Abstract
The paper aims at describing a model-based approach to design automation logics for fault location and supply restoration in medium voltage distribution networks. The application of automation functions along medium voltage feeders and, in particular, the installation of protection devices in secondary substations mandates the design and the implementation of complex logics to coordinate the operations of this hardware in case of fault occurrences. This synchronization is realized with the exchange of IEC 61850 GOOSE messages, but the correct usage of this information must be implemented in each protection device through dedicated logics, which are not in the common out-of-the-box system configurations. To support the introduction and the design of these logics, an automata-based approach has been proposed and successfully demonstrated in a real environment in the European research project IDE4L. This formal methodology has been introduced to simplify the design phase and to standardize the logics implemented in the protection prototypes realized in the project. The same models have also been used in the implementation phase with a semi-automatic code generation procedure, considering as a target system the software programmable logic controllers (soft-PLCs), available on the protection devices. Based on the test results and the short time to set up the test bench, this approach proved to be a reliable and effective way to implement complex medium voltage (MV) automation logics such those needed in modern smart grids.
Highlights
In the electricity supply chain, the distribution system operator (DSO) is the player in charge of operating the electricity grid and of ensuring that it operates within regulatory parameters.The distribution grid starts from the edge of the high voltage (HV) transmission network with HV/MV transformer substations, and it includes the medium voltage (MV) network, MV/LV substations and the low voltage (LV) grid up to the final customers
The first step is the definition of a standard set of protection functions that must be implemented in the protection devices
A local automation process to monitor and protect single nodes of the MV distribution network; Peer-to-peer coordination among the protection intelligent electronic device (IED) located in the primary substation and in secondary substations, designed to be selective with respect to MV faults; Hierarchical control to implement classical remote-control schemes from the control center Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Summary
In the electricity supply chain, the distribution system operator (DSO) is the player in charge of operating the electricity grid and of ensuring that it operates within regulatory parameters.The distribution grid starts from the edge of the high voltage (HV) transmission network with HV/MV transformer substations, and it includes the medium voltage (MV) network, MV/LV substations and the low voltage (LV) grid up to the final customers. The distribution grid is a dependable infrastructure; many regulatory frameworks relate the quality of service to a premium/penalty mechanism directly influencing DSO incomes. Duration Index (SAIDI) [1] To optimize these indicators, DSOs are enhancing their automation systems, which have been—so far—mainly confined to the HV/MV substations. The first step is the definition of a standard set of protection functions that must be implemented in the protection devices Each of these protection functions is able to detect a specific fault type. To synchronize the trip actions along the feeder, all protection devices must exchange information. This data exchange is realized in the third block of the model-based approach presented here, the standard IEC 61850 and its protocols.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
