RelaySimTest is a software solution for system-based protection testing with OMICRON test equipment that takes a novel, future-oriented approach. The new software completely focuses on the correct behaviour of the protection system, made possible by simulating realistic events in the power system.
RelaySimTest is a software which controls testing hardware such as the OMICRON CMC test sets. It takes the application of the protection system and feeds it to a power system simulation.
To be able to map the different power systems for each protection system, RelaySimTest offers a fast and easy to use single-line editor.
Based on the mapped power system, sequences of fault and breaker events can be defined. These sequences, or test steps, can simulate every scenario that the protection system is required to handle.
The calculated process values are based on a highly realistic power system simulation, which simulates transient and non-transient effects such as DC-offset current during fault inception, capacitive load current of long lines, mutual coupling and much more.
Simplifying distributed tests
Since the protection system and its logic and coordination are usually distributed over several relays, it is necessary to inject currents and voltages synchronously to all relays on the system.
This can imply the synchronous injection to relays which are distributed over long distances. In the past, this required a coordination of the injection via phone over all ends.
The analysis of the protection system behaviour was only possible after the test when all the results were merged.
RelaySimTest simplifies distributed tests by controlling multiple test sets simultaneously, either by direct connection or via an ordinary
internet connection.
To control test sets over the internet, all PCs grant remote access to their connected test sets over a cloud infrastructure secured via a password.
The main application finds the remote device via their ID and takes control. The cloud infrastructure is offered by OMICRON worldwide, free of charge. This way the test is started by one application.
All results are immediately present after execution so that further investigations can be started in case of a failed test, for example, by moving the fault position and re-executing straight away.
Iterative closed loop simulation
Real-time closed loop simulations are already established in laboratories and at manufacturers, but they require expensive and heavy hardware that is not usable in the field.
It is not possible to run these real-time simulators over distance for distributed relays. RelaySimTest utilises a unique solution, Iterative Closed Loop simulation. Instead of running the closed loop in real-time, the simulation runs in iterations.
With every iteration, a new event gets added automatically to the sequence until the sequence is complete. This enables RelaySimTest to test every protection concept simply by placing a fault and observing the reactions of the protection system, even when the relays are distributed.
Addressing countless use cases
RelaySimTest has already proven its usefulness in many real-world field tests. A small sample of applications that are possible or have already worked particularly well include:
» Busbar protection. Because RelaySimTest can control multiple test sets, it is possible to inject to all bay units simultaneously.
» Three terminal lines. The possibility to run the test sets over a mobile internet connection reduced the field test time significantly. Also the preparation time was heavily reduced, because no separate calculation was required, as it was taken care of by the power system simulation integrated into RelaySimTest.
» Power-swing blocking.
» Series compensated lines.
» Distribution networks with non-fault interrupting sectionalisers. In such ring-networks a main breaker interrupts the fault current. The sectionalisers isolate the fault and the system gets restored.
» New testing procedures for modern protective relays with complex algorithms.
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