Modeling relays for power system protection studies

Numerical relays are the result of the application of microprocessor technology in relay industry. Numerical relays have the ability to communicate with its peers, are economical and are easy to operate, adjust and repair. Modeling of digital and numerical relays is important to adjust and settle protection equipment in electrical facilities and to train protection personnel. Designing of numerical relays is employed to produce new prototypes and protection algorithms. Computer models of numerical relays for the study of protection systems are greatly enhanced when working along with an electromagnetic transient program (emtp). A literature survey has revealed that previous modeling techniques presented a lack of automation in the generation of relay models, or show high complexity in linking the numerical relay models with the power system modeled in the emtp. This thesis describes a new approach of modeling and designing of numerical relays. The proposed methodology employs a Visual C++-based program (PLSA) to obtain from the user the specifications of the relay to be designed, and to process this information to generate the FORTRAN code that represents the functional blocks of the relay. This generated code is incorporated in a PSCAD/EMTDC case using a resource called component, which facilitates the creation of user-custom models in PSCAD/EMTDC. Convenient electrical and logical signals are connected to the inputs and outputs of the PSCAD/EMTDC component. Further additions of digital relay models into the PSCAD/EMTDC case constitute the protection system model. The thesis describes a procedure for designing distance and differential relay models, but the methodology may be extended to design models of other relay elements. A number of protection system studies were performed with the structure created with the proposed methodology. Adjustment of distance and differential relays were studied. Relay performance under CT saturation and the effects of the removal of anti-aliasing analog filter were investigated. Local and remote backup distance protection of transmission lines was simulated. The adjustment of differential protection of power transformer to overcome the effects of inrush current was performed. Power transformer differential protection responses to internal and external faults were considered. Additionally, a set of tests were performed to investigate the consistency of the relay models generated with the proposed methodology. The results showed that the numerical relay models respond satisfactorily according with the expected results of the tests

Test analysis & fault simulation of microfluidic systems

This work presents a design, simulation and test methodology for microfluidic systems, with particular focus on simulation for test. A Microfluidic Fault Simulator (MFS) has been created based around COMSOL which allows a fault-free system model to undergo fault injection and provide test measurements. A post MFS test analysis procedure is also described.A range of fault-free system simulations have been cross-validated to experimental work to gauge the accuracy of the fundamental simulation approach prior to further investigation and development of the simulation and test procedure.A generic mechanism, termed a fault block, has been developed to provide fault injection and a method of describing a low abstraction behavioural fault model within the system. This technique has allowed the creation of a fault library containing a range of different microfluidic fault conditions. Each of the fault models has been cross-validated to experimental conditions or published results to determine their accuracy.Two test methods, namely, impedance spectroscopy and Levich electro-chemical sensors have been investigated as general methods of microfluidic test, each of which has been shown to be sensitive to a multitude of fault. Each method has successfully been implemented within the simulation environment and each cross-validated by first-hand experimentation or published work.A test analysis procedure based around the Neyman-Pearson criterion has been developed to allow a probabilistic metric for each test applied for a given fault condition, providing a quantitive assessment of each test. These metrics are used to analyse the sensitivity of each test method, useful when determining which tests to employ in the final system. Furthermore, these probabilistic metrics may be combined to provide a fault coverage metric for the complete system.The complete MFS method has been applied to two system cases studies; a hydrodynamic “Y” channel and a flow cytometry system for prognosing head and neck cancer.Decision trees are trained based on the test measurement data and fault conditions as a means of classifying the systems fault condition state. The classification rules created by the decision trees may be displayed graphically or as a set of rules which can be loaded into test instrumentation. During the course of this research a high voltage power supply instrument has been developed to aid electro-osmotic experimentation and an impedance spectrometer to provide embedded test

