Exploiting The Data From Digital Protective Relays For Model Validation In Power Systems

Dynamic parameter estimation of power plants became increasingly challenging and important in rapidly evolving power grid. Despite significant advancements, legacy generators continue to struggle to meet standard compliance requirements, necessitating the use of advanced measurement devices for mandatory model validation. To address these challenges, legacy generators should undergo systematic model validation programs supported by the point on wave measurements through the existing devices. This paper utilizes the short duration relay records to estimate the synchronous machine and excitation system parameters using an enhanced scattered search method. The proposed algorithm has a high probability of finding the global minima to achieve accurate parameter estimation in cases of high-dimensional and non-linear conditions with fewer tunable parameters. The proposed approach is demonstrated using data from a 247 MVA, 15.75 kV generator in a thermal power plant using its practical protective relay records. The proposed method is found to be accurate and reliable for parameter estimation using synthetic and practical measurement data.