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Modern power systems have several measurement devices for reliable, safe, and improved operation and control. Due to the high infiltration of inverter‐based resources, protecting modern power systems has become challenging. This paper proposes a new protection scheme based on the computation of 'discrepant impedance' using real‐time protocol services for data exchange. The sampled values of voltages and currents are transmitted to a central processing unit to implement the protection scheme. With the development of digital instrument transformers (IEC 61869‐9), the current and voltage samples are directly interfaced wired or wirelessly to the IEC 61850‐9‐2 process bus. The proposed protection scheme is validated with grid forming and grid following inverters on Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions (CERTS) microgrid network using a real‐time digital simulator. The protection scheme is independent of the type of energy sources and their control philosophy, operation modes and topology of the microgrid network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breaker failure (BF) protection provides backup for circuit breakers (CBs) and associated control wiring. Traditionally, CBs are not duplicated, but monitored by BF relays when ordered to trip. Upon a failure of a breaker to interrupt the current, the BF relay opens adjacent breakers to isolate the problem. The total trip time under a BF condition is often tightly fit into the critical fault clearance time as determined by system stability. With narrow stability limits in today's power systems, coordination margins for the operation of BF functions are becoming scarce. This imposes a requirement for the fast reset time of BF protection. In its first part, this paper presents a novel algorithm for numerical current-based BF function with a fast 0.5-cycle reset time even under severe subsidence current. In the second part, the paper addressed the problem of fast and secure recognition of binary inputs for both BF initiation and BF detection based on the auxiliary breaker contacts. This novel algorithm works with analog representation of binary signals and provides security under induced transients, battery ground faults, and other interfering events. Index Terms--Battery ground faults, breaker failure (BF) initiate, breaker failure (BF) protection, contact bouncing, contact oxidation, debouncing, subsidence current, switching transients.

A new approach is proposed to solve the directional overcurrent relay coordination problem, which arises from installing distributed generation (DG) in looped power delivery systems (PDS). This approach involves the implementation of a fault current limiter (FCL) to locally limit the DG fault current, and thus restore the original relay coordination. The proposed restoration approach is carried out without altering the original relay settings or disconnecting DGs from PDSs during fault. Therefore, it is applicable to both the current practice of disconnecting DGs from PDSs, and the emergent trend of keeping DGs in PDSs during fault. The process of selecting FCL impedance type (inductive or resistive) and its minimum value is illustrated. Three scenarios are discussed: no DG, the implementation of DG with FCL and without FCL. Various simulations are carried out for both single- and multi-DG existence, and different DG and fault locations. The obtained results are reported and discussed. Index Terms--Directional overcurrent relay coordination, distributed generation (DG), fault current limiter (FCL), looped power delivery system (PDS), short-circuit analysis.

This paper presents a comparative study of the performance of distance relays for transmission lines compensated by shunt connected flexible ac transmission system (FACTS) controllers/devices. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of various distance protection schemes on transmission lines with shunt-FACTS devices applied for midpoint voltage control. The impact of two types of shunt FACTS devices, static var compensator (SVC) and static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) on the transmission line distance protection schemes is studied for different fault types, fault locations and system conditions. The power system elements and the shunt-FACTS devices with their associated controllers are modeled using RSCAD/RTDS software. The results are based on the performance of commercial distance relays using a real time digital simulator (RTDS). Index Terms--Distance channel aided schemes, distance protection relay, flexible ac transmission system (FACTS), power system protection, real time digital simulator, shunt compensation, static synchronous compensator (STATCOM), static var compensator (SVC).

With the publishing of IEC 61850, the global communication standard for substation automation system (SAS), interoperability issue between intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) from different venders has been resolved. However, the overall performance and extensibility of this communication network are still left unanswered. This paper introduces the modeling technique of IED generic models and the setup of a research platform for resolving those issues using the OPNET Modeler. These configurable IED models allow the engineers to easily build SAS network model with different topologies for all kinds of substations so that the dynamic performance issues could be studied and rules could be developed to guide the SAS network planning and design. Some examples of using those models to construct SAS network as well as the network performance simulation results are also included in this paper. Index Terms--Generic models, IEC 61850, intelligent electronic device (IED), OPNET Modeler, substation automation system (SAS).

In this paper, a new system splitting scheme based on the unified stability control framework is proposed. Compared with the conventional system splitting scheme, the new method is much more effective under complicated oscillation scenarios. Under the unified stability control framework, different emergency control measures can be evaluated and compared with each other. The system splitting strategy will be applied to the system only when the analysis shows that the splitting is necessary or reasonable. Related algorithms are described in detail in this paper. The advantages and effectiveness of the new scheme can be justified through the testing cases. Index Terms--Complementary-cluster center-of-inertia relative motion (CCCOI-RM) transform, controlling group, emergency control, system splitting, transient stability margin.

