ABB REL670 Version 1.2 (DDAANN) Line Distance Protection IED

ABB REL670 Version 1.2 (DDAANN) is a line distance protection intelligent electronic device belonging to the ABB Relion 670 series. It is designed for protection, control and monitoring of overhead transmission lines and cables in power networks. The REL670 platform combines several protection and automation functions within one configurable intelligent electronic device, providing a coordinated solution for high-voltage transmission applications.

The Version 1.2 product documentation identifies REL670 as a line distance protection IED suitable for solidly earthed networks and high-voltage applications. It is intended for heavily loaded lines and multi-terminal lines where selective one-phase, two-phase or three-phase tripping may be required. The platform can also provide backup protection for equipment such as power transformers and reactors. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

The DDAANN designation is retained in the product identification for this specific configuration. Because REL670 equipment can be supplied with different hardware and functional configurations, the complete device identification should be considered when determining the exact input, output, communication and protection arrangement.

Product Overview

REL670 Version 1.2 is built around a flexible protection architecture intended for transmission network applications. Its principal function is line distance protection, but the device can combine impedance protection with differential, current, voltage, frequency, monitoring and control functions according to the selected configuration.

The platform is designed to evaluate electrical quantities obtained from instrument transformers and use these measurements in protection algorithms. Depending on the configured application, the IED can identify fault conditions, calculate electrical quantities, issue protection signals and exchange information with associated substation equipment.

This integrated architecture allows the REL670 to operate as part of a complete transmission protection scheme rather than as an isolated distance measuring device.

Line Distance Protection

Distance protection is one of the central functions of the ABB REL670. The protection principle determines the apparent impedance between the relay location and the fault. Because the measured impedance is related to the electrical characteristics and distance of the protected line, defined impedance zones can be used to distinguish faults within the intended protection areas.

The Version 1.2 product guide specifies five independent distance protection zones. Each zone can have independent measurement and setting characteristics, providing flexibility for different transmission line configurations and protection coordination requirements. This architecture can support primary and backup protection functions while allowing engineers to coordinate operation with adjacent substations. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The five-zone arrangement is particularly useful when the protected line has different operating conditions, line impedances or coordination requirements. Actual settings must be determined through system studies and the protection philosophy of the individual network.

Transmission Line Applications

ABB specifies REL670 for protection, control and monitoring of overhead lines and cables. The device can be applied to heavily loaded transmission lines and multi-terminal line arrangements. The protection system can be configured for different tripping requirements depending on the network and circuit breaker arrangement. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

The IED can therefore be incorporated into transmission substations where rapid and selective fault clearing is required. Its protection functions can be coordinated with circuit breakers, communication systems and other protection devices to create a complete line protection scheme.

The platform is also suitable for backup protection of selected power-system equipment. The Version 1.2 documentation specifically identifies power transformers and reactors among possible backup protection applications. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Protection Operating Speed

Fast fault clearing is important in transmission networks because prolonged faults can affect system stability and increase stress on electrical equipment. The REL670 Version 1.2 product documentation describes a modern protection solution with a typical operating time of approximately 1.5 cycles for the relevant distance protection function. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Actual operating time depends on the selected protection function, settings, signal processing, circuit breaker behavior and overall system configuration. Therefore, the stated typical value should be understood as a product-level characteristic rather than a guaranteed total fault-clearing time for an installed transmission system.

Differential Protection

Although REL670 is primarily identified as a line distance protection IED, its Version 1.2 product architecture also includes differential protection functions. Differential protection compares electrical quantities associated with the protected zone and can provide selective detection of internal faults.

A high-impedance differential protection function can also be used for applications such as T-feeders or line reactors. This provides additional flexibility when the REL670 is incorporated into transmission equipment arrangements that require specialized differential protection. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

The exact differential protection functions available depend on the selected configuration and engineering of the individual IED.

Autoreclosing and Synchrocheck

Autoreclosing is an important function for overhead transmission line applications because many faults can be temporary. The REL670 Version 1.2 platform supports autoreclosing for single-phase, two-phase and three-phase reclosing arrangements according to the configured application.

The autoreclose function can cooperate with synchrocheck functionality when reclosing requires verification of suitable electrical conditions. The product documentation describes high-speed and delayed reclosing possibilities as well as priority functions for multi-breaker arrangements. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

These functions allow the protection system to coordinate circuit breaker operation with the electrical condition of the transmission line and surrounding network.

Current and Voltage Protection

REL670 Version 1.2 also provides current and voltage protection functions within its configurable protection structure. Current protection can provide additional fault detection or backup protection, while voltage protection can supervise abnormal voltage conditions.

