Cloud-based End-to-End Testing of Line Differential Elements

This paper presents a cloud-based approach for end-to-end testing of line differential elements. This novel test method controls the whole test from only one end of the line. This approach provides more flexibility to the software used during the test, allowing for comprehensive pickup and timing tests along the entire line differential characteristics, such as an alpha plane or slope percent differential. The approach is also less prone to operational errors since all configuration and loading of test cases is done from only one end. Test sets are connected to a cloud server managed by either the test set manufacturer, the testing company, or the asset owner. GPS-based IRIG-B timing reference is used for synchronization during the test. A battery of tests includes stabilization verification, internal and external faults, and static and dynamic tests using state sequences and dynamic searches.