Enhanced relay testing using a dynamic simulator program system in real time

Protective relays play an important role in today's complex power generation, transmission and distribution systems. Consequently, this process has given rise to the need for more broad-based dynamic automated testing. For this, a PC-based real-time simulator for relay testing was developed in the last years, including the capability of automated closed loop testing. The simulation program NETOMAC [1] is used for generating the output signals under real time conditions. The Digital Network model DINEMO (digital network model) [4], a unit for real time communication, is able to put out the real time computed signals to the relay. The system response, like a trip signal to open a breaker is connected back to the PC and the NETOMAC breaker model can be controlled as in the real system. Additionally an interface output of the simulator system to standard test hardware for offline testing was developed in the last year. The use of the simulation program NETOMAC allows the simulation and testing of nearly any fault event, e.g. evolving faults, saturation effects or power swings. High end test modules for all kinds of protection devices like line protection, transformer protection, busbar protection, generator protection and machine protection are available which can be used easily for testing protection devices.