Application Note

System-based Testing of Line Distance Protection with

Power Swing Blocking

Author
Jens Baumeister | [email protected]
Tomasz Bednarczyk | [email protected]

Date
December 2022

Related OMICRON Product

RelaySimTest 4.10 or higher, CMC

Application Area
Power Swing Detection, Distance protection

Keywords
RelaySimTest, Power Swing, System-based Testing,

Version
v2.2

Document ID
ANS_17009_ENU

Abstract
This application note describes the Power Swing Test Template of the RelaySimTest Software.
 General information

OMICRON electronics GmbH including all international branch offices is henceforth referred to as
OMICRON.
The product information, specifications, and technical data embodied in this application note
represent the technical status at the time of writing and are subject to change without prior notice.
We have done our best to ensure that the information given in this application note is useful, accurate
and entirely reliable. However, OMICRON does not assume responsibility for any inaccuracies which
may be present.
OMICRON translates this application note from the source language English into a number of other
languages. Any translation of this document is done for local requirements, and in the event of a
dispute between the English and a non-English version, the English version of this note shall govern.

All rights including translation reserved. Reproduction of any kind, for example, photocopying,
microfilming, optical character recognition and/or storage in electronic data processing systems,
requires the explicit consent of OMICRON. Reprinting, wholly or partly, is not permitted.
© OMICRON 2018. All rights reserved. This application note is a publication of OMICRON.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 2 of 34

 Table of content

1 Safety Instructions .............................................................................................................. 5

2 About this Application Note ............................................................................................... 6
2.1 General Requirements .................................................................................................. 6
2.2 What this Application Note describes ............................................................................ 6
2.3 Definitions ..................................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Power Swing ................................................................................................................. 7
3 System Under Test ............................................................................................................ 11
3.1 Application Example – Protected Line and Time Grading ............................................ 11
3.2 Settings of the System Under Test Menu in RelaySimTest.......................................... 12
4 Test set configurations ..................................................................................................... 14
5 Test Cases ......................................................................................................................... 15
5.1 Stable Power Swing .................................................................................................... 15
5.1.1 General Test Information ................................................................................................................ 15
5.1.2 Change of Power Swing frequency & swing numbers .................................................................... 16
5.1.3 Change of Power Swing impedance ............................................................................................... 18
5.1.4 Test Case 1 & 2 – Stable Power Swing .......................................................................................... 20
5.1.5 Test Case 3 and 4 – Stable Power Swing with Load ...................................................................... 21
5.1.6 Test Case 5 and 6 – Stable Power Swing with Fault ...................................................................... 22

5.2 Unstable Power Swing ................................................................................................ 24

5.2.1 General Test Information ................................................................................................................ 24
5.2.2 Change of Power Swing frequency & swing numbers .................................................................... 25
5.2.3 Change of Power Swing impedance ............................................................................................... 26
5.2.4 Test Case 7 and 8 – Unstable Power Swing................................................................................... 28
5.2.5 Test Case 9 and 10 – Unstable Power Swing with Load ................................................................ 28
5.2.6 Test Case 11 and 12 – Unstable Power Swing with Fault .............................................................. 28

5.3 With or without load ..................................................................................................... 29

5.4 Fault during power swing............................................................................................. 30
5.5 Analysis of Power Swing Event for distance protection element .................................. 32
6 List of Literature ................................................................................................................ 33

© OMICRON 2023 Page 3 of 34

© OMICRON 2023 Page 4 of 34
1 Safety Instructions
This Application Note may only be used in conjunction with the relevant product manuals which
contain all safety instructions. The user is fully responsible for any application that makes use of
OMICRON products.
Instructions are always characterized by a  symbol, even if they are included in a safety instruction.

NOTICE
Equipment damage or loss of data possible

 Carefully read and understand the content of this Application Note as well as the manuals
of the systems involved before taking them into operation.
 Please contact OMICRON support if you have any questions or doubts regarding the
safety or operating instructions.
 Follow each instruction listed in the manuals, especially the safety instructions, since this
is the only way to avoid the danger that can occur when working on high voltage or high
current systems.
 Only use the equipment involved according to its intended purpose to guarantee safe
operation.
 Existing national safety standards for accident prevention and environmental protection
may supplement the equipment’s manual.
 Before starting a test always check that the test signals are suitable for your system under
test.

DANGER
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current.

 Before wiring up or rewiring the equipment always turn off each system
involved to the test process.

