmartBank Capacitor Bank Solutions
M-7651A D-PAC (Protection, Automation and Control System for Power Distribution Applications)
All Product Solutions
B-1953 6kV Surge Protection Assembly
B-2083 SmartBank Three Phase Junction Box
M-0001 Battery Transient Suppressor
M-0115A Parallel Balancing Module
M-0121 / M-0169A Auxiliary Current Transformer Units
M-0124 Surface-Mounting Adapter Kit
M-0127A/M-0170A Overcurrent Relay
M-0188A Syncrocloser® Check Relay
M-0359 Syncrocloser® Check Plus Relay
M-0362 Voltage Isolation Transformer
M-0388 Syncrocloser® Check Relay
M-0390 Syncrocloser® Check Plus Relay
M-2001C Digital Tapchanger Control
M-2001D Digital Tapchanger Control for Transformers and Regulators
M-2025B Current Loop Interface Module
M-2025D Current Loop Interface Module
M‑2026 AC‑DC Control Power Backup Supply
M‑2027 Control Power Backup Supply–AC Only
M-2032B Battery Charger/Power Supply
M-2035 Analog to Digital Interface Module
M-2050 Surface Mount Adapter Kit
M-2051/M-2052 Flush Mount Connection Harness Kit
M-2053 Flush Mounting Adapter Panel Bracket
M-2054 Surface Mount Adapter Kit
M‑2406 Recloser Control Adapter Chassis
M-2501B Autodaptive® Capacitor Control
M-2979 Recloser Control Cabinet
M-3310 Transformer Protection System
M-3311 Transformer Protection System
M-3311A Transformer Protection Relay
M-3420 Generator Protection System
M-3425A Comprehensive Generator Relay
M-3430 Generator Protection System
M-3520 Intertie Protection Relay
M-4172 Digital Motor Bus Transfer System For Low Voltage (LV) Switchgear Applications
M‑4272 Digital Motor Bus Transfer System
M-5329 Three-Phase LTC Backup Control
M-5625 Syncrocloser® Digital Synchronizing System
M-6200A Digital Voltage Regulator Control
M-6280A Digital Capacitor Bank Control
M-6283A Three Phase Digital Capacitor Bank Control
M-7651A D-PAC (Protection, Automation and Control System for Power Distribution Applications)