DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DOUBLE-CIRCUIT TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS

Abstract

A device is provided that is suitable for use with a double-circuit power transmission system having a first line and a second line. The device comprises an interface to receive a current measurement for the second line. The device comprises at least one processing module operative to estimate a first zero-sequence current in the first line based on a second zero-sequence current, and determine an apparent impedance based on the estimated first zero-sequence current.

Claims

1. A device for use with a double-circuit power transmission system having a first line and a second line, the device comprising: an interface to receive a current measurement for the second line; and at least one processor operative to calculate a second zero-sequence current in the second line based on the current measurement, estimate a first zero-sequence current in the first line based on the second zero-sequence current, and determine an apparent impedance based on the estimated first zero-sequence current.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is a protection device operative to perform a protection function based on the apparent impedance.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the protection function is a distance protection function.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is operative to estimate the first zero-sequence current without using a current measurement for the first line.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is operative to determine an estimate for a fault location of a fault in the second line.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the device is operative to estimate the first zero-sequence current based on the estimate for the fault location.

7. The device of claim 5 wherein the device is operative to determine estimates for the fault location, the first zero-sequence current, and the apparent impedance in an iterative procedure.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the interface is operative to receive a zero-sequence voltage at a terminal of the second line and the device is operative to determine the first zero-sequence current based on the zero-sequence voltage.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is operative to multiply the second zero-sequence current by a multiplicative factor to estimate the first zero-sequence current.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the multiplicative factor is independent of a status of the first line and/or of a transformer configuration of transformers at opposite terminals of both the first line and the second line.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein the multiplicative factor is dependent on a status of the first line and wherein the multiplicative factor is dependent on a transformer configuration of transformers at opposite terminals of both the first line and the second line,

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the multiplicative factor is dependent on whether the first line is (i) in service or (ii) open and grounded and whether a transformer configuration of transformers at opposite terminals of both the first line and the second line is (i) delta-wye grounded or (ii) wye grounded - wye grounded.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the multiplicative factor is dependent on a transformer impedance of at least one of the transformers and independent of source impedances for the delta-wye grounded transformer configuration, and dependent on a source impedance of at least one source behind the transformers for a wye grounded—wye grounded transformer configuration.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the device is operative to determine the apparent impedance including a mutual coupling compensation, the mutual coupling compensation being dependent on the estimated first zero-sequence current in the first line.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the mutual coupling compensation is performed for determining the apparent impedance for distance protection of the double-circuit power transmission system.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein determining the apparent impedance including the mutual coupling compensation comprises computing a sum of a short circuit current in a faulted phase of the second line, a product of a first factor and the estimated first zero-sequence current, and a product of a second factor and the second zero-sequence current to determine the apparent impedance.

17. An electric power system, comprising: double-circuit transmission system comprising: a first line and a second line; and the device of claim 1 operatively coupled to the second line to perform a protection function for the second line.

18. A method, comprising: estimating, by a device, a first zero-sequence current in a first line of a double-circuit transmission system, the first zero-sequence current being estimated based on a second zero-sequence current in a faulted second line of the double-circuit transmission system; and determining, by the device, an apparent impedance based on the estimated first zero-sequence current.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein determining the apparent impedance comprises determining the apparent impedance including a mutual coupling compensation, the mutual coupling compensation being dependent on the estimated first zero-sequence current in the first line.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the mutual coupling compensation is performed for determining the apparent impedance for distance protection of the double-circuit transmission system, and wherein determining the apparent impedance including the mutual coupling compensation comprises computing a sum of a short circuit current in a faulted phase of the second line, a product of a first factor and the estimated first zero-sequence current, and a product of a second factor and the second zero-sequence current to determine the apparent impedance.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0292] The subject-matter will be explained in more detail with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

[0293] FIG. 1 is a schematic partial representation of a system comprising double-circuit lines and a protection device.

[0294] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a double-circuit transmission system.

[0295] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a protection device.

[0296] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method.

[0297] FIG. 5 is block diagram of processing performed by a protection device.

[0298] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a system comprising double-circuit lines with a delta-wye grounded transformer configuration and a first line that is open and grounded.

[0299] FIG. 7 is an equivalent zero-sequence network of the double-circuit line for the system state and configuration of FIG. 6.

[0300] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of a system comprising double-circuit lines with a wye grounded—wye grounded transformer configuration and a first line that is open and grounded.

[0301] FIG. 9 is an equivalent zero-sequence network of the double-circuit line for the system state and configuration of FIG. 8.

[0302] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a system comprising double-circuit lines with a delta-wye grounded transformer configuration and a first line that is in service.

[0303] FIG. 11 is an equivalent zero-sequence network of the double-circuit line for the system state and configuration of FIG. 10.

[0304] FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a system comprising double-circuit lines with a wye grounded—wye grounded transformer configuration and a first line that is in service.

[0305] FIG. 13 is an equivalent zero-sequence network of the double-circuit line for the system state and configuration of FIG. 12.

[0306] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method.

[0307] FIG. 15 is a schematic representation of a system comprising double-circuit transmission systems lines and a protection device, for which the data of FIGS. 16 to 19 are obtained.

[0308] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing actual impedance, apparent impedance obtained when using a current measurement at a first line and apparent impedance obtained when estimating a zero-sequence current in the first line using the disclosed techniques, for a delta-wye grounded transformer configuration and the first line being open and grounded.

[0309] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing actual impedance, apparent impedance obtained when using a current measurement at a first line and apparent impedance obtained when estimating a zero-sequence current in the first line using the disclosed techniques, for a wye grounded—wye grounded transformer configuration and the first line being open and grounded.

[0310] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing actual impedance, apparent impedance obtained when using a current measurement at a first line and apparent impedance obtained when estimating a zero-sequence current in the first line using the disclosed techniques, for a delta-wye grounded transformer configuration and the first line being in service.

[0311] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing actual impedance, apparent impedance obtained when using a current measurement at a first line and apparent impedance obtained when estimating a zero-sequence current in the first line using the disclosed techniques, for a wye grounded—wye grounded transformer configuration and the first line being in service.

[0312] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing actual impedance and apparent impedances obtained when estimating a zero-sequence current in the first line using the disclosed techniques, for a delta-wye grounded transformer configuration and the first line being open and grounded, for the actual remote source impedance and variations of the remote source impedance around its actual value.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0313] Exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings in which identical or similar reference signs designate identical or similar elements. While some embodiments will be described in the context of, the methods and devices described in detail below may be used in a wide variety of systems.

