Decision Tree-Based Automated Test-Bed for Performance Validation of Line Protection Relays Using a Hardware-in-the-Loop Architecture

Real-time digital simulators (RTDS) have facilitated the in-house testing of physical equipment in hardware in the loop architectures, promoting the reduction and cost and time due to malfunction of devices installed in field. Utilities are responsible for the availability of assets and then must ensure the correct operation of protection relays in order to ensure selectivity before network perturbations. This paper presents a test-bed for validation of transmission lines protection relays using RTDS and a hardware in the loop architecture. The set of events to be evaluated are injected automatically and the response of the relay is then captured and analysed. The outcomes are classified into a set of predefined categories using decision trees and reports are presented to the analyst, thus reducing the time required in the validation process.