How can you design protection and control schemes that meet society's needs?

1 Fault analysis

The first step in designing a protection and control scheme is to perform a fault analysis. This involves calculating the currents and voltages that would occur in different parts of the system under various fault scenarios, such as short circuits, open circuits, ground faults, etc. Fault analysis helps to determine the type, location, and severity of faults, as well as the impact on the system stability and performance. Fault analysis also helps to select the appropriate protection devices, such as circuit breakers, fuses, relays, and sensors, and to set their ratings and settings.

3 Control strategies

The third step in designing a protection and control scheme is to implement control strategies. This means applying feedback, feedforward, or predictive algorithms to regulate the system variables, such as frequency, voltage, power flow, etc. Control strategies help to maintain the system balance, efficiency, and quality, as well as to optimize the system operation and performance. Control strategies also help to integrate renewable energy sources, distributed generation, energy storage, and demand response, which pose new challenges and opportunities for power engineers.

4 Testing and validation

The fourth step in designing a protection and control scheme is to test and validate it. This means verifying that the protection and control scheme works as intended, under normal and abnormal conditions, and meets the technical specifications and standards. Testing and validation can be done using simulation tools, laboratory experiments, field tests, or a combination of them. Testing and validation also help to identify and correct any errors, faults, or weaknesses in the protection and control scheme, as well as to evaluate its performance and effectiveness.

5 Maintenance and monitoring

The fifth step in designing a protection and control scheme is to maintain and monitor it. This means ensuring that the protection and control scheme operates reliably and securely over time, and that it can cope with changing system conditions and demands. Maintenance and monitoring involve regular inspections, repairs, replacements, upgrades, or adjustments of the protection and control devices and components. Maintenance and monitoring also involve collecting and analyzing data, such as fault records, event logs, performance indicators, etc., to assess the system health and performance.

6 Stakeholder engagement

The sixth step in designing a protection and control scheme is to engage with the stakeholders. This means considering the needs, expectations, and preferences of the different parties involved or affected by the protection and control scheme, such as customers, utilities, regulators, manufacturers, suppliers, etc. Stakeholder engagement helps to align the protection and control scheme with the social, economic, and environmental goals and values of the society. Stakeholder engagement also helps to communicate, educate, and involve the stakeholders in the protection and control scheme, and to address any issues, concerns, or feedback.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?