[0314] The features of embodiments may be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

[0315] According to embodiments, devices and methods are provided that are operative to perform a protection function, in particular a distance protection function, for an electric power system. More specifically, the devices and methods may be operative to provide mutual coupling compensation for distance protection functions in a double-circuit transmission system. As used herein, the term “double-circuit transmission system” (which is frequently also referred to as “double-circuit transmission line” in the art) carries conductors for two circuits. For two-phase double-circuit transmission systems, each tower supports and insulates four conductors. For three-phase double-circuit transmission systems, each tower supports and insulates six conductors. Generally, a double-circuit transmission system is a transmission system in which conductors of two circuits share the same right-of-way and/or are suspended on the same towers.

[0316] A protection device may be implemented as a protection relay. The protection device may be operatively associated with a second line of a double-circuit transmission system, with the double-circuit transmission system having a first line extending parallel to the second line.

[0317] The protection device may be operative to receive a current measurement obtained for the second line (e.g., from a current transformer at the second line), to estimate a first zero-sequence current in the first line based on a second zero-sequence current in the second line, and to determine an apparent impedance based on the estimated first zero-sequence current.

[0318] The apparent impedance may be determined based on current and voltage measurements obtained on the second line with which the protection device is associated, and without requiring any current measurements obtained on the first line.

[0319] Determining the apparent impedance may comprise determining the apparent impedance in dependence on a weighted sum of the first zero-sequence current and of the second zero-sequence current. The weighted sum may be determined as K.sub.0I.sub.0+K.sub.0mI.sub.0′, where I.sub.0 is the second zero-sequence current that is obtained by processing a measurement and I′.sub.0 is the estimated first zero-sequence current. The coefficients K.sub.0 and K.sub.0m may be dependent on system impedances (in particular line impedances). In this manner, mutual coupling may be taken into account (thereby providing mutual coupling compensation).

[0320] The protection device may be operative to perform a protection function for the second line based on the apparent impedance. The protection function may comprise tripping protection elements, such as circuit breakers or switches. The protection function may comprise performing a controlled disconnection and/or reconnection.

[0321] Alternatively or additionally, the protection device may be operative to cause generation of output, such as an alarm, warning, or other information, in dependence on the apparent impedance. The output may be provided to an operator via a user interface.

[0322] The protection device may use various parameters, such as one or several source impedances and/or one or several transformer impedances when estimating the first zero-sequence current and/or determining the apparent impedance and/or performing mutual coupling compensation. The techniques disclosed herein are robust against inaccuracies in the numerical values of the source and/or transformer impedances. Thus, the terms “source impedance” and “transformer impedance”, as used herein, encompass estimates for the source impedance or transformer impedance or other values that accommodate some variations from the actual values.

[0323] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic view of an electric power system 10. The electric power system has a first line 11 and a second line 12 extending in parallel. The first and second line 11, 12 may each be conductors of a double-circuit transmission system.

[0324] The first and second lines 11, 12 may be transmission lines of a double-circuit transmission system that are current carrying conductors placed close to each other. The first and second lines 11, 12 may be transmission lines and that may be operated such that a sum of their currents is not equal to zero.

[0325] First terminals of the first line 11 and the second line 12 may be coupled to a first transformer 16. A first source 15 may be coupled to the first transformer 16, behind the first transformer 16 (as seen from protection devices 20, 20′), i.e., at the first end of the first and second lines 11, 12.

[0326] While not shown in FIG. 1, opposite second terminals of the first line 11 and the second line 22 may be coupled to a second transformer. A second source may be coupled to the second transformer, i.e., at a second end of the first and second lines 11, 12.

[0327] A protection device 20 is provided for protection of the second line 12. The protection device 20 may be operative to provide distance protection or another protection function for the second line 22. The protection device 22 may be a protection relay.

[0328] The protection device 20 is provided at or in proximity to the first terminal of the second line 22. The first terminal is therefore also referred to as “local terminal.” In the following, the transformer provided at the end of the second line 12 at which the protection device 20 is provided will be referred to as “local transformer”, and the source at the end of the second line 12 at which the protection device 20 is provided will be referred to as “local source”. The transformer at the opposite end of the second line 12 will be referred to as “remote transformer” and the source at the opposite end of the second line 12 will be referred to as “remote source.”

[0329] It will be appreciated that another protection device (not shown in FIG. 1) is typically provided at the opposite end of the second line 12, for which the source 15 is the “remote source” (because it is provided at the end of the second line 12 opposite to the end at which this other protection device is provided) and the transformer 16 is the “remote transformer” ((because it is provided at the end of the second line 12 opposite to the end at which this other protection device is provided).

[0330] The protection device 20 is coupled to a current transformer 30 at the first end of the second line 12. The protection device 20 is operative to receive a current measurement for the second line 12. The current measurement allows a zero-sequence current of the second line 12 to be derived. The zero-sequence current for the second line 12 is referred to as “second zero-sequence current” for brevity. A zero-sequence current for the first line 11 is referred to as “first zero-sequence current” for brevity.

[0331] The protection device 20 is operative to provide an enhanced technique of taking into account mutual flux linkages between two lines 11, 12 and is called zero-sequence mutual coupling. The zero-sequence mutual coupling effect can be effectively represented by a zero-sequence mutual impedance in the equivalent circuit. The protection device 20 is operative to determine an apparent impedance, as seen from the protection device 20, that takes into account a mutual coupling and includes a term proportional to an estimate for the first zero-sequence current in the first line 11. The protection device 20 is operative to determine the apparent impedance in double circuit/parallel lines as

[00031]$\begin{array}{cc}{Z}_{\mathrm{app}}=\frac{U_{ph}}{I_{ph}+K_0{I}_0+K_{om}{I}_0^{\prime }}& \left(2\right)\end{array}$

[0332] where

[0333] I′.sub.0 is an estimate for the first zero-sequence current in the parallel first line 11, K.sub.0m and K.sub.0 are coefficients that depend on line impedance, as will be explained in more detail below, with K.sub.0m being proportional to a mutual impedance between the first and second lines 11, 12.

[0334] The protection device 20 is operative to determine the estimate for the first zero-sequence current I′.sub.0 from the measured current in the second line 12 and using system impedances (line impedances and at least one of transformer or source impedances) that are known. The procedure according to which the estimate for the first zero-sequence current I′.sub.0 is determined is dependent on a transformer configuration of the transformers at both the local and remote ends of the second line 12 and on a status of the first line 11. Information on the transformer configuration and the status of the first line 11 may be retrieved by the protection device 20 from digital substation status and configuration data 19. For illustration, the digital substation status and configuration data 19 may include a substation configuration description and/or a dynamic substation topology that is used by the protection device 20 to determine which one of several procedures is to be invoked to estimate the apparent impedance.

