Description

The ABB REF615C is a compact, multifunctional protection and control relay designed for feeder protection in medium-voltage (MV) distribution networks. Part of ABB’s Relion® 615 product family, this IEC 61850-compliant device integrates overcurrent, earth-fault, thermal overload, and circuit-breaker failure protection into a single, cost-effective unit—ideal for utilities, industrial plants, and renewable energy substations. With its advanced communication capabilities, self-monitoring diagnostics, and modular design, the ABB REF615C delivers enhanced grid reliability while simplifying engineering and maintenance.

Application Scenarios

At a solar farm in Texas, frequent ground faults on collector feeders caused extended outages due to slow coordination with legacy electromechanical relays. The operator replaced them with the ABB REF615C, leveraging its sensitive directional earth-fault detection and fast trip logic (< 30 ms). Within weeks, fault clearance time dropped by 70%, minimizing inverter tripping and energy loss. Moreover, the built-in IEC 61850 GOOSE messaging enabled direct interlocking with neighboring REF615Cs—eliminating hardwired logic and reducing panel wiring by 40%. This transformation—from reactive repairs to predictive, networked protection—demonstrates how the ABB REF615C turns feeders into intelligent, self-healing grid segments.

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

Innovation Point 1: True IEC 61850 Native Architecture – The ABB REF615C implements IEC 61850 from the silicon level up, enabling peer-to-peer GOOSE messaging for ultra-fast interlocking (e.g., breaker failure backup) without external logic processors—reducing system complexity and response time.

Innovation Point 2: Adaptive Earth-Fault Sensitivity – Using advanced algorithms (e.g., third-harmonic blocking and transient suppression), the ABB REF615C reliably detects high-impedance earth faults (< 1 A) in compensated (resonant-grounded) networks—critical for underground cable systems in urban grids.

Innovation Point 3: Commissioning Simplified by PCM600 – ABB’s Protection and Control IED Manager (PCM600) auto-generates settings, performs injection tests, and validates SCL files—cutting commissioning time by up to 50% compared to manual configuration.

Innovation Point 4: Cyber-Secure by Design – Role-based access, secure firmware updates, and encrypted communication (TLS/SSL for MMS) ensure the ABB REF615C complies with NERC CIP and IEC 62443. protecting substation networks from cyber threats.