Design and Implementation of a Power Protection Device for

Over/Under-Voltage, Over/Under Frequency, Phase Monitoring, and

Over-Current Conditions.

A Project Proposal Submitted by Shivnarine Chunilall

University of Guyana
Faculty of Engineering Technology
Electrical Engineering
Supervisor: Verlyn Klass

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Figures………………………………………………………………………………3

List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………….3

1.0 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………..4-5
1.1 Background……………………………………………………………………..4
1.2 Problem Statement……………………………………………………………...4
1.3 Title of Project………………………………………………………………….5
1.4 Objectives………………………………………………………………………5
1.5 Limitations……………………………………………………………………...5
1.6 Scope of Project………………………………………………………………...5
2.0 Literature Review………………………………………………………………...…….6-13
2.1 Power Monitoring………………………………………………………...…….6-11
2.2 Data Acquisition………………………………………………………..………11-12
2.3 Data Communication………………………………………………...…………12
2.4 Data Visualization…………………………………………………………..….12
2.5 Direct Current Power Supply……………………………………….………….13
3.0 Methodology…………………………………………………………………………...14-20
3.1 Plan of Implementation………………………………………………………...14-18
3.2 Time Schedule………………………………………………………………….19
3.3 Budget Schedule………………………………………………………………..20
4.0 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………...21
5.0 References……………………………………………………………………………...22

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 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: Under-Voltage Waveform…………………………………………………….…..7

Figure 2: Over-Voltage Waveform………………………………………………………….8

Figure 3: Over & Under Voltage Protection Circuit………………………………………...8

Figure 4: Over-Current Protection Circuit…………………………………………………..11

Figure 5: Digital Data Acquisition System………………………………………………….12

Figure 6: Smart Mode DC Power Supply…………………………………………………...13

Figure 7: Plan of Implementation…………………………………………………………...14

Figure 8: Overall Project Design……………………………………………………………15

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Frequency Limits and Tripping Time……………………………………………..10

Table 2: Time Schedule……………………………………………………………………..19

Table 3: Budget Schedule…………………………………………………………………...20

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 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Power protective devices play a crucial role in any electrical system, they are also known as
decision-making devices in the protection scheme. The main goal of power system protection is
to immediately isolate and prevent a problem so that the rest of the system may continue to work
normally.

The necessity for devices to avoid or minimize unwanted occurrences in the power system has
been mandated from the beginning of electrical power. Power protective devices have a long
history dating back over a century. According to some sources, the first power protective device
was made in 1902 (Singh, 2007; Pathirana, 2004), while others say it was produced in 1905
(Lundqvist, 2001; Rebizant et al., 2011).

Until the 1940s, electromechanical relays were the only type of protection device available. In
the form of induction cup relays, these devices attained extremely high accuracy and sensitivity,
and they function well for the jobs assigned to them. The creation of relays utilizing electronic
components began in the early 1940s (Singh, 2007). Because they don't have any moving parts,
these relays are referred to as static relays or solid-state relays.

Integrated protection and control became popular in the 1990s, and it took full advantage of
microcontroller technology for protection, monitoring, control, disturbance and event
management, and communication.

1.2 Problem Statement

In society and industry, electrical parameters like voltage, current, and frequency tend to

fluctuate due to various reasons such as load shifting, faults, and blackouts. The aforementioned

usually results in damage to equipment, fire, and accidents. Therefore, a power protective device

with monitoring capabilities is desired.

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1.3 Title of Project

Design and build a power protection device for over/under-voltage, over/under frequency, phase

monitoring, and over current conditions.

1.4 Objectives

● To design and construct a power protective device with wireless monitoring capabilities

and printed circuit board technology.

● To investigate the effectiveness of the monitoring circuitries.

● To analyze data gained from the various tests done on the circuits.

● To further optimize the design to meet consumers’ demands.

1.5 Limitations

● Financial and time constraints as it relates to shipping cost.

● Limited access to locally distributed resources.

● Inadequacy of laboratory equipment.