Depending on the configuration, the device can combine these functions with distance protection to create layered protection schemes. This approach provides additional protection coverage and allows engineers to coordinate primary and backup functions within the same IED architecture.

The exact protection elements and available settings should always be confirmed from the complete product configuration and corresponding Version 1.2 technical documentation.

Monitoring and Metering

In addition to protection, the REL670 platform provides monitoring and metering capabilities. Measurements from the connected electrical system can be processed and presented through the IED interface or made available to higher-level automation systems.

Monitoring information can help operators and protection engineers evaluate system conditions and understand the state of the protected transmission line. Metering functions can provide electrical values required for operational supervision and engineering analysis.

The integration of protection and measurement functions allows REL670 to serve as both a protection device and an information source within a modern substation.

Disturbance Recording and Fault Analysis

Disturbance recording provides valuable information following a protection operation. Recorded electrical signals and event information can help engineers reconstruct the sequence of a fault and evaluate how the protection system responded.

For transmission networks, this information can support post-fault investigation, protection coordination analysis and system maintenance. The REL670 architecture includes monitoring and disturbance-related functions according to the selected product configuration.

The availability and detailed behavior of individual recording functions depend on the installed configuration and engineering parameters.

Substation Communication

REL670 can be integrated into substation automation systems through its available communication interfaces. The Relion 670 family is designed for modern digital substation environments where protection information, measurements, status signals and control commands need to be exchanged between IEDs and station-level systems.

Communication functions allow the protection IED to participate in a wider automation architecture. Depending on the hardware and configured communication options, the device can exchange protection and monitoring information with other equipment within the substation.

Communication configuration should be matched to the actual station network, engineering requirements and product version.

Engineering and Configuration

REL670 is a configurable IED rather than a single fixed-function relay. Protection elements, logic, input and output assignments, measurement functions and communication parameters can be defined according to the application.

ABB’s Relion engineering environment is used to configure and manage compatible IED applications. For Version 1.2 equipment, the applicable connectivity package and engineering tools should correspond to the product generation and installed configuration.

This is especially important when an existing REL670 is being integrated into an established protection system. The exact hardware type, software version, communication interfaces and configured protection functions should be verified before engineering work begins.

Hardware Identification

The designation ABB REL670 Version 1.2 (DDAANN) identifies the product family, version and the stated configuration designation. However, REL670 units can have different hardware arrangements, making the complete identification information important for technical compatibility.

When documenting an installed unit, engineers should record the complete type designation, product identification information, hardware configuration and software version. These details help distinguish between different REL670 configurations and reduce the risk of selecting incompatible engineering or replacement components.

Typical Applications

ABB REL670 Version 1.2 can be incorporated into several transmission and substation protection applications, including:

• Overhead transmission line protection
• High-voltage cable protection
• Distance protection schemes
• Line differential protection applications
• Multi-terminal transmission line protection
• Heavily loaded line protection
• Backup protection for power transformers
• Backup protection for reactors
• Autoreclosing systems
• Transmission substation automation
• Protection monitoring and fault analysis

The exact application depends on the configured hardware and software. The general REL670 product description should therefore not be interpreted as confirmation that every listed function is enabled in every individual unit.

Integration with Circuit Breakers

Protection IEDs operate together with circuit breakers to isolate faults from the electrical network. REL670 can generate protection-related trip signals according to its configured logic and protection elements.

The device can also coordinate autoreclosing and synchrocheck functions with breaker operation. In multi-breaker line arrangements, the configured logic can be adapted to the specific bay and transmission network architecture.

The actual trip circuit wiring, breaker interface and interlocking logic must be engineered according to the substation design and applicable protection requirements.

Conclusion

ABB REL670 Version 1.2 (DDAANN) is a Relion 670 series line distance protection intelligent electronic device designed for transmission line and high-voltage substation applications. Its architecture combines distance protection with additional differential, current, voltage, monitoring, metering and control functions according to the selected configuration.

The Version 1.2 platform provides five independently configurable distance protection zones, support for different tripping arrangements, autoreclosing and synchrocheck functions, and additional protection capabilities for specialized transmission applications. ABB documentation also identifies applications involving heavily loaded lines, multi-terminal lines, overhead lines, cables, power transformers and reactors. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

For technical identification of ABB REL670 Version 1.2 (DDAANN), the complete device designation and configuration information should be considered together. Hardware arrangement, software version, enabled protection functions, communication interfaces and application settings all influence how a particular REL670 is integrated into a transmission protection system.