[0335] While the operation of the device according to embodiments will be described with reference to the protection device 20, the protection device 20′ associated with the first line 11 may have a similar operation. In particular, the protection device 20′ may be operative to receive a current measurement for the first line 11 from a current transformer 30′ on the first line 11, may estimate the second zero-sequence current based thereon and based on system impedances, using substation status and configuration data, and may determine the apparent impedance using the first zero-sequence current that is available from a measurement for the first line and the second zero-sequence current that is obtained by an estimate, without requiring any current measurement to be communicated between the protection devices 20, 20′ or from the current transformer 30 to the protection device 20′.

[0336] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a tower of a double-circuit transmission system in which conductors of two circuits share the same right-of-way and/or are supported on the same towers. The first line 11 and second line 12 may be conductors of different circuits of the double-circuit transmission system. As shown in FIG. 2, a three-phase double-circuit transmission line has a total of six conductors a′, b′, c′, a, b, c that are provided to make two different transmission circuits, the first line 11 and the second line 12. The first line 11 includes three conductors a′, b′, c′ corresponding to three phases, and the second line 12 includes the other three conductors a, b, c corresponding to three phases. Running the first line 11 and the second line 12 in close proximity to each other will involve inductive coupling between the conductors, for example if they are arranged in parallel.

[0337] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a protection device 20 according to an embodiment. The protection device 20 has a first interface 28 operative to receive a current measurement for the line that is being protected by the protection device 20. The first interface 20 may be operative for coupling to a current transformer.

[0338] The protection device 20 has one or several integrated circuits (IC(s)) 21 that perform processing functions. The one or several IC(s) 21 may include one or several of a processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or any combination thereof.

[0339] The IC(s) 21 are operative to implement an apparent impedance determination element 22. The apparent impedance determination element 22 may receive current and voltage measurements for the line that is being protected as inputs, may estimate a zero-sequence current in another line that is parallel to the line being protected, and may use the estimated zero-sequence current in the first line 11 parallel to the line on which the protection device 20 is provided, in combination with the zero-sequence current in the line that is being protected to estimate an apparent impedance, which takes into account a mutual coupling in a double-line circuit.

[0340] The IC(s) 21 may be operative to implement a distance element 23. The distance element 23 may be operative to perform a protection function, in particular a distance protection function. The distance element 23 may be operative to use the apparent impedance for determining which corrective action is required. The distance element 23 may be operative to determine an area for which protection is required. By using the apparent impedance that takes into account mutual coupling, the risk of overreaching or underreaching actions by the distance element 23 is mitigated.

[0341] The IC(s) 21 may be operative to issue signals or commands via at least one second interface 29 to cause a determined protection action to be taken.

[0342] The IC(s) 21 may be operative to implement an output generation element 24. The output generation element 24 may cause output (alarms, warning, notifications, or other information) to be output to an operator, e.g., at a control center.

[0343] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method 40. The method 40 may be performed automatically by the protection device 20.

[0344] At step 41, a current measurement is obtained for the line that is being protected by the protection device. A voltage measurement (in particular a phase to earth voltage) may be received for the line that is being protected.

[0345] Step 41 may optionally comprise receiving a voltage measurement indicative of a zero-sequence voltage at the local terminal of the second line.

[0346] At step 42, system status and configuration data is optionally retrieved. The system status and configuration data may include information on whether another line that is parallel to the line being protected is in operation or is open and grounded (as may be the case for maintenance). The system status and configuration data may include information on a transformer configuration of transformers at both ends of the line that is being protected. Step 42 is optional. Methods and devices according to embodiments may be operative without requiring information on the status of the line that is parallel to the line being protected and/or without requiring information on the transformer configuration.

[0347] At step 43, a zero-sequence current in the line parallel to the line that is being protected is estimated. An estimate for the zero-sequence current in the line parallel to the line that is being protected may be determined from a zero-sequence current in the line that is being protected, using data processing that depends on the status of the first line (in service or open and grounded) and/or the transformer configuration. An estimate for the zero-sequence current in the line parallel to the line that is being protected may be determined without requiring, and in particular without using, any current measurement in the line parallel to the line that is being protected.

[0348] At step 44, an apparent impedance is determined using the estimate for the zero-sequence current in the line parallel to the line that is being protected. The apparent impedance may be determined such that it is dependent on a weighted sum of the first zero-sequence current and of the second zero-sequence current. The weighted sum may be determined as K.sub.0 I.sub.0+K.sub.0m I.sub.0′, where I.sub.0 is the zero-sequence current that is obtained from a measurement on the line that is being protected and I′.sub.0 is the estimated zero-sequence current in the first line. The coefficients K.sub.0 and K.sub.0m may be dependent on system impedances (in particular line impedances and at least one transformer or source impedance).

[0349] Steps 43 and 44 may be implemented in an iterative procedure. The iterative procedure may involve initializing an estimate for a fault location of a fault in the line that is being protected and an apparent impedance. The fault location, an estimate for the zero-sequence current in the first line, and the apparent impedance may be iteratively refined in at least one iteration after initialization.

[0350] The apparent impedance may be used to perform a protection function, in particular a distance protection function.

[0351] FIG. 5 is a view 50 showing the overall operation of a protection device 20 and method according to an embodiment. The inputs 51 used are voltage and current measurements from a line being protected, line impedance, and at least one of transformer impedance and source impedance parameters from both terminals. Digital substation data 52 including status of breakers at local and remote ends of both the lines are also acquired to determine the line configuration. Additionally, transformer configuration 52 information is also retrieved. Line current estimation for the first line 11 and two-step apparent impedance calculation 53 can be performed to obtain an accurate estimate for the apparent impedance (after mutual coupling compensation) 54 that may be used as output.

[0352] Techniques that may be employed in the protection device 20 and method according to an embodiment are described in two sections: (A) Estimation of zero-sequence current in the first line, and (B) Mutual coupling compensation using the estimated first zero-sequence current for the first line 11.

(A) Estimation of Zero-Sequence Current in the Parallel Line

Estimation Independently of Parallel Line Status and Transformer Configuration

[0353] Estimation of zero-sequence current in the first line 11 (i.e., the line parallel to the second line 12 being protected) can be implemented without requiring information on whether the first line 11 is in operation or open and grounded, and without requiring information on the transformer configurations at the local and remote terminals.

[0354] The device 20 may be operative to estimate the first zero-sequence current in the first line 11 as a function of at least the second zero-sequence current in the second line, an estimated fractional fault location from a local terminal, a positive sequence impedance of the second line, a zero-sequence mutual impedance of the first and second line, and a source impedance behind the remote terminal. The device 20 may additionally use at least one of (i) the zero-sequence voltage at a local terminal, (ii) a source impedance behind the local terminal for determining the estimate for the first zero-sequence current in the first line 11.

