Power Systems Protection Test Equipment

PCA2 Protection Condition Analyser

What is it? All-in-one quick tester for Breaker & Protection Can test circuit Online or Offline Provides all data required for CBM / RCM maintenance programs Secondary Current Injection Set with timer

What does it test? Relay Op-Time Breaker Op-Time & Condition (+ reclose) Trip coil current profile Battery Condition, CT & Wiring Integrity ‘Snapshot’ of entire protection & breaker system in actual, live operation

Connections Only 2-wires + clip-on CT Substation wiring not altered No connections broken or removed More connections gives more info No need for test blocks

Connections – In use

Online Testing – Why? Captures critical ‘First Trip’ Minimal Outage Time – can use reclose Protection remains active to point of trip Quick, cost-effective

Online Injection – How? Software based control-loop Feedback from clip-on CT Synchronised to Zero-crossing of load current

Background Developed with EDF Energy UK 1000’s of 11 & 33kV circuits Alternative to manual injection trip-testing Safer Combined test with Relay Op-Time Single instrument Modern, on-site results viewing, printing & archiving

Results Instant oscillographic & numeric display On-screen measurements IEEE COMTRADE format Saved to internal Flash or USB-drive PC display using any COMTRADE viewer Built-in printer

Results Oscillographic Results Numerical Results TRLY: Relay Op time LTCH: Trip latch release time BFFR: Time when TC slug reaches stop ACON: Time the ‘a’ contact interrupts the TC current END: Time when TC current reaches zero MCON: Time of transition of main interrupter contacts IPK1: Amplitude of first current peak IPLT: Max current peak VINI: Initial battery voltage VMIN: Minimum battery voltage

Typical Faults/Impending Faults Identified

Conclusion Single multipurpose instrument Rapid Testing Online test (first trip) Archived test results On-site printout Enables cost-effective CBM / RCM program