06/09/2021 ABB Limited (Zurich)

As the power grid evolves, the REX610 is designed to simplify the protection and control of basic power distribution applications.

With global energy consumption expected to almost double by 2050[1], electricity distribution networks continue to grow in size and complexity. In response, ABB is launching a new addition to its Relion® product family designed to support safe, smart and sustainable electrification. With innovative simplicity, REX610 facilitates the protection of networks, industrial processes and people.

The REX610 builds on ABB’s strong heritage of freely configurable multifunctional relays and proven protection algorithms to create a simple and innovative solution that provides optimal protection for all basic power distribution applications.

Alessandro Palin, President of ABB’s Distribution Solutions division, said: “The demand for energy is increasing along with the need for greater reliability and availability of energy supply. This requires innovative and scalable technology, as well as adaptability and a willingness to meet changing market and network demands. Designed to adapt to the needs of evolving power grids and to the society of tomorrow, the REX610 meets all these requirements to make it a flexible and sustainable choice.

Innovative simplicity is at the heart of the REX610. It is a pure plug-and-play solution with installed hardware modules unlocking all available functionality. The REX610 is the first all-in-one protection relay to support all basic power distribution applications with just six variants, making it easy to order, set up, operate and maintain. To save even more time and money, the low number of variants also allows the storage of spare modules and units for quick replacements and changing project requirements.

Its modular and scalable design makes it easy to create a single protection solution, and the wide range of default features, including communication options, allow easy modifications without additional costs or hardware changes.

The REX610 is scalable for a scalable network. As the market evolves and requirements change, modules can be easily added, removed or replaced without the need to change the entire relay. Modular hardware allows modifications at any time, throughout the lifecycle, even years after installation. To minimize costly downtime, the innovative, withdrawable plug-in unit ensures quick and easy installation, maintenance and testing, as well as quick replacement and repairs.

To better support changing network requirements, new developments are accessible through firmware updates. Access to the latest versions of ABB’s protection algorithms will ensure optimal protection and control solutions, while the new protection functionality opens up the possibility of new applications. The wide range of default features allow users to adapt to changing protection, communication and network requirements, accessible through ABB’s relay setup and configuration tool, PCM600.

Fully IEC 61850 compliant, the REX610 enables communication and interoperability between substation automation devices and various intelligent services, such as those in the ABB Ability ™ platform, now and in the years to come.

REX610 offers full life cycle services for optimal future use and extended device life. This ensures safe, reliable and cost effective protection solutions with predictable maintenance costs. Services include a web-based data sharing and backup service, ABB Ability ™ Backup Management for Electrical Systems – Data Care. This allows secure online storage and easy sharing of protection relay technical information. Data Care is also where all firmware updates will be accessible.

For the retrofit market, ABB has also developed a tailor-made adapter to allow quick and easy replacement of ABB’s SPACOM relays with REX610 relays. With over 700,000 ABB SPACOM relays installed worldwide, dating back to the 1980s, the upgrade adapter provides a simple way to easily upgrade the protection and control system to meet changing energy demand requirements. future.

ABB will launch the REX610 with a virtual event on May 18, 2021, during which ABB Electrification’s Chief Technology Officer, Amina Hamidi, will deliver a keynote address on “Innovation for Greener, Smarter Electrification of the Future”.

The REX610 will go on sale later in 2021.

[1] EIA predicts nearly 50% increase in global energy consumption by 2050, driven by growth in Asia – Today in Energy – US Energy Information Administration (EIA)

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