Protection & Substation Automation.
Protection relays and substation automation equipment are extremely critical components in the electricity network. They control and protect the primary asset during normal operation and during faulty network conditions.
During their live time protection relays operate seldom or never. But, one protection relay that does not operate or operates to late when there is a fault in the network or component will have disastrous consequences for the energy supply and human safety. On the other hand if a protection relay operates when it is not intended to operate it may have large economic consequences.
With the introduction of IEC 61850, utility communication will be used for substation automation and also for protection purposes within a substation and between substations. Measured values and trip signals will be transmitted digital over a communication network (e.g. Local Area Networks).
Protection relays during history have made a movement from the electromechanical relays towards full digital relays. On one hand protection relays fulfill more functionality and are able to interact with control systems. On the other hand protection relays and substation automation equipment have become more sensitive for its environment (EMC, climatic and mechanical) with the introduction of electronic and digital techniques. The IEC 60255 series is often a required standard series for performing a type test on protection relays. For substation automation equipment IEC 61850-3, IEEE 1613 and the IEC 60870 series are most applicable.
Why KEMA
KEMA has many decades of experience in functional and environmental testing and certification of protection and substation automation equipment. In addition to testing and certification, we are specialized in technical-economic consultancy, inspection, the determination of condition of components and cable diagnostic, dynamic grid management and failure investigation. We are active members in standardization committees. We have the expertise to answer all your questions about protection relays and substation automation equipment. Our multidisciplinary teams think actively and critically along with you. Together with you we will quickly find customized and concrete solutions.
Protection relays are extremely critical components in the electricity network. During their live time protection relays operate seldom or never.
Teleprotection Equipment is crucial for the overall protection of the Power Network.
Power Line Carrier systems are used for the transmission of vital information for the operation and protection of the electric power grid.
Power automation serving electric supply locations often require special high voltage protection against the effects of fault-produced ground potential rise and induced voltages.