Centralised Loss of Mains protection using IEC-61850

This paper proposes a centralised Loss of Mains (LOM) detection technique to be implemented with a new network management system (NMS), the AuRA-NMS, an autonomous regional active network management system currently being developed in the UK through a partnership between several UK universities, two distribution network operators (DNO) and ABB. Unlike existing inter-tripping schemes, the proposed method does not use the predetermined association of the generator circuit breaker with one (or more) utility network circuit breakers but utilises a flexible algorithm. This approach also overcomes false tripping issues associated with passive methods because it is conceptually different, in that it does not depend on the measurement of any electrical parameters, such as voltage or current. A prototype of the proposed LOM protection agent has been implemented on the ABB station automation COM600, which is an all-in-one communication gateway, automation platform and user interface device. The prototype has been tested simulating a 33 kV test case network, based on data supplied by Scottish Power (SP), using the IEC 61850 communication protocol.