ABB REM610｜Motor Protection Relay｜

ABB REM610 Motor Protection Relay — Technical Overview

ABB REM610 is a multifunctional motor protection relay designed for comprehensive protection, control, monitoring, and supervision of low-voltage and medium-voltage motors across a wide range of industrial applications. The relay is based on a microprocessor architecture and incorporates continuous self-supervision functions to ensure reliable operation and high availability.

The relay provides advanced motor protection functions, including thermal overload protection, motor starting supervision, current-based protection, phase unbalance protection, earth-fault protection, and temperature monitoring. Its integrated Human-Machine Interface (HMI) features an LCD display for safe and convenient local operation.

Communication capabilities allow both local and remote access. Local parameter setting, monitoring, and control can be performed through the front communication port using a computer, while remote operation is available through the rear communication interface connected to a supervisory control and monitoring system.

ABB REM610 Motor Protection Relay — Key Features
1. Motor Starting Supervision
Three-phase motor start-up supervision based on thermal stress calculation.
Detects excessive starting time and abnormal starting conditions.
Supports speed switch blocking functionality to prevent unnecessary tripping during normal motor acceleration.
Includes cumulative start-up time counter with restart inhibit capability.
2. Overcurrent and Short-Circuit Protection

Three-phase overcurrent protection

Definite-time operating characteristic.
Speed switch blocking function available.

Three-phase short-circuit protection

Instantaneous or definite-time characteristic.
Provides fast fault clearing for severe motor faults.
3. Motor Load Protection

Undercurrent Protection

Detects loss-of-load conditions such as:
Pump dry running
Broken coupling
Loss of mechanical load
Definite-time operating characteristic.

Thermal Overload Protection

Three-phase thermal overload protection based on motor heating calculation.
Protects motors against excessive thermal stress caused by overload conditions.
4. Phase Protection Functions

Phase Unbalance Protection

Based on negative-phase-sequence current measurement.
Uses inverse definite minimum time (IDMT) characteristic.
Protects motors against:
Voltage imbalance
Single phasing conditions
Unequal phase loading

Phase Reversal Protection

Detects incorrect phase sequence conditions.
Prevents reverse motor rotation during startup.
5. Earth-Fault Protection
Non-directional earth-fault protection.
Definite-time operating characteristic.
Provides protection against insulation failures and ground faults.
6. Temperature Monitoring and Protection
Multiple temperature protection stages.
Definite-time characteristic.
Optional RTD measurement module available.

RTD Module Features:

Six temperature measurement inputs.
Supports:
PTC thermistors
Various RTD sensors (such as Pt100)
Provides direct motor winding and bearing temperature monitoring.
7. Emergency Start Function
Provides controlled emergency motor starting capability.
Allows temporary bypass of selected protection functions when required for critical processes.
8. Circuit Breaker Monitoring

Circuit Breaker Failure Protection

Detects failure of the circuit breaker to interrupt fault current.
Provides backup tripping functionality.

Trip Circuit Supervision

Continuously monitors trip circuit integrity.
Detects:
Open trip circuits
Control wiring faults
Loss of trip supply
Hardware and Interface Features
Feature Description
Processor Microprocessor-based protection platform
Current Inputs Four high-accuracy current measurement inputs
Digital Inputs Additional galvanically isolated digital inputs available with RTD module
Frequency Selection User-selectable 50 Hz / 60 Hz operation
HMI Integrated LCD display
Communication Front and rear serial communication interfaces
Time Synchronization Digital input based synchronization
Output Contacts Three normally open power output contacts
Typical Applications

ABB REM610 is suitable for protection and monitoring of:

Industrial induction motors
Pumps
Fans and blowers
Compressors
Conveyors
Crushers
Auxiliary motors in power plants
Process industry motor feeders

Typical industries include:

Power generation
Oil & gas
Chemical processing
Water treatment
Mining
Metals
Manufacturing plants
Protection Function Summary
Protection Function Purpose
Motor Start Supervision Prevents excessive starting stress
Thermal Overload Protects against motor overheating
Overcurrent Detects abnormal load currents
Short Circuit Provides fast fault clearance
Undercurrent Detects loss of mechanical load
Earth Fault Protects against insulation breakdown
Phase Unbalance Protects against negative sequence currents
Phase Reversal Prevents incorrect rotation