SMC Mentor-12 Universal Relay Testing System

SMC Mentor-12 Universal Relay Testing System ×

Stand alone functionality, without PC Easy and Intuitive touch screen UP TO 12 Currents and up to 6 voltages Modular concept, Adapted to user needs Voltages convertible to current Advanced Built-In Test Tools Modular construction, User-replaceable Plug & Play amplifier modules Field upgradable from 6 up to 12 power outputs, at any time, to test any type of protection scheme

INNOVATION

The new Mentor 12 universal platform revolutionizes the traditional relay testing concepts. With more than 25 years in designing and developing test equipment, EuroSMC has launched a product which exceeds the expectations of the most demanding professionals in this field.

The Mentor 12 has everything you need to test relays of any type, including the routine procedures and results saved in memory by the user for later repetition and reference. No external computer is required, except for existing and upcoming remote control applications that are not part of the built- in software. Also incorporated is an auxiliary voltage supply source to energize the relay under test when required.

Based on the success obtained from the PTE family of relay testing products, EuroSMC has equipped the Mentor 12 with a fast, powerful yet simple manual control interface that allows the expert user to verify the response of any relay in seconds. For the more complex or repetitive jobs, however, a full set of pre-defined, fully configurable test tools will assist the operator for an efficient, safe and error-free testing.

Your Mentor 12 will never become obsolete because all its functional elements are completely programmable. You can upgrade its software over the internet and install plug-and-play hardware options with no external assistance.

Ultra-compact output amplifiers, energy saving system, self-regulated ventilation, automatic auto-resetting protections with dynamic status reports, safety indicators, etc., we have charged the Mentor 12 with state-of-the-art features to keep it in perfect shape and ready at all times.
 

COMTRADE transient playback ×

Low Level Outputs, USB and Ethernet connections ×

Combining two voltage channels in series ×

POWER

A state-of-the-art, fully programmable digital waveform generation engine constitutes the heart of the Mentor 12. It is able to control twelve independent low-level signal paths to the output section, producing extremely accurate signals with a 3-kHz bandwidth. These signals are driven to the output amplifiers for a stable, distortion-free 100 VA testing power. Prior to being amplified, these signals are also available at the low-level output connectors to test and calibrate transducers, energy meters and sensor- or Rogowski coil-based protective relays, as well as to be externally amplified for applications that require greater current or voltage limits.

The output amplifiers of the Mentor 12 deliver a stable and efficient output, with a power curve adapted to the most demanding test conditions. The unit can be charged with up to 6 current and 6 voltage amplifiers, each of which supply top-quality 100 VA/W permanent power simultaneously. The resulting 1,200 VA power allows for the complete three-phase testing of two relays at the same time, including the logical scheme and messaging functions, simulated and recorded by the 8 binary outputs and 12 inputs available in the Mentor 12.

FLEXIBILITY You might not need twelve channels right now. Start with a smaller configuration and add more channels when you need them. The Mentor 12’s amplifiers are plug and play. You just remove the unit’s side cover, slide the amplifier(s) in, turn the unit on and continue working. The new amplifiers will be recognized and added to all the test and configuration screens by the Mentor 12 automatically. POWER OUTPUTS CONFIGURATION

Regardless the number of amplifiers in your Mentor 12, you can also combine them in series and in parallel to attain greater voltage and current levels. The output configuration screen displays a menu with all the possible combinations and a visual guide to help you at connecting the relay. There is no need to calculate partial current, voltage or phase angle values as the Mentor 12 manages and shows each group of combined channels as if it were a single "virtual" one.

Furthermore, each voltage amplifier can be switched to current mode by a simple touch on the configuration screen. This feature allows, for example, to convert a Mentor 12 3v3i (3 voltage + 3 current channels) to a six-current test set when the need for testing three-phase differential relay arises.

Low Level Outputs and superimposed harmonics for every source can also be activated in this control. You can accurately measure the output from a transducer, an energy meter or any other measurement device by connecting it to the analogue or binary inputs while injecting known quantities with the Mentor 12.

PRODUCTIVITY

The Mentor 12's human interface is organized to complete the job safely and accurately in the shortest possible time. Locating the necessary controls and the relevant test information will take just a few seconds to the untrained expert. The Basic Control panel has been designed especially for him. Adjusting a few values and testing a handful of trip points in the relay is a snap, thanks to the touch- sensitive panel and the rotary knob. There is no need to even look at the relay, as its response is displayed on the control screen in real time.