[0355] The device 20 may be operative such that estimating the first zero-sequence current may comprise, independently of whether the first line is in service and/or independently of whether the transformers are in the wye grounded-wye grounded configuration or in the delta-wye grounded configuration, estimating the first zero-sequence current I′.sub.0 such that it fulfils

[00032]$\begin{array}{cc}{I}_0^{\prime }=\frac{V_{A0}+\left(Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}\right)I_0-\left(A\times Z_{0M}\right)I_0}{Z_{0M}-\left(A{Z}_0\right)}& \left(3\right)\end{array}$$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{where}A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}}& \left(4\right)\end{array}$

[0356] where: [0357] V.sub.A0 is the zero-sequence voltage at a local terminal (i.e., the terminal of the second line closer to the device); [0358] I.sub.0 is the second zero-sequence current in the second line; [0359] d is an estimated fractional fault location from a local terminal; [0360] Z.sub.0L is a positive sequence impedance of the second line; [0361] Z.sub.0M is a zero-sequence mutual impedance of the first and second line; [0362] Z.sub.S2 is a source impedance behind the remote terminal.

[0363] Alternatively or additionally, the device may be operative such that estimating the first zero-sequence current may comprise, independently of whether the first line is in service and/or independently of whether the transformers are in the wye grounded-wye grounded configuration or in the delta-wye grounded configuration, estimating the first zero-sequence current I′.sub.0 such that it fulfils

[00033]$$\begin{gathered} \begin{array}{cc}{I}_0^{\prime }=\frac{\left(Z_{S1}+Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}\right)-\left(A{Z}_{0M}\right)}{Z_{0M}-\left(A{Z}_0\right)}{I}_0 \\ & \left(5\right)\end{array} \end{gathered}$$$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{where}A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}}& \left(6\right)\end{array}$

[0364] where: [0365] I.sub.0 is the second zero-sequence current in the second line; [0366] d is an estimated fractional fault location from a local terminal; [0367] Z.sub.0L is a positive sequence impedance of the second line; [0368] Z.sub.0M is a zero-sequence mutual impedance of the first and second line; [0369] Z.sub.S2 are source impedances behind the local and remote terminals, respectively.

[0370] The estimated fractional fault location can be obtained as described in more detail below, and can be iteratively improved in an iterative process that includes an initiation step and at least one further iteration, as will be described below.

[0371] Equations (3), (4) or equations (5), (6) can be derived for a certain parallel line status and transformer configuration, but surprisingly provide robust estimates and robust distance protection function that uses mutual coupling compensation independently of whether the first line 11 (i.e., the line 11 that is parallel to the line 12 protected by the device 20) is open and grounded or in operation, and independently of the transformer configurations at the local and remote terminals. Implementations that use equations (3), (4) or equations (5), (6) provide the effect of implementing reliable mutual coupling compensation without requiring information on whether the first line 11 (i.e., the line 11 that is parallel to the line 12 protected by the device 20) is open and grounded or in operation, and without requiring information on the transformer configurations at the local and remote terminals.

Estimation That Takes Into Account Parallel Line Status and Transformer Configuration

[0372] Estimation of zero-sequence current in the healthy first line can be achieved using a zero-sequence equivalent circuit of the double-circuit transmission line system during a fault on the line being protected.

[0373] The zero-sequence equivalent circuit depends on (1) a configuration of transformers at both terminals of the double-circuit line and (2) a status of circuit breakers at local as well as remote ends of both the lines. This information can be obtained as input from digital substation data and can be used to determine how (i.e., using which expressions or data processing routines) the zero-sequence current in the first line (also referred to as “first zero-sequence impedance”) is determined.

[0374] The most common transformer configuration when connecting generating stations is delta-wye grounded. Similarly, the most common transformer configuration when connecting sub-stations is wye-wye grounded. Further, the two common configurations of double circuit lines are—both lines in operation, and, one line in operation while the other line is open and grounded. The formation of equivalent circuit and estimation of current for the first line for each of the above-mentioned configurations is explained below.

[0375] The following notation is used below: [0376] I′.sub.0: zero-sequence current in the line parallel to the line being protected (also referred to as “first zero-sequence current”); [0377] I.sub.0: zero-sequence current in the line being protected (also referred to as “second zero-sequence current”); [0378] V.sub.A0: zero-sequence voltage at a local terminal of the line being protected (also referred to as local zero-sequence voltage); [0379] I.sub.F: fault current flowing into a fault resistance; [0380] d: fractional fault location from the local terminal (the “fractional” fault location designates the fraction of the zero-sequence impedance of the line after which the fault occurs); [0381] Z.sub.1, Z.sub.0L: positive sequence and zero-sequence impedance of the line;

[0382] Z.sub.0m: mutual impedance of the first and second lines; [0383] Z.sub.T1, Z.sub.T2: transformer impedances of the transformers at the local and remote terminals, respectively (index 1 designates the transformer at the local terminal, i.e., the terminal close to the protection device that performs the protection function, while index 2 designates the transformer at the remote terminal); [0384] Z.sub.S1, Z.sub.S2: source impedances behind the local and remote terminals, respectively (index 1 designates the source at the local terminal, i.e., the terminal close to the protection device that performs the protection function, while index 2 designates the source at the remote terminal).

[0385] The dependency of the zero-sequence current in the line parallel to the line being protected (also referred to as “first zero-sequence current”) on the measured zero-sequence current in the line being protected (also referred to as “second zero-sequence current”), respectively for different status of the first line 11 and for different transformer configurations, will be discussed below.

First Line Open and Grounded

Transformer Configuration: Delta-Wye Grounded

[0386] The equivalent zero-sequence network of the double circuit line with healthy first line 11 open and grounded (FIG. 6) is shown in FIG. 7. The transformer configurations at both terminals are delta-wye grounded. The fault is at distance d from terminal A on the line in operation 12 that is being protected by the protection relay R1.

[0387] In FIG. 7, the upper branch A1-B1 represents the healthy first line 11 which is open and grounded. I′.sub.0 is the zero-sequence current in the first line. I.sub.0×d×Z.sub.0m is the voltage induced by current I.sub.0 in the section before fault point F. (I.sub.0−I.sub.F)×(1−d)×Z.sub.0m induced voltage by current (I.sub.0−I.sub.F) in the section after fault point F.

[0388] The lower branch A2-B2 represents the line 12 in operation which is being protected. I.sub.0 is zero-sequence current in the line being protected. I′.sub.0×Z.sub.0m is the voltage induced in the line 12 by the current I′.sub.0 in the first line 11.

[0389] Applying Kirchhoff's rule to loop 1 and loop 2 (as shown in FIG. 7) leads to Equations (7) and (8) below.

