Introduction to Protection Design

In order to maintain safe working environments and to protect equipment from damage, such as explosive forces, protection relays are utilised in high voltage (HV) switchboards. Quality protection system design, appropriate relay model selection and correct relay configuration are all essential to adequately protect personnel and equipment, and to conform to statutory requirements.

Correctly graded device settings can also increase plant uptime by reducing spurious tripping and allow easier identification of faults when they occur.

What process is involved with effective design?

A detailed Protection Study, often completed as part of an HV Submission, is required to determine the optimal protection relay setting values. Once approved by the client, these settings are uploaded into the respective relays via programmed setting files, created with manufacturer-specific software.

A quality Protection Study must consider all relevant electrical network characteristics, including maximum loading, possible network configurations, and upstream and downstream protective devices and settings.

Poor quality protection design and settings

Poor quality protection design and installations that are not fit-for-purpose can result in personnel and equipment safety issues, legal ramifications and increased plant downtime. Identified issues often result in increased rework costs, including site-based testing and recommissioning as well as increased plant shutdown durations.

Why should a client have Teck Global handle their protection design?

We work with our clients to carry out electrical kiosk design efficiently, fast-track delivery and provide a "plug and play" solution that meets our clients' needs. We can program protective relays before the switchgear arrives on site, saving our clients time by having equipment up and running more quickly. We encourage anyone investigating electrical protection design to talk to us to find out how we can help.

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