Hitachi Energy has expanded the REF650, a dedicated medium-voltage multi-function protection relay. Unlike broad-spectrum platforms, the REF650 optimizes complex protection schemes enabling value added feeder and transformer applications and now adds Distance and Cap Bank protection. The REF650 offers 3U ½, 3U 1/1, and 6U½ form factors, 7″ color touch screen, modular expansion with software-settable 1A/5A current inputs. A key differentiator: native compliance with IEC 61850 Edition 2.1 and IEC 62351 cybersecurity standards, including Role-based Access Control. Supports IEC61869-9 profiles (F4000/F4800), features 4.8 kHz integrated disturbance recorder and advanced directional earth-fault algorithms. With advanced secure communications and scalable I/O, the REF650 supports industry efforts to manage increasingly dynamic distribution grids heavily penetrated by distributed energy resources.
