Basics of Power System Protection

Kunal Singh
Salient Features of Protection System
Reliability
 Definition: Consistent performance over time without failure
 Key Aspects:
o Fault Detection Accuracy: Minimize false positives and negatives
o System Redundancy: Backup systems in place to ensure operation during
failures
o Durability: Components designed for long-term use

Speed
 Definition: The time it takes for the system to detect and respond to faults
 Key Aspects:
o Response Time: Quick detection and isolation of faults
o Processing Speed: Efficient computation of protection algorithms
o Real-time Operation: Immediate action to prevent damage
Salient Features of Protection System
Sensitivity
 Definition: The ability to detect minor faults or deviations
 Key Aspects:
o Threshold Settings: Adjustable sensitivity levels to detect varying fault
conditions
o Accuracy: Precision in detecting small disturbances without triggering false
alarms
o Calibration: Regular adjustments to maintain optimal sensitivity

Selectivity
 Definition: The system's ability to isolate only the affected section while keeping
the rest operational
 Key Aspects:
o Coordination: Ensures that only the closest protective device operates
during a fault
o Zoning: Dividing the system into distinct zones for targeted isolation
o Time Coordination: Delayed operation of upstream devices to allow
downstream devices to clear the fault first
Salient Features of Protection System
Stability
 Definition: The system's ability to remain operational and avoid unnecessary
interruptions during fault conditions
 Key Aspects:
o Avoidance of Maloperation: Preventing unintended trips or shutdowns
o Dynamic Stability: Adaptation to varying load and fault conditions
o System Integration: Ensuring seamless interaction with other system
components

Accuracy
 Definition: Precision in detecting and evaluating fault conditions
 Key Aspects:
o Measurement Precision: Accurate sensing of electrical parameters
o Algorithm Reliability: Correct interpretation of data and fault conditions
o Error Minimization: Reducing measurement and processing errors
o Ensuring seamless interaction with other system components
Salient Features of Protection System
Flexibility
 Definition: The system’s ability to adapt to changing conditions and requirements
 Key Aspects:
o Configurability: Adjustable settings for different operational scenarios
o Upgradability: Ability to incorporate new technologies or features
o Customization: Tailoring protection functions to specific needs
Classification of Protection System
1. Based on Working Principle
a. Overcurrent Protection
 Principle: Detects excessive current flow.
 Operation: Operates when current exceeds a preset threshold.
 Types:
o Instantaneous Overcurrent: Trips instantly when the current exceeds a
certain level.
o Time-Delayed Overcurrent: Trips after a time delay when the current
exceeds a threshold, allowing for temporary overloads.
b. Overvoltage Protection
 Principle: Protects against voltage surges.
 Operation: Operates when voltage exceeds a preset limit.
 Types:
o Transients: Protects against sudden voltage spikes (e.g., lightning).
o Sustained Overvoltage: Protects against continuous overvoltage
conditions.
Classification of Protection System
c. Undervoltage Protection
 Principle: Detects voltage drops below a preset limit.
 Operation: Trips or alarms when the voltage drops below a threshold.
 Types:
o Instantaneous Undervoltage: Reacts immediately to undervoltage
conditions.
o Time-Delayed Undervoltage: Allows a delay before acting, to avoid
nuisance trips due to brief voltage dips.
d. Differential Protection
 Principle: Compares current entering and leaving a device or section.
 Operation: Trips if there is a difference between incoming and outgoing
current, indicating an internal fault.
 Types:
o Transformer Differential Protection: Protects against internal faults
within transformers.
o Generator Differential Protection: Protects generators from internal
faults.
Classification of Protection System
e. Earth Fault Protection
 Principle: Detects faults to the ground.
 Operation: Activates when current leakage to the earth exceeds a
preset value.
 Types:
o Residual-Current Devices (RCDs): Detects unbalanced currents
that may indicate an earth fault.
o Earth Fault Relays: Monitors and reacts to earth fault conditions in
electrical systems.

f. Reverse Power Protection

 Principle: Protects against power flowing in the reverse direction.
 Operation: Trips when power flows in the opposite direction, which
may indicate a generator running as a motor or fault conditions.
Classification of Protection System
g. Distance Protection
 Principle: Measures impedance to determine the distance to a fault.
 Operation: Trips based on the distance to the fault relative to the
protection zone.
 Types:
o Impedance Protection: Uses impedance measurements to
determine fault location.
o Reactance Protection: Focuses on the reactance component of
impedance for fault detection.
Classification of Protection System
2. Based on Device Operation
a. Manual Protection Systems
 Principle: Requires human intervention for activation or deactivation.
 Examples: Manual circuit breakers and isolators.

b. Automatic Protection Systems

 Principle: Operates automatically without human intervention.
 Examples:
o Automatic Circuit Breakers: Trip and isolate faults automatically.
o Protection Relays: Detect faults and initiate actions like tripping
circuit breakers.
Classification of Protection System
3. Based on Time of Operation
a. Instantaneous Protection
 Principle: Acts immediately when a fault condition is detected.
 Examples: Instantaneous overcurrent relays and instantaneous
undervoltage relays.
b. Time-Delayed Protection
 Principle: Incorporates a time delay before acting.
 Examples: Time-delay overcurrent relays and time-delay undervoltage
relays.
Classification of Protection System
4. Based on Application
a. Transmission Line Protection
 Principle: Protects transmission lines from faults.
 Examples: Distance protection, and differential protection.
b. Generator Protection
 Principle: Safeguards generators from internal and external faults.
 Examples: Differential protection, overcurrent protection, and reverse power
protection.
c. Transformer Protection
 Principle: Protects transformers from faults and abnormal conditions.
 Examples: Differential protection, overcurrent protection, and Buchholz relay.
d. Busbar Protection
 Principle: Protects busbars from faults.
 Examples: Differential protection, and overcurrent protection.
e. Filter & other Auxiliary Protections.
 Protective Devices Journey
• Old Electromechanical Relays

• Few Coils
• Few Outputs
• Not Customization
• Longer Lead times.
• No Configuration
 Protective Devices Journey
• Static Relays

• Less Customization
• No HMI.
• No Configuration
• Less Communication
 Protective Devices Journey
• 1St Gen Numerical Relays

• Less Customization
• LED Display.
• Few Configuration
• Private Communication
 Protective Devices Journey
• Modern Days IED’s

• Customization to very larger Extend

• Big HMI.
• Almost every thing Configurable
• Multiple Communication
• Many Protection Functions.
Thankyou