ABB REC650 1MRK008514-AA

Description

Detailed parameter table

ABB REC650 1MRK008514-AA

Product introduction

The REC650 1MRK008514-AA is a reliable numerical transformer protection relay from ABB, designed to safeguard power transformers in utility substations, industrial facilities, and medium-scale renewable energy installations. As a predecessor or standard variant in the Relion® REC650 series, it offers a balanced combination of protection functions and communication capabilities, making it suitable for applications where advanced features of the 1MRK008514-AB model are not required.

Like its counterpart, the REC650 1MRK008514-AA addresses key transformer protection challenges, such as distinguishing internal faults from external disturbances. Its differential protection serves as the core feature, ensuring selective tripping to minimize downtime and protect valuable transformer assets. While it lacks some of the advanced functionalities of the 1MRK008514-AB, it provides essential protection and monitoring features for stable operation in various power systems.

The relay acts as a monitoring hub, collecting real-time data on current, voltage, and temperature, which can be transmitted to substation automation systems via supported protocols. It is well-suited for protecting distribution transformers in urban networks, industrial transformers in manufacturing plants, and smaller renewable energy transformers.

Core advantages and technical highlights

Reliable differential protection

The REC650 1MRK008514-AA features differential protection with basic restraint characteristics, effectively distinguishing internal faults from external overloads or inrush currents. It uses harmonic blocking to avoid false trips during transformer energization, though with a slightly longer response time (≤25 ms) compared to the 1MRK008514-AB. For instance, when a 50 MVA transformer is energized, the relay identifies the 2nd harmonic in the inrush current and restrains from tripping, while promptly responding to genuine internal faults.

Practical communication capabilities

With support for IEC 61850 (Ed. 1), Modbus RTU, and DNP3.0, the REC650 1MRK008514-AA integrates well with standard substation automation systems. While it lacks GOOSE messaging and IEC 61850 Ed. 2 compliance of the 1MRK008514-AB, it ensures reliable data exchange for monitoring and control purposes. In a medium-sized industrial substation, this allows operators to receive real-time transformer status and fault information for efficient system management.

Essential condition monitoring

The thermal overload protection in the REC650 1MRK008514-AA calculates winding temperature based on current and ambient conditions, preventing overheating during overloads. It also integrates with Buchholz relays to monitor gas accumulation in oil-immersed transformers, providing early warnings of incipient faults. This helps maintenance teams address issues before they escalate, ensuring transformer longevity.

Sturdy design for standard environments

Rated to operate from -30°C to 65°C with IP54 front-panel protection, the REC650 1MRK008514-AA performs reliably in most standard environments. It offers sufficient immunity to electromagnetic interference for operation near high-voltage equipment, making it suitable for typical utility and industrial settings.

Typical application scenarios

Medium-voltage utility substation

In a 110 kV substation supplying a suburban area, the REC650 1MRK008514-AA protects a 100 MVA power transformer. During an external fault caused by a tree contact on the high-voltage line, the relay’s differential protection restrains, avoiding unnecessary tripping. When an internal winding fault occurs, the differential element operates within 25 ms, tripping the circuit breakers to isolate the transformer and prevent further damage.

Industrial manufacturing plant

A medium-sized manufacturing plant uses a 30 MVA transformer to power its production lines. The REC650 1MRK008514-AA’s thermal overload protection monitors winding temperature during peak production periods, issuing an alarm when approaching safe limits. This prompts operators to adjust loads, preventing transformer overheating. In case of a phase-to-earth fault in the transformer’s secondary winding, the restricted earth fault function trips the transformer within 50 ms, avoiding production disruptions.

Small-scale renewable energy installation

In a 50 MW solar farm, the REC650 1MRK008514-AA protects the step-up transformer. Its voltage protection detects overvoltage or undervoltage conditions, triggering appropriate actions to safeguard the transformer. The relay transmits real-time data to the farm’s control system via Modbus RTU, enabling operators to monitor transformer performance and plan maintenance.

ABB REC650 1MRK008514-AA

Comparison with REC650 1MRK008514-AB

Protection functions: The 1MRK008514-AA has 3 stages of overcurrent protection (vs. 4 in AB), lacks voltage unbalance detection, and has slightly longer response times.

Communication: It supports IEC 61850 Ed. 1 (vs. Ed. 2 in AB) and lacks GOOSE messaging.

Display: Features a monochrome LCD (vs. color in AB) with lower resolution.

Environmental range: Operates in a narrower temperature range (-30°C to 65°C vs. -40°C to 70°C in AB).

Inputs/outputs: Has fewer digital inputs (12 vs. 16) and outputs (6 vs. 8) compared to the AB model.

Related model recommendations

ABB REX521GHHPSH51G

A feeder protection relay that complements the REC650 1MRK008514-AA in substation setups. While the REC650 protects the transformer, the REX521 guards connected feeders, ensuring coordinated protection.

ABB RED521 1MRK002003-BA

A line protection relay used with the REC650 1MRK008514-AA in transmission networks, protecting high-voltage lines connected to transformers.

ABB CMU700

A condition monitoring unit that integrates with the REC650 1MRK008514-AA to enhance diagnostics by measuring oil quality and temperature, supporting predictive maintenance.

ABB SPACOM S300

A communication gateway that helps the REC650 1MRK008514-AA interface with legacy SCADA systems, facilitating data exchange in retrofitted substations.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation: Mount the relay in a control panel with adequate ventilation, ensuring 200 mm clearance. Connect current transformers (CTs) for primary and secondary windings, ensuring correct polarity for differential protection. Wire voltage transformers (VTs) to voltage inputs and interface with Buchholz relays via digital inputs. Use shielded cables for communication, grounding shields properly.

Commissioning: Use ABB’s PCM600 software to configure protection settings, including differential restraint, inrush blocking, and trip delays. Perform injection tests to verify differential protection operation, simulating internal and external faults. Validate communication with substation automation systems.

Maintenance: Conduct quarterly visual inspections for loose connections and dust. Annually, verify protection settings via PCM600 and test digital inputs/outputs. Calibrate current/voltage measurements every 3 years. Update firmware as needed. Check Buchholz relay communication monthly for oil-immersed transformers.

Service and guarantee commitment

The REC650 1MRK008514-AA comes with a 5-year warranty from installation, covering manufacturing defects and performance issues. ABB’s technical support provides weekday response within 24 hours for troubleshooting. On-site service is available within 72 hours in major regions.

Extended service contracts offer annual maintenance checks, firmware updates, and access to training materials. This commitment ensures the relay remains reliable throughout its operational lifespan, providing consistent protection for transformers in various applications.