Development of a predictive electrical motor and pump maintenance system

ThesisThis dissertation covers the development and implementation of a predictive maintenance monitoring programme for the Water Supply Directorate of the Department of Water Affairs, Namibia. The maintenance policy in the Directorate was based on a combination of breakdown maintenance and preventative maintenance. Thus maintenance was carried out when a specific type of equipment was forced out of production. The cost of the replacement and repair of equipment increased substantially and a condition-based maintenance system was investigated and implemented. The purpose of condition monitoring maintenance is to find a convenient time for maintenance to be carried out. Different types of condition monitoring technologies exist. After the different types of technologies have been investigated, vibration-based predictive maintenance was chosen. The project includes results from a number of field case studies and proves that vibration analysis can be used to determine the mechanical condition of electrical motors and pumps. The monitoring programme covers a total of 80 pump sets comprising mainly of electrical motors and pumps ranging from 45 to 2 400 kilowatt. In general, the programme is based on the determination of suitable monitoring parameters by taking measurements at regular intervals of the vibration characteristics of a machine. The generalised approach to vibration analysis in a predictive maintenance programme of machinery requires a sound understanding of fundamental theoretical concepts associated with machine. element dynamics and the nature of the dynamic forces and instabilities which excite vibration in electric motors and centrifugal pumps, together with the ability to plan concise experiments to obtain practical data regarding the cause of failure. Machine faults will cause a change in the shape of the vibration frequency spectrum. The cause of the fault can be diagnosed by determining which frequency components have increased and to match them with the different characteristics of vibration. Basically, all machines vibrate at the same characteristic level depending upon the machine's design and operation. As a machine begins to age and deteriorate, vibration increases sporadically or gradually and each machine, regardless of its mechanical design, creates its own unique vibration. A vibration problem can be analysed by reviewing its component frequencies and determining at what frequency the vibration occurs. Using a vibration analyzer, it is possible to measure the frequency and corresponding amplitude of each component. It was found that the greatest vibration normally occurs at the running speed of the machine. It can be concluded that unbalance could be a major cause of this. Misalignment was normally identified at two or three times running speed. Rolling element bearings produce their own high frequency with low amplitude vibration. Defects in rolling element bearings can be separated from the vibration produced by other mechanical components. On sleeve bearings, excessive clearances were found to be the main cause ofvibration, producing many harmonic-related frequencies. Another problem which may arise, is mechanical looseness, of which the amplitude is normally dependent on the amount of looseness and the mechanical design of the machine. This was characterised at twice the running speed with higher than usual harmonics. Resonance is another problem that could cause excessive vibration. Each part of a machine, as well as the machine itself, has a natural frequency and this frequency, relative to a machine's running speed, is of great importance since no machine should be operated in a resonant condition. By utilising a predictive maintenance programme such as vibration monitoring, the condition of vital machinery can be determined effectively. This monitoring system can give early warnings of impending failures, determine the cause of fault and can be used to schedule repairs. Such a system can therefore prevent catastrophic failure, lengthen the life of machinery and reduce maintenance costs. Since installation of the programme, the number of unexpected failures on monitored machines has been greatly reduced and the savings gained from the programme (savings associated with maintenance costs) enabled a pay-back on investments within 18 months of installation

State of the art and trends in the monitoring, detection and diagnosis of failures in electric induction motors

Producción CientíficaDespite the complex mathematical models and physical phenomena on which it is based, the simplicity of its construction, its affordability, the versatility of its applications and the relative ease of its control have made the electric induction motor an essential element in a considerable number of processes at the industrial and domestic levels, in which it converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. The importance of this type of machine for the continuity of operation, mainly in industry, is such that, in addition to being an important part of the study programs of careers related to this branch of electrical engineering, a large number of investigations into monitoring, detecting and quickly diagnosing its incipient faults due to a variety of factors have been conducted. This bibliographic research aims to analyze the conceptual aspects of the first discoveries that served as the basis for the invention of the induction motor, ranging from the development of the Fourier series, the Fourier transform mathematical formula in its different forms and the measurement, treatment and analysis of signals to techniques based on artificial intelligence and soft computing. This research also includes topics of interest such as fault types and their classification according to the engine, software and hardware parts used and modern approaches or maintenance strategies