The Mentor 12 includes the transient fault Playback as standard. You only need to copy your COMTRADE files into a USB Pendrive, plug it into the unit and press Playback. If you want, you can assign each current and voltage signal in the recording to specific current and voltage channels for the playback. You can map the recorded binary information and the response of the relay to any of the binary outputs and inputs in the Mentor 12. You can also discard the unneeded signal’s sections or adjust the best transformation ratio for the playback. Press Playback to examine the streamed signals and the relay’s reactions in the screen.
 
COMPLETE CONTROL

The MENTOR 12 is the most advanced three-phase relay test set available for type and field testing of electro-mechanical and digital protections of any kind, in traditional or IEC-61850 based substations, providing the most complete and straightforward Manual Control of the market.

The optimized Basic Control Panel refers to the control of the equipment in Manual Mode for total control over all its functions: The MENTOR 12's standard equipment build up one of the most advanced basic configurations available on the market for quick, simple and easy testing, for both commissioning and maintenance, without the need of any PC.

MODULARITY

One of the biggest advantages of the MENTOR 12 is the "plug & play" modularity. New amplifiers connected by the user are automatically recognized and added to all the test and configuration screens by the MENTOR 12, with no software adjustment. User can start with a basic 6- channel unit –or even lower- and add more channels later on. The plug and play technology makes adding or replacing channels an easy operation, with no need to return the unit to the factory. It allows to have spare amplifiers, to be inserted in MENTOR 12 equipment with smaller channel configurations, or exchanged among units, providing at the same time a lower maintenance cost. Regarding replacement modules, contact us for more details on our unique Mentor Express Service.

The outstanding number of power outputs available in the Mentor 12 allow for endless combinations, which along with the serial or parallel connection of the output channels, extends the application field of the test set even to great power demanding electro-mechanical type relays.

Mentor works on a Windows® CE platform which is configured to preserve the applications and data against the typical maintenance and security problems of personal computers, avoiding its disadvantages, but also keeping the unit up to date, with automatic and safe internet upgrading.
 

Fault Function	Fault Execution	Ramp Setup

Dual Ramps Execution	Pulse Ramp Function

ADVANCED TEST FUNCTIONS

The most complete Built-in Test functions, with on-screen graphic configuration, to carry out typical test for protection relays and protection schemes. These tests allows determining the state of the relay and obtaining readings and results of different relay parameters under different test conditions, configured by the user. A Logger is available for all functions, to carry out an in-depth study of the performance of the relay tested throughout the function.

Fault Function: This three-state function allows the user to set a complete simple fault and execute the prefault, fault and postfault values, including duration of the states, logic I/O states, and trip conditions. The fault execution displays the progress timeline and test results in graphical and numeric mode, including the trip time and end function time.

Ramp Function: Single and Double Ramps, upward or downward ramps, of any output parameter on the MENTOR 12 can be programmed and executed. Ramp function operation is provided for finding limiting values, such as pick-up and drop-off. The linear ramp is the best way of handling parameters such as the Phase Angle, Voltage and Frequency, especially the latter, as the real performance of these parameters can be reproduced with great precision.

The flexibility of this module allows two synchronized simultaneous ramps of different variables, each one applied to different types of output quantities. For example, one ramp moving the Voltage and the other moving the Current (Impedance ramp), or applied to the same selected output source. For example one ramp moving the voltage and the other moving the frequency at the same time ( V/Hz variation ramp).

After ramp and trip conditions are set, the test progress is displayed in an oscillographic fashion, with electrical values evolving along the ramp and trip events being stamped on the timeline as they take place. Relay trip time, trip value and duration of the test are displayed, and test repetition can also be performed if desired, or with different conditions. At the end of a test, user can type a name and a brief description and save it for future use. Since storage takes place on removable USB pendrives, the capacity is unlimited, and it also provides a way to create a collection of automatic test routines.

Pulse Ramp Function: It is a way of carrying out a Fault ramp, each state with its pre-fault and its fault. The basic difference is that instead of continuously increasing the magnitude, a preset condition state occurs between consecutive pulses. This function is preferably used when instantaneous or defined time values are sought in Overcurrent elements, as it enables to inject a high current value during a specified time and return to low current conditions or even non-existing current conditions between each programmed pulse, thus eliminating the possibility of damaging the relay tested.

It is also very useful to verify trip setting values in protection zones, as we can enter the zone for a defined time and exit it without causing the other slower zones to trip.

The information about the number of steps (increases) and the total function length (in milliseconds) appears automatically calculated in the screen, as in the ramp function.

Binary Search Function, unlike the ramps, the Binary Search does not use a fixed increase value, as it adapts to different values to make an effective search. The Binary Search function is designed to cover the circumstance when you do not know the trip value or even, to verify a known trip value carrying out the test in a different way.

