Research

This paper discusses a generalized solution for automatic wide area coordination by incorporating our framework for distance protective elements, more contingencies in fault studies, and overcurrent curve parameter for DOCRs. In addition, the framework can now suggest alternatives to the engineer (e.g., a minor CTI adjustment for a relay) when complete coordination under all contingencies is not possible. Together, these new contributions enable it to perform a realistic wide area coordination of all the protective elements on real-world power systems.

This paper discusses methods for determining coordination criteria for a Wide Area Coordination study by taking different scenarios and system configurations into consideration. The paper also reviews various challenges that may arise when implementing the adopted coordination criteria and provides recommendations to overcome those challenges.

As the deadline for Requirement 1 of PRC-027-1 approaches (October 1, 2020), utilities are evaluating their options for potential solutions. None of the current software programs provide a work flow from relay setting development to wide area coordination, which is what utilities desperately need. This presentation offers a state-of-the art process for complying with Requirements 1, 2, and 3 of PRC-027-1, offering an innovative approach to compliance. 

Accepted by IEEE. © 2019 IEEE

L. Ghatpande, N. Ganta, J. Perez, and J. Burton, "Analyzing the Impact of Shunt Reactor Switching Operations Based on DFR Monitoring System," 2019 Annual Conference for Protective Relay Engineers (CPRE), College Station, TX, USA, 2019, pp. 1-8.

doi: 10.1109/CPRE.2019.8765884

In this paper, actual field data recorded from DFRs over a period of 14 months is analyzed to present and discuss the behavior of reactor switching due to inrush and other observed effects for different operating conditions. This paper has diverse, practical scenarios to offer in the form of waveforms during reactor energization which help understand and avoid misoperations.

Accepted by IEEE. © 2019 IEEE

N. Thomas, L. Hankins, and J. Perez, "Simplifying Wide Area Coordination of Directional Time Overcurrent Relays Using Automatic Settings Selection," 2019 Annual Conference for Protective Relay Engineers (CPRE), College Station, TX, USA, 2019, pp. 1-6.

doi: 10.1109/CPRE.2019.8765880

In this paper, we present a framework for the automatic generation of coordinated relay settings for directional time overcurrent relays, which represents one of the most challenging coordination problems engineers face. Our framework extends existing approaches and increases the level of automation by seamlessly interacting with fault simulation software to both provide input to and verify the coordination results of pickup and time dial settings chosen by the setting generator.

Accepted by IEEE. © 2018 IEEE

C. Thomas, J. Perez, L. Hankins and H. Tribur, "An innovative and automated solution for NERC PRC-027-1 compliance," 2018 71st Annual Conference for Protective Relay Engineers (CPRE), College Station, TX, USA, 2018, pp. 1-11.

doi: 10.1109/CPRE.2018.8349772

Compliance with NERC PRC-027-1 has brought increasing stress to utilities as they work to establish a defined process for performing relay setting development and coordination at regular intervals. While current software programs attempt to aid utilities in complying with this new standard, they only offer an overwhelming and unmanageable report of coordination study results. None of the current programs provides a work flow from relay setting development to wide area coordination, which is what utilities desperately need. In this paper, we present an innovative process to comply with the R1, R2, and R3 requirements of PRC-027-1 through the use of an automated solution.