

Introduction
The ABB REB670 (1MRK002820-AC) Busbar Protection Relay is a high-speed intelligent electronic device (IED) designed for selective and ultra-fast protection of electrical busbar systems in medium, high, and extra-high voltage substations. It belongs to ABB’s Relion® 670 series, widely recognized for advanced digital protection, flexible configuration, and strong system reliability.
Engineered for critical power infrastructure, the REB670 ensures rapid fault detection and isolation, minimizing system disturbances and preventing widespread outages. It is a cornerstone solution in modern digital substations where protection speed and selectivity are essential for grid stability.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| Model | REB670 |
| Order Number | 1MRK002820-AC |
| Manufacturer | ABB (Hitachi Energy) |
| Product Type | Busbar Protection Relay (IED) |
| Series | Relion® 670 Series |
| Protection Function | Busbar differential protection |
| Zones Supported | Up to 6 protection zones |
| Busbar Configurations | Single, double, triple busbar systems |
| Fault Detection | Phase-to-phase, phase-to-earth, multi-phase faults |
| CT Inputs | Multi-channel scalable input architecture |
| Communication | IEC 61850, GOOSE, PRP/HSR |
| Control Functions | Breaker failure protection, bay control |
| Response Time | Millisecond-level fast tripping |
| Operating Voltage | 24–250 V DC (system dependent) |
| Operating Temperature | -25°C to +55°C |
| Mounting | 19-inch rack / substation panel |
| Weight | Approx. 5–10 kg (configuration dependent) |
Applications
The ABB REB670 is widely used in high-reliability power systems where busbar protection is critical:
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High-voltage and extra-high-voltage substations
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Power generation plants (thermal, hydro, nuclear)
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Industrial power distribution networks
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Grid interconnection substations
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Renewable energy integration substations
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Heavy industrial facilities with complex busbar systems
It ensures fast isolation of internal busbar faults, protecting critical assets such as transformers, switchgear, and transmission lines.
Advantages
The REB670 delivers ultra-fast and selective busbar fault protection, ensuring that only the faulty section is isolated while the rest of the system continues operating normally. This significantly improves system stability and reduces outage impact.
A key strength is its high adaptability to complex busbar configurations, including single, double, and breaker-and-a-half arrangements. This makes it suitable for both new installations and retrofitted substations.
Its advanced differential protection algorithm ensures high sensitivity and stability even in challenging fault conditions, including high-resistance faults and CT saturation scenarios.
The relay also supports IEC 61850-based digital communication, enabling seamless integration into modern smart grid architectures with fast peer-to-peer messaging (GOOSE) and redundant communication networks.
Additionally, built-in self-diagnostics and supervision functions continuously monitor internal health, improving system reliability and reducing maintenance downtime
Technical FAQs
1. What is the main function of the REB670 relay?
It provides high-speed differential protection for electrical busbars in substations.
2. What types of busbars does it support?
Single, double, and triple busbar configurations with flexible arrangements.
3. What kind of faults can it detect?
Phase-to-phase, phase-to-earth, and multi-phase internal faults.
4. How fast is its protection response?
It operates in milliseconds for rapid fault clearance.
5. Does it support modern communication protocols?
Yes, it supports IEC 61850 with GOOSE messaging and redundancy options.
6. Can it be used in digital substations?
Yes, it is designed for IEC 61850-based digital substation environments.
7. What is its main advantage in substations?
Fast and selective fault isolation to prevent wide-area outages.
8. Does it include self-diagnostics?
Yes, it continuously monitors internal hardware and analog channels.
9. What industries use this relay?
Power utilities, transmission networks, and large industrial facilities.
10. Is it suitable for complex busbar systems?
Yes, it supports up to six protection zones and complex configurations.