Power Systems Protection Test Equipment

PCA2Protection Condition Analyser

What is it?

• All-in-one quick tester for Breaker & Protection

• Can test circuit Online or Offline

• Provides all data required for CBM / RCM maintenance programs

• Secondary Current Injection Set with timer

• Relay Op-Time• Breaker Op-Time & Condition (+ reclose)• Trip coil current profile• Battery Condition, CT & Wiring Integrity• ‘Snapshot’ of entire protection & breaker

system in actual, live operation

What does it test?

• Only 2-wires + clip-on CT

• Substation wiring not altered

• No connections broken or removed

• More connections gives more info

• No need for test blocks

Connections

Connections – In use

• Captures critical ‘First Trip’

• Minimal Outage Time – can use reclose

• Protection remains active to point of trip

• Quick, cost-effective

Online Testing – Why?

Online Injection – How?

• Software based control-loop

• Feedback from clip-on CT

• Synchronised to Zero-crossing of load current

• Developed with EDF Energy UK• 1000’s of 11 & 33kV circuits• Alternative to manual injection trip-testing• Safer• Combined test with Relay Op-Time• Single instrument• Modern, on-site results viewing, printing &

archiving

Background

• Instant oscillographic & numeric display• On-screen measurements• IEEE COMTRADE format• Saved to internal Flash or USB-drive• PC display using any COMTRADE viewer• Built-in printer

Results

Results

TRLY: Relay Op time

LTCH: Trip latch release time

BFFR: Time when TC slug reaches stop

ACON: Time the ‘a’ contact interrupts the TC current

END: Time when TC current reaches zero

MCON: Time of transition of main interrupter contacts

Oscillographic Results Numerical Results

IPK1: Amplitude of first current peak

IPLT: Max current peak

VINI: Initial battery voltage

VMIN: Minimum battery voltage

Typical Faults/Impending Faults Identified

• Single multipurpose instrument

• Rapid Testing• Online test (first trip)• Archived test results• On-site printout• Enables cost-effective

CBM / RCM program

Conclusion