The newest study of electric power grid protection and control, published by Newton-Evans Research on October 30, 2009 is now available for on-line purchase. The 81 page report is based on extensive surveys of protection and control engineers and P&C management from around the world. The survey was designed by engineers to include study of key topics of interest to the P&C community. Issues covered in the study include equipment/device issues; tripping and control practices, settings and analysis, testing frequencies and methods.
One theme that emerges from the varying responses is that there is no particular “right” way or “wrong” way to go about designing and implementing a particular relay scheme. Some utilities design schemes in a certain way, while others do it another way. What our project manager labels “Philosophy of Engineering” is evident in this study, especially in the choices made by P&C engineers as they apply relays to their systems.
This report includes more respondent comments than any previous relay survey conducted by Newton-Evans. We encourage you to read through these list compilations, as there is a wealth of information contained therein. What is a major issue for one engineer is not even a concern for another engineer.
As one example of utility diversity, it is fascinating to see in Section D: Strategy/Policy Issues the variety of ways Utilities are structured to handle the responsibilities of their Relay Organization, as well as to review the tactics used to attract and retain the next generation of relay engineers. Some Utilities have extensive training programs for young talent, while many do nothing or do not even recognize it as a potential problem.
A few participants were pleased that this survey was unlike the typical P&C research to which many have grown accustomed. The questions asked in this survey cover a wide range of issues that relay engineers deal with on a day-to-day basis.
This report is not an “overview” nor is it a typical “Executive Summary.” This Newton-Evans Protective Relay Engineering Perspectives report is an in-depth study of topics currently on the minds of Protection & Control professionals throughout the world. Consequently, Newton-Evans trusts that the extensive comments and detailed charts will yield valuable insights in addition to providing useful information.
A total of 87 individual utility P&C personnel and systems planning officials responded to this questionnaire. Many of the survey questions were definitive choice, i.e. “yes/no,” or “pick only one of the following.” However, a few questions instructed respondents to “check all that apply.” Pie charts represent exclusive choice questions while bar charts represent questions where multiple answers were allowed (for example, “Which of the following criteria do you use…”)
This report is available for $975; go to our reports page for more information or to order online.
summary reviews and highlights from completed studies
