GE MULTILIN G60 Generator Protection System

GE Multilin G60 Generator Protection System

The GE Multilin G60 is a sophisticated, integrated generator protection and control system designed by GE Vernova (formerly GE Grid Solutions). It is part of the UR (Universal Relay) family and is engineered to provide comprehensive protection, metering, monitoring, and control for medium and large generators. This includes large steam and combustion turbines, combined-cycle generators, multi-circuit hydro units, and pumped storage generators.

Core Functionality

The G60 serves as a single-point solution that consolidates the functionalities of multiple devices into one unit. It provides:

Protection: Secure, high-speed protection elements compliant with IEEE® C37.102.

Control: Advanced automation features for switchyard control.

Metering: High-accuracy metering for current, voltage, power, energy, frequency, and harmonics.

Monitoring: Continuous asset monitoring and advanced fault recording.

Key Protection Features

The G60 offers a complete suite of protection functions to ensure asset longevity and system stability, including:

Differential Protection: High-speed stator differential (87S) with enhanced CT saturation detection algorithms.

100% Stator Ground Fault: Achieved via third harmonic voltage differential or sub-harmonic (20Hz) injection methods (using GPM-S modules).

Rotor/Field Protection: Field ground fault detection (64F) and loss of excitation (40).

System Integrity: Protection against overexcitation (V/Hz), generator unbalance (46), reverse/low forward power (32), and breaker failure (50BF).

Backup Protection: Phase distance backup protection (21) and out-of-step tripping (78) with power swing blocking (68).

Advanced Communications & Integration

The G60 is built to integrate seamlessly into modern substation automation architectures:

IEC 61850: Certified implementation of both Edition 1 and Edition 2, supporting station bus and process bus (IEC 61850-9-2LE, IEC 61869, and HardFiber).

Protocols: Supports DNP 3.0, Modbus TCP/RTU, IEC 60870-5-103/104, and Ethernet Global Data (EGD).

Redundancy: Features 3 independent Ethernet ports and supports PRP (Parallel Redundancy Protocol) for high network availability.

Synchrophasors: Embedded Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) capabilities compliant with IEEE C37.118, eliminating the need for separate PMU hardware.

Monitoring, Recording & Diagnostics

To aid in troubleshooting and system analysis, the G60 includes:

Fault Recording: Supports COMTRADE 2013 standard with high-capacity event recording and extended waveform capture.

Oscillation Detection: Embedded Multi-Range Signal Oscillation Detection (MSOD) to identify poorly damped power system oscillations.

Diagnostics: Comprehensive device health diagnostics and support for RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors) for thermal monitoring.

Cyber Security

The system is equipped with CyberSentry™, a robust security feature set designed to meet industry standards such as NERC® CIP and IEC 62443. Features include Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), AAA Server support (Radius/LDAP), and secure firmware upgrades.

Hardware & User Interface

Scalable Design: Modular hardware allows for flexible I/O configurations to meet specific application needs.

HMI: Available with an integrated, large full-color display (7" graphic HMI) for real-time visualization, bay mimic diagrams, and local control.

FlexLogic: Programmable logic engine (up to 1024 lines) allows users to create custom protection and control schemes.

Applications

The G60 is ideally suited for:

Medium to large generators (steam, gas, hydraulic).

Pumped storage generators (capable of automatic compensation for phase reversal).

Stand-alone protection or as a component in automated substation control systems.

Comprehensive Protection for Generators

The MultilinTM G60 generator protection system provides comprehensive protection

for medium and large generators, including large steam and combustion turbines,

combined-cycle generators and multicircuit hydro units.

The G60 includes advanced automation and communication capabilities, extensive I/O

options, and powerful fault recording features that can simplify postmortem disturbance

analysis and help minimize generator downtime.

Key Benefits

• Secure, high-speed protection elements for complete generator protection, compliant

with IEEE® C37.102, extending asset life

• Available Ethernet Global Data (EGD) to ease integration with new and existing

GE Vernova control systems

• Embedded Synchrophasor measurement capabilities (per IEEE® C37.118), eliminating

the need for dedicated PMUs and support for synchrophasor multi-cast

(per IEC® 61850-90-5) reducing bandwidth and communications infrastructure costs

• An integrated large, full color display, provides real-time visualization and control of

the protected bay, via a bay mimic as well as annunciator functionality and graphical

visualization of phasors

• Advanced IEC 61850 Ed. 1 and Ed. 2 certified implementation, complete settings via

SCL files and comprehensive process bus support (IEC 61850-9-2LE or IEC 61869 or

IEC 61850-9-2 Hardfiber) ensures interoperability, device managing optimization and

reduced cost of ownership

• Routable GOOSE (R-GOOSE) enables GOOSE messages going beyond the substation,

which enables wide area protection and control applications

• Increased network availability via failover time reduced to zero through

IEC® 62439-3 “PRP” support

• Supports latest edition of waveform capture (COMTRADE 2013) simplifying fault

records management

• Embedded multi-range signal oscillation detection (MSOD)

Applications

• Medium to large generators typically driven by steam, gas, or hydraulic turbines

• Pumped storage generators used as pumping motors for reservoir storage

• Stand-alone protection or component in automated substation control systems

• Standard protection product offering on new GE Vernova generator installations