State Sequencer Function: The State Sequencer is a very flexible test module to test protection schemes, since it allows programming a sequence of all the outputs available on the MENTOR, analog or binary, as you desire, in a logical sequence of states. The  State Sequencer is used to test protection functions that are closely connected to times and actions dependent on each other, such as reclosing cycles, protection schemes with segregated or selective trips, sending orders and signals to other protections, communication schemes, etc. To use this function it is important to study the data contained in the Logger in detail as well as their correlation with the changes in state, depending on what the protection or scheme tested are expected to do under the injected conditions. Within one state, all configured test signals (voltage and current outputs) of the test device can be set independently in amplitude, phase, and frequency.
 

Binary Search	State Sequencer Function	COMTRADE Transient Playback

Results Manager	Measurement Settings

Fault Playback: This function allow the playback of COMTRADE fault description files, both binary and ASCII, according to IEEE STD C37.111-1999. This is very useful to analyze the protection's behavior against a previously recorded fault, or a simulated fault (from network simulation programs), reproducing this transient faults recordings at a specific sampling frequency.

COMTRADE files can be directly read from a USB pendrive, select the section to be played and analyze the response of the relay at the binary inputs in the MENTOR 12. User can edit and discard the unneeded signal’s sections or adjust the best transformation ratio for the playback.

This makes it possible to check if the relay's reaction differs between the recording and its behavior during playback, and also to analyze how other protection device operates under the same conditions. If the GPS option is installed, it is possible to synchronize the file playback through this external time reference.

OTHER SOFTWARE ELEMENTS

Results Manager: This module allows saving both the test results and configuration of Advanced test functions, so that they can be repeated as desired. Results are saved in a USB pendrive.

The system can save as many tests as needed in Report files, being a way to automate tests for specific relays. The reports can be displayed on the PC, exported and/or printed, using the Report Viewer for Windows, which is included as standard in every MENTOR.

After any advanced function test, we can add the results to any existing report, with a new name for this test and a description. The test is recorded with date and time and the function type. The saved collection of user-defined and customized test routines will provide a valuable asset of ready-to-use test tools for each relay type and protective function. The user only needs to choose one from the list in the Results Manager and press Execute.

Binary Inputs Configuration: The MENTOR 12 has 12 (Logic) Binary Inputs grouped together in 6 isolated pairs, in order to be able to detect the behavior of the logic outputs of the relay or protection scheme that is being tested. The Binary Inputs can be configured to detect both Dry Contact operation signals, or Wet Contacts, that is, a signal with voltage applied to them (1.5 or 15V threshold up to 400V pk ac or dc). Each Binary Input can be programmed to be active High or Active Low (NO, NC).

Binary Outputs Configuration: There are 8 Binary (Logic) Outputs in the MENTOR 12, in order to be able to program their behavior so the action of devices in the protection scheme that is being tested can be simulated. Each Binary Output can be configured as: Relay /Open Collector, and NO/NC mode.

Binary I/O Monitor: The MENTOR 12 is permanently monitoring the Binary Inputs states, and reflecting any change at both the screens of test results and in the Logger; furthermore, the user can also monitor on-screen any status change of all the Binary Inputs at any time, which facilitate testing and verifying the relay's reaction during the test execution.

Similarly, Binary Outputs status is displayed on the screen, monitoring the pre-programmed activity of them at any of the functions; besides that, the user can also activate or deactivate manually any of the Binary Outputs, if required by the simulated protection scheme, from the Binary Outputs control on the main screen.

Meter & Measuring: Measurement configuration section to configure the settings for analog and binary measurement. This functionality, specifically designed to test transducers with analog output in VDC or mA DC or counters with analog or digital output by pulses, makes the conversion from the magnitude measured at the input (V, mA, Pulses) to the units that are assumed to be the nominal ones of the element to be tested (V, A, KVA, Kw, Kvar, Kw, time, etc) entering the ratio between both. Optical scanning heads for capturing pulses emitted by the energy meters (non-visible infrared LED and visible) are optional accessories available. The multifunction display in the main control panel shows the values measured in the analog input and binary input in real time.

Logger: Automatic recording available in MENTOR 12, where any event is registered, such as the activation of the outputs, and changes at the binary inputs and outputs. The events listing are displayed with the time recorded for each, to correctly analyze the performance of the relay.
 

Timer Settings	Binary Input Selection and Trip Mode	Binary Inputs Configuration

Internet Upgrading	States Sequence with GPS

Timer Settings: Timer start and stop conditions can be quickly adjusted to the test needs. The timer can be programmed to start by the status changes in the Power Outputs, by the action of a Binary Input combination, or by the status change of any Binary Output. Timer stops by the trip action at the Binary Input logic, which setting is straightforward selected. After the stop of the timer, voltage and/or current outputs can be immediately switched off or delayed to simulate switch time. A countdown timer can also be programmed to stop the outputs or to load the previous state with the desired time in milliseconds.

