Auto-Sectionalizing Transmission Line Model

Abstract & Introduction

• Due to increased demand in the amount, quality, and reliability of power transmission, various technologies have been developed to allow continuously decreasing response times to network faults. Of such technologies, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) controlled auto-sectionalizing schemes are one of the most advantageous systems employed by transmission line operation firms within the modern electrical grid. As the university's engineering department has a minimal presence of demonstrations and exercises related to power engineering, the team believes this to be a great opportunity to provide such an experience to current and future engineering students.

Electronics Technology

Technology Overview

Project Conclusions

Selected Design – Project Circuitry

Selected Design – Project Housing

Contributors

Outline of Objectives

AbstractDevice Chosen Solution

Microcontroller Arduino Uno Rev 3.0

Current Sensors (2) Allegro ACS 712ELCTR-20A-T

Relay Modules (12) Songle SRD-05VDC-SL-C

Power supply (5V) Triad Magnetics WSU050-1500

4 Channel Relay Module LITEON 817C Optocoupler

Introduction• The auto-sectionalizing model is a triple bus system in a ‘T’ formation with a central interconnection serving as a model switchyard. It possesses a 208V, three phase circuit design that employ twelve relays, two current sensors, and one relay array. The devices work in tandem to act as a model transmission line auto-sectionalizing device. System behavior is dictated by a microcontroller which opens and closes the relay arrays depending upon the input provided by the two sensors.

*Special thanks to Benjamin Ballantyne for his invaluable support with the model’s housing.

Andrew BallantyneElectrical Engineering

John VandoloskiElectrical Engineering

Advisor: Dr. Carlos Lück

• The team researched all necessary standards relating to the project including SCADA technologies, Customer Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI). Current circuit diagrams and engineering drawings were used to reflect changes throughout project development.

Engineering Processes

• The footprint of the design is composed of three steel structures representing two tower structures and one central switchyard. The two outer buses are square arches with the aforementioned base feet and are designed to replicate the (predominantly) metallic structures used in the field when transmission lines approach switchyards.

• The third structure is a simple rectangular frame which acts as the central connection point (switchyard) and is consequently the connection point of the third bus. As a result, the overall footprint of the device possess the shape of a 'T' with the third bus along the stem and the outer two buses along the letter’s top.

1. Be a functioning model of the auto-sectionalizing schemes seen in the fielda. Operate at 208V, 3Φb. Possess 3 total busesc. Simulate a transmission line fault

2. Use an Arduino controlled system modeled after SCADA controlsa. Use relays in conjunction with current sensorsb. Employ a breaker system for the two ‘branching busses’c. Provide visual feedback of the device’s functioning in real timed. Use Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC) for Arduino I/O

3. Be able to interface easily with the Hampden and peripheralsa. Not pose any risk to the student, faculty, or facilityb. Carry less than 10A throughout any point in the circuitc. Be durable and constructed to last for an extended period of timed. Be enclosed within transparent Plexiglas

Project Management

Community Synergy

• A total of twelve relays control the power flow through the model’s buses. Their behavior is dictated by an Arduino microcontroller which has been programmed to use analog input from current sensors located on the center phase of each flanking bus to measured current magnitude at any given moment in time.

• Three phase to ground faults exist which the device is able to isolate to protect a connected load. Each bus is capable of experiencing the ground fault via the three switches located on the face of the model’s housing. Three, 4Ω power resistors limit the fault current to a maximum of 10A and are located along the back of the model.

• Both members completed internships with the state's largest power transmission firm and suggest the project exemplifies positive outcomes of alliances between the university, local firms in need of quality engineers, and the general populace.

• Skills in delegation of individual responsibilities and schedule management were required to create a positive workflow with the aid of a Gantt chart. Budgetary management was exercised as a result of imposed financial constraints.