1.6 Scope of Project

This project will focus on the design and construction of a three-phase 600v, 100 amp

microcontroller-based power protection device at a very affordable cost. A combination of the

Atmega 328p microcontroller and various sensor circuits will be used for monitoring and

processing load parameters.

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 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Power Monitoring

2.1.1 Power Quality

To assess electromagnetic phenomena at a specific spot on an electric power circuit, power

quality monitoring is required in power protection. The goal of monitoring in certain
circumstances is to identify conflicts between the electric power supply and the load. Monitoring
can also be used to anticipate how well load equipment or power quality mitigation devices will
operate in the future. In any case, defining the monitoring objectives is the most crucial activity
in any monitoring effort.

The monitoring objectives for this project will decide the monitoring equipment to use, the data
collection method to use, the triggering thresholds to use, the data analysis approach to use, and
the total effort required of the project. For monitoring to be successful, the produced data must
only fulfill the monitoring task's objectives.

Over-voltages and under-voltages, interruptions, sags and swells, transients, phase imbalance,
frequency deviations, over-current and harmonic distortion are all examples of electromagnetic
events that may be measured in both time and frequency domains. Non-conducted environmental
conditions can also affect load equipment, though these disturbances are not taken into account
in this project. Temperature, humidity, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and radiofrequency
interference are examples of such variables (RFI).

2.1.2 Types of Power Disturbances

The following includes the types of power quality conflicts provided by IEEE 1159-1995:
● Short duration variations – voltage sag, voltage swell, interruption
● Long duration variations – under-voltage, over-voltage, sustained interruption
● Voltage unbalance
● Waveform distortion – DC offset, harmonics, notching, noise
● Electrical transients
● Voltage fluctuations
● Power frequency variation

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2.1.2.1 Under-Voltage

IEEE 1159-2009 defines under-voltage as a drop-in AC voltage (RMS) for some time longer
than one minute, often 80 percent - 90 percent of nominal voltage.

Motor controllers generally have a dropout voltage of 70 to 80 percent of nominal voltage. Due
to higher currents drawn by the motors, long-duration under-voltage increases thermal loss in
motors. Under-voltage circumstances can cause speed fluctuations in induction machinery owing
to torque loss. During this circumstance, electronic equipment such as computers and electrical
controllers may stop working. Because the reactive power output of a capacitor bank is
proportional to the square of the applied voltage, under-voltage situations reduce the bank's
reactive power output. Lighting devices output may also dim during under-voltage conditions.

Figure 1 Showing Under-Voltage vs Nominal Voltage Waveform

2.1.2.2 Over-Voltage

The IEEE 1159-2009 defines over-voltage as a rise in AC voltage (RMS) lasting more than one
minute, often 110 percent - 120 percent of nominal.

During overvoltage situations, electronic devices are susceptible to abrupt failure. Transformers,
cables, buses, switchgear, CTs, PTs, and spinning machinery, on the other hand, may not always
exhibit signs of failure right away. Insulation deterioration can happen from sustained or
recurring overvoltage on transformers, cables, buses, switchgear, CTs, PTs, and spinning
machinery. The bulging of individual cans is an indication of frequent overvoltage on a capacitor

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bank. During an overvoltage scenario, a capacitor's reactive power output grows with the square
of the voltage. When there is an overvoltage problem, the visible light output of various lighting
equipment may rise.

Figure 2 Showing Over-Voltage vs Under-Voltage Waveform

2.1.2.2.1 Under/ Over- Voltage Protection Circuit Description

The device's main function is to protect the load from over-voltage and under-voltage by
utilizing a PIC microcontroller to regulate the relay tripping coil. If the input voltage goes
below or over the pre-set range of values, the microcontroller compares it to the intended pre-
set voltage and operates the tripping coil in the relay. Figure 1 shows a block schematic of an
under-voltage and overvoltage protection devices.