Using microwave Doppler radar in automated manufacturing applications

Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, manufacturers worldwide have used automation to improve productivity, gain market share, and meet growing or changing consumer demand for manufactured products. To stimulate further industrial productivity, manufacturers need more advanced automation technologies: smart part handling systems, automated assembly machines, CNC machine tools, and industrial robots that use new sensor technologies, advanced control systems, and intelligent decision-making algorithms to see, hear, feel, and think at the levels needed to handle complex manufacturing tasks without human intervention.;The investigator\u27s dissertation offers three methods that could help make smart CNC machine tools and industrial robots possible: (1) A method for detecting acoustic emission using a microwave Doppler radar detector, (2) A method for detecting tool wear on a CNC lathe using a Doppler radar detector, and (3) An online non-contact method for detecting industrial robot position errors using a microwave Doppler radar motion detector.;The dissertation studies indicate that microwave Doppler radar could be quite useful in automated manufacturing applications. In particular, the methods developed may help solve two difficult problems that hinder further progress in automating manufacturing processes: (1) Automating metal-cutting operations on CNC machine tools by providing a reliable non-contact method for detecting tool wear, and (2) Fully automating robotic manufacturing tasks by providing a reliable low-cost non-contact method for detecting on-line position errors. In addition, the studies offer a general non-contact method for detecting acoustic emission that may be useful in many other manufacturing and non-manufacturing areas, as well (e.g., monitoring and nondestructively testing structures, materials, manufacturing processes, and devices).;By advancing the state of the art in manufacturing automation, the studies may help stimulate future growth in industrial productivity, which also promises to fuel economic growth and promote economic stability. The study also benefits the Department of Industrial Technology at Iowa State University and the field of Industrial Technology by contributing to the ongoing smart machine research program within the Department of Industrial Technology and by stimulating research into new sensor technologies within the University and within the field of Industrial Technology

Real-time sensor data development for smart truck drivetrains

Heavy articulated transport vehicles have a poor reputation associated with dramatic road accidents with frequent fatalities for those in automobiles. The result of this work is a formal data flow structure to enhance real-time decision-making in complex mechanical systems to increase performance capability and responsiveness to human commands. This structure recognizes the multiple layers of highly non-linear mechanical components (actuators, wheel tire & ground surfaces, controllers, power supplies, human/machine interfaces, etc.) that must operate in unison (i.e., reduce conflicts) in real-time (in milli-seconds) to enhance operator (driver) control to maximize human choice. This work contains a discussion on dependable sensor data is vital in complex systems that rely on a suite of sensors for both control as well as condition monitoring purposes as well as discussion on real-time energy distribution analysis in high momentum mechanical systems. The focus will be on tractor trucks of class 7 & 8 that are outfitted with an array of low-cost redundant sensors leveraging advances in intelligent robotic systems. This work details many topics including: Most relevant sensor types and their technologies, Designing, implementing, and maintaining a multi-sensor system using feasible industry standards, Sensor signal integrity and data flow processing for decision making, Asynchronous data flow methods for operating decision making schemes in real-time, Multiple applications to enhance tractor trucks systems with multi-sensor systems for real-time decision making.Mechanical Engineerin

On-line measurement of partial discharges in high voltage rotating machines.

The on-line condition monitoring of rotating machines is given paramount importance, particularly in Oils and Gas industries where the financial implications of machine shutdown is very high. This project work was directed towards the on-line condition monitoring of high voltage rotating machines by detection of partial discharges (PD) which are indicative of stator insulation degradation. Partial discharge manifests itself in various forms which can be detected using various electrical and non-electrical techniques. The electrical method of detecting small current pulses generated by PD using a Rogowski coil as a sensor has been investigated in this work. Dowding & Mills, who are commercially involved in the condition monitoring of rotating machines, currently use a system called StatorMonotor® for PD detection. The research is intended to develop a new partial discharge detection system that will replace the existing system which is getting obsolete. A three phase partial discharge detection unit was specified, designed and developed that is capable of filtering, amplifying and digitising the discharge signals. The associated data acquisition software was developed using LabVIEW software that was capable of acquiring, displaying and storing the discharge signals. Additional software programs were devised to investigate the removal of external noise. A data compression algorithm was developed to store the discharge data in an efficient manner; also ensuring the backward compatibility to the existing analysis software. Tests were performed in laboratory and on machines on-site and the results are presented. Finally, the data acquisition (DAQ) cards that used the PCMCIA bus was replaced with new USB based DAQ cards with the software modified accordingly. The three phase data acquisition unit developed as a result of this project has produced encouraging results and will be implemented in an industrial environment to evaluate and benchmark its performance with the existing system. Most importantly, a hardware data acquisition platform for the detection of PD pulses has been established within the company which is easily maintainable and expandable to suit any future requirements

