Architecture of a Systemic Protection System for the Interconnected National System of Ecuador

This document describes the relevant aspects of the design of a Systemic Protection System - SPS (Remedial Action Scheme - RAS) implemented in the Ecuadorian Power System. The SPS is an automatic protection system designed to maintain power system reliability by detecting abnormal or predetermined system conditions and taking corrective actions in order to avoid a grid collapse in Ecuador. In this connection, CENACE studied n-2 contingencies of some 230 kV transmission lines of the trunk transmission system during heavy load conditions, which might trigger undesirable problems such as area separation and even possible blackouts. The study results have led to tables of mitigation actions that must present a quick response in real time (less than 200 ms) in order to mitigate the possible consequences. The mitigation actions comprise tripping of computed quantities of generation and load shedding at previously specified locations or regions. The main functional components of the SPS include: field devices, central controller systems (CCS), and communication networks. The mitigation of any specific condition will be carried out via SPS a central controller programming that allows sending monitoring and tripping signals to IEDs placed at suitable locations.