Evaluating the performance of protection schemes under real-world conditions - a task that is crucial to the success of the “Smart Grid” initiative in power transmission - is made easier and more convenient by the latest enhancements to Megger’s MPRT protective relay test sets, which now provide full support for all of the key Smart Grid technologies.
In addition to providing manual and automatic testing functions suitable for evaluating even the most complex of protection schemes, the MPRT now offers GPS-synchronised end-to-end testing, and comprehensive facilities for the testing systems based on the IEC 61850 substation communication standard.
Destined to increase the efficiency, utilization and reliability of the power transmission network, the Smart Grid initiative calls for unprecedented levels of automation and network flexibility. This leads to a requirement for complex protection schemes that create significant testing challenges.
To help users meet these challenges, the Megger MPRT range now includes the MGTR GPS timing reference, the MGC (Megger Goose Configurator) software package and an IEC 61851 upgrade option for the MPRT test set itself.
The MGTR timing reference makes use of timing signals from the GPS satellite network to synchronize the operation of separate MPRT test sets at different locations with an accuracy of 100 nS. This facilitates end-to-end testing of line protection schemes, which is the most reliable method of evaluating all aspects of their performance, including verification of circuit breaker operation, communication channel timing and the effectiveness of the protection relay settings.
For substations designed around the IEC 61850 standard, which underpins the high level of automation associated with the Smart Grid initiative, Megger’s MGC software allows users to import parameters from configuration files in SCL (Substation Control Language) format.
These parameters are used to configure an MPRT test set with the IEC 61851 option installed so that it subscribes to pre-selected GOOSE (Generic Object Oriented Substation Event) messages. Data from the messages is assigned to the binary inputs of the test set. This arrangement allows both manual and automatic relay testing.
The MGC software can also assign the binary outputs of the MPRT to GOOSE messages to allow the simulation of circuit breaker status. In addition, the TVI can be used to perform high-speed trip and reclose timing tests, and fully automatic testing is supported using test files created in Megger’s AVTS relay testing software.
Contacts:
Megger
Elsa Cantu
Tel: 1-800-723-2861
Email: elsa.cantu@megger.com