In this paper, a study conducted to analyze the factors influencing the current transformer (CT) dimensioning for numerical relays is presented. The study identifies the factors contributing to the CT dimensioning. It analyzes the influence of system parameters on the dimensioning factor and also identifies the critical applications and conditions that determine the CT dimensioning. The errors introduced in phasor estimation of saturated current signals are also described in this study. Index Terms--Current transformer (CT), CT saturation, discrete Fourier transform (DFT), knee point voltage, numerical relays, phasor estimation, remanent flux, steady-state error, transient error.

In this paper, a comprehensive analysis of the impact of series capacitor on the performance of communication-aided distance protection schemes of transmission lines is presented. It is shown that not only the series capacitor and its overvoltage protection affect the distance protection of its line, but also the adjacent lines would experience protection problems. Mitigation of this problem is proposed by using new communication-aided schemes. The proposed schemes use the information available at the substation to inhibit relay malfunctions. The performance of the techniques is studied for different series capacitor locations in the transmission line. Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) and four sophisticated commercial relays are used for testing. The results verify the impact of series capacitor on the conventional communication-aided schemes and also the effectiveness of the proposed methods. Index Terms--Communication-aided distance schemes, pilot relaying systems, power system protection, protective relaying, series capacitor, series compensated line.

Motor bus transfer involves the process of transferring a bus that has several critical motors to an alternate source of power when the main power source feeding them is interrupted. Bus transfer is a time-critical application in which the transfer process depends on various parameters such as the type of motor, load on the motor at the time of transfer, the inertia of the motor, and the combined open-circuit time constant of the various motors present in the bus at the time of transfer. A new high-speed bus-transfer scheme is presented in this paper, which determines the type of bus transfer possible based on the first one cycle of voltage information available from the motor bus after it is interrupted. A new algorithm is proposed to predict the open-circuit time constant of the combined motors within one cycle of interruption of the motor bus. Based on the predicted open-circuit time constant and the alternate source circuit breaker-closing time, the algorithm determines if a high-speed bus transfer is possible for that bus. If a high-speed bus transfer is not possible, the scheme determines effectively the next possible type of bus transfer, which is an in-phase transfer or residual voltage transfer based on user settings. The performance of the scheme for a typical thermal power plant, a cogeneration plant, and a nuclear power plant auxiliary is shown in this paper. Index Terms--Automatic bus transfer, fast bus transfer, intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), residual voltage transfer.

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the impact of TCSC on the protection of transmission lines. The TCSC is considered as a dynamical device and its transient process is modeled in order to have the response to disturbances based on its own control strategy. It is shown that not only the TCSC affects the protection of its line, but also the protection of adjacent lines would experience problems. The analysis is done first analytically by using simple models, then the power system and the protective relays are simulated in detail by Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS). Finally, the simulation results are validated by using a commercial relay. Index Terms--FACTS devices, power system protection, protective relaying, series compensation, thyristor controlled series capacitor (TCSC).

Data packets based high-speed digital communications have opened the door for new types of applications in power system protection and control. The main obstacle in adopting Ethernet-type networks for time-sensitive communications was the data transfer characteristic of these networks. With baud rates in the gigabit-per-second range, the industry has started adopting the Ethernet networks as a viable alternative, not only because of their lower cost. This paper presents an open-system approach in which protective hardware equipment is designed to work in a clustered environment, sharing resources, data, and diagnostic functions with similar units. The Ethernet network, being capable to accommodate transparently a wide range of protocols, is used to connect the protective hardware. A model was developed for the Ethernet network to be incorporated into the power system simulation. The characteristics required from a digital relaying algorithm to be able to work with signal samples sent across data packets based networks are described in this paper. The proposed solution is implemented using a modified adaptive least-square-error algorithm and tested on a protection system that was integrated into the power system model. Index Terms--Data communication, open systems, power system protection, power system relaying, protective relaying, sampled data systems.

This paper presents a study of the performance of distance protection relays when applied to protect shunt Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) compensated transmission lines. The objective of this study is to evaluate the performance of distance relays on transmission lines with FACTS devices applied for mid point voltage control. Effect of two types of shunt FACTS devices, Static Var Compensators (SVC) and Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOM) are studied. The study is conducted in three stages. First the situation is studied analytically, where the errors introduced in the impedance measurement due to the presence of shunt FACTS devices on the line are analyzed. In the second stage, the situation is simulated using transient simulation software, EMTDC. In this method, the response of FACTS devices for different fault conditions and system conditions is also modeled. This method brings out some unique problems that would be experienced by the distance relays due to some specific characteristics of the FACTS devices. Finally, the findings are confirmed by testing a commercial distance relay using a Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS). The results obtained by testing the commercial relay validate the analytical and simulation studies. Index Terms--Distance protection relay, flexible ac transmission system (FACTS), power system protection, real-time digital simulator (RTDS), shunt compensation, static synchronous compensators (STATCOM), static var compensators (SVC).

This paper presents a method for calculating zone-2 setting of distance relays without causing coordination problems. The proposed method is based on the impedance seen by distance relays when faults are simulated on the reach of zone-1 of primary relays for the maximum and minimum generation outputs of the power system. It is shown that the proposed method increases the reach of zone-2 relays without causing coordination problems. The proposed method is modified for use in an adaptive protection system. It is shown that further improvements can be achieved when settings are calculated using the proposed method and the prevailing system conditions. Measures to alleviate the impact of communication failure are discussed. The proposed method and its adaptive version were applied to an existing power system and some results are reported in the paper. Index Terms--Adaptive protection, backup relaying, distance relays, power system protection.

