Relay Panel Upgrade to Improve Reliability in the Southeast.

A large utility in the Southeast has decided to upgrade 115 circuit breaker relays at 32 different substations. The project will entail removal of existing relay panels and replacement with newly fabricated panels. Each new panel includes SEL 351S microprocessor-based relays and ABB FT-1 test switches, which are to be installed and wired in the associated relay cabinet, and then programmed. The project also includes installation and connection of fiber-optic cable from the relay cabinets to a central communications cabinet, for SCADA capability. The central communications cabinet houses modems, computers and fiber-optic multiplexers . . . all of which are to be installed, connected, and tested.

S&C’s Power Systems Services was recently awarded this turnkey project. The project team is currently meeting with utility engineers to review details of the project, which is scheduled for completion by October 2001.

Panel fabrication will begin once the drawings and specifications are finalized by the utility. S&C will install and connect the relays and test switches prior to shipment from the fabrication facility — thus reducing field wiring and installation time. The project team envisions using crews working simultaneously at several different substations, with a centralized staging area in the region.

This project will add to a growing list of relay upgrade projects that PSS has completed in the last couple of years. For a recent case study, click here to download the PDF version. Power Systems Services can be contacted for more information at (773) 338-1000 or email pss@sandc.com.