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Simulation-based testing New RelayLabTest CMC software

revolutionizes type and acceptance testing for protective relays
Stefan Schwabe, OMICRON, Austria

Abstract
With RelayLabTest, OMICRON is getting ready to
launch a new and unique software product that
fundamentally changes the type and acceptance
testing of protective relays. For the first time, indepth system tests can be performed based on a
network simulation by those without expert
knowledge or programming skills. Diverse
evaluation functions and integrated statistical
analyses provide valuable assistance when
performing comprehensive assessments of
protective devices.

Introduction
Modern, highly integrated protective relays present
test
engineers
with
major
challenges.
Complimentary and sometimes overlapping
protection functions can make it extremely difficult
to isolate and test certain individual functions.
Comparing protective relays can also be made
difficult by the fact that each manufacturer is
focused on something different that relates to
specific individual functions.

Answers provided by a new approach

Testing methods that are not focused on individual
functions but rather examine the overall behavior
of a protective device can offer a way out of this
scenario. The relay is treated like a kind of black
box, which grants no access or insights into its
inner workings. Therefore, the only thing that is
assessed is behavior that can be observed from
outside of it.

new procedures for testing protective relays. For

example, the IEC 60255-121 standard for type
testing of distance protection relays is currently in
the process of being approved. In the future, this
standard will require the use of transient network
models. In addition to the practical, real-world
evaluation of protective equipment, another
objective of the IEC 60255-121 standard is to
make it easier to compare devices that have been
produced by different manufacturers with one
another. Particularly when it comes to distance
protection, different tripping characteristics are
employed and different definitions concerning
operating speed, etc. exist. The goal is to make it
easier for users to compare different protective
relays through systematic testing with results that
can be documented uniformly. This should give
them a proper overview that will assist them in
finding the most suitable device in each case.

The development of RelayLabTest

IEC 60255-121 represents an important starting
point in the development of RelayLabTest.
OMICRONs goal was to create a solution that was
capable of performing all of the simulation tests
and evaluations prescribed by this standard.
However, another important aspect was for users
to be able to define and perform similar tests not
included in the standard. The ease of use should
also guarantee that protection engineers are able
to work effectively with the software without
participating in tedious training.

Ideally, tests using this method should be

performed under conditions that are as realistic as
possible. A transient network model is ideal for
such applications. It allows test quantities to be
generated that reflect reality far more accurately
than those based on sine waves, which are
traditionally used.

A new standard for type testing

The practical problems associated with testing
modern relays have been discussed many times at
industry conferences. Standardization committees
have also recognized this problem and devised

Fig. 1 RelayLabTest enables the user to assess

the overall performance of protection devices
under realistic operating conditions.

OMICRON electronics GmbH 2012

Modern testing equipment for modern

relays
The use of simulation-based testing with
RelayLabTest not only offers a wide range of
opportunities for manufacturers of protective
relays, it also supports electricity supply companies
who want to conduct accurate investigations into
the behavior of devices in different situations. The
functional scope of the software covers everything
that is needed to define tests, control the CMC
testing device and to evaluate the results.

Tests that are quick and easy to set up

Networks can be modeled freely using the intuitive
editor. The events are then defined in the network
plan, examples include fault inception, switching to
existing faults or autoreclosure cycles. Even the
way circuit breakers react to the commands from
their associated relays can be simulated
realistically. This allows complex fault scenarios
and switching sequences to be created readily.

Fig. 2 The flexible Network Editor in RelayLabTest

allows networks/grids to be modeled freely in order
to reflect real-world configurations.

Fig. 3 Even complex fault scenarios and

autoreclosure sequences are easy to simulate.

Evaluation and analysis

Definable time values allow the reaction of a test
object in a defined scenario to be evaluated
automatically. This allows users to quickly
determine whether the respective protective
requirements have been met or not. The analysis
functions offered by the software demonstrate their
true potential when performing extensive testing.
The statistical distribution of the trigger time allows
conclusions to be drawn about the algorithm being
employed by particular protective devices. The
display of measured times based on varied
parameters (e.g. Off command time against fault
location) also offers insights into any fundamental
weaknesses in the protection.
Within the scope of the analyses, different test
cases can easily be compared with one another.
Examples of this include cases with high and low
power feed, with and without transformer
saturation, or with old and new firmware. All of the
results from the individual tests, as well as all of
the statistically determined data, is available for
use in documentation or for further evaluation (e.g.
in Microsoft Excel) via the export function.

Automatic parameter adjustment

When performing extensive testing, fault or
network parameters can be selected freely and
then varied between test shots automatically. In
certain circumstances, this kind of in-depth testing
can include thousands of individual tests intended
to highlight any weaknesses that may exist in the
algorithms employed by the protective devices.
The test variables are output directly via the
OMICRON CMC testing devices and optional
amplifiers. Protective systems comprising multiple
relays (e.g. line differential protection) can be
tested together as a complete system. This
represents a major advantage when addressing
more complex issues.

Fig. 4 Integrated analysis functions allow

conclusions to be drawn regarding any
weaknesses in the protective device. (This

OMICRON electronics GmbH 2012

screenshot shows an SIR diagram in line with IEC

60255-121.).

Faster and easier

RelayLabTest makes the practical evaluation of
protective relays faster and easier than ever
before. The unique integration of simulation,
testing and analysis allows manufacturers to
perform fast, comprehensive type testing.
Power supply companies in particular, can now
benefit from the ability to be able to analyze the
behavior of protective equipment in their own grid
configurations. Comparative tests can also be
performed easily every time the relays settings are
changed or its firmware is updated. RelayLabTest
also provides valuable assistance in selecting the
most suitable protective equipment for a particular
application.

About the author

Stefan Schwabe works at
OMICRON as product manager
for secondary testing solutions
focusing on simulation-based
testing and the application of
methods to improve product
usability. He is responsible for
the products RelayLabTest and
the CMControl. Until 2007, as
SIEMENS employee, he was responsible for
defining test methods and test automation
systems, especially in the pre-development phase
of the SIPROTEC 5 device family.

Additional services
In addition to the RelayLabTest software,
OMICRON also offers complementary services at
its laboratories in Erlangen / Germany. Relay tests
can be performed for manufacturers and power
supply companies in line with IEC 60255-121,
including special customer requests. The service
offer is rounded out by including consulting
services and training courses that cover protective
relay type and acceptance tests.

OMICRON electronics GmbH 2012

OMICRON is an international company serving the electrical power industry with

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