Z.sub.0LI′.sub.0−Z.sub.0MI.sub.0+(1−d)Z.sub.0MI.sub.F=0  (7)

(Z.sub.T1+Z.sub.0L+Z.sub.T2)I.sub.0−((1−d)Z.sub.0+Z.sub.T2)I.sub.F−Z.sub.0MI′.sub.0=0  (8)

[0390] These expressions are derived for parallel lines having substantially the same line impedance, i.e., Z.sub.0L≈Z.sup.′.sub.0L. This is a good approximation for, e.g., lines of the same material and diameter extending in parallel in a power transmission network.

[0391] The unknown fault current I.sub.F can be derived from Equation (7) as shown in Equation (9) below,

[00034]$\begin{array}{cc}{I}_F=\frac{-Z_{0L}{I}_0^{\prime }+Z_{0M}{I}_0}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}}& \left(9\right)\end{array}$

[0392] Substituting for fault current I.sub.F from Equation (9) into Equation (8), the first zero-sequence current in the first line 11 parallel to the line 12 being protected can be expressed as

[00035]$\begin{array}{cc}{I}_0^{\prime }=\frac{\left(Z_{T1}+Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}\right)-\left(A\times Z_{0M}\right)}{Z_{0M}-\left(A\times Z_0\right)}\times I_0& \left(10\right)\end{array}$$\mathrm{where},$$\begin{array}{cc}A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}}& \left(11\right)\end{array}$

[0393] Thus, the zero-sequence current in the first line 11 is expressed as a function of fault location, system impedance (more specifically: transformer impedances) and line impedances (zero-sequence impedance Z.sub.0L and zero-sequence mutual impedance Z.sub.0M) and the zero-sequence current I.sub.0 derived from the current measured at the line 12 being protected.

[0394] When V.sub.A0, the zero-sequence voltage at a local terminal of the line 12 being protected by the device 20, is obtained by measurement, the first zero-sequence current in the first line 11 parallel to the line 12 being protected can be expressed as

[00036]$\begin{array}{cc}{I}_0^{\prime }=\frac{V_{A0}+\left(Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}\right)\times I_0-A\left(Z_{0L}-Z_{0M}\right)\times I_0}{A\left(Z_{T2}-Z_{0L}\right)-Z_{T2}+Z_{0M}}& \left(12\right)\end{array}$$\mathrm{where}$$\begin{array}{cc}A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}-Z_{T2}}& \left(13\right)\end{array}$

[0395] Using Equations (12), (13), the zero-sequence current in the first line 11 is determined as a function of fault location, system impedance (more specifically: remote transformer impedance), line impedances (zero-sequence impedance Z.sub.0L and zero-sequence mutual impedance Z.sub.0M), the zero-sequence current I.sub.0 derived from the current measured at the line 12 being protected, and the zero-sequence voltage at the local terminal of the line 12.

Transformer Configuration: Wye Grounded—Wye Grounded

[0396] The equivalent zero-sequence network of the double circuit line with healthy first line 11 open and grounded (FIG. 8) is shown in FIG. 9. The transformer configurations at both terminals are wye grounded—wye grounded. The fault is at distance d from terminal A on the line 12 in operation.

[0397] The dependency of the zero-sequence current in the first line 11 on the zero-sequence current in the line 12 being protected can be estimated using similar techniques as described above. The expression is given in Equation (14).

[00037]$\begin{array}{cc}{I}_0^{\prime }=\frac{\left(Z_{S1}+Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}\right)-\left(A\times Z_{0M}\right)}{Z_{0M}-\left(A\times Z_0\right)}\times I_0& \left(14\right)\end{array}$$\mathrm{where},$$\begin{array}{cc}A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}}& \left(15\right)\end{array}$

[0398] Thus, the zero-sequence current in the first line 11 is expressed as a function of fault location, system impedances (in particular source impedances) and line impedances and the zero-sequence current derived from the current measured at the line 12 being protected.

[0399] When V.sub.A0, the zero-sequence voltage at a local terminal of the line 12 being protected by the device 20, is obtained by measurement, the first zero-sequence current in the first line 11 parallel to the line 12 being protected can be expressed as

[00038]$\begin{array}{cc}{I}_0^{\prime }=\frac{V_{A0}+\left(Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}\right)I_0-A\left(Z_{0L}-Z_{0M}\right)I_0}{A\left(Z_{S2}-Z_{0L}\right)-Z_{S2}+Z_{0M}}& \left(16\right)\end{array}$$\mathrm{where}$$\begin{array}{cc}A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}-Z_{S2}}& \left(17\right)\end{array}$

[0400] Using Equations (16), (17), the zero-sequence current in the first line 11 is determined as a function of fault location, system impedance (more specifically: remote source impedance), line impedances (zero-sequence impedance Z.sub.0L and zero-sequence mutual impedance Z.sub.0M), the zero-sequence current I.sub.0 derived from the current measured at the line 12 being protected, and the zero-sequence voltage at the local terminal of the line 12.

Both Lines 11, 12 in Operation

Transformer Configuration: Delta-Wye Grounded

[0401] The equivalent zero-sequence network of the double circuit line with healthy first line 11 in service (FIG. 10) is shown in FIG. 11. The transformer configurations at both terminals are delta-wye grounded. The fault F is at distance d from terminal A on the line 12 in operation that is being protected by the protection device (e.g., the relay R1).

[0402] The dependency of the zero-sequence current in the first line 11 on the zero-sequence current in the line 12 being protected can be estimated using similar techniques as described above. The expression is given in Equation (18).

[00039]$\begin{array}{cc}{I}_0^{\prime }=\frac{\left(Z_{T1}+Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}\right)-A\left(Z_{0L}-Z_{0M}\right)}{A\left(Z_{T1}+Z_{T2}-Z_{0L}\right)-Z_{T1}-Z_{T2}+Z_{0M}}{I}_0& \left(18\right)\end{array}$$\mathrm{where},$$\begin{array}{cc}A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}-Z_{T2}}& \left(19\right)\end{array}$

[0403] Thus, the zero-sequence current in the first line 11 is expressed as a function of fault location, system impedance (more specifically: transformer impedances) and line impedances (zero-sequence impedance Z.sub.0L and zero-sequence mutual impedance Z.sub.0M) and the zero-sequence current I.sub.0 derived from the current measured at the line 12 being protected.

[0404] When V.sub.A0, the zero-sequence voltage at a local terminal of the line 12 being protected by the device 20, is obtained by measurement, the first zero-sequence current in the first line 11 parallel to the line 12 being protected can be expressed as

[00040]$\begin{array}{cc}{I}_0^{\prime }=\frac{V_{A0}+\left(Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}\right)I_0-\left(A{Z}_{0M}\right)I_0}{Z_{0M}-\left(A{Z}_0\right)}& \left(20\right)\end{array}$$\mathrm{where}$$\begin{array}{cc}A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}}& \left(21\right)\end{array}$

[0405] Using Equations (20), (21), the zero-sequence current in the first line 11 is determined as a function of fault location, system impedance (more specifically: remote transformer impedance), line impedances (zero-sequence impedance Z.sub.0L and zero-sequence mutual impedance Z.sub.0M), the zero-sequence current I.sub.0 derived from the current measured at the line 12 being protected, and the zero-sequence voltage at the local terminal of the line 12.

