AC/DC Protection Coordination

Comprehensive AC and DC protection coordination studies including AC protection settings validation with NETOMAC and DC protection coordination for HVDC SMP, Bipolar, and Multi-Terminal configurations.

What is AC/DC Protection Coordination?

AC/DC Protection Coordination involves the systematic design and validation of protection schemes for both alternating current and direct current power systems. This critical engineering discipline ensures that protection devices operate in a coordinated manner to isolate faults quickly while maintaining system stability and minimizing the impact on healthy parts of the network.

Our protection coordination services encompass comprehensive studies for AC systems using advanced tools like NETOMAC, as well as specialized DC protection coordination for various HVDC configurations including Symmetric Monopole (SMP), Bipolar, and Multi-Terminal (MT) systems.

Protection Coordination Services

AC Protection Settings Validation

Comprehensive AC protection settings validation and testing using NETOMAC simulation platform.

  • • NETOMAC simulation studies
  • • Protection relay coordination
  • • Settings validation and optimization
  • • Fault analysis and verification

DC Protection Coordination Studies

Specialized DC protection coordination for various HVDC system configurations and topologies.

  • • HVDC SMP protection coordination
  • • Bipolar HVDC protection schemes
  • • Multi-Terminal (MT) coordination
  • • DC fault analysis and mitigation

Fault Analysis & Modeling

Detailed fault analysis and modeling for both AC and DC systems to ensure optimal protection performance.

  • • Short circuit analysis
  • • Fault current calculations
  • • Arc flash studies
  • • Transient stability analysis

Protection System Optimization

Optimization of protection systems for enhanced reliability, selectivity, and speed of operation.

  • • Selectivity analysis
  • • Sensitivity optimization
  • • Speed vs. security balance
  • • Backup protection coordination

HVDC Protection Configurations

HVDC SMP Configuration

Symmetric Monopole HVDC protection coordination studies for single-pole transmission systems.

  • • Single-pole fault analysis
  • • Ground return protection
  • • Converter protection coordination
  • • Line protection schemes

Bipolar HVDC Configuration

Bipolar HVDC protection coordination for two-pole transmission systems with neutral return.

  • • Pole-to-pole fault protection
  • • Pole-to-ground fault analysis
  • • Neutral conductor protection
  • • Unbalanced operation protection

Multi-Terminal (MT) Configuration

Multi-Terminal HVDC protection coordination for complex network configurations with multiple terminals.

  • • Multi-terminal fault discrimination
  • • Selective tripping schemes
  • • Communication-based protection
  • • Network reconfiguration protection

Our Protection Coordination Process

1

System Analysis & Data Collection

Comprehensive analysis of system topology, equipment specifications, and operational requirements for both AC and DC systems.

2

Fault Analysis & Modeling

Detailed fault analysis using advanced simulation tools including NETOMAC for AC systems and specialized DC fault modeling.

3

Protection Scheme Design

Development of coordinated protection schemes ensuring selectivity, sensitivity, and speed for optimal system protection.

4

Settings Validation & Testing

Comprehensive validation and testing of protection settings through simulation studies and performance verification.

Applications

Transmission Systems

High voltage AC and DC transmission system protection coordination.

HVDC Converter Stations

Protection coordination for HVDC converter station equipment.

Offshore Wind Farms

AC and DC protection for offshore wind farm connections.

Industrial Power Systems

Industrial facility AC protection coordination studies.

Renewable Energy Integration

Protection coordination for renewable energy system integration.

Grid Interconnections

Protection coordination for regional grid interconnection projects.

Study Deliverables

Protection Studies

  • AC protection coordination reports
  • DC protection coordination studies
  • NETOMAC simulation results
  • Fault analysis documentation

Settings & Configuration

  • Optimized protection settings
  • Relay configuration files
  • Coordination time-current curves
  • Settings validation reports

Implementation Support

  • Commissioning procedures
  • Testing and verification plans
  • Maintenance recommendations
  • Training documentation

Tools & Standards

Simulation Tools

NETOMAC

AC protection analysis

PSCAD/EMTDC

EMT simulation

DigSILENT

PowerFactory platform

ETAP

Protection coordination

Relevant Standards

IEEE C37.2

Protection device standards

IEC 61850

Communication protocols

IEEE 1547

Interconnection standards

CIGRE TB 533

HVDC protection guidelines