This paper describes the design, implementation and testing of an adaptive distance relay. The relay uses a fault detector to determine the inception of a fault and then uses data windows of appropriate length for estimating phasors and seen impedances. Hardware and software of the proposed adaptive relay are also described in this paper. The relay was tested using a model power system and a real-time playback simulator. Performance of the relay was compared with a fixed data window distance relay. Some results are reported in this paper. These results indicate that the adaptive distance relay provides faster tripping in comparison to the fixed data window distance relay. Index Terms--Adaptive relaying, distance relays, line protection, microprocessor-based relays.

This paper describes the development of a microprocessor based system, based on four different physical phenomena, for reliable and accurate detection and location of arcing in dry-type transformers. The proposed technique was tested for actual arcing, generated on a 15-kVA, 230/115-V Y/[DELTA] transformer enclosed in a 30' X 30' X 21' metallic enclosure. Some results showing the performance of the detection and location system are presented in the paper. The technique can be applied to detect arcing in metal-clad low-voltage/medium voltage switchgear, drives, gas insulated switchgear (GIS), generator bus-ducts, and other metal-clad electrical apparatus against arcing. Index Terms--Dry-type transformers, low-level arcing, on-line monitoring.

This paper describes the development of a multisensor device, based on four different physical phenomena, for reliable detection of low-level arcing faults in metal-clad switchgear. The proposed device was tested for actual arcing, generated on a low-voltage motor control center panel, feeding a dry type 15 kVA, 230/115 V Y/[DELTA] transformer. Some results showing the performance of the developed device are presented in the paper. The device can also be applied for detection of arcing in power electronic drives, dry type transformers, gas insulated switchgear, generator bus-ducts, and other metal-clad electrical apparatus. Index Terms--Arcing faults, metal-clad switchgear, multisensor-based protection.

This paper describes a laboratory which is used for conducting research and teaching in the area of microprocessor-based power system protection. The details of the facilities and their functions are presented. The use of the laboratory for specific research and teaching functions is outlined. Students' experiences with the use of the laboratory are also discussed.

The recent availability of Electromagnetic Transient Programs with graphical front ends now makes it possible to put together models for circuits and systems in a manner similar to the connection of components in a laboratory. In the past, the non-graphical EMT Programs required considerable expertise in their use and thus distracted the students into the details of simulation. The introduction of a graphical simulation based laboratory into Undergraduate and Graduate Engineering Programs is presented, based on the PSCAD/EMTDC program. The philosophy behind the design of suitable example cases is presented within the framework of an Undergraduate Power Electronics Course, an HVdc Transmission Course and a course on Power System Protection. Keywords: Electromagnetic Transients Simulation, Graphical User Interface (GUI), Power Systems Curricula, Power Electronics, HVDC Transmission, Power Systems Protection.

An adaptive system for protecting a distribution network should determine and implement relay settings that are most appropriate for the prevailing state of the power system. This paper presents a technique for determining coordinated relay settings. The technique uses the Simplex two-phase method; Phase I determines whether the constraints selected for illustrating the conditionality between primary and back up relays are feasible, and Phase II finds the optimal relay settings. A looped distribution system, protected by directional overcurrent relays, was used for testing the technique. The tests were conducted in a laboratory environment; some results from those tests are reported in the paper.

An adaptive loss evaluation algorithm for power transmission systems is proposed in this paper. The algorithm is based on training of artificial neural networks (ANNs) using backpropagation. Due to the capability of parallel information processing of the ANNs, the proposed method is fast and yet accurate. Active and reactive powers of generators and loads, as well as the magnitudes of voltages at voltage-controlled buses are chosen as inputs to the ANN. System losses are chosen as the outputs. Training data are obtained by load flow studies, assuming that the state variables of the power system to be studied take the values uniformly distributed in the ranges of their lower & upper limits. Load flow studies for different system topologies are carried out and the results are compiled to form the training set. Numerical results are presented in the paper to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in terms of accuracy and speed. It is concluded that the trained ANN can be utilized for both off-line simulation studies and on-line calculation of demand and energy losses. High performance has been achieved through complex mappings, modeled by the ANN, between system losses and system topologies, operating conditions and load variations. Keywords: capacity loss, energy loss, artificial neural network, power transmission systems

Design, development, and implementation of a computer-aided design (CAD) tool for developing digital controllers and relays is presented in this paper. The development includes modeling A/D converters, software, and the necessary logic. Procedures for modeling A/D converters and simulating the software are described. Application of the CAD tool is demonstrated by evaluating and comparing three different designs of a digital overcurrent relay. The designs are evaluated to determine both the speed and accuracy of the relays. The effects of the size of the A/D converters, the word-size used in computations, and the effects of truncation/rounding are included in the simulation. The paper also describes the algorithm used in the relay design.