Micro-Synchrophasor Based Special Protection Scheme for Distribution System Automation in a Smart City

Introduction: Aspects of power system protection which contributes to mal-operations and blackouts can be improved by supervision of system behavior and response based analysis rather than condition-based or event-based analysis using wide area measurements based on synchrophasor technology. The paper explores the application of micro-Phasor Measurement Unit for time synchronized real-time distribution network monitoring and agile decision support schemes for system prognosis and control. Case description: The scheme is proposed as part of a project on “Power System Voltage Stability Analysis using synchrophasors in Distribution System of Kerala Grid” at Kerala State Electricity Board Ltd. An actual grid occurrence during the severe tropical cyclone Ockhi, is considered as the base case which motivated the work. Discussion and evaluation: A voltage stability index (VSI) based special protection scheme (SPS) for radial distribution network at a proposed smart city is presented in the present study. The proposed special protection scheme on actual implementation can use data from proposed local micro-Phasor Measurement Unit. The PMU is proposed to be placed at one of the key nodes of the distribution system network in the city. Conclusion: The VSI is derived using local phasor values and is used to initiate a Special Protection Scheme for N-1 contingency at the key node, so as to ensure availability of the most essential feeder which provides supply to a hospital campus housing several health institutes of prime importance. The voltage stability index derived is tested and SPS is validated using real-time grid data.