Transformer Configuration: Wye Grounded—Wye Grounded

[0406] The equivalent zero-sequence network of the double circuit line with healthy first line 11 in service (FIG. 12) is shown in FIG. 13. The transformer configurations at both terminals are wye grounded—wye grounded. The fault F is at distance d from terminal A on the line 12 in operation that is being protected by the protection device (e.g., the relay R1).

[0407] The dependency of the zero-sequence current in the first line 11 on the zero-sequence current in the line 12 being protected can be estimated using similar techniques as described above. The expression is given in Equation (22).

[00041]$\begin{array}{cc}{I}_0^{\prime }=\frac{\left(Z_{S1}+Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}\right)-A\left(Z_{0L}-Z_{0M}\right)}{A\left(Z_{S1}+Z_{S2}-Z_{0L}\right)-Z_{S1}-Z_{S2}+Z_{0M}}{I}_0& \left(22\right)\end{array}$$\mathrm{where},$$\begin{array}{cc}A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}-Z_{S2}}& \left(23\right)\end{array}$

[0408] Thus, the zero-sequence current in the first line 11 is expressed as a function of fault location, system impedances (in particular source impedances) and line impedances and the zero-sequence current I.sub.0 derived from the current measured at the line 12 being protected.

[0409] When V.sub.A0, the zero-sequence voltage at a local terminal of the line 12 being protected by the device 20, is obtained by measurement, the first zero-sequence current in the first line 11 parallel to the line 12 being protected can be expressed as

[00042]$\begin{array}{cc}{I}_0^{\prime }=\frac{V_{A0}+\left(Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}\right)I_0-\left(A{Z}_{0M}\right)I_0}{Z_{0M}-\left(A{Z}_0\right)}& \left(24\right)\end{array}$$\mathrm{where}$$\begin{array}{cc}A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}}& \left(25\right)\end{array}$

[0410] Using Equations (24), (25), the zero-sequence current in the first line 11 is determined as a function of fault location, system impedance (more specifically: remote source impedance), line impedances (zero-sequence impedance Z.sub.0L and zero-sequence mutual impedance Z.sub.0M), the zero-sequence current I.sub.0 derived from the current measured at the line 12 being protected, and the zero-sequence voltage at the local terminal of the line 12.

(B) Mutual Coupling Compensation Using the Estimated First Zero-Sequence Current

[0411] As explained above, zero-sequence mutual coupling compensation is achieved by adding a relevant term to the relay measuring current proportional to the zero-sequence current of the first line 11. The way in which the first zero-sequence current can be estimated using local measurements from the line being protected and from impedance parameters has been described above. This section describes how the estimated current can be used to achieve adaptive zero-sequence mutual coupling compensation.

[0412] The expression for the first zero-sequence current is a function of the unknown fault location, d, as shown in equations (3)-(6) and (10)-(25). Hence, the mutual coupling compensation can be performed is an iterative procedure. The mutual coupling compensation can be performed as a two-step procedure.

[0413] As a first step, an initial estimate of the unknown fault location can be obtained using a conventional apparent impedance calculated using Equation (26) below, which does not take into account mutual coupling.

[0414] An initial estimate for the apparent impedance Z.sub.app,in is divided by the total positive sequence line impedance Z.sub.1 to obtain the initial estimate of fractional fault location (equation (27)).

[00043]$\begin{array}{cc}{Z}_{\mathrm{app},\mathrm{in}}=\frac{U_{ph}}{I_{ph}+K_0{I}_0}& \left(26\right)\end{array}$$\begin{array}{cc}d=\frac{Z_{\mathrm{app},\mathrm{in}}}{Z_1}& \left(27\right)\end{array}$

[0415] As a next step, using the calculated initial estimate of the fault location d.sub.in, the zero-sequence current I′.sub.0 in the first line 11 is estimated.

[0416] The estimation of the zero-sequence current I′.sub.0 in the first line 11 may be performed independently of the line configuration and transformer configuration, using any one of Equations (3), (4) or (5), (6), for example.

[0417] Alternatively, the estimation of the zero-sequence current I′.sub.0 in the first line 11 may be performed by selecting the appropriate procedure based on the line and transformer configurations. Possible expressions for the zero-sequence current in the first line 11 (i.e., the “first zero-sequence current) are summarized in the two tables below for each of the configurations explained above.

[0418] The expression may be selected from the following table that relates to the case where a zero-sequence voltage at the local terminal is used.

TABLE-US-00001 Line configura- Transformer tion configuration Expression for I.sub.0′ Both lines in service Delta-wye grounded [00044]$I_0^{\prime }=\frac{V_{A0}+\left(Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}\right)I_0-\left(A{Z}_{0M}\right)I_0}{Z_{0M}-\left(A{Z}_0\right)}$ [00045]$\mathrm{where},A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}}$ wye grounded-wye grounded [00046]$I_0^{\prime }=\frac{V_{A0}+\left(Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}\right)I_0-\left(A{Z}_{0M}\right)I_0}{Z_{0M}-\left(A{Z}_0\right)}$ [00047]$\mathrm{where},A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}}$ First line open and grounded Delta-wye grounded [00048]$I_0^{\prime }=\frac{V_{A0}+\left(Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}\right)I_0-A\left(Z_{0L}-Z_{0M}\right)I_0}{A\left(Z_{T2}-Z_{0L}\right)-Z_{T2}+Z_{0M}}$ [00049]$\mathrm{where},A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}-Z_{T2}}$ wye grounded-wye grounded [00050]$I_0^{\prime }=\frac{V_{A0}+\left(Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}\right)I_0-A\left(Z_{0L}-Z_{0M}\right)I_0}{A\left(Z_{S2}-Z_{0L}\right)-Z_{S2}+Z_{0M}}$ [00051]$\mathrm{where},A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}-Z_{S2}}$

[0419] The expression may be selected from the following table that relates to the case where a zero-sequence voltage at the local terminal is not used.

