An adaptive distance protection scheme in the presence of phase shifting transformer

Abstract

Distance relays detect transmission line faults and their locations by measuring the voltage and the current signals. Also, phase shifting transformers (PSTs) are used to control the power flow in electrical power systems. PSTs protect transmission lines from thermal overloading, improve the stability of transmission system and control the power flow between different networks. Unfortunately, existence of PST in a transmission line vitiates the operation of protection relays by altering the voltage and current signals. In this paper, the effects of the delta–hexagonal PST on the operation of distance relays are investigated by both analytical and computational methods under different fault types and locations. Results of investigations reveal that the PST causes the distance relays to under-reach. Finally, a feasible method for eliminating the PST detrimental effects on the operation of the distance relays is presented. This method uses the voltage difference between the PST terminals to modify the operation of the distance relays. The phasor measurement units (PMUs) are used to calculate this voltage and remote signal systems are used to transfer it to the system protection center (SPC). All the simulations are conducted with electro-magnetic transient program (EMTPWorks).