Enhanced Generalized Alpha Plane for Numerical Differential Protection Applications

Abstract

This paper revisits the generalized alpha plane (GAP) formulation applied to differential protection of multi-terminal apparatus. The GAP formulation is improved by aiming for three main goals: 1) control over the internal fault settlement region (FSR); 2) enabling a simple operation characteristic instead of a restraint characteristic; and, 3) The adjustments are not dependent to the device type. For this purpose, the GAP formulation is redefined in terms of two settings, which transform the FSR into a circumference with a controllable center and radius. Thereby, a circular operation characteristic with an adjustable radius is enabled around the FSR, for to improve security. To validate and test the performance of the improved GAP, numerous computer simulations have been carried out using Alternative Transients Program on different multi-terminal equipment (i.e., busbars, transmission lines, and power transformers). Furthermore, massive data analysis is held as a means to highlight the GAP's sensibility. The obtained results demonstrate a well-stable pre-fault point, a consistent circular FSR, and the effectiveness of the improved GAP even under severe conditions.