Laboratory test bench demonstrating smart load shedding schemes

Increasing electricity consumption, ageing of electricity infrastructures, utilization of networks at maximum limits are all issues that impact current utility practices and add to its operational challenges. An option looked into is intelligent networks (Smart Grids) to address these challenges in a coherent manner. Consequently, the increasing integration and the penetration of intelligent technologies in the distribution networks appear unavoidable. This paper presents the design and developments of a smart load shedding test bench to help facilitate the understanding of substation automation (SA). This setup uses protection intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) that support IEC 61850 protocol, universal secondary test gear for relays, a protocol converter that can be programmed and can handle a large number of power system automation protocols. In this paper the retrofitting of the latest relay IEDs with the existing control center software has been demonstrated. Finally, a method using fuzzy logic is illustrated for implementing priority based automatic under voltage load shedding (AUVLS) policy.