Electronics Protection - May/June 2013 - (Page 6)

Feature Realizing the Many Benefits of Power System Relay Upgrades Doda Dedijer, Senior Field Engineer Emerson Network Power, Electrical Reliability Services Power system relays play a key role in ensuring the reliability and availability of an electrical system, and they often protect companies’ largest capital expenses. For facility managers, relays are a powerful defense against costly outages and extensive equipment damage. In addition to improved asset protection, operators using the newest relay technology realize a variety of benefits. Advances in protection scheme technology over the last 30 years have bolstered relay functionality. As seen in microprocessor relays, there is better communication and system integration for enhanced control, easier access to information for faster, safer troubleshooting and simplified regulatory reporting, and improved reliability that can reduce maintenance costs and extend the time intervals between failures. Better Return on Investment Today, one microprocessor relay can replace an entire rack of electromechanical relays for a fraction of the price and improve all areas of performance. These new microprocessor relay protection systems provide built-in protocols that make data available in real-time anywhere on a system including in the distributed control and SCADA systems. The easy access to information allows asset managers to remotely analyze data and make informed decisions about operations within the facility. Faster Issue Resolution or Fault Clearance Because of the advanced communication functionality of microprocessor relays, asset managers are able to retrieve information that identifies the exact area of a fault. Following a fault, asset managers can also run an event report to quickly see the sequence of operation prior to the event. This allows for more informed, safer troubleshooting activities that ultimately get systems back into operation much faster than what was possible for a system with electromechanical relays. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting Regulations from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) PRC005 require ongoing and systemic programs to test, maintain and document the performance of the protection scheme devices and systems that impact the bulk electric system. Microprocessor relays offer advanced tools to help asset managers comply with these requirements without exceeding the capacity of their inhouse resources. Customized Protection with Retrofits If installing new switchgear is not in the budget, relay retrofits and upgrades provide an efficient way to leverage the advantages of microprocessor relays. Existing switchgear can be retrofitted with new microprocessor relays giving asset managers the benefits of self-testing, event reporting, fault identification, and arc-flash detection making troubleshooting and maintenance easier and safer. Retrofit solutions meet the needs of generation, transmission and distribution applications for utilities and industrial facility managers. Improved Functionality and Operating Flexibility An Emerson Network Power Liebert services CE troubleshoots equipment at a facility to ensure long-term reliability. This access to information is ideal for troubleshooting, which is in contrast to electromechanical systems that require an asset manager to go on site, visually inspect the relay system for mechanical targets identifying the type of fault. Additionally, electromechanical relays provide no information regarding the location of the fault. With electromechanical relay systems, the troubleshooting process can take hours, or even days, leaving the facility vulnerable to equipment failure, downtime and safety hazards. Workforce & Equipment Protection During an Arc Flash We rely on relays to provide arc flash mitigation. They not only ensure the safety of equipment, but personnel too. With microprocessor relays, isolation of an arc flash is immediate which reduces potential danger for an asset manager and eliminates additional equipment damage that could occur if the circuit was exposed to excessive or repeated fault current. Additionally, these relays can have a maintenance mode with a lower set point for quicker operating times. At this set point, incident energy is lowered providing better protection for technicians working on the equipment. 6 Electrical system protection is often complex, and unlike older generations of relays, the program logic built into microprocessor relays will allow operators to perform multiple, simultaneous actions. However, this same feature can cause numerous protection system problems if there are mistakes in the relay logic settings. Incorrect programming logic can affect the speed, selectivity and reliability of the relays - compromising the entire system. It’s important to work with professional engineers in determining accurate relay logic and settings to ensure your protection scheme delivers the required protection for your operation. Additionally, working with professionals for assembly and installation can save you time and reduce the likelihood of early equipment failure caused by installation deficiencies. Professionals would remove the existing electromechanical relays, controls and associated control wiring; install the new protection panel assemblies; terminate the new wiring harness to the existing terminal blocks; and install additional control wiring as needed. They will also verify all factory drawings and ensure the documentation reflects the as-installed design. Better Reliability and Improved Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) Having relays properly installed during an upgrade is just the first step. In fact, the best way to ensure long-term reliability is with startup and commissioning services. During this process a technician uploads settings into the relays and runs tests to verify May/June 2013 www.ElectronicsProtectionMagazine.com http://www.ElectronicsProtectionMagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Electronics Protection - May/June 2013

Electronics Protection - May/June 2013
Newer Technology Releases Next-Generation Power2U AC/USB In Wall Charging Solution
Raritan Boosts its DCIM Leadership Position with dcTrack 3.0
Specifiers of Enclosures for Components in Outdoor Applications: Be Aware of Material Selection Issues
Realizing the Many Benefits of Power System Relay Upgrades
How to Protect Electronic Circuits from Power Surges
A Little Diamond Goes a Long Way: Overcoming Thermal Limitations to Enable Next Generation Technology
Hardware Technology Eliminates Problems Caused by Using Traditional Captive Screws
Managing Lithium-Chemistry Batteries: It’s Mostly About Their Temperature
Protecting and Improving Electronic Components Performance
Advancements in Thermal Management Conference Preview
One Stop Systems Introduces nanoCUBE Desktop Expansion
Select-A-Shield RF Shielded Tent Closure System Is Non-Radiating
Thermoelectric Air Conditioner Delivers Maximum Cooling Regardless of Power Supply
On-line, Double-Conversion UPS from Emerson Network Power Earns Energy Star Qualification
Dirak Introduces a New Swinghandle
Dual-Cure Conformal Coating Eliminates Need for Additional Processing
Industry News
Calendar of Events

Electronics Protection - May/June 2013