Only experienced and competent professionals that are trained for working in high voltage or high
current environments may implement this Application Note. Additionally, the following qualifications
are required:
• Authorized to work in environments of energy generation, transmission or distribution, and
familiar with the approved operating practices in such environments.
• Familiar with the five safety rules.
• Familiar with protection testing
• Good knowledge in working with the OMICRON CMC test sets and RelaySimTest

© OMICRON 2023 Page 5 of 34

2 About this Application Note

2.1 General Requirements

Before you get started with this application note, read the “Getting Started” manual [1] of
RelaySimTest. Please make sure that you also have a good knowledge about the CMC test system.

2.2 What this Application Note Describes

The application note describes the test steps of RelaySimTests predefined power swing template. It
covers the following content of the test template.

1. Power Swing (general information)

2. System Under Test
3. Test Sets Configuration
4. Test Cases

The application note does not describe wiring checks and parameter tests. To test the protection
thoroughly such tests are also recommended.

2.3 Definitions

Definitions quoted from [5]:

 Power Swing: a variation in three phase power flow which occurs when the generator rotor
angles are advancing or retarding relative to each other in response to changes in load
magnitude and direction, line switching, loss of generation, faults, and other system
disturbances.
 Pole Slip: a condition whereby a generator, or group of generators, terminal voltage angles
(or phases) go past 180 degrees with respect to the rest of the connected power system.
 Stable Power Swing: a power swing is considered stable if the generators do not slip poles
and the system reaches a new state of equilibrium, i.e. an acceptable operating condition.
 Unstable Power Swing: a power swing that will result in a generator or group of generators
experiencing pole slipping for which some corrective action must be taken.
 Out-of-Step Condition: Same as an unstable power swing.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 6 of 34

2.4 Power Swing

In a power grid static load flow is generated by a stationary voltage difference. In a mostly inductive
grid, the difference is mainly given by an angle deviation between the ends in order to transport
active power while a difference in magnitude would mainly produce reactive power. Figure 1 shows
a grid with two infeed’s, while Figure 2 illustrates the corresponding node voltages and the grid
current.

Infeed 1 Line 1 Infeed 2

Z Q1 Z L Z Q2
D I A B C

V ZQ1 V L
V ZQ2
V Q1 V Q2
V AE

Figure 1 Simplified dual machine equivalent diagram

V ZQ2

V Q2
B

V L

V AE ϑ E
A I
V ZQ1
V Q1
D
Figure 2 Voltages and Current

According to Figure 2 the source voltage VQ1 is leading compared to VQ2. That means there is an
active power transmission from infeed 1 to infeed 2. The amount of power depends on the
impedances, on the magnitudes of VQ1 and VQ2 and finally on the angle between them. Error!
Reference source not found. describes the amount of transmitted active power, if the reactances
of ZQ1, ZL and ZQ2 are neglected and only X as the sum of their reactances is considered:

V sin ϑ (1)
P= V ∙
X

© OMICRON 2023 Page 7 of 34

 During normal operation of the power grid the actual load always equals the generation. But this
balance can be disturbed by load changes, switching operations and faults. Power grids with their
connected electrical machines and their control systems are dynamic systems that react on any
transient disturbance by a usually damped oscillating reaction (due to the inertia of the electrical
machines and the control systems) until a new stable state is reached. Any change in active power
consumption causes the generators to accelerate or decelerate until the supplied real power equals
the consumed real power and the damping elements in the system have ceased all oscillations.
Acceleration and deceleration of generators mean increasing and decreasing angles between the
generated voltages and consequently increasing and decreasing grid currents causing oscillating
power. This means a power swing takes place.
The static stability limit of a generator is at a load angle of 90°. At this operating point the generator
delivers its maximum active power. During dynamic processes like a power swing the load angle
can be higher than 90°. As long as the electrical load of the generator is higher than the power
supplied to its turbine (e. g. water or steam power) the generator can fall back to a stable condition
with a load angle smaller than 90°. In that case it is a stable power swing. But it can also happen
that generators do not find a stable condition after the disturbance. This means their load angle
increases continuously and they fall out of step.
If the power swing is stable, it is not necessary to disconnect generators or loads. To stop an
unstable power swing, it is necessary to split the grid at certain predefined connections to get a
stable condition again, where the actual load equals the generation.
The impedances of the grid shown in Figure 1 appear if the voltages of Figure 2 are divided by the
current. Figure 3 shows the impedances.

