Applications of microcomputers in power system protection education

The author describes the use of microcomputers to aid instruction in a course on power system protection. The use of the computer is seen in two distinct areas: to promote understanding of relay control; and to aid fault current calculations. The author describes two programs which have been developed specifically for this course, and also discusses the use of a general circuit analysis program for fault current calculations. It is concluded that the use of the computer leads to increased comprehension of the primary course material, which is the design and performance of protective relay systems, the relay settings, and the coordination of the relays. The use of computer animation to demonstrate circuit breaker control and relay-fuse coordination problems is beneficial