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 Figure 3 Showing Under and Over-Voltage Protection Circuit

A brief explanation of the block shown in the diagram above:

● AC Input: This is the power supply from the public utility that will power the equipment.
It's also fed directly to the device's relay contacts, which connect the load to the power
source.
● Power Supply: The power supply employs a step-down transformer to reduce the input
mains voltage to a level that is adequate for the device's electronics.
● PIC 16F877A Microcontroller: The PIC16F877A microcontroller is a decision and
control microcontroller. The input voltage monitor is linked to the microcontroller and
delivers a sample of the input supply voltage for comparison with the microcontroller's
programmed set values.
● Input Voltage Monitor: This feeds the microcontroller with a sample of the unregulated
dc supply voltage through a potentiometer. Because the value of this voltage fluctuates
when the input mains voltage varies, it aids the microcontroller in monitoring the supply
voltage.
● The coil of the relay that links the mains supply to the load is controlled and supplied by
an NPN transistor is called a relay driver. The relay is a single-pole relay that closes
under normal mains supply voltage and opens under abnormal mains supply voltage after
being engaged by the PIC through the transistor.

2.1.2.3 Under-Frequency

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A condition that occurs when the system frequency drops below its nominal value as a result of
the system load exceeding the connected generation. (ANSI/ IEEE C37.106-1987)

Low-frequency operation of generators can lead to overheating owing to limited airflow.

Because flux within these devices is inversely related to frequency, operating generators and
their associated transformers at lower frequencies can result in over-excitation limitations being
exceeded. This paragraph discusses generators and transformers' anomalous frequency
capabilities.

2.1.2.3 Over-Frequency

A condition that occurs when the system frequency increases above its nominal value as a result
of the connected generation exceeding the system load. (ANSI/ IEEE C37.106-1987)

Over-frequency is caused by an abrupt decrease in load, such as a unit complete load rejection,
and hence corresponds to light-load or no-load generator operation. Machine ventilation is
enhanced during over-frequency operation, and the flux density required for a given terminal
voltage is lowered.
Frequency ranges and their delay until trip were provided by Western Electric Coordinating
Council (WECC) and published in ANSI/ IEEE C37.106-1987.

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 Table 1 Showing Frequency Limits and their Time until Trip

2.1.2.4 Over-Current

Any current over the rated current of equipment or the ampacity of a conductor. It may result
from overload, short circuit, or ground fault. (Article 100 of the National Electrical Code (NEC))

Over-current can cause overheating, circuit overloading, or possibly a short circuit or fire. There
are a variety of technologies available to avoid over-currents and to control their consequences if
they do occur.

2.1.2.4.1 Over- Current Protection Circuit Description

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 Figure 4 Showing Over-Current Protection Circuit

● The goal of the current transformer (C.T) is to generate a scaled scaled-down copy of the
fault current in the power system. To avoid core saturation, protection class C.T. is used
with excellent precision for reproducing fault current across a wide range.
● The digital signal is initially conditioned to remove any fading DC components and
harmonics. The data is then processed in the microprocessor.
● Harmonics introduced into the current signal by non-linear loads in the power system are
filtered away to prevent relay operation time reductions that cause coordination issues.
● The coil of the relay that links the main supply to the load is controlled and supplied by
the microprocessor. The relay is a single-pole relay that closes under normal conditions
and opens under abnormal current conditions after being engaged by the microprocessor.

2.2 Data Acquisition

When monitoring severely distorted, decreased amplitude, and phase-shifted waveforms, the
analog-to-digital conversion process often employs advanced sampling algorithms to guarantee
that the samples of each cycle are in the same point-on-wave.

In general, low-frequency signals are sampled at 128, 256, or 512 samples per cycle. Fixed
windows (e.g., half-cycle increments) or sliding windows are used to compute the RMS values
for voltage and current.

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Many other parameters are generated from these raw samples and RMS values per cycle such as
power, reactive power, active power, and power factor. For example, voltage is often monitored
on a cycle-by-cycle basis, with ‘x’ equaling 20 milliseconds or 16.66 milliseconds for 50 Hz and
60 Hz, respectively.

Figure 5 Showing Digital Data Acquisition System

2.3 Data Communication

Data communication allows for the monitoring of power characteristics at remote places.
Ethernet, fiber optic, land phone lines, and wireless modems can be used to communicate
between system components and at the enterprise level.