X C

Z Q2

ZL

Z Load ϑ E
A
Z Q1 R

Figure 3 Impedance Plane

Figure 1 assumes node A as location of a distance protection relay. During a power swing the load
impedance ZLoad measured by the distance relay changes depending on the voltage angle changes
of VQ1 and VQ2. If both source voltages have the same magnitude, the impedance Z Load would move
on a line, while the angle ϑ changes. Figure 4 illustrates this. The figure shows also a tripping zone
of the distance protection function. It is possible that the impedance measured by the relay moves

© OMICRON 2023 Page 8 of 34

 into such a tripping zone during a power swing. The distance protection function, however, should
not trip during a power swing, if there is no grid fault.

X C
distance protection tripping zone
Z Q2

ZL
E
E
Z Load
Z Load ϑ E
A I
Z Q1 R

D
Figure 4 ZLoad calculated by relay A changes during a power swing

But how does the relay distinguish between a stable power swing, an unstable one and a fault?
During a power swing the impedance change is rather slow. In contrast to that, the impedance vector
jumps directly into the tripping zone when a fault occurs. At a stable power swing the measured
impedance enters the distance protection zones from one side, then turns around and leaves at the
same side. During an unstable power swing the impedance crosses the X axis completely and leaves
the zones on the other side. Therefore, the angle ϑ increases continuously. Figure 5 illustrates an
unstable power swing. The moment when ZLoad crosses the dashed red line, angle ϑ is 180° - this is
the theoretical limit for a stable power swing.

X C

Z Q2

ZL
E
E

Z Load ϑ E
A I
Z Q1 R

D
Figure 5 Load Impedance during an Instable Power Swing

© OMICRON 2023 Page 9 of 34

 The relay manufacturers developed different algorithms to decide which case is present. The relay
could use for example a power swing detection zone. This zone surrounds the tripping or the starting
zones of the distance protection. If the impedance is calculated within this area for a given number
of measurement cycles, it is recognized as slowly changing and thus a power swing. Another
possibility is to determine the time the trajectory needs to move through this area. Position and size
of this frame are important parameters and can be set for some protection relays.

X C
distance protection tripping zone
Z Q2

B power swing detection zone

ZL
E
E

Z Load ϑ E
A I
Z Q1 R

D
Figure 6 Power Swing Detection Zone

There are two different power swing functions in modern numerical relays:
1. Power Swing Blocking: The whole distance protection or only assigned zones are blocked
when a power swing occurs.
2. Power Swing Tripping: The relay trips after detecting an unstable power swing.
Whether any one of these functions (or if even both of them) are used depends on the requirements
at the corresponding grid connections where the distance protection relay is installed. As example
for this Application Note it is assumed that the distance protection relay uses only the first function
(Power Swing Blocking).

For more information about power swing see [2] and [3].

© OMICRON 2023 Page 10 of 34

3 System Under Test

3.1 Application Example – Protected Line and Time Grading

The following figure (Fig.7) shows the power system that is used as example in the RelaySimTest
template. The line is protected by a distance protection relay with power swing blocking.
t

Z1 = 0,85·ZLine
Z/Ω

600 / 1 A

110 / 0,1 kV

Figure 7 Example – Line protected by Distance Protection Relay using Power Swing Blocking

Figure 7 shows that the distance relay protects the line with Zone 1 (Z1) and 2 (Z2). The first zone
has no time delay, which means the nominal trip time is 0 s. In the second zone the nominal trip time
is 400 ms. Figure 8 shows distance protection zones of the example in the complex impedance
plane using secondary values.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 11 of 34

 Figure 8 Distance Zones - Impedance Pane

3.2 Settings of the System Under Test Menu in RelaySimTest

The power system parameters according to the example (see chapter 3.1 ) are in the submenu
Power system of the menu System Under Test. A click on an element like “Infeed A” opens the
associated input mask on the right side of the screen.

Figure 9 Power System

A double click on the protection relay opens the corresponding configuration menu (Fig.10). It
contains details like general settings and device connections as well as the description of signal in-
and outputs. The distance protection relay is connected to VT A and CT A as well as to CB A (trip
signal).

© OMICRON 2023 Page 12 of 34

 Figure 10 Protection relay wiring configuration

© OMICRON 2023 Page 13 of 34

4 Test Set Configurations
The RelaySimTest templates for power swings are prepared with a test set configuration for a
CMC 256plus. If your test set is a CMC 356, a CMC 256-6, a CMC 353 or a CMC 850, all
preconfigured analog and binary connections remain unchanged. Only if your test set is a CMC 430,
the analog signals would need to be assigned again.

