The centralized system of relay protection and automation for substations of medium voltage

The authors proposed the concept and worked out aspects of establishment and operation of a centralized and multi-channel medium-voltage switchgear control system, which main feature is implementation of algorithms for protection of the primary and backup switchgear connection in the substation compute node — a in doubled or reserve server (Front-End-Controller, FEC). The proposed system will provide enterprises and power grid companies with a relay protection and automation system, which is more cost-efficient and practical than a traditional one, with various electrical automation systems for power facilities of the most common medium voltage distribution networks, as well as with electric supply systems of industrial enterprises. Moreover, such approach will enhance and simplify implementation of modern adaptive algorithms of relay protection and automation in the power supply systems and electrical networks; it will ensure the most effective and appropriate technological elements for such systems and networks complying with IEC 61850. The article presents analysis of the issue of operation reliability and quality of the main part of the developed control system — a centralized relay protection and automation system, which ensures the compliance of all functions of medium voltage electrical facilities, including the function of main connections relay protection. We consider basic elements of this system and estimate performance of the central computing central controller (-s). It is determined that the requirements to controller (-s) performance for a medium voltage distribution substation do not exceed those imposed to available SCADA controllers supplied by leading manufacturers in the automation market in the electric power industry.