Distance protection simulation

The distance protection method calculates the impedance settings for the three zones and the overreach zones (auto-reclosure and signal

comparison) of distance protection relays in any type of meshed network.

When grading impedances are calculated, the setting given priority is the one that causes the protection to respond selectively regardless of

how the network is connected. Initially, all values are calculated for the first zones and this is followed by all second zones and then all third

zones. The second and third zone of the relays can be altered during or after calculation of the settings while working interactively from the

screen, so it is a simple matter to accommodate the protection engineers ideas. There are various ways of taking into account the time

grading of the third zone. The results of the program are provided in time grading diagrams drawn to scale and a table of settings for each

protection device.

No definition of grading paths, system builds them automatically

Worst case network for each relay is build during the calculation (according to different strategies)

The algorithm DISTAL has the objective to determine settings that provide selectivity for all switching conditions

Specific modeling of each relay behavior

Results are relay specific settings

Calculation of primary or secondary values

Interaction between the calculation of each zone possible

Diagrams of relay setting and range of zones into the network

Overcurrent-time protection simulation

The protection simulation module simulates the time sequence of the fault clearance in radial and meshed networks. This unique feature is

called stepped event analysis. For this purpose, there is a data base of protection devices storing approximately 1000 circuit breakers with

instrument transformers, low-voltage circuit breakers, fuses, bimetallic relays, contactors and miniature circuit breakers together with all

possible settings. The combination with distance protection relays is no problem.

Faults can be simulated at nodes or anywhere on power lines or cables. The following fault types can be modeled:

Single-phase fault

Two-phase fault

Two-phase-to-ground fault

Three-phase fault

User-defined multiple faults packages, e.g. cross-country faults (see multiple fault module description)

Fault impedances, e.g. arc impedance can be simulated, if required.

 Starting and triggering of protection devices are simulated in as many time steps as necessary. The operating state of the protection devices

can be visualized in the network diagram by color code. Any violations of the grading times are also indicated, as is multiple tripping of

protection devices. Directional elements can be freely defined. Damage curves for cables and transformer loadings are also displayed in

graphical form.

The system generates grading diagrams for I2t, RX, and Zt functionality. The fields of application are the checking of thermal loads and

incorrect tripping in normal operation, the determination of disconnection times, the coordination of protection and the checking of grading

times.

Specialties

Meshed networks

Across all network levels

Data base with more than 1000 protection devices

Directional element

Protection failure

Over- and undervoltage tripping

Interlocks and intertripping

Free definition of protection devices

Mechanical protection devices

Faults located on node or lines

Fault impedances

Various short circuits

Colored display of the various relay states

Delays of relays/waiting times

Decaying back-feed of asynchronous motors

 Cable/transformer damages curves

Protection simulation and protection coordination

For networks with overcurrent, distance and differential protection devices.

This enhanced power system protection simulation module considers the settings of overcurrent and distance protection devices, as well as

the protected zones of differential protection devices. The following steps are carried out:

1. Load flow calculation for direction decision and relay starting.

2. Determination of the protection devices that limit the concerned protected area and that have to trip.

3. Calculation of currents, impedances and tripping times.

4. Tripping of the device with the shortest release time.

5. Changing of network topology.

6. If fault is not cleared: second short-circuit calculation and determination of the next relay to trip.

7. Repetition of the above steps until the fault is cleared and the total fault clearance time is determined.

8. Evaluation whether the correct relays have tripped, and provision of all relevant information, e.g. indication of unselective relay

operation.

Important is the simulation of special protection device properties:

Directional elements

Starting conditions:

- Overcurrent

- Voltage-controlled under-impedance

- Impedance characteristics

Interlocks and intertripping

Asymmetrical faults

Protection failure

Simulation across several voltage levels

Representation of downstream overcurrent time relays

 Method

On disposal: load flow and several short circuits

Time-sequential work: possibility of correction or changes

Active elements with dynamic properties

Choosing or changing the protection philosophy

Graphic documentation

I-t grading diagram: across voltage levels, additional information

interactive changing of protection characteristics

Display of protection settings in network diagram

Z-t diagram: several downstream relays, impedance and zone reaches

R-X diagram: impedance area with directional lines and pointers

Composite protection: diagrams with both types of relays to check the coordination.

Different protection devices

Protection device catalogue with all setting facilities

Facility to augment the catalogs

Definition of general protection elements

Protection simulation

Symmetrical and asymmetrical short circuits

With and without preload

Faults at nodes and on lines

With and without fault impedances

 Visualization of the operational state of protection devices (e.g. started, tripped) by means of color code.

Protection documentation

PSS SINCAL also offers a fully automated documentation of selected grading paths. This enables the protection engineer to quickly generate

the necessary diagrams and maps.

Protection device management - PSS PDMS

PSSPDMS is a universal program to centrally manage protection devices and their settings. All the data are stored in a central relational

database (either Microsoft Access or Oracle) for protection devices and can be read by other programs at any time.

PSS PDMS key features are:

Data is stored in a central relational database (either Microsoft Access or Oracle or MS SQL Server).

PSS PDMS is a multi-user enterprise application.

A modern Windows user interface optimally supports data management.

Protection devices are modeled comprehensively with all their functions and settings including different parameter sets for the

same relay.

Settings are checked against the available settings ranges

Protection device templates can be created and managed and then used to generate real protection devices.

It is easy to connect to external documents (parameter files, descriptions of protection devices etc.)

Extensive functions for relay import and export.

Access rights (user roles) can be specified and customized according to the companys need

User defined workflow (e.g. planned, approved, active settings) is supported including historical settings

Data exchange with PSS SINCAL enables the planner to verify the settings directly in the network model