2.4 Data Visualization

Most power quality monitoring systems will present the information visually in time graphs or
trend lines, voltage, and current parameter values because the human brain is an effective
processor of visual data. Standard web browsers may be used to visualize data from faraway
sources. This technique of display has addressed previous issues with proprietary software
operating on customers' computers.

2.5 Direct Current Power Supply

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A power monitoring and protection device may employ dc power for instrument operation
depending on the location of the power system to be measured. Additionally, dc power can be
used internally to supply emergency backup power to the device. DC power can be supplied to
the device either internally or externally. Even though most power monitoring and protection
equipment need little power, their power sources may cause readings to be distorted and the
system's size to grow.

2.5.1 Circuit Description of a Smart Mode Power Supply (SMPS)

Figure 6 Showing Circuit Diagram of SMPS Power Supply

● The bridge rectifier circuit is the first block. As a result, the rectifier receives a high
voltage AC supply (80- 250v) and converts it to a high voltage DC supply.
● The filter circuit then filters the unfiltered DC.
● The high voltage DC is then transformed into a square wave AC with a very high
frequency. To convert DC to AC, a high-frequency switch is utilized. The feedback and
control circuit is in charge of controlling the switch.
● A fly-back high-frequency transformer converts the high-frequency AC to low voltage.
● The low voltage AC is then converted to DC using a rectifier circuit.
● The DC is filtered using a filter circuit and the feedback path and control circuit is used to
continuously regulate the output.

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

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3.1 Plan of Implementation

This chapter will provide an overview of the system of methods to be used to complete this

project; namely: planning, designing, implementing, analyzing, maintaining, and optimizing.

Planning Design Implementation Analysis Maintenance &

Optimization

Figure 7 Showing Block Diagram for Plan of Implementation

3.1.1 Planning of Overall Project

During the planning stage information, helpful resources, and ideas are explored serving as a

guide to how to successfully achieve the aim of this project.

Data collection plays an important role in the planning phase since it helps in gathering useful

information needed for the successful completion of this project. All data will be obtained from

textbooks, online resources, past final year projects, and research publications.

The Multisim and Proteus software will be used to aid in the construction of the power protection

device. This software will be used based not only on its practicality and efficiency but also based

on the researcher’s fluency in its operation. The Multisim and Proteus software will assist in

simulating, monitoring, and also designing the protective device.

3.1.2 Design of Overall Project

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 The design phase will employ the software mentioned above and the data gathered. Calculations

will be done to determine the components of the design for optimally operating decision-making

factors such as the threshold for power parameters, trip mechanism, and reaction time to power

parameters will be investigated.

The power protection device will use an Atmega 328p microcontroller interfaced with a resistive

type voltage sensor and a Hall Effect current sensor for each phase which will be used to monitor

the voltage, current, and frequency supplied to the load. Voltage and current sensing circuits will

be designed to input up to 600v three-phase and produce a small signal acceptable by the

microcontroller. A 5v smart mode power supply with battery will be used to power the

microcontroller and all other circuits. The liquid crystal display (LCD) and the ESP8266 WIFI

module allow the user to view the current status of the power parameters flowing towards the

load both in-person and wirelessly. Thresholds within the algorithm will allow the load to be

safely isolated from the supply in an event of power disturbances.

Current Sensing
Frequency Sensing
Voltage Sensing
3 Phase AC Supply

Relay/
SMPS DC Power Supply
Microcontroller Contactor Load

Wireless
Communication Visualization

Figure 8 Showing Block Diagram of Overall Project Design

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The block diagram above shows a proposed design of a microcontroller-based power protection

device.