The test template uses the following binary relay signals by default:

> BI1 – Distance Protection Trip

> BI2 – Distance Protection Pickup
> BI3 – Power Swing Detection
> BI4 – Power Swing Unstable
> BI5 – Power Swing Trip

Please remember to adapt your binary input settings for WET or DRY signals.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 14 of 34

5 Test Cases
There are two templates provided. One for 50 Hz and one for
60 Hz systems.
The following chapters describe the different test cases of the
template in detail for a 50 Hz system. Each protection system is
very individual. Therefore, the power system and the test cases of
the template must be adapted to the respective application. In all
test cases the distance protection trip command of the relay is
observed.
The test cases consist of two main groups with different scenarios
that could be considered for testing the power swing blocking
function.
These groups are defined as stable and unstable power swing
where both include subgroups of test scenarios:
 with and without load,
 different infeed quantities like phase slip and frequency
with positive and negative deviation in relation to the
nominal value,
 different fault types during the power swing event.

5.1 Stable Power Swing

5.1.1 General Test Information

According to [4] a power swing in the European UCTE-grid (Union for the Co-ordination of
Transmission of Electricity) occurs with a frequency of 0.2 to 1.5 Hz. Therefore, the test template
that corresponds with this application note uses a power swing frequency of 1 Hz. For another grid
the frequency must be adapted.
When a power swing is induced with both ends reacting in a differing manner (e. g. swing speed,
magnitude) the voltage difference between the infeed’s will vary accordingly, driving a similarly
varying current. For an easier interpretation we assume that infeed A is not swinging at all while
infeed B performs a phase slip. The phase slip causes a stable power swing and is defined by the
slip angle and the slip time period. Both parameters can be modified in the Infeed B settings
(Fig.11) of the corresponding Test Case.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 15 of 34

 Figure 11 Infeed phase slip event settings under test case’s view

At the beginning of each test case for a time period of 800 ms there are no events active. During
this time – depending on the test scenario - either no load current or a constant load flow between
both infeeds is simulated. After that time a phase slip event for Infeed B begins.
This moment starts the simulation of the power swing. To change its parameters you can set:
 The number of swings,
 The duration of each swing (which corresponds to the power swing frequency),
 The slip angle (which corresponds to the minimum impedance that can be reached during
the power swing).
The following chapters describe how to set the power swing parameters to get the outcome you
need.

5.1.2 Change of Power Swing Frequency & Swing Numbers

To simulate a power swing with a specific frequency (f swing) e.g. 1.0 Hz, the slip time period (tslip) for
Infeed B needs to be calculated:

∙ ∙
t = = = 1000 ms (1)
,

Table 1 shows the calculated slip time periods (1) depending on different power swing frequencies
for both mentioned power system frequencies (50 or 60 Hz).

© OMICRON 2023 Page 16 of 34

 Table 1 Slip time period in ms depending on different power swing frequencies for both power system frequencies (50 or 60 Hz)
f 0,2 0,3 0,4 0,5 0,6 0,7 0,8 0,9 1 1,1 1,2 1,3 1,4 1,5
50 Hz 5000 3333 2500 2000 1667 1429 1250 1111 1000 909 833 769 714 667
𝐭 𝐏𝐒
𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞
60 Hz 4167 2778 2083 1667 1389 1190 1042 926 833 758 694 641 595 556

The number of swings (Nswing) is defined by the duration of the phase slip infeed event. The duration
of a state tstate can be set via the time at which the following state starts. As an example, the settings
for one and two swings will be calculated. The slip time of 1000 ms is set to be constant, therefore
in order to simulate one swing the active time is equal to:

t =t ∙N = 1000 ∙ 1 = 1000 ms (2)

To define the simulation correctly the third state (after the power swing) needs to start after the power
swing duration tstate has passed. The states can be selected by clicking on them in the time signal
view. The duration of the whole simulation can be set at the bottom right corner of the time signal
view (next to the time line). This also defines the duration of the last state.

State during the power swing State after the power swing

To simulate two swings with the same power swing frequency (1 Hz) the duration of the power swing
state must be doubled:

t =t ∙N = 1000 ∙ 2 = 2000 ms

State during the power swing State after the power swing

© OMICRON 2023 Page 17 of 34

 5.1.3 Change of Power Swing Impedance
In this example a double infeed network with one constant source (e.g. A) and one variable source
(e.g. B) is assumed. Here the impedance trajectory during a stable power swing event only depends
on the parameters of the variable source (e.g. B):
 The value of the slip angle (Fig.12),
 The sign of the slip angle: positive or negative (Fig.13),
 The voltage ratio in relation to infeed A (Fig.14),
 The impedance ratio in relation to infeed A (Fig.15).

