ABB REC670 1MRK002814-AB Bay Control & Protection IED

Description

Product Model: ABB REC670 1MRK002814-AB
Product Brand: ABB
Product Series: Relion® 670 / Bay Control IED Series

Product Features:

• Integrated bay protection, control, and monitoring for substations
• Full IEC-61850 support (GOOSE messaging, sampled values)
• Modular I/O, switchgear control, interlocking, and synchronization functions
• Broad communication protocol compatibility (DNP3, Modbus, IEC 60870-5-103)

Applications & Industry Context

In modern power systems, the boundary between protection and automation is increasingly blurred. Substations today must not only detect faults but also react, coordinate, and communicate. The ABB REC670 1MRK002814-AB is engineered precisely for that “all-in-one” role: managing protection, control, and monitoring functions at the bay level while integrating seamlessly into digital grid architectures.

This IED is often found in medium- to high-voltage substations, utility distribution systems, industrial power centers, and renewable energy installations. When a fault occurs—whether a short circuit, earth fault, or abnormal voltage condition—the REC670 acts swiftly to isolate the faulted section and ensure reliable system operation continues elsewhere.

One reasons engineers choose the REC670 series is its flexibility in wiring schemes. Whether a bay is wired in a single-bus, double-bus, or 1.5 circuit-breaker configuration, the 1MRK002814-AB variant can adapt through configurable interlocking and control logic. In fact, its documentation mentions broad support from low-voltage to ultra-high-voltage levels (up to ~400 kV) depending on system needs.

Its role extends beyond mere protection: it acts as a communications node, pushing event logs, disturbance records, and status updates to SCADA systems or substation automation platforms. In an era of smart grids, that dual function is essential.

Technical Features & Benefits

Modular I/O & Configurable Functions

The ABB REC670 1MRK002814-AB is built on a modular hardware design. Users can select the combination of binary inputs/outputs, analog inputs, and switchgear control modules to match exactly the bay’s requirements. That flexibility helps reduce over-spec’ing hardware or spending on unused capacity.

Switchgear Control & Interlocking

Beyond protection, the module provides direct control over circuit breakers, disconnectors, and grounding switches. Interlocking logic (mechanical and logical) is built in, ensuring safe switching sequences. The device also supports synchronization checks and arm/disarm logic for complex switching operations.

Protection Functions, Redundancy & Safety

While the primary role is bay control, the 1MRK002814-AB variant includes protection and auxiliary functions like overcurrent, voltage protection, and failure backup. These features bolster safety without needing a separate protection relay in every case.

Communication Protocol & IEC 61850 Integration

A major selling point is its full support for IEC 61850, including GOOSE messaging for fast peer-to-peer control. It also handles legacy protocols such as IEC 60870-5-103, DNP3, and Modbus, which is vital when integrating into heterogeneous substation networks.

Redundant Ethernet (PRP/HSR) and time synchronization (SNTP / PTP) align the device with stringent substation automation requirements. The communication stack’s flexibility ensures long-term relevancy as grid architectures evolve.

Fault Recording & Diagnostics

When an event occurs, the REC670 captures disturbance waveforms, sequence-of-operations, and time-tagged events. This data helps engineers analyze fault causes and system responses—but also supports predictive maintenance operations.

Continuous self-diagnostics monitor internal components, CT/VT inputs, memory health, and communication errors. In case of internal anomalies, the device generates alarms before they escalate.

Rugged, Grid-Grade Design

Because it resides in harsh electrical environments, the REC670 1MRK002814-AB is engineered to resist electromagnetic interference, wide temperature swings, vibration, and harsh ambient conditions. The device is rated for wide operating temperature ranges (–25 °C to +70 °C in some sources) and supports wide DC/AC auxiliary voltage ranges.

Technical Specifications (Compiled & Estimated)

Below is a synthesized specification table based on available sources. Some values are typical or inferred; always refer to ABB’s official documentation for final design.

Installation & Maintenance Insights

Installation Considerations

• Ensure power is completely isolated before mounting.
• Use proper grounding and terminal labeling to avoid mis-wiring.
• Plan communication network settings (VLAN, IP, redundancy) before physical wiring.
• Verify correct CT/VT ratios and settings during configuration via PCM600 or equivalent tool.
• Allow adequate ventilation and spacing inside panels to maintain thermal performance.

Commissioning & Configuration
Using ABB’s PCM600 (Protection & Control IED Manager), engineers load settings, test logic, and validate GOOSE messaging or interlocking schemes. Predefined templates for common bay layouts (single-bus, double-bus, etc.) often accelerate the commissioning process.

Maintenance & Diagnostics

• Periodically review event logs, waveform captures, and self-diagnostics for abnormal conditions.
• Clean dust from vents and confirm terminal screw torque annually.
• Backup configuration and firmware images before any update.
• In redundant communication networks, test link failover to ensure PRP/HSR operation remains intact.

Because the device includes built-in self-supervision, many internal faults are detected and raised in advance—reducing surprises. The modular design also allows replacement of I/O boards or communication modules with minimal disruption.

Applications in Practice

• Utility Substations: As the main bay controller, handling breaker logic, data delivery, and protection coordination.
• Industrial Power Systems: In large plants, to protect feeders, manage switchgear, and interface with SCADA.
• Renewables / Grid Intertie: At wind or solar power plants connecting to substations, fulfilling protection and control roles.
• Smart Grid / Automation Projects: Where IEC 61850, GOOSE, and networked control are required for real-time responsiveness and interoperability.

Its modularity means that the 1MRK002814-AB variant can be tailored to small bay installations or multi-interval schemes within a large substation, adapting to changes in system topology over time.

Warranty & Support

Most sellers of REC670 1MRK002814-AB offer a 12-month standard warranty (typical for ABB devices) for defects in materials or workmanship. Some distributors also advertise this warranty explicitly.

ABB’s global support includes:

• Technical documentation (product guides, manuals) available via ABB/Hitachi Energy portals
• Firmware and software updates (for PCM600, IED connectivity)
• On-site commissioning and consulting support via ABB-certified partners
• Spare-part logistics and cross-referencing for legacy systems

Because the REC670 is part of ABB’s long-term product lines, users can expect ongoing support, migration paths, and compatibility across future substation upgrades.

Engineer’s Perspective & Use Observations

From experience working with protective relays, the REC670 1MRK002814-AB variant is often appreciated for its balance of capability and configurability. It avoids over-complexity by letting engineers select just the I/O needed, rather than forcing all bays to carry unused modules.

One common field feedback is that GOOSE-based interlocking and control logic reduces hardwired relay-to-relay links, simplifying engineering and reducing wiring errors. In one retrofit project, replacing multiple discrete relays with REC670 modules cut wiring complexity and improved response times.

Another advantage is its diagnostics: many faults are flagged internally (CT loss, input trouble, memory issues) long before they escalate, allowing preventive maintenance rather than reactive emergency fixes.

In redundant network environments (PRP/HSR), its behavior under network failure is reliable—many users cite that the bay continues operating even during partial communication drops, maintaining control and safety locally.

Related Models & Variants

• ABB REC670 1MRK511227-UEN – Another version of bay control in the same 670 series
• ABB REL670 – Line protection IED (distance protection) often paired with REC670 in transmission projects
• ABB REB670 – Busbar differential protection IED within the same family
• ABB RET670 – Transformer protection IED
• ABB REG670 – Generator protection and control IED
• ABB RED670 – Line differential / pilot protection relay
• ABB REX670 – Low-voltage feeder protection variant