What is the REF615 Feeder Relay?
The REF615 is a dedicated, multifunction protection relay engineered for the protection, control, measurement, and supervision of electrical feeders. Its versatility allows it to be deployed across a wide array of distribution networks, including radial, looped, and meshed systems. A key strength is its capability to operate effectively in environments with or without distributed power generation, making it a future-proof asset as grids evolve and incorporate more renewable energy sources. As a member of the renowned ABB Relion® family and the 615 series, it brings proven reliability and advanced technology to the forefront of power distribution.
Key Benefits for Modern Power Systems
Choosing the REF615 isn't just about selecting a protective device; it's about investing in a solution that delivers tangible operational advantages. Its benefits are designed to save time, reduce complexity, and enhance system visibility.
Comprehensive Functionality: It offers an extensive suite of protection and control features, compatible with both modern sensors and conventional instrument transformers, providing flexibility for new installations and retrofits.
Ease of Use & Configuration: Ready-made standard configurations allow for a fast and easy setup, significantly reducing commissioning time. These can be easily tailored to meet specific application needs.
Simplified Maintenance: A withdrawable plug-in unit design ensures swift installation, testing, and replacement, minimizing downtime during maintenance cycles.
Enhanced Visibility: A large graphical display can show customizable Single-Line Diagrams (SLDs), accessible locally or remotely via an intuitive web-browser-based Human-Machine Interface (HMI).
Standout Technical Features
The REF615 packs a powerful technical punch, offering features that go beyond standard overcurrent protection to ensure superior system performance.
Advanced Protection Suite: It includes directional and non-directional overcurrent and earth-fault protection, alongside voltage, frequency, and power-based protection functions.
Superior Earth-Fault Protection: Its portfolio includes unique multi-frequency admittance-based protection, which offers higher sensitivity and selectivity, greatly reducing the risk of nuisance tripping.
Optional Advanced Diagnostics: Users can opt for features like advanced and fast fault location for both short circuits and earth faults, arc protection, and high-speed outputs for critical applications.
Seamless Integration and Communication
In today's interconnected substations, communication is key. The REF615 is built for seamless integration into modern digital ecosystems, supporting a wide range of protocols to ensure interoperability and reduce wiring.
IEC 61850 Support: It supports both Edition 1 and 2 of the IEC 61850 standard, including HSR and PRP for zero-recovery redundancy, GOOSE messaging for fast inter-relay communication, and IEC 61850-9-2 LE for process bus, drastically reducing copper wiring.
Precision Timing: With built-in support for IEEE 1588 V2 (Precision Time Protocol), it enables high-accuracy time synchronization across the substation, which is crucial for event analysis and system-wide coordination.
Legacy Protocol Support: For integration with existing systems, it also supports widely-used protocols like Modbus®, DNP3, and IEC 60870-5-103.
The Practical Advantage: From Installation to Lifecycle
The value of the REF615 extends far beyond its technical specifications. Its design philosophy prioritizes the user's experience throughout the product's entire lifecycle. The withdrawable unit makes physical handling and testing straightforward. The web-based HMI allows for remote access and control, enabling support and diagnostics from anywhere. Furthermore, backing the hardware is ABB's extensive life-cycle services, including support, maintenance, and training, ensuring your investment is protected long-term.
Conclusion
The ABB REF615 is more than just a feeder relay; it is a comprehensive, intelligent, and integrated solution for modern power distribution challenges. By combining robust protection features with advanced communication capabilities and user-centric design, it empowers utilities and industries to build smarter, safer, and more reliable electrical networks. For those looking to enhance system performance, simplify maintenance, and prepare for the future of energy distribution, the REF615 represents a compelling and strategic choice.