New Cost-effective Method for Monitoring Wideband Disturbances at Secondary Substation

Modern societies are becoming increasingly dependent on reliable and continuous supply of high quality electricity. Maintaining continuous supply of electricity round the clock depends heavily on the efficient and reliable operation of distribution system components. On the other hand, large-scale power outages are increasing in overhead lines due to extreme weather condition i.e. heavy storms and snowfalls. Distribution network operators (DNOs) are facing considerable network investments in the near future due to the ongoing trend of cabling. At the same time, the long fault location and repair times in aging cable networks set new demands for condition monitoring and fault prevention through preventive maintenance. Partial discharge (PD) monitoring is an excellent way to determine the overall health of the MV components and detect developing faults in underground cables. On the other hand, the proliferation of e.g. distributed generation and electronic loads poses new challenges to maintain the power quality (PQ) in distribution networks. Utilizing network condition and power quality information together would improve the allocation accuracy and benefit-cost ratio of network maintenance and renewals. Thus, the importance of condition monitoring is increasing in the distribution networks to facilitate online diagnostic, preventive maintenance, forecasting risk of failure and minimizing outages.Secondary substations seldom have any remotely readable measurement and control units and the existing measurements in the network are limited to only power quality and MV fault management due to low sampling rate (some kHz). There are also commercially available devices for PD monitoring of underground cables but those capable of continuous on-line monitoring are still relatively expensive and as such, more suited for critical and high risk location. Currently, there are no cost-effective wideband multifunction devices suitable for continuous on-line PD monitoring, PQ monitoring, disturbance recording (DR) and fault location at secondary substation.This thesis proposes a novel cost-effective secondary substation monitoring solution which includes the monitoring system as well as the monitoring concept to measure various quantities at LV and MV side of secondary substation. Additionally, it can be used in fundamental frequency metering and can be used as disturbance recorder as well. It also locates earth fault which is demonstrated as an application of disturbance recording function. The architecture of the monitoring system includes high frequency current transformer (HFCT) sensors for current measurements at MV side, resistive divider for voltage measurements at LV side, filter & amplifier unit and multichannel data acquisition & processing unit. HFCT sensors not only measure PD but also PQ at the MV side of secondary substation, which is a novel approach. Hence, no sensor having expensive high voltage insulations is needed, which makes the solution cost-effective and reliable. The overall concept is tested and verified through prototype systems in the laboratory and in the field. Secondary substation monitoring solution provides a platform on which various monitoring, control and network automation applications can be built

The use of mechanical redundancy for fault detection in non-stationary machinery

The classical approach to machinery fault detection is one where a machinery’s condition is constantly compared to an established baseline with deviations indicating the occurrence of a fault. With the absence of a well-established baseline, fault detection for variable duty machinery requires the use of complex machine learning and signal processing tools. These tools require extensive data collection and expert knowledge which limits their use for industrial applications. The thesis at hand investigates the problem of fault detection for a specific class of variable duty machinery; parallel machines with simultaneously loaded subsystems. As an industrial case study, the parallel drive stations of a novel material haulage system have been instrumented to confirm the mechanical response similarity between simultaneously loaded machines. Using a table-top fault simulator, a preliminary statistical algorithm was then developed for fault detection in bearings under non-stationary operation. Unlike other state of the art fault detection techniques used in monitoring variable duty machinery, the proposed algorithm avoided the need for complex machine learning tools and required no previous training. The limitations of the initial experimental setup necessitated the development of a new machinery fault simulator to expand the investigation to include transmission systems. The design, manufacturing and setup of the various subsystems within the new simulator are covered in this manuscript including the mechanical, hydraulic and control subsystems. To ensure that the new simulator has successfully met its design objectives, extensive data collection and analysis has been completed and is presented in this thesis. The results confirmed that the developed machine truly represents the operation of a simultaneously loaded machine and as such would serve as a research tool for investigating the application of classical fault detection techniques to parallel machines in non-stationary operation.Master's These