National grid application of high impedance busbar zone protection using electromechanical technology. In service testing and maintenance to prolong asset life - a utility experience
National grid application of high impedance busbar zone protection using electromechanical technology. In service testing and maintenance to prolong asset life - a utility experience
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The development of the 400kV supergrid system in England & Wales led to the introduction of rigorous standards for the design and performance of busbar zone protection at 400kV stations. These standards evolved to a refined level to incorporate circuit-breaker fail and back tripping and fully duplicated facilities allowing testing, maintenance, fault investigation and extensions to take place with the protection in service. Although a policy of applying numerical busbar protection was adopted in 2000, National Grid operates many stations which are still equipped with electromechanical busbar zone protection and when regularly maintained these installations have proved to be very reliable. This paper outlines some of the technical challenges in asset stewardship of equipment which is up to seventy years old and explains National Grid's approach to in service testing and maintenance of conventional busbar zone protection.