Use of system integrity protection schemes to improve supply continuity

For many Transmission and Distribution Network Operators the demand for electricity is fast approaching and in some cases exceeding their supply capability. This situation can be improved by enhancing or upgrading the electrical infrastructure. Unfortunately, this can have both a negative economical and environmental impact. An alternative approach is to operate the existing system smarter by monitoring power system quantities and taking automatic control decisions and action based on the state of the power system. This methodology is often referred to as System Integrity Protection Schemes (SIPS). This approach has gained momentum of late due to the enhancements in power system monitoring equipment; such as phasor measurement technology, faster communications networks and the development of decision making strategies in intelligent electronic devices (relays); such as fuzzy logic.