Battery Simulator: The MENTOR 12 has a built-in battery simulator up to 250 Vdc, which must be used to supply the relays being tested and which require an auxiliary power supply. The Battery Simulator control is available in all the accessible function screens.

Internet upgrading and Maintenance: the MENTOR 12 will never become obsolete because all its functional elements are completely programmable. The user can upgrade its software over the internet and install plug-and-play hardware options with no external assistance. All hardware and software configurations can be updated by internet. The user enjoys free updates of new features and modules made by EuroSMC.

Harmonics: set of controls to easily regulate different harmonics contents in the voltage and/or current channels. The control allows selecting the desired Harmonic (2 to 33 in 60 Hz base frequency and 2 to 40 in 50 HZ base frequency) for the channel group. On each channel it is possible to regulate both the harmonic content in percentage and the angle where it is going to be inserted into the fundamental waveform.  The possibility to work with the two parameters makes possible to generate with the desired Crest Factor (also called Form Factor), which is important mainly in testing old electromechanical and electronic analog relays, which are sensitive to this parameter.

Cape Test files converter: Now all the EuroSMC's MENTOR 12 users may convert the Cape SS1 files into a file directly readable from a USB pendrive by the MENTOR 12 test set, and perform the test in few seconds by using the EuroSMC's CAPE SS1 to MENTOR converter software, which allow the user to directly download the sequence values into the States Sequencer and perform the test immediately. The States Sequencer may be triggered either manually or through the GPS or IRIG-B time synchronized options available for the MENTOR 12 unit, making an ideal tool for End-to-End testing. The Cape software is a popular program for network simulation and shorcircuit analysis, which allow the user to calculate the fault values in a network point and make possible to obtain a file which contains all the information of the prefault, fault and post fault values and the duration of each state. It is also possible to obtain a full states sequence corresponding to a reclosing cycle.

IEC-61850– GOOSE module: MENTOR 12 is IEC-61850 compatible. The option MENTOR IEC 61850 is a GOOSE Messages Interface Board which consists in a plug & play electronic board that installs into the Control Bus of any MENTOR 12. The configuration software tool is included in the MENTOR 12 internal software, avoiding the use of an external computer, and allows to subscribe/publish the GOOSE messages.

This option works through the RJ-45 connector, which connects with the IEC-61850 bus and use the information contained in the GOOSE messages as logic inputs and also it is able to broadcast GOOSE messages that acts as logic outputs, exactly in the same way that the current MENTOR 12 electrical I/O works, but avoiding the wiring of the I/O to the relay inputs and outputs. The IEC 61850 option can be installed in any existing or future MENTOR 12.

MENTOR-GPS/IRIG-B: The MENTOR 12 equipment allows for this synchronism by the use of two alternatives of very precise time reference inputs: GPS and IRIG/B. It requires the installation of the corresponding Printed Circuit Board. GPS and IRIG/B boards are plug & play; once the hardware has been detected and the signal is received, the unit is in disposition to initiate a state sequence or execute a COMTRADE file in a previously defined instant with a precision of microseconds. User can upgrade the MENTOR 12 with these optional boards at any time by themselves, without needing to send back the unit to factory.
 

Device Panel	Test List Screen	Test Screen	Test Report

ROOTS RELAY TESTING SOFTWARE

ROOTS (Relay Object-Oriented Test System) provides the best solution to the testing of today’s multifunctional IEDs by performing accurate fault calculation, sequential test execution, and reporting automatically.

ROOTS is an optional product for PC-operation of SMC’s MENTOR 12 and TRES relay test sets.

ROOTS is developed using the latest Microsoft .NET® technology and is available for 32-bit and 64- bit Windows XP, or later platforms.

ROOTS implements a friendly, intuitive interface, for the quick and accurate configuration of all equipment features, device settings, test modules, test results, reports, and the permanent storage in a database. Test routines and report definitions are saved according to a simple hierarchy that is flexible and easy to understand. The user can create any number of test databases and each database is organized by Devices (IED); several Test Modules can be added to every Device, protection-specific modules, such as Distance or Overcurrent, or RIO files modules. Each module contains a test kit with test routines (click sequence, search, reclosing, breaker failure, etc) that can be used right off-the- box or quickly and easily customized to the user’s needs. In summary, substation/s overall test procedures can easily be built, can be repeated for maintenance testing, and also used as templates for similar substations with minimum adjustments, which saves considerable time.