Figure 9 shows a flow chart for the algorithm to be used in the power protection device

The system is powered on when the utility supply leads are connected to the device’s input.
Real-time monitoring and display of data will continue until the supply leads are disconnected.
Initially, the relay will close once all power parameters are below the thresholds implemented in
table 2 below. If the threshold is exceeded the relay will be turned off, the buzzer will beep for
10 seconds and the fault message will be displayed. Push buttons will also be available for users
to alter the threshold.
Power Parameters Minimum Value Maximum Value Time Until Trip

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 Voltage (415v) 332v - 373v 456v – 498v 1 min

Voltage (480v) 384v – 432v 528v – 576v 1 min

Current (A) - User Define (100A max) Instantaneous

59.4 – 58.5 Hz 60.6 – 61.5 Hz 3 min

58.4 – 57.9 Hz 61.6 – 61.7 Hz 30 sec

Frequency (Hz) 57.8 – 57.4 Hz - 7.5 sec

Less than 57.4 Hz Greater than 61.7 Hz Instantaneous

Table 2 shows the critical threshold values and the minimum tripping time

All thresholds and time until trip will be guided by international standards such as;
 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE 1159-2009) – Over and Under
voltage
 Western Electric Coordinating Council (WECC & ANSI/ IEEE C37.106-1987) – Over
and Under frequency
 National Electrical Code (NEC) – Overcurrent

Simulations will be carried out to understand the underlying interaction of the components that

control the behavior of the system. It will also be particularly helpful in the significant reduction

of material wastage associated with this project. More practically, the simulations will be used to

predict the future behavior of the project and to determine what could be done to manipulate the

interactions to meet the objectives of the project.

3.1.3 Implementation of Project

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The next phase of the project involves the implementation of the plans made in the initial stage

of the methodology. After the designing phase, the researcher will proceed to construct the

prototype by assembling the necessary components on printed circuit boards. All circuits will

then be completed according to the circuit diagrams and will be mounted in an enclosure.

3.1.4 Analysis

The analysis phase of this project will focus on two major factors: the performance of the

prototype, where the reaction time would be successfully produced, and the identification of the

conclusion. This can be done by using an auto-transformer to vary the voltage while connected to

a load or changing the thresholds for different parameters and monitoring the system’s reaction

time.

3.1.5 Maintenance and Optimization

After all, circuits are assembled, testing will be done at the laboratory facilities provided by the

University of Guyana. Tuning and debugging would be done until objectives are achieved.

3.2 Time Schedule

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The schedule for completing this project is shown below in the Gantt chart.

Table 3 Showing Project Time Schedule

3.3 Budget Schedule

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The budget for completing this project is shown below in the table.

Items Total Cost (GYD)

Microcontroller Apparatus $4,750

Power Supply Components $3,500

Voltage Sensing $1,200

Current Sensing $9,000

Isolation Mechanism $12,000

Packaging $7,000

Shipping & Duty $8,000

Miscellaneous $2,000

TOTAL $47,450

Table 4 Showing Project Budget Schedule

CHAPTER FOUR: CONCLUSION

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4.1 Conclusion

In conclusion, power protection systems act like insurance against damage due to faults. They

are essential for isolating faults in the system and preventing equipment from being damaged.

Access to affordable and quality power protection devices with a wide range of monitoring

capabilities can mitigate the risk of fire, electric shocks, and damage to equipment. Hence, safety

is increased.

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4.2 References

● Singh, L. P. (2004). Digital Protection: Protective Relaying from Electromechanical to

Microprocessor. Naw Delhi: New age international Ltd.

● Singh, R.P. (2007). Digital Power System Protection. New Delhi: Prentice-Hall of India.

● Lundqvist, B. (2001). 100 years of relay protection, the Swedish ABB relay history. ABB

Automation Products, Substation Automation Division (Sweden).

● Pathirana, V. (2004). A power system protection scheme combining impedance

measurement and traveling waves: software and hardware implementation. Ph.D. Thesis.

University of Manitoba, Canada.

● IEEE Std, 1159-2009. IEEE Recommended Practice for Monitoring Electric Power

Quality.

● C37.106 TM IEEE Guide for Abnormal Frequency Protection for Power Generating

Plants.

● Ponnle, Akinlolu. (2014). Development of a Low-Cost Microcontroller based Under and

Over Voltage Protection Device.

● Aman, Muhammad & Khan, Muhammad & Qazi, Saad. (2011). Digital Directional and

Non-Directional Over Current Relays: Modelling and Performance Analysis. NED

University Journal of Research.

● SMPS Block Diagram: Switched Mode Power Supply. ETechnoG. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.etechnog.com/2019/05/smps-block-diagram.html

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