Adaptive algorithm for microprocessor based distance relays in smart grid

Power grid reconfiguration requires appropriate intelligent optimization strategy, particularly during power system restoration. The complexity increases to develop strategy for implementing protection scheme taking into consideration the grid reconfiguration. It therefore needs innovative approach to help future power engineers to learn about protection relays in the ever growing complex power grid. In the graduate course "power system protection" at Syracuse University the students study implementation of modern microprocessor based protection relays in accordance to the surrounding system reconfiguration. Students run simulations under different fault conditions to visualize the impact of nature and location of the fault on the external measurements. Using an example of a single phase to ground fault in a transmission line between the two subsystems, students analyze, through simulations, the line impedance detected by the distance relay and develop the requirements for the distance relay parameter settings. In the next step the students study possible reconfiguration scenarios and analyze necessary distance relay parameter adjustments. We note how students perform numerical analysis and develop the requirements for the necessary adaptive changes in the relay algorithm to meet the application specifications, for example, in Zone 1 and Zone 2 transmission line protection when a loss of neutral grounding on one terminal of the transmission line occurs. Through these exercise, students get opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering in performing complex analysis for accurate data interpretation collected with a level of measurement uncertainty. In this article we will present some students works and discuss the effects of the strides we have made to improve the pedagogical aspect of teaching in response to changes in the power industry.