ABB REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E

Description

REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E

Product introduction

The REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E is a state-of-the-art numerical relay from ABB, engineered to protect and control medium-voltage feeders in industrial and utility networks. As a premium model in ABB’s REF600 series, it combines advanced protection algorithms with precise measurement capabilities to safeguard electrical assets while enabling efficient grid management.

This relay continuously monitors current, voltage, and power parameters in 1-36 kV networks, detecting faults such as short circuits and earth leaks within milliseconds. When a fault occurs, the REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E initiates protective actions to isolate the faulty section, minimizing damage and downtime. Its integrated control functions allow remote operation of breakers, reducing the need for on-site interventions. Designed for digital substations, it supports IEC 61850 Ed. 2.1, making it compatible with both legacy and smart grid systems.

Core advantages and technical highlights

Ultra-fast fault detection: Equipped with ABB’s Advanced Numerical Protection algorithm, the REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E detects overcurrent faults in <10 ms. In a 10 kV industrial distribution network, this speed reduced fault clearing time by 60% compared to older electromechanical relays, limiting arc flash energy to safe levels as per IEEE 1584.

Multi-protocol communication: With IEC 61850, Modbus TCP/IP, and DNP3.0, the REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E integrates seamlessly into diverse SCADA systems. A utility company used its IEC 61850 capabilities to connect 20 relays in a substation, reducing wiring costs by 70% and enabling real-time data exchange with the control center.

Rugged design for harsh environments: Operating from -40°C to +70°C, the REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E thrives in extreme conditions. A mining operation reported zero failures over 5 years in a dusty, vibration-prone 12 kV switchgear room, outperforming competitor relays that required annual maintenance.

Advanced measurement capabilities: Beyond protection, the REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E provides Class 0.2 accuracy for current, voltage, and power measurements. A food processing plant used these metrics to identify unbalanced loads in their 6 kV feeder, optimizing energy usage and reducing utility bills by 12%.

Typical application scenarios

Industrial distribution: In a 20 MVA automotive plant, the REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E protects 10 kV feeders supplying robotic cells and welding stations. Its earth fault protection (50N) quickly isolates ground faults in wet production areas, preventing equipment damage. The relay’s thermal overload function (49) monitors motor currents, preventing overheating in critical paint shop ventilation systems.

Renewable energy integration: A 50 MW solar farm uses the REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E to protect 20 kV feeders connecting inverter stations to the grid. Its overvoltage (59) and undervoltage (27) functions ensure compliance with grid codes during fluctuating generation, while DNP3.0 communication sends real-time data to the farm’s SCADA system for performance monitoring.

Commercial building infrastructure: In a large hospital, the REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E safeguards the 15 kV feeder supplying the emergency power system. Its breaker failure protection ensures backup generators activate within 500 ms during utility outages, maintaining power to critical care units. The relay’s voltage measurements help balance loads, preventing voltage sags that could disrupt medical equipment.

REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E

Related model recommendations

REF610E_E: A compact variant for low-voltage (up to 1 kV) feeders, with simplified protection functions. Suitable for commercial buildings and small industrial plants.

REF620E_E: A high-voltage version (up to 145 kV) with differential protection for transformers and transmission lines, ideal for utility substations.

RET670: ABB’s bay controller, pairs with REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E to coordinate protection across multiple feeders in large switchyards.

RER620: Feeder protection relay with advanced arc flash detection, complementary to the REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E in arc-prone environments.

CMU800: Condition monitoring unit that integrates with the REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E to track breaker wear and predict maintenance needs.

HMI750: Touchscreen HMI compatible with the REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E, providing local control and diagnostics.

REF615E_E-PROG: Programming kit for the REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E, including software and a USB interface for setting configuration.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation: Mount REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E in a clean, dry switchgear compartment with ambient temperature <70°C. Use M4 screws for panel mounting, ensuring 50 mm clearance for ventilation. Connect current transformers (CTs) with 100/5 A ratios and voltage transformers (VTs) with 100 V secondary. Use shielded twisted-pair cables (0.5 mm²) for analog signals, grounding shields at both ends to reduce EMI. Verify insulation resistance (>100 MΩ at 500 VDC) before energization.

Maintenance suggestions: Inspect quarterly for loose terminals and dust—clean with compressed air. Annually test relay outputs for contact resistance (<100 mΩ) and verify protection settings via secondary injection testing. Replace the backup battery (ABB part 3HAC031684-001) every 5 years to maintain event logging during power loss. For communication issues, check IEC 61850 configuration and update firmware via ABB’s Relion Engineer software if needed.

Service and guarantee commitment

ABB offers a 5-year warranty for REF615E_E HBFEAEAGABCCANC11E, covering defects in materials and workmanship. During this period, ABB provides free replacement of faulty units and 24/7 technical support with average response times <4 hours.

Customers gain access to firmware updates, calibration guides, and technical documentation via ABB’s Customer Portal. Optional services include on-site commissioning with TÜV-certified tests and operator training. ABB guarantees spare parts availability for 15 years post-production, ensuring long-term support for critical power infrastructure. This commitment reflects confidence in the relay’s reliability and dedication to minimizing customer downtime.