An observation of the impedance trajectory (Fig.12) shows that a greater phase slip angle causes
the impedance to go deeper into the distance protection zones (respectively closer to the line angle).
Therefore, per default RelaySimTest templates are preset with a phase slip angle close to 180°
(e.g. 179,90°). This should allow for testing the distance protection function with power swing
blocking as the vector of the impedance can move deep into the distance zones.

5.0
-180°

2.5
3,81 Ω -120°

10,16 Ω
0.0
-60°

-2.5

27,71 Ω
X/Ohm(secondary)

-5.0

-7.5

-10.0

-12.5

-15.0

-5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

R/Ohm(secondary)

Figure 12 Different slip angle values of infeed B (ratio of: Voltage UInfeedB / UInfeedA = 1.0; Impedance SInfeedB / SInfeedA = 1.0)

© OMICRON 2023 Page 18 of 34

 Changing the sign of the phase slip at Infeed B (Infeed A phase angle = 0.0°) causes the impedance
trajectory to enter the impedance zone from a different direction (Fig.13).

10.0

7.5

+180°
5.0

-180°
2.5 3,81 Ω
X/Ohm(secondary)

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

-10.0
-20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20

R/Ohm(secondary)

Figure 13 Different slip angle sign of infeed B (ratio of: Voltage UInfeedB / UInfeedA = 1.0; Impedance SInfeedB / SInfeedA = 1.0)

The voltage ratio between Infeed B and Infeed A also has an influence on the impedance during a
power swing. The higher the voltage of Infeed B is (Infeed A remains at constant voltage), the closer
the peak of the impedance trajectory will come to 0 Ohms (Fig.14).

5.0

1,0 UInfeed_A = 3,81 Ω

1,1 UInfeed_A = 3,07 Ω
1,2 UInfeed_A = 2,41 Ω
2.5

0.0

-2.5
X/Ohm(secondary)

-5.0

-7.5

-10.0

-12.5

-15.0

-5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

R/Ohm(secondary)

Figure 14 Different source voltage ratio (Slip angle B = -180°; Impedance ratio SInfeedB / SInfeedA = 1.0)

Similarly, a difference in the infeed impedance ratio between Infeed B and Infeed A has an impact
on the impedance change during a power swing. A lower impedance of Infeed B (which corresponds

© OMICRON 2023 Page 19 of 34

 to a higher power) compared to a constant impedance of Infeed A shifts the impedance trajectory
closer to 0 Ohms (Fig.15).

0,5 Sinfeed_A = 9,64 Ω

10.0

7.5

5.0

1,0 Sinfeed_A = 3,94 Ω

2.5

2,0 Sinfeed_A = 1,17 Ω

0.0
X/Ohm(secondary)

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

-10.0

-12.5

-15.0

-10 0 10 20 30 40 50

R/Ohm(secondary)

Figure 15 Different source impedance ratio (Slip angle = -180°; Voltage ratio UInfeedB / UInfeedA = 1.0)

5.1.4 Test Case 1 & 2 – Stable Power Swing

These test cases should show that the relay detects a power swing. Furthermore, it should show
that its power swing blocking function prevents the tripping of the distance protection even if the
measured impedance is within a distance protection tripping zone.
> For test case 1 (TC 1) a slip angle of -180° is used. This angle is the theoretical limit for a stable
power swing. It ensures that the impedance trajectory measured during the power swing comes
close to the line impedance. Hence it is probably seen in Zone 1 (Z1) of the distance protection
function. Figure 16a shows the impedance plane while 16b illustrates the power swing at the
power plane. Both figures were created with the Synchronize to TransView feature of
RelaySimTest (for more detail follow subchapter 5.5).

a) b)

Figure 16 Trajectory of a) Impedance, b) power on complex pane for test Case 1

© OMICRON 2023 Page 20 of 34

 > For test case 2 a slip angle of +180° is used. While in TC 1 infeed A leads infeed B during the
power swing, in TC 2 the situation is reversed. Therefore, in TC 1 the impedance trajectory
moves from the right and in TC 2 it moves from the left side into the distance zone.

Figure 17 Impedance trajectory for test Case 2

→ During both test cases the impedance trajectory moves into the distance protection tripping
zones. Hence the distance protection may pick up, if the pickup criteria are fulfilled. The relay
should detect the stable power swing. Therefore, it should not trip.

