2020 IEEE Rural Electric Power Conference (REPC)

6 / 2019-08-30 00:53:42

Leveraging Existing Relay Capabilities to Maximize System Reliability

Protection, Relaying, Reliability

With the advanced capabilities of modern protection equipment, many utilities are not maximizing the potential of their existing equipment. Often, protection equipment is configured one time to do one job. However, microprocessor relays have a seemingly infinite number of settings, providing a wide range of protection capabilities. While this may seem like a very complex task, investing in new smart equipment may not always be the solution. For many utilities, it may be beneficial to maximize the use of existing equipment, leading to saved time and money.
Microprocessor relays are commonly known for their fault isolation and tripping capabilities. However, many of them offer additional features that are often underutilized. Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) is one popular manufacturer of microprocessor relay’s that offer a wide range of system protection and relaying capabilities. With SEL relays, these functions can range from advanced inter-relay communications, improved phase balancing, system monitoring and alarming, environmental testing, etc. all in attempts to increase the efficiency of the power system. This paper provides real world examples of how the existing protection equipment for a power system has been used more effectively to implement these functions. Some of the more specific examples include using the existing relay to look at fault event reports, set up alarms, and improve system settings.
Taking the time to utilize these existing capabilities can help rural electric cooperatives save time and money while increasing the level of protection and reliability of the power system. However, to take advantage of these capabilities, utilities must invest more time into learning how to maximize their existing equipment before they invest money into more advanced technology.