Power System Protection Studies

Key components

• Development of network model: build the simulation model of the electric network using advanced software tools.
• Development of protective device models: accurate modeling of the protective devices (relays, fuses, low voltage circuit breakers, reclosers, etc.) with their actual setting values.
• Load flow analysis: assess the pre-fault conditions and ensure protection stability under maximum load or transient operational conditions (e.g. transformer energization, motor starting, etc.).
• Short-circuit current calculation: derive the anticipated fault current range for each protection zone.
• Relay setting calculation: conduct simulations and validate the performance of protective devices under various fault conditions.
• Documentation and reporting: demonstrate the obtained results, providing also relay characteristic diagrams and vendor-specific relay setting sheets.
• Review and optimization: regularly review and optimize relay settings, considering major network changes, new equipment installation, or operational feedback.

Key components

• Development of network model: build the simulation model of the electric network using advanced software tools.
• Development of protective device models: accurate modeling of the protective devices (relays, fuses, low voltage circuit breakers, reclosers, etc.) with their actual setting values.
• Short-circuit current calculation: derive the anticipated fault current range for each protection zone.
• Arc flash hazard analysis: determine the incident energy levels and boundaries for potential arc flash hazards at any location in the electrical installation, where electrical work can take place.
• Relay setting review: revise appropriately the existing settings of protective devices, where necessary, to achieve significant mitigation of arc flash hazards.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) selection: identify the appropriate PPE required for personnel, working in areas where arc flash hazards exist.
• Equipment labeling: label electrical equipment with arc flash warning labels to inform personnel about the potential hazards and the required PPE for safe work.
• Safety procedures and controls: develop and implement safe work practices and procedures to minimize the risk of arc flashes. This includes establishing electrical safety policies, procedures for lockout/tagout, and conducting energized work permits.
• Training and awareness: provide training and education to personnel on arc flash hazards, safe work practices, and the use of PPE. Ensure all personnel understand the risks associated with arc flashes and how to mitigate them.
• Documentation and record keeping: maintain records of the arc flash risk assessment process, including incident energy calculations, equipment evaluations, PPE selections, training records, and safety procedures.
• Review and continuous improvement: periodically review and update the arc flash risk assessment to account for changes in equipment, procedures, or regulations. Continuously improve safety practices based on lessons learned and feedback from incident investigations.

Key components

• Site survey and data collection: gather data related to the event, including operational conditions, actual relay settings, captured event recordings, and any other pertinent information from the engineers and operators of the facility.
• Data validation and quality assurance: ensure the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of the collected data to support meaningful analysis and conclusions.
• Protection performance assessment: evaluate the response of protection systems during and after the disturbance.
• Root cause analysis: identify the underlying causes and contributing factors that led to the event. This involves understanding the sequence of events and conditions that triggered the incident.
• Impact assessment: evaluate the consequences and impacts of the event on the system, including operational disruptions, financial costs, safety implications, and customer impacts.
• Documentation and reporting: document the methodology, as well as discuss the findings, conclusions, and recommended actions.
• Lessons learned and continuous improvement: extract lessons learned from the event analysis to improve system performance and reliability. Foster a culture of continuous improvement by integrating event analysis results into operational practices, training programs, and system design.