power swing blocking

POWER SWING BLOCKING AND OUT OF STEP PROTECTION

ABSTRACT:

Here we are going to discuss how we differentiate between power swing and actual fault condition.
Generally substation with generation has both power swing blocking and auto reclosing system (under
transient fault).

Power swing phenomenon occurs in three phase power flow when generator rotor angle are advancing
or retarding relative to each other in response to change in load magnitude and direction, line switching
loss of generation and other system disturbance.

Pole slip:-in a synchronized system when a generator or a group of generator terminal voltage angle
varies more than 180 degree with respect to rest of synchronized system then this condition is known as
pole slipping.

Power swing may be further classified as stable power swing and unstable power swing, when a system
or generator without pole slipping (losing synchronism with the other system) obtain a new equilibrium
point then this condition will be considered as stable power swing otherwise unstable power swing.

In distance protection of transmission line we have to differentiate between power swing and actual
fault condition. As to maintain the integrity of the system, it should not trip under power swing
condition. The main logic behind this differentiation is the rate of change of positive sequence
impedance which relay measure continuously. In case of power swing or out of step condition the rate
of change of impedance is slow as compared to the rate of change of impedance in actual fault
condition.

So to distinguish between these two the distance relay continuously, (lets say at the step of 5ms)
measure the impedance of the line (which is load impedance under normal operating condition) and
compare it with the previous condition, if there is a difference it calculate the difference and predict the
next reading, if the next measurement matches the prediction then relay declare it as a power swing
condition otherwise it could be a transient fault or actual fault.

The philosophy of PSB and OST relaying is very simple and clear-cut it just avoid tripping of any power
system element during stable swings and protect the power system during unstable or out-of-step
conditions. When two areas of a power system, or two interconnected systems, lose synchronism, the
areas must be separated from each other quickly and automatically in order to avoid equipment
damage and shutdown of major portions of the power system. Uncontrolled tripping of circuit breakers
should be avoided and a controlled well-designed system separation is necessary in order to prevent
equipment damage, widespread power outages, and minimize the effects of the disturbance.