Protection System Modelling in a Probabilistic Assessment of Transient Stability

The application of probability methods in the evaluation of power system transient stability has been demonstrated in recent papers1-3. A probabilistic index for transient stability was developed which in addition to considering the random variations in the operating conditions, included the probabilistic aspects associated with the type, location and clearance of the system faults. It was realized during these studies that there was a need to develop stochastic models for the protection system behaviour which include the actual design aspects. The operational behaviour of the protection system is an important component in the high degree of security and service continuity associated with bulk power systems. This paper illustrates an approach used to model the protection system in the probabilistic assessment of transient stability. The probability density functions of the operating times associated with the components of the protection system such as relays, breakers, etc. are used in conjunction with the reliabilities of the main and back-up protection schemes to obtain the probability density functions of the fault clearing time for different fault locations. These density functions are used together with the critical fault clearing time for a given fault type and location to obtain a probabilities index for transient stability. A simple distance impedance protection system is used to illustrate the procedure. Continuous as well as discrete density functions for the operating times of the protection system components are used. This paper illustrates the basic probabilistic nature of the fault clearing phenomenon and its importance in transient stability assessment.