5.1.5 Test Case 3 and 4 – Stable Power Swing with Load

These test cases are like test case 1 and 2. But in contrast to them now a load current exists due to
different phase angles of the infeeds.
> If there is no phase angle difference between the infeeds, the impedance Z Load is infinity and no-
load current is flowing. For test case 3 the parameter phase angle of infeed B is -20° while the
phase angle of infeed A stays at 0°. This causes a load current and changes the impedance
ZLoad. That means while in all previous test cases at the beginning of a power swing period ZLoad
was infinity (phase angle of infeed A and B are 0°), now it differs from infinity. It has a certain
finite value that depends on the phase angle difference of the infeeds. It is useful to take an angle
difference that fits to the system under test. Figure 18 shows a power swing with a finite starting
point.

> For test case 3 a slip angle of -159,9° is used. That means the maximum phase angle difference
between the infeeds is -179,90° (-20° phase angle and -159,9° slip angle).

© OMICRON 2023 Page 21 of 34

 Figure 18 Finite Starting Point visualization in a complex impedance plane

> For test case 4 the phase angle of infeed B is +20°, while the phase angle of infeed A stays at
0°. Furthermore, a slip angle of +159,9° is used.

→ In the beginning of both test cases the impedance ZLoad has a finite value due to the phase angle
difference of the infeeds. During the power swing this impedance changes and moves into the
distance protection tripping zones. Hence the distance protection may pick up, if the pickup
criteria are fulfilled. The relay should detect the stable power swing and, therefore, it should not
trip.

5.1.6 Test Case 5 and 6 – Stable Power Swing with Fault

These test cases should show that the relay detects a fault during a power swing and that it reacts
to it in an appropriate manner.
> The fault location defines the impedance of the fault loop and therefore the tripping zone the
relay must use. For the first test steps the fault is located at 50% of the line (which should be
within zone 1 of the distance protection).

> The moment when the fault occurs defines the impedance jump, from the “power swing” to the
“fault” impedance. Figure 19 illustrates this. It is useful to create different test cases with different
times for the fault occurrence. To keep the test template simple, it uses only one where the fault
occurs 0.25 s after the beginning of the power swing (slip time period is 1 s).

> For test case 5 a slip angle of -179,9° is used.

> For test case 6 a slip angle of 179,9° is used.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 22 of 34

 Figure 19 Impedance trajectory for test Case 5

→ At the start of the power swing the impedance ZLoad moves relatively slowly. The relay should
detect the power swing. The moment the fault occurs ZLoad jumps into the distance protection
tripping zones. The distance protection must trip using the corresponding tripping zone.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 23 of 34

5.2 Unstable Power Swing

5.2.1 General Test Information

An unstable power swing is simulated with RelaySimTest as an infeed frequency event. Here the
user can define a frequency deviation ± in relation to the nominal value, the rate of frequency change
(by defining the ramp slope) and also the duration of the frequency change. This is shown in Fig.20.

2. Define frequency ramp event

parameters

1. Select Infeed B in order to change

the operational values

NO Infeed B event Add frequency Ramp event for Infeed B Add 2nd frequency Ramp event for Infeed B

Power Swing event

Figure 20 Infeed frequency ramp event under test case’s view

The table below shows different settings which can adjust a frequency ramp event for an infeed.

Target frequency Change of frequency settings Frequency event time

With the frequency event time it is

The required frequency can be Like the target frequency settings,
possible to set the time at which the
changed either by changing the “To there are two possibilities to define
event starts. This can either be done
frequency” value and the p.u. value the change of frequency settings.
with the option delay since previous
will be calculated automatically or By defining the ramp slope (Hz/s)
event or by setting the absolute time.
vice versa. Then the relative value the ramp duration will be calculated
Depending on which value was
(p.u.) is defined and “to frequency” automatically (from the target
entered, the other will be recalculated
will be calculated automatically. frequency) and vice versa as well.
automatically.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 24 of 34

 5.2.2 Change of Power Swing Frequency & Swing Numbers
To simulate an unstable power swing, two parameters are most important: the Infeed B frequency
ramp target value (f1), and the power swing duration (tPS) of one power swing.
In this example a frequency difference of -1 Hz will be active for 1 second. Therefore, chose a
frequency ramp event for Infeed B with a target frequency of 49 Hz (for a 50 Hz system). The next
step is to add a second event for Infeed B with a frequency ramp back to nominal frequency 50 Hz.
By defining the delay since previous event, it is possible to set the required power swing duration
(tPS). Also, the number of swings has an influence on this duration. To simulate one swing this time
is equal to:

