What is the project about?
The network is becoming increasingly complex and there is not enough certainty of what functions may be required or even available in the future for protection, and control (P&C) to meet these changing network topologies.
Being a DNO, we are often required to extend busbars and modify protection schemes for new connections and load growth projects.
Current Relay replacement programs miss opportunities for the implementation of advanced protection and control functions due to the trend of implementing a like-for-like replacement strategy. When replacement programs are undertaken, existing equipment is replaced with similar relays to avoid additional work for hardware modification associated with functionality enhancement. There are also multiple IEDs (intelligent electronic devices) being installed on the network, such as Protection relays, RTU’s (Remote Terminal Units), Power Quality meters, Disturbance recorders which means multiple tools from multiple vendors need to be maintained by the field staff, creating a large training and familiarisation burden for the business.
This project seeks to trial a new substation centralised protection and control system. The project method will verify & validate the use of this system for the protection and control of future substations.
Instead of having local protection relays on each substation bay, a central system will be used within a substation. This system can be modified and upgraded via software and does not require a new plant for the introduction of new functions or bays within limits.
