Multifunctional WAMPAC system concept for out-of-step protection based on synchrophasor measurements

Transmission network control and protection system can be enhanced using synchrophasor measurement data. Wide Area Monitoring, Protection and Control (WAMPAC) systems incorporate three levels of protection functions. The first layer is the basic relay protection, the second layer is the central system protection with wide area protection functions (WAP) and the final layer is the power system control level. Centralized protection can use new methods based on synchrophasor data. The phasor data benefits protection functions of both the second and the third layer. Therefore, to investigate the operation of the different protection functions in a centralized system, a multifunctional Matlab simulation environment is developed and presented in this paper. The model is developed using the experience from the real-time operation and was additionally expanded with new function sets that are also described. Real-time operation measurements from various disturbances are used to validate the model. Validated model is then applied to perform a series of simulations of various events in different conditions in the transmission network, such as breaker operation, short circuit faults and power oscillations. Conducted simulations provide foundations and indicators for the development and definition of criteria needed to implement enhanced central protection system resilient to all disturbances. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.