1 ∙ 10 1 ∙ 10 (3)
t = ∙N = ∙ 1 = 1000 ms
f 1.0

The delay since previous event is

_
t = 800 ms _
t = 1000 ms
This is the duration of the initial state.
or as absolute time = 1800 ms

Note: In this example at 800 ms the frequency of Infeed B begins to gradually decrease to 49 Hz.
This frequency ramp continues for 100 ms as set by the ramp duration. After this (so at 900 ms) the
frequency of Infeed B remains constant at 49 Hz. The next infeed event starts exactly 1000 ms after
the frequency started to decrease (so at 1800 ms). There the frequency of Infeed B begins to
increase again back to 50 Hz for 100 ms (ramp duration). When the frequency reaches 50 Hz (so at
1900 ms) it stays stable and therefore the power swing has ended.

To simulate two swings with the same frequency (-1 Hz), the power swing duration must be doubled:

1 ∙ 10 1 ∙ 10
t = ∙N = ∙ 2 = 2000 ms
f 1.0

© OMICRON 2023 Page 25 of 34

 The delay since previous event is
_
t = 800 ms _
t = 2000 ms
This is the duration of the initial state.
or as absolute time = 2800 ms

5.2.3 Change of Power Swing Impedance

In this example a double infeed network with one constant source (e.g. A) and one variable source
(e.g. B) is assumed. Here the impedance trajectory during an unstable power swing event only
depends on the parameters of the variable source (e.g. B):
 The frequency change of Infeed B: the value well as the deviation in positive or negative
direction from the nominal value (Fig.21),
 The voltage ratio in relation to Infeed A (Fig.22),
 The impedance ratio in relation to Infeed A (Fig.23).
15.0

12.5

10.0

7.5

5.0

2.5
X/Ohm(secondary)

0.0

-2.5

-5.0

-7.5

-2 Hz
-10.0

-1 Hz
+1 Hz
-12.5

-15.0 +2 Hz
-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30

R/Ohm(secondary)

Figure 21 Different frequency changes (ratio of: Voltage UInfeedB / UInfeedA = 1.0; Impedance SInfeedB / SInfeedA = 1.0)

The voltage ratio between Infeed B and Infeed A also has an influence on the impedance during a
power swing. The higher the voltage of Infeed B is (Infeed A remains at constant voltage), the closer
the the impedance trajectory will come to 0 Ohms (Fig.22).

© OMICRON 2023 Page 26 of 34

 20

15

10

5
X/Ohm(secondary)

-5

-10
0,8 UInfeed_A
0,9 UInfeed_A
1,0 UInfeed_A
-15

1,1 UInfeed_A
1,2 UInfeed_A
-20

-40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40

R/Ohm(secondary)

Figure 22 Different source voltage ratios (Frequency of Infeed B = 49 Hz; Impedance ratio SInfeedB / SInfeedA = 1.0)

Similar to the stable power swing test cases, a difference in the infeed impedance ratio between
Infeed B and Infeed A has an impact on the impedance change during a power swing. A lower
impedance of Infeed B (which corresponds to a higher power) compared to a constant impedance
of Infeed A shifts the impedance trajectory closer to 0 Ohms (Fig.23).

20

15

10

5
X/Ohm(secondary)

-5

-10

-15
0,5 SInfeed_A
1,0 SInfeed_A
2,0 SInfeed_A
-20
-40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40

R/Ohm(secondary)

Figure 23 Different source impedance ratios (Frequency of Infeed B = 49 Hz; Voltage ratio UInfeedB / UInfeedA = 1.0)

© OMICRON 2023 Page 27 of 34

 5.2.4 Test Case 7 and 8 – Unstable Power Swing
These test cases should show that the relay detects an unstable power swing. Furthermore, it should
show that its power swing blocking function prevents the tripping of the distance protection even if
the measured impedance is within a distance protection tripping zone. (According to the application
example, the relay should not trip even if there is an unstable power swing, see chapter 2.4 .)
> For test case 7 the frequency difference of Infeed B (relative to Infeed A) is set to -1 Hz.
> For test case 8 it is set to +1 Hz.
> For both test cases the frequency of infeed A is nominal (50 or 60 Hz).
> Figure 24 illustrates the unstable power swing of test case 7

a) b)

Figure 24 Test Case 7 Unstable Power Swing a) impedance, b) power pane

→ The absolute value of the phase angle difference between the infeeds increases in both test
cases from 0° to 360°. That means both test cases show an unstable power swing. In test case 7
the impedance ZLoad moves from the right to the left side of the impedance plane, in test case 8
the situation is reversed. In both cases the impedance crosses the distance protection tripping
zones. The relay must detect the unstable power swing and the power swing blocking function
has to prevent the distance protection from tripping.