TABLE-US-00002 Line Transformer configuration configuration Expression for I.sub.0′ Both lines in service Delta-wye grounded [00052]$I_0^{\prime }=\frac{\left(Z_{T1}+Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}\right)-\left(A{Z}_{0M}\right)}{Z_{0M}-\left(A{Z}_0\right)}\times I_0$ [00053]$\mathrm{where},A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}}$ wye grounded-wye grounded [00054]$I_0^{\prime }=\frac{\left(Z_{S1}+Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}\right)-\left(A{Z}_{0M}\right)}{Z_{0M}-\left(A{Z}_0\right)}{I}_0$ [00055]$\mathrm{where},A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}}$ First line open and grounded Delta-wye grounded [00056]$I_0^{\prime }=\frac{\left(Z_{T1}+Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}\right)-A\left(Z_{0L}-Z_{0M}\right)}{A\left(Z_{T1}+Z_{T2}-Z_{0L}\right)-Z_{T1}-Z_{T2}+Z_{0M}}\times I_0$ [00057]$\mathrm{where},A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{T2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}-Z_{T2}}$ wye grounded-wye grounded [00058]$I_0^{\prime }=\frac{\left(Z_{S1}+Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}\right)-A\left(Z_{0L}-Z_{0M}\right)}{A\left(Z_{S1}+Z_{S2}-Z_{0L}\right)-Z_{S1}-Z_{S2}+Z_{0M}}{I}_0$ [00059]$\mathrm{where},A=\frac{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0L}+Z_{S2}}{\left(1-d\right)Z_{0M}-Z_{S2}}$

[0420] The respective equation (irrespective of whether or not it takes line status and transformer configuration into account) is initially evaluated with the fault location estimate obtained according to Equations (26) and (27).

[0421] When the zero-sequence current in the first line 11 is estimated, the apparent impedance is updated using Equation (28) below. The zero-sequence current in the first line 11 is used as I.sub.0′ in the following expression (28) at that step:

[00060]$$\begin{gathered} \begin{array}{cc}{Z}_{\mathrm{app}}=\frac{U_{ph}}{I_{ph}+K_0{I}_0+K_{0m}{I}_0^{\prime }} \\ \mathrm{where},K_0=\frac{Z_{0L}-Z_1}{Z_1},K_{0m}=\frac{Z_{0m}}{Z_{0L}}& \left(28\right)\end{array} \end{gathered}$$

[0422] Subsequently, the fault location estimate is updated by replacing the Z.sub.in in equation (27) by Z.sub.app according to Equation (28). An updated estimate for the fault location can be determined as

[00061]$\begin{array}{cc}d=\frac{Z_{\mathrm{app}}}{Z_1}& \left(29\right)\end{array}$

[0423] With the updated fault location estimate of Equation (29), an updated estimate of the first line current can be obtained using one of the expressions given in the table above (with the appropriate expression being selected in dependence on line status and transformer configuration). An updated value of the apparent impedance is determined using Equation (28) (using the updated estimated zero-sequence current for I.sub.0′).

[0424] This updated apparent impedance can be output as the final apparent impedance and/or can be used for implementing a protection function.

[0425] While an iterative procedure has been described which involves an initialization step and then just one further iteration, iterative procedures with two, three or more than three iterations may be implemented. However, as will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 15 to 19, an iterative procedure as described above and in FIG. 14 provides very good results.

[0426] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method 60. The method 60 may be performed by the protection device 20.

[0427] At step 61, measurements for the line being protected are received. The measurements may include values for, or may allow the protection device to derive, U.sub.ph, I.sub.ph, and I.sub.0. The measurements may include a value for, or may allow the protection device to derive the zero-sequence voltage at the local terminal.

[0428] The protection device may also retrieve the positive sequence impedance Z.sub.1 for the line being protected, the zero-sequence impedance Z.sub.0L for the line being protected, and the mutual impedance Z.sub.0m for the lines 11, 12 (in the unfaulted state). These system impedance parameters (as well as source and/or transformer impedances) may be stored locally in the protection device 20 or may be retrieved by the protection device from a separate storage system.

[0429] At step 62, a status of the line 11 extending parallel to the line 12 that is being protected by the device 20 may optionally be determined. The determination may comprise obtaining status signals or status information. This information may be obtained from digital substation data.

[0430] At step 62, a transformer configuration may optionally be obtained. The transformer configuration may be obtained from a substation configuration description, may be specified by an operator, or may be otherwise provided.

[0431] As explained above, step 62 is optional. The device 20 may be operative to determine the estimate for the first zero-sequence current, to determine the estimate for the apparent impedance and/or to perform mutual coupling compensation independently of the status of the line 11 extending parallel to the line 12 that is being protected and/or independently of the transformer configuration.

[0432] At step 63, an estimate for the apparent impedance may be initialized. The apparent impedance estimate may be initialized according to Equation (27), i.e., without regard to mutual coupling.

[0433] At step 64, an estimate for the fault location in the line being protected may be initialized. The initial value for the fault location may be determined according to Equation (28).

[0434] At step 65, an initial estimate for the zero-sequence current in the first line may be determined, using the zero-sequence current in the line that is being protected derived from a measurement, the fault location estimate previously obtained, and system impedance parameters. The way in which the initial estimate for the zero-sequence current depends on the zero-sequence current derived from the current measurement in the line that is being protected, the fault location estimate previously obtained, and system impedance parameters may be independent or may be dependent on (i) the status of the first line (in service or open and grounded) and (ii) the transformer configuration, as explained above.

[0435] At step 66, the estimate for the apparent impedance is updated, using the previously obtained estimate for the zero-sequence current in the first line. This may be done using Equation (28).

[0436] At step 67, refined estimates may be determined for the fault location (using Equation (29) with the previously determined estimate for the apparent impedance), the zero-sequence current in the line 11 parallel to the line that is being protected are determined. This may again be done using Equations (3), (4) (which are independent on (i) the status of the first line (in service or open and grounded) and (ii) the transformer configuration), Equations (5), (6) (which are independent on (i) the status of the first line (in service or open and grounded) and (ii) the transformer configuration), or using an appropriate one of Equations (10)-(24) (it being understood that the definitions of A are respectively associated with the expressions for the zero-sequence current) selected in dependence on (i) the status of the first line (in service or open and grounded) and (ii) the transformer configuration).

[0437] While one iteration typically provides very good results, as will be explained below, several iterations may be performed by repeating step 67.

[0438] At step 68, the last estimate for the apparent impedance may be used as apparent impedance. The apparent impedance may be output and/or may be used for performing a protection function. Mutual coupling compensation is performed by taking into account the mutual coupling in accordance with, e.g., Equation (28).

EXAMPLE

[0439] This section presents the results obtained using a protection device and method according to an embodiment. A 50 Hz, 400 kV double-circuit transmission line system 69 of 200 km length as shown in FIG. 15 is modelled using Power Systems CAD (PSCAD). The impedance parameters are given below.

TABLE-US-00003 Impedance parameters Value Positive sequence impedance 0.36 < 84.9.sup.0 ohms/km Zero-sequence impedance 1.41 < 82.8.sup.0 ohms/km Zero-sequence mutual impedance  0.95 < 80.6 ohms/km Transformer positive sequence impedance 42.35 < 59 ohms

[0440] Line A1-B1 is the line being protected by relay R1. The voltage and current measurements from terminal A1 of line A1-B1 as well as the line and system impedance parameters are taken as input. Additionally, the status signals from the digital substation data are used to determine the line configuration. Transformer configurations at both terminals are also acquired.

[0441] Different combinations of line and transformer configurations are tested, and the results are discussed below.

First Line Open and Grounded

Transformer Configuration: Delta-Wye Grounded

[0442] FIG. 16 shows values and plots of the apparent impedance calculated for faults at different locations on the second line 12 in FIG. 15. The fault location is determined as fractional fault location (i.e., the portion of the line impedance, relative to the total line impedance, prior to the fault, as measured from the terminal at which the protection device is arranged).

[0443] FIG. 16 shows the actual impedance 71 as seen by the protection device R1.

[0444] FIG. 16 shows the apparent impedance 73 (shown by solid lines and filled diamond symbols) that is obtained using a protection device or method according to an embodiment. More specifically, the apparent impedance 73 is obtained using the method of FIG. 13, with just one iteration being performed at step 67. The apparent impedance 73 is obtained without any current measurement for the first line 11.

[0445] FIG. 16 shows the apparent impedance 72 (shown by solid lines and unfilled circles) that is obtained using a method in which the first zero-sequence current in the first line 11 is derivable from a measurement.

[0446] As can be seen from FIG. 16, the apparent impedance 73 obtained using a protection device or method according to an embodiment is in excellent agreement with the apparent impedance 72 that uses the actual current measurement from the first line 11. Thus, the protection device and method of embodiments provide results that are comparable to those obtained when using the actual current measurement from the first line 11, while obviating the need to transfer such a current measurement from a current transformer on the first line 11 to the protection device R1 that provides a protection function of the line 12.

[0447] The apparent impedance 73 also provides a good approximation of the actual impedance obtained by the PSCAD. The apparent impedance calculated using the estimated current is very close to the impedance calculated using the measured one and does not deviate more strongly from the actual impedance 71 than the apparent impedance 73 calculated using the measured current from the other line. This proves the accuracy of the proposed algorithm.

Transformer Configuration: Wye Grounded—Wye Grounded

[0448] Similarly, FIG. 17 shows the apparent impedance calculated for faults at different locations on the second line 12 when the first line 11 is open and grounded and transformer configuration is wye-wye grounded. Shown are the actual impedance 71, the apparent impedance 72 calculated using current measured from the first line, and the apparent impedance 73 calculated using the estimated first line current as in the proposed solution, as obtained by a protection device and method according to an embodiment. The apparent impedance 73 calculated using the estimated currents is very close to the apparent impedance 72 calculated using the measured current, while obviating the need for obtaining the current measurement from a line that is parallel to the line protected by the protection device that performs the mutual coupling compensation.

Both Lines in Operation

Transformer Configuration: Delta-Wye Grounded

[0449] FIG. 18 shows the apparent impedance calculated for faults at different locations on the second line 12 when both lines 11, 12 are in operation and the transformer configuration is delta-wye grounded. Shown are the actual impedance 71, the apparent impedance 72 calculated using current measured from the first line, and the apparent impedance 73 calculated using the estimated first line current as in the proposed solution, as obtained by a protection device and method according to an embodiment. The apparent impedance 73 calculated using the estimated currents is very close to the apparent impedance 72 calculated using the measured current, while obviating the need for obtaining the current measurement from a line that is parallel to the line protected by the protection device that performs the mutual coupling compensation.

Transformer Configuration: Wye Grounded—Wye Grounded

[0450] FIG. 19 shows the apparent impedance calculated for faults at different locations on the second line 12 when both lines 11, 12 are in operation and the transformer configuration is delta-wye grounded. Shown are the actual impedance 71, the apparent impedance 72 calculated using current measured from the first line, and the apparent impedance 73 calculated using the estimated first line current as in the proposed solution, as obtained by a protection device and method according to an embodiment. The apparent impedance 73 calculated using the estimated currents is very close to the apparent impedance 72 calculated using the measured current, while obviating the need for obtaining the current measurement from a line that is parallel to the line protected by the protection device that performs the mutual coupling compensation.

Robustness Against System Impedance Variations

[0451] The techniques disclosed herein turn out to be robust against variations in system impedances, such as source impedance(s) and/or transformer impedance(s). Thus, estimates are sufficient to approximate the source impedance(s) and/or transformer impedance(s) in the techniques disclosed above. The estimates may even be default values, in the absence of more specific information, or may be received as system configuration information.

[0452] FIG. 20 shows the actual impedance 71 and apparent impedances 73-77 obtained when estimating a zero-sequence current in the first line using the disclosed techniques, for a wye grounded—wye grounded transformer configuration and the first line being in service. Curve 73 represents the apparent impedance obtained when using the actual remote source impedance Z.sub.S2. Curve 74 represents the apparent impedance obtained when using a values for Z.sub.S2 that exceeds the actual remote source impedance by 10%. Curve 75 represents the apparent impedance obtained when using a values for Z.sub.S2 that exceeds the actual remote source impedance by 20%. Curve 76 represents the apparent impedance obtained when using a values for Z.sub.S2 that is less than the actual remote source impedance by 10%. Curve 77 represents the apparent impedance obtained when using a values for Z.sub.S2 that that is less than the actual remote source impedance by 20%.

[0453] As is evident from FIG. 20, the results are robust against deviations of the numerical values for the source impedance(s) from their actual values. This similarly applies when using the Equation(s) that depend on both local and remote source impedances and/or when using the Equation(s) that depend on transformer impedance(s).

[0454] Protection devices, methods, and systems according to embodiments provide a zero-sequence mutual coupling compensation for distance protection of double-circuit transmission lines. The devices, methods, and systems according to embodiments eliminate the need for obtaining current measurement from the line parallel to the line on which the protection device is provided to achieve mutual coupling compensation. Instead, the first zero-sequence current in the first line current is estimated using available digital substation data, local measurements on the line that is being protected and impedance parameters.

[0455] The devices, methods, and systems according to embodiments provide results that are both accurate and robust.

[0456] The devices, methods, and systems according to embodiments may be used to provide distance protection for transmission networks in which the lines may have a length of at least 50 km, of at least 100 km, of at least 150 km, of at least 200 km, without being limited thereto.

[0457] The devices, methods, and systems according to embodiments may be used to provide distance protection for transmission networks in an electric grid that includes renewable energy sources.

[0458] While embodiments have been described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such description is to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain elements or steps are recited in distinct claims does not indicate that a combination of these elements or steps cannot be used to advantage, specifically, in addition to the actual claim dependency, any further meaningful claim combination shall be considered disclosed.