Meeting customers needs! The development of advanced protection systems

Why have major protection relay manufacturers chosen digital technology for their advanced products and why have they followed particular development paths? How can a manufacturer ensure that his product will help his customers to better protect, control and monitor his power systems? Customer's needs must be addressed from the start and must continue to be taken cognizance of during developments. Operational experience of the first units delivered and site trials play a very important part as does submission for formal approval. This paper discusses the process followed at Reyrolle Protection, including the pitfalls and the position now reached in relationships with customers. Future developments are briefly reviewed