19EEE401 POWER SYSTEM

PROTECTION AND SWITCHGEAR

 STATIC RELAYS
• Static relays as an electronic nature that differs from the
mechanics of electromagnetic switching which is built on
moving parts for operation.
• While mechanical relays work with some sort of
mechanical action implemented through a mechanical
contact circuit, static relays work on a static principle of
employing solid-state components collectively called
semiconductor devices (shorthand:
diodes/transistors/diodes, etc.) or digital logic circuits.
• This is a solid-state design that gets rid of mechanical
parts and as a result of this its reliability becomes
stronger, the response times become faster, and the
precision becomes better.
• A static relaying, or a solid state relay, are electronic tools used for
switching electrical circuits. It is a replacement of conventional mechanical
relays using semiconductor (to obtain the variety of benefits which include
quick response times, long lifespan and less maintenance required over a
long period of time). The essential elements of a static relay include:

• The essential elements of a static relay include:

• Control Input: It is the form of electricity with a low current level from
different control devices, including microcontrollers, PLCs (Programmable
Logic Controllers), or sensors.
• Solid-State Switching Device: A static relay can basically a solid-state
switching device such as a semiconductor apart from being the most used
component.
• The switch performs the action of ON and OFF and directs the electrical
power to the electric device or not via a load circuit.
• Isolation Barrier: Static relay using built up barriers to guard between
control and load circuits electrically. As such, this separation allows
minimizes the danger of electric interference from control circuit and
loads.
• Voltage and Current Sensing Circuits: These circuit then keep the track
of fluctuations in voltage and the current.
• Protection Features: Static relays usually are offered with self-
protection accessories. They mainly include overcurrent protection,
overvoltage protection, short-circuiting protection, and thermal
protection.
• Status Indicators: LCD or LED displays together with status indicators
on relays can be a way of simplifying the monitoring and diagnosing
processes.
These indicators not only serve as collecting visual feedback, but also
they specifically display the operating status of the relay and any faulty
conditions.
• Interface Terminals: Interface terminals serve as connection points for outside the
wiring network which makes static relay to be incorporated inside easily electrical
system. The inputs terminals are mostly connections for control signals from the
microcontroller and the outputs terminals are wires connected to the load circuit.
• Diagnostic and Communication Interfaces: Developed static relays may enable
interface functionality like RS-485 and Modbus, and Ethernet connections may also be
accepted. These interfaces make it possible to run the system remotely, trace and
control it. Also, it helps in diagnosing the system, increasing its reliability, and making
the maintenance easier.
• Working Principle
• The exact working principle depends on the type of static relay, but the general flow
remains similar:

• Input Signal: An electrical parameter (current, voltage, etc.) is fed into the relay.
• Signal Processing: The control circuit analyzes the input and compares it to pre-
programmed thresholds.
• Switching Decision: Based on the comparison, the control circuit sends a signal to the
output stage.
• Output Action: The electronic switch turns on or off, controlling the connected circuit
• Types of Static Relays
• Analog Static Relays
• Time-Delay Relays: These relays allow a time delay before carrying out a particular
action, for example, opening or closing a circuit. They are found often used in
applications where a delay is needed for coordination or sequencing of operations.
• Phase Comparison Relays: Phase comparison relays compare the phase angles of
two electrical quantities such as voltages or currents to detect faults or abnormalities
in power systems. They are widely used for fault detection and protection in
transmission lines and substations.
• Digital Static Relays
• Microprocessor-Based Relays: These relays use microprocessors and digital signal
processing techniques for advanced protection, control, and monitoring functions.
They provide flexibility, programmability and high accuracy, which makes them
suitable for complex applications in power systems.
• Numerical Relays: Numerical relays are a branch of microprocessor-based relays
that use numerical algorithms to process electrical quantities and make protection
decisions. These features include communication interfaces, self-testing, and event
recording that improve the dependability and productivity of protection schemes.
• Advantages
• Fast Response Time: Static relays which contain much higher conduction speeds in
comparison to electromechanical relays hold much lower failure rates due to a
consequently quicker detection and isolation of defects to achieve less production
interruption and lower damage to apparatuses.
• High Reliability: Given the fact that there are no moving parts, stand-alone relays
prolong system reliability as well as the operational lifespan and hence they require
less service and maintenance compared to the traditional electromechanical relays.
• Precise Control: Being designed to make precise protection and regulation function
control decisions, static relays do not only allow for the adjustment of crucial system
parameters such as voltage, current & frequency to be accurate, but they also
contribute to meeting systems’ requirements.
• Compact Size: The static relays exhibit an advantage of having a small size and
portability thereby making their installation process in tight spaces easy and the
footprint of the electrical enclosure, switchgear, and control room reduced.
• Compatibility with Modern Systems: Among the different types of relays, the static
relays remain to present type that is able to work with up-to-date communication
protocols and digital management systems, making them a part of smart grids and
advance automation for better performance and efficient energy utilization.
• Disadvantages
• Vulnerability to Voltage Spikes: Static relays being sensitive to voltage surges
and the transient disturbances, however, may cause false trips or malfunction.
Adequate surge protection steps must be in place to respond to this issue.
• Initial Cost: The initial cost of static relays may be higher than for commonly
used electromechanical relays, this can be a concern for some users,
particularly in budget-limited environment. Thus, this cost is usually offset by the
long-term profit and reduced spend on maintenance and operation.
• Complexity of Troubleshooting: Diagnosing problems relating to static relays are
more challenging than electromechanical relays due to the nature of their
electronic circuitry. Qualified people with experience in digital electronics are
needed for efficient diagnosis and repair.
• Susceptibility to Environmental Factors: Static relays which may be more prone
to environmental conditions such as temperature variations, humidity, and
electromagnetic interference. Proper environmental controls and shielding are
the key to ensure the machines to work reliably in diverse conditions.
• Applications of Static Relays
• Overcurrent Protection: Due to their specific property of
engaging quickly for tripping fuses, relays are ideal in
power generation and transmission to provide overcurrent
protection. They measure whether the system current
value exceeds the normal one and if the answer is “yes” –
they isolate the feeder of the affected circuit from the
general system within a fraction of a second to avoid
damage of the equipment and support the system
reliability.
• Voltage Regulation: They measure the voltage variations
and adjust the electricity’s flow automatically to maintain
certain level for clients to have a good power quality.
• Load Shedding: Static relays are used in cases when the
demand exceeds the grid capacity which is followed by
power shedding. To deal with the above, they give
preference to critical loads and select some by name to
trigger tripping in case of overload so that the system
doesn’t break down and remains stable.
• Fault Detection: Static fault relays are widely used for
voltage and fault protection in modern power systems.
They are responsible for accurate determination of the
internal faults such as short circuits or ground faults. They
investigate unacceptable situations and instigate protective
responses in order to repair damaged components within
the circuit and avoid prolonged malfunction.
THANK YOU