SIEMENS

(C) by SIEMENS AG PTD PA13

SIPROTEC 4

Power Swing Detection

Introduction Power swing detection measurement Power swing detection logic

Author: Gustav Steynberg PTD PA13 Tel. ++49 (0) 911 433 7012 Fax ++49 (0) 911 433 8301 e-mail: gustav.steynberg@ptd.siemens.de

version March 2001

SIEMENS
(C) by SIEMENS AG PTD PA13

SIPROTEC 4

Introduction
In distance protection relays the detection of power swing conditions is required to prevent tripping when the impedance vector enters the tripping characteristic during the power swing. This function is called power swing blocking. A separate function, out of step tripping, is often included in distance protection relays. This does not relate to the basic distance protection, but is a separate protection provided for the separation of the power system during unstable power swing conditions. If nothing is undertaken during unstable power swings severe damage to rotating plant (generators and machines) may occur, and ultimately the entire system will be shut down. The power swing condition can be recognized by the periodic modulation of current and voltage amplitude (envelope curve with power swing frequency). The distance relay detects the power swing by analysis of the impedance vector trajectory. During a power swing the impedance vector trajectory describes an elliptical path (or section of an ellipse).This applies to all three phases. It is significant that the rate of change of the impedance vector is steady (no large change from one sample to the next) and not very fast during a power swing. During fault inception the impedance vector jumps from the load condition to the fault condition very fast and large change from one sample to the next. This difference is used for the distinction between power swing conditions and fault conditions.

Power swing detection measurement

For the power swing detection a special zone is defined. This zone encloses the largest set standard distance zones in the relay with a margin of 5 Ohm. When the measured impedance enters this zone a distinction is made between power swing and fault conditions. Refer to Diagram 1.
X 0

synchronous swing (change from A to B) Operating locus case B Case C:no stable operating point

180 Power swing polygon

Operating locus case A R

Diagram 1
2 of 5

SIEMENS
(C) by SIEMENS AG PTD PA13

SIPROTEC 4

In Diagram 1 there are three scenarios. Case A corresponds to a normal load condition. Following a system disturbance a power swing condition results. In case B the power swing is stable and a new steady state operating point is reached. In case C the swing is unstable and no new steady state operating point is reached. The impedance vector follows the elliptical path passing through the power swing polygon.
X

F ault impedance F ault entry dX (k-n) dX (k) dR (k)

Power swing dR (k-n)

L oad impedance R

Diagram 2

Trajectory continuity and monotony

The rate of chance of the impedance vector is very important for the differentiation between faults and power swing conditions. In Diagram 2 this is shown. During the power swing the measured impedance from one sample to the next has a defined change in R and X, referred to as dR(k) and dX(k). Important is also the fact that from one sample to the next the difference is small: i.e. dR(k) - dR(k+1)< threshold. During a fault entry there is a rapid change that will not cause the power swing function to pick up.

Trajectory stability
When the impedance vector enters the impedance characteristic during a power swing this is on a point of the elliptical curve that corresponds to steady state instability. For release of the power swing detection a further criterion is therefor used. In Diagram 3 the range for steady state instability is shown. This range is detected in the distance relay by calculating the center of the ellipse and checking if the actual measured X value is less than this value.

3 of 5

SIEMENS
(C) by SIEMENS AG PTD PA13

SIPROTEC 4

X
0

-9 0

+90 S tea dy s tate in stability ra ng e Xo

-1 80 +

R
Diagram 3

Trajectory symmetry
In addition to these measures, a comparison of the three phases is done to ensure that they are symmetrical. During a power swing condition in the single pole open condition only 2 of the three phases will have an impedance trajectory. In this case only these 2 remaining phase trajectories are checked to ensure that they are symmetrical.

Settings
The power swing characteristic is defined by network parameters that change during different system conditions. No specific setting parameters are therefor required for the power swing detection function. By nature of its design it functions correctly under all system conditions.

Power swing detection logic

To ensure stable and secure operation of the power swing detection without risking unwanted power swing blocking during power system faults, a logical combination of a number of measuring criteria are used.

4 of 5

SIEMENS
(C) by SIEMENS AG PTD PA13

SIPROTEC 4

No trip output present Impedance in PPOL Trajectory continuity

no jump of R and X values

& &

Power Swing detected

Calculation of the R and X values

R,X 3

Trajectory monotony
no change in R direction

S Q

Trajectory symmetry
Check symmetry of trajectories that may be swinging

&

Trajectory stability
calculate centre of trajectory

Trajectory of sign check OST

check sign of R at entry and exit

change
Out of step trip

Diagram 4 In Diagram 4 a simplified logic diagram for the power swing function is given. This measurement is done on a per phase basis although Diagram 4 only shows the logic for one phase. Before a power swing detected signal is generated, the measured impedance must be inside the power swing polygon (PPOL). A further 4 measuring criteria must be fulfilled. a) Trajectory continuity The measured R and X values must describe a steady path without a jump from one measured value to the next. Refer to Diagram 2. b) Trajectory monotony The impedance trajectory must initially not change R-direction. Refer to Diagram 2. c) Trajectory symmetry The trajectory of each phase is evaluated. If no fault is present these 3 trajectories must be symmetrical. During single pole open conditions the remaining 2 trajectories must be symmetrical. d) Trajectory stability When the impedance trajectory enters the PPOL during a swing condition the system must be in the area of steady state instability. In Diagram 3 this corresponds to the lower half of the circle. All these conditions must be true for the generation of a power swing block condition. Once the power swing block condition is set it will remain picked up until the impedance vector leaves the power swing polygon (PPOL) unless a fault occurs during this time. The detection of a jump in the trajectory or non-symmetry of the trajectories will reset the power swing blocking condition. For the out of step tripping (OST) signal, a power swing detection is required in the normal manner. Subsequently the sign of the R component in the impedance is evaluated at the instant that the trajectory entered and exited the PPOL. If this sign is not the same, an out of step condition is detected and the power swing trip signal is issued if this was configured.

5 of 5