Design and Build a Real Life Power System Model

Sunday, November 09, 2014

Introduction

It is important for an Electrical Engineering undergraduate to know about power systems in theoretical as well as in a practical approach. Thus, a power system simulator is ideal to understand practically the theories learnt in class. Commercially available models though are in existent, the endeavor was taken to design and build a power system simulator, as a final year project. The simulator is a scaled down model of the actual power system prevailing in the Sri Lankan context. Though it is a scaled down model, all electrical components such as generators, relays, circuit breaker panels are all actual industry used components. As a continuing project many aspects are being developed piece by piece under the guidance of the supervisors and with financial support from the industry. This project provides the basis for the fulfillment of the aspiration by the Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, to give a firsthand experience for the undergraduates before they encounter industrial training.

Project Scope

Figure 1: Power System Model
When completed the model will consist of,
  •     A synchronous generator/transformer unit with voltage control   
  •     A prime mover (an induction motor) with governor control (VSD drive)
  •     Manual synchronizing facility with the grid (mains supply)
  •     4 Transmission lines, a grid substation and a distribution system
  •     Variable resistive and inductive loads
  •     An integrated protection system to detect and clear the faults
  •     Instrument transformers (Current Transformers and PotentialTransformers) to provide information    to the protective and metering systems
  •     Metering facilities at various points in the system
  •     Vacuum Circuit breaker Panels and Facilities for remote operation of circuit breakers.
  •     A fault creation facility for the application of faults on transmission lines
  •     Laboratory practical’s on power systems, fault clearance and protection schemes

Project Objectives for 2013 

This year embarks the 4th phase and the following objectives are initiated for the completion of the project.


Fault & Load flow study and current transformer specification

A thorough load flow analysis was done to understand the system in operation. A fault study was done to determine the fault currents in different instances. The nominal current and fault current was taken from the study. The relay burdens were found by the manuals and other official documents. The knee point voltage was then calculated. By the parameters it was concluded that current transformers with a ratio of 60/5 and burden of 7.5VA would be best for implementation as they were commercially available.

Implementation of donated mechanical and numerical relays

Several numerical and mechanical relays have been donated by numerous contributors and these are being appropriately implemented onto the circuit breaker panels in the power systems laboratory. Due to the diverse nature of the relays, they were studied individually and extensively, ultimately learning how to program and operate. The relays which were donated will simulate the following protection schemes.
  1. Transformer protection (Over current, Differential)   
  2. Line Protection (Differential, Distance, Overcurrent, Directional overcurrent)
  3. Generator protection ( Overvoltage, Negative sequence, Overcurrent, Differential)

Implementation of load

It was decided that for the start, a resistive load of 3.3kW would be implemented to complete the distribution segment of the power system model. Implementation of inductive loads will be facilitated in the expansion of the project in the future.

Laboratory practical’s

Currently laboratory practical’s are being designed to be tested among the undergraduates as a pilot project before establishing it in the curriculum.

Generous donations have been made by LTL Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, Ceylon Electricity Board, Balfour Beatty engineering services Ceylon (Private) Limited,Hayleys Industrial Solutions (Pvt) Ltd, ABB Sri Lanka, FDK Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and by Lanka Electricity Company (Pvt) Ltd.

Project Supervisors: Professor J.R.Lucas | Eng. J. Karunanayaka
2009/2010 Group members: G.B.Alahendra| A.C.P.Aluthgama| P.G.L.Arachchi | G.U. De Silva
2010/2011 Group members: S. V. Herath| K. S. Hettiarachchi| W. J. M. L. Himal |C. Ileperuma
2011/2012 Group members: T.G.R.Lalitha | K.D.S.Kuruppu | L.L.U.J.Lenaduwa|   D.R.Liyanage
2012/2013 Group members: A.R Devinda| D.M.S Dissanayaka| C.L Fernando | M.H.M Fernando


For further information please feel free to contact us by energyzee.projects@gmail.com

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