5.2.5 Test Case 9 and 10 – Unstable Power Swing with Load

These test cases are like test case 3 and 4. But in contrast to them now an unstable power swing is
used instead of a stable one.
> The unstable power swing is realized in the same way as in test cases 7 and 8.

→ Due to the unstable power swing, the impedance ZLoad crosses the distance protection tripping
zones in the impedance plane. The relay must detect the unstable power swing and the power
swing blocking function has to prevent the distance protection from tripping.

5.2.6 Test Case 11 and 12 – Unstable Power Swing with Fault

These test cases should show that the relay detects a fault during an unstable power swing and that
it reacts to it in an appropriate manner. The test cases are like the test cases 5 and 6. But now an
unstable power swing is used instead of a stable one.
> The unstable power swing is realized in the same way as in test cases 7 and 8.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 28 of 34

 → At the start of the power swing the impedance ZLoad moves relatively slowly. The relay should
detect the power swing. The moment the fault occurs ZLoad jumps into the distance protection
tripping zones. The distance protection must trip using the corresponding tripping zone.

5.3 With or Without Load

Power swings can be simulated with or without load. The load current magnitude can be set by
changing the phase angle of Infeed B as shown in Figure 25. The phase angle of Infeed A stays
at 0°. That means by adapting the phase angle of Infeed B the magnitude and the direction of the
power exchange between both infeeds can be changed.

Select Infeed B in order to

change the operational values

Figure 25 Definition of load parameters

© OMICRON 2023 Page 29 of 34

 The following table shows a graphical visualization of how the phase angle of infeed B influences
the current flow between both infeeds.

phase angle

0°

10°

5.4 Fault During Power Swing

While testing the power swing blocking function it is important to check if the distance protection is
blocked during a power swing but it is also crucial to verify if the distance protection will trip when a
short circuit appears during a power swing event. Therefore, the RelaySimTest template also
consists of test cases for fault scenarios during stable and unstable power swings. To keep the
template simple, the test cases with faults only use the following Fault types: L1-N, L2-L3 and L1-
L2-L3.
Depending on the relay under test, its parameters and on the grid in which the protection system
is used, it can be necessary to add more fault types. All test cases should have an adequate
simulation time to cover the whole test scenario and to ensure that the relay has enough time to
show its reaction on the test.
In order to change the fault parameters e.g., when fault should occur simply select the fault icon
(Fig. 26) and adapt the settings accordingly.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 30 of 34

 Figure 26 Changing fault parameters

Figure 27 shows for this example how the impedance trajectory changes from a stable power swing
to a three phase fault.

Figure 27 Example of 3-ph fault event during stable power swing event

© OMICRON 2023 Page 31 of 34

5.5 Analysis of Power Swing Event for Distance Protection Element

The OMICRON TransView software is useful to analyze the test results. Here it is possible to display
the impedance and power trajectories resulting from the test voltages and currents. The feature
Synchronize to TransView in RelaySimTest offers a direct export of the signals that is automatically
updated, when the test parameters change.

Figure 28 Synchronize to TransView Button within Test Cases Tab

It is also possible to display the distance zones in the TransView Circle Diagrams, if they are
available as RIO file (for example in the Menu Test Object of the OMICRON Test Universe).

The RIO file can be exported from the Test Universe Test Object as follows (Fig.29):
(1) Select File in the Test Object main menu.
(2) Select Export … in the submenu.
(3) Select RIO file type and enter %TEMP%\SIMULATIONTEST.RIO as file name.
The RIO file will be saved in the same location where the RelaySimTest signal export is
saved (C:\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\Temp).
(4) Save the file.

Figure 29 RIO export from the menu Test Object of the OMICRON Test Universe

© OMICRON 2023 Page 32 of 34

6 List of Literature
[1] “Getting started with RelaySimTest”; OMICRON electronics GmbH; 2017
[2] “Numerical Distance Protection: Principles and Applications”; 4th edition; Gerhard Ziegler;
PUBLICIS; 2011
[3] “SIPROTEC Distance Protection 7SA6 V4.70 Manual”, SIEMENS
[4] “Transmission Code 2007 – Netz und Systemregeln der deutschen Übertragungsnetzbetreiber“,
Verband der Netzbetreiber – VDN – e.V. beim VDEW, Version 1.1, August 2007
[5] IEEE PSRC WG D6: „Power Swing and Out-of-Step considerations on transmission lines“.

© OMICRON 2023 Page 33 of 34

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