Performance comparison between Dual-Blinder and Phasor-Based Out-of-Step detection functions using hardware-in-the loop simulation

Recent blackouts have shown the need for an innovative wide-area monitoring and control (WAMC) systems. With PMUs now embedded in protective relays, and the availability of fast processing technologies, many real-time wide-area protection and control schemes can be implemented. An Out-of-Step (OOS) event that occurs between two connected areas in the power system, can ultimately result in a total blackout, and in such cases the two areas should be separated to contain the damage. The separation is achieved via OOS detection and tripping functions that operate on appropriate transmission lines. One of the most commonly used functions to achieve OOS tripping is the Dual-Blinder function. In this paper, a Phasor-Based OOS function is compared to the Dual-Blinder function: the tripping times of these two functions are compared via multiple hardware-in-the loop simulations covering various disturbance scenarios. The implementation is carried out using a real-time digital simulator, Phasor Measurements Units (PMUs) embedded in the relays, a GPS clock, and a synchrophasor vector processor (SVP). Simulation results showed that the Phasor-Based function predicted the OOS event and responded faster in the cases where the system was poorly damped while the Dual-Blinder method has responded faster in the other cases. The paper concludes with suggestions for improved future implementation of the Phasor-Based OOS tripping function.