IEEE Electrification Magazine - March 2015 - 94

VIEWPOINT

Recloser 1
(Normally Closed)

Sectionalizer 1
(Normally Closed)

Lockout

Open

Recloser 2
(Normally Closed)

Tie
(Normally Open)

Sectionalizer 2
(Normally Closed)

Figure 3. In a loop scheme, the recloser locks out after four failed attempts to clear a downstream fault. The sectionalizer opens to isolate the faulted line section and then the tie
recloser closes to supply power from source S2.

operation in the event that the ac
many users as possible. Under normal
source power is lost or interrupted,
operating conditions, FDIR isolates
and the recloser monfaults and restores
itors the circuit using
power. As shown in
EDL is in the process
G&W's internal multiFigure 3, if a fault
of transforming its
ratio current transdownstream of the
formers and voltage
recloser is not cleared,
power system from a
sensors.
then it will lock out
traditional manually
For this project,
after four tries to clear
operated power
G&W used GE's DGCR
the fault. FDIR then
system with frequent
recloser controls on its
locates the fault and
prolonged power
reclosers and GE's
opens the sectionalizDGCS switch controls
er to isolate the faultoutages to an
on its pole-mounted
ed line section. It then
innovative self-healing
switches to ensure
closes the tie recloser
automated grid.
seamless integration
to restore power to the
with GE's GENe DMS.
other loads from
G&W Bolingbrook
source S2. The restoramanufactured, tested, and shipped the
tion can be completed in seconds.
reclosers to Laos and G&W Shanghai did
G&W recommends that noncommuthe same work for the load break switchnicating loop scheme logic be used if
es. Both G&W locations provide all techcommunication is lost. In this scenario, if
nical, commissioning, and warranty sera fault downstream of the recloser is not
vices for the switchgear to Laos.
cleared, then it will lock out after four
tries to clear the fault. The sectionalizer
How It Works
then senses loss of voltage at its input
The first order was for 200 G&W Viperand opens to isolate the faulted line secLT reclosers and 100 load break switchtion. Shortly after, the tie recloser senses
es. These are used to isolate faults so
loss of voltage and closes to restore
that power can be maintained to as
power to the other loads from source S2.

I E E E E l e c t r i f i cati o n M agaz ine / MARCH 2015

Figure 4. The equipment as installed on site.

The whole operation is completed in
about 1 min.
Historically, the addition of automated reclosers on a system results in
at least a 20% reliability improvement.
G&W provides a standard three-year
parts and performance guarantee for
this amount of improvement. G&W
plans to work with GE and EDL to
achieve less than 1% economic value
loss due to electrical outages. Figure 4
shows the equipment as installed.
For EDL to fully utilize SCADA/DMS,
more field devices need to be added
for better coverage of the country.
With the new equipment, operators
can monitor the condition of the
power system remotely; in the scenario just described, the equipment notifies the operators so that a repair crew
can be sent out.

Summary
EDL is in the process of transforming
its power system from a traditional
manually operated power system with
frequent prolonged power outages to
an innovative self-healing automated
grid. Although it will take the company about three years to fully implement its new system, it is confident
that it will achieve all of its objectives
and facilitate the continued improvement of its customers' quality of life.

Biography
Patrick Avery (pavery@gwelec.com) is
with G&W Electric, Bolingbrook, Illinois.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of IEEE Electrification Magazine - March 2015