Dynamic Vulnerability Assessment and Intelligent Control

Chapter 17High-Speed Transmission Line Protection Based on Empirical Orthogonal Functions

Rommel P. Aguilar¹ and Fabián E. Pérez-Yauli²

¹Institute of Electrical Energy, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Argentina

²Department of Electrical Energy, Escuela Politécnica Nacional, Quito, Ecuador

17.1 Introduction

In order to provide an economical and efficient power supply, bulk power exchange between remote locations is essential. Thus, power transmission at extra-high voltage (EHV) levels is a common practice nowadays. However, as with any part of the power system, the elements that constitute the EHV transmission system are exposed to a number of factors that can cause critical faults. In fact, abnormalities introduced during fault events in EHV networks can not only produce catastrophic damage in the equipment but also lead the entire power system into unstable operation. Additionally, in spite of continuously growing energy demand, factors like de-regulated market, economics, rights-of-way, and environmental restrictions have limited the building of new transmission lines. As a result, existing transmission lines are forced to operate at high loadings, close to their operating limits. Consequently, it is imperative to develop protection devices as well as protection schemes with high-speed performance, which decrease the effect of faults on power system operation and also become an economic way to increase power transfer in a network without investment in new transmission lines. ...