Complex plane based adaptive method for protection of series compensated transmission line using phasor measurement unit data

Though differential relays are preferred for the protection of series-compensated transmission line (SCTL), they may mal-operate during current inversion, high resistance internal faults and current infeed/outfeed situations. Therefore, a new protection scheme for SCTL using Phasor Measurement Unit data, that adaptively manages the operating region in the current ratio complex plane according to the percentage compensation level, is presented. Boundaries of the operating region are determined adaptively based on the estimated impedance value of the series compensation. Usefulness of the technique is confirmed by generating cases covering wide range of fault parameters, compensation level, and load angle on an existing 400 kV Indian SCTL using PSCAD software as well as through Hardware in Loop simulation employing the Real Time Digital Simulator. Reported outcomes reveal the ability of the suggested algorithm in sensing all types of internal faults. Its performance remains unaffected during current/voltage inversion, operation of MOV and/or airgap during high fault current conditions, current infeed/outfeed situation, and external fault with current transformer saturation condition. Impact of the presence of noise in the acquired signals is also analyzed. The suggested technique is applicable for SCTLs having different voltage levels and power flow conditions. The proposed method has higher responsiveness during high resistance internal faults up to 500 ohm and better steadiness